Enjoy the winter landscape, and experience all the beauty that winter has to offer in terms of photography!

In this article I write about winter and how you can capture wonderful moments.

Because being outside even if the cold bites your cheeks can be a great experience. These wintry moments are also about mindfulness, about being present with all of you and letting what you see sink into your heart, into your soul.

In Norway, many people live close to nature, so we really have the opportunity to open up to it. Maybe we will become more humble and grateful for having nature so close, and maybe we will then want to take better care of it.

I am not going to talk about nature conservation in this article, but it is actually the case that the more we photograph and are in nature, the more we appreciate it. So it’s a bonus we get when we do mindful nature photography. Then it’s not just about technique, but being present and aware of the moment.

Today I stood on a small hill that plunges steeply down to the sea. I didn’t dare go further out than where I was standing, but I thought it was so nice with the pines that were full of frost and snow right out on the edge. I stood enjoying the view and composed this image.

Just standing like this, feeling the cold, and enjoying the landscape makes me feel more present both in myself and in my surroundings. It just makes me happy.

Many people put away their cameras now in winter, but it’s sad because nature has so much to offer even if it’s covered in snow. All the figures that reveal themselves, it turns out both goblins and trolls. So I love winter, the winter light and the fresh cool air.

Know your camera

I mostly use my iPhone for photography because it’s so convenient; I almost always carry it in my pocket. When I come across something I want to capture, I can do it instantly. I wanted to enhance my knowledge of iPhone photography, and that’s when I discovered the iPhone Photo Academy. It has been a revelatory experience.

10 tips for photographing winter

1. Embrace the Winter Mood: Winter landscapes often have a serene and tranquil quality. Capture the mood by focusing on the stillness of snow-covered landscapes, frost on trees, or the mist rising from a frozen lake. Look for scenes that convey the quiet beauty of winter.
2. Utilize Soft Winter Light: Winter sunlight tends to be softer and more diffused, especially on cloudy days. Take advantage of this gentle light to minimize harsh shadows and capture a dreamy atmosphere. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times for soft, warm winter light.
3. Highlight Contrasts in Winter Scenes: The stark contrast between snow and dark elements, like trees or rocks, can create visually striking images. Look for scenes where the white snow contrasts with darker elements, emphasizing the beauty of the winter landscape.
4. Capture Winter Wildlife: Winter brings unique opportunities to photograph wildlife adapted to the cold. Look for birds, such as cardinals or blue jays, against a snowy backdrop. Tracks in the snow or animals foraging for food can also tell a compelling story.
5. Experiment with Winter Macro Photography: Snowflakes, frost, and ice crystals offer fantastic subjects for macro photography. Get up close and capture the intricate details of winter’s frozen wonders. Use a macro lens or the macro mode on your camera to focus on the small, intricate elements.
6. Create Silhouettes Against Snowy Backgrounds: Capture the essence of winter by creating silhouettes against the snow. Position yourself so that your subject is backlit by the winter sun, creating a dark outline against the bright snow. This technique works well with trees, people, or wildlife.
7. Use a Tripod for Stability: Winter conditions may require longer exposure times, especially in low light. Carry a sturdy tripod to stabilize your camera and prevent motion blur. This is crucial for capturing sharp images, especially in low-light situations like early morning or late afternoon.
8. Protect Your Gear from the Cold: Cold temperatures can affect your camera’s battery life and functionality. Keep spare batteries warm by storing them close to your body. Use weather-sealed gear or protect your camera with a rain cover to prevent damage from snow or moisture.
9. Capture the Essence of Winter Sports: If you’re in an area with winter sports activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, use the opportunity to capture dynamic action shots. Freeze the motion with a fast shutter speed and focus on the expressions and movements of the athletes.
10. Tell a Winter Story with Composition: Use compositional techniques to tell a story through your winter photographs. Leading lines in the snow, frozen waterfalls, or pathways through a snowy forest can guide the viewer’s eye and create a sense of narrative in your images.

Remember to dress warmly and be mindful of your surroundings when photographing in winter conditions. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to capture the beauty and uniqueness of winter nature scenes.