Enjoy shooting in winter! Tips for capturing snow and winter scenery beautifully

Snowy scenes that appear with the arrival of winter are exceptionally beautiful scenery. Of course, there are many other subjects unique to winter, such as snaps, portraits, and illumination, as well as snowy landscapes. In this article, we will introduce tips for photographing such attractive subjects that are easy for beginners to practice in order to capture them beautifully.

Snow Photography Scenes that Stand Out for Their Beauty

From vast snowfields to delicate snow crystals, snow delights our eyes in a variety of ways. First, let's take a look at some of the appealing snow scenes that only winter can offer as photographic subjects, as well as some tips for photographing them and lens selection.

Snowy landscapes and snow scenes

Vast snowfields and snow-covered cityscapes are beautiful winter scenes. A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing such scenery, and shooting at an F-number of F8 to F11 will allow you to capture the scenery from the foreground to the background in sharp detail. Especially on sunny days, the brightness of the snow and the blue of the sky stand out in the clear air. On the other hand, when the sky is cloudy, it is difficult to get a crisp, all-white image, so it is best to incorporate the colors of nature and buildings.

Snow and water

Snowy landscapes reflected on the surface of lakes and rivers, and water streams flowing through snowy intervals, are as beautiful as a painting. For these scenes, try using a standard or telephoto lens, stopping down slightly to F5 to F8 to capture the details clearly. You can also use a PL filter* to reduce reflections on the water surface. Take advantage of the contrast between the water surface and the snowy landscape to express the serenity of winter.

*PL filters (polarizing filters) are used to remove reflected light and emphasize color contrast. It suppresses reflections from water surfaces and glass, and makes the blue of the sky and the green of leaves more vivid.

Snowflakes

Snowflakes are like tiny works of art created by nature. Macro lenses are ideal for capturing their delicate shapes in large size, but we also recommend utilizing a telephoto zoom lens with excellent close-up shooting capabilities.

An F-number close to the maximum aperture tends to produce blur, so it is best to stop down slightly to F5 to F8 to make it easier to focus on the subject. If autofocusing (AF) is difficult, use manual focus to fine-tune the focus. To prevent camera shake, use a shutter speed of at least 1/100 second.

Generally speaking, a day with a temperature of around -10°C and little or no wind is suitable for photographing crystals.

Downed snow

When photographing snow falling in the city, it is best to use a wide-angle lens or a standard lens, stopping down to F8 to F11 to capture the entire landscape.

If the entire scene looks darker than it appears or the color of the snow appears grayish or bluish, add an exposure compensation of about +1.0 EV to naturally express the whiteness of the snow. On the other hand, if you want to emphasize the unevenness and texture of the snow surface, it is also effective to use negative exposure compensation to take an underexposed shot on purpose. Adjust according to the weather and light conditions to achieve the tones and textures you want to express.

Snow and ball blur

You can add a fantastic atmosphere to snowy landscapes by using ball bokeh. To create ball blur, try shooting with an aperture value of F2.8 to F4, which is close to maximum aperture. Also, using a telephoto lens will make it easier to obtain ball blur. By using a flash during snowfall, light will be reflected by the snow in the foreground, creating a beautiful ball blur.

Snapshots

When taking snapshots of everyday life in winter, you not only want to capture the scenery you see, but also the atmosphere of the city and its people. A good rule of thumb for exposure is to use a standard lens, F4 to F6, and a shutter speed of 1/100 to 1/200 of a second. If it is snowing, a flash can be used to bring out the snowflakes in the foreground.

Portraits

Portraits with a snowy backdrop are a great way to enhance the subject's appeal. Use a standard or telephoto lens with an F-number of F2.8 to F4 or so, close to maximum aperture, to take advantage of background blur.

Also, when shooting with backlighting, such as when you want to emphasize silhouettes, adding an exposure compensation of about +1.0 EV will make it easier to capture the person's expression in a brighter light.

More than just snow! Subjects unique to winter

Winter brings with it many unique natural phenomena and landscapes that cannot be seen in other seasons. Here we will introduce some of the subjects that are characteristic of winter and how to photograph them.

Clear blue sky

Thanks to the low humidity and clear atmosphere, the blue sky in winter is especially vivid and deep blue.

To capture the snowy landscape and the vast blue sky at the same time, use a wide-angle lens. First, shoot from various angles, keeping in mind that the composition should be such that the blue sky occupies about 2/3 of the screen and buildings and natural scenery occupy the remaining 1/3. By emphasizing the contrast between the blue sky and the landscape, buildings, and snowy landscape on a clear day, you will create a dignified, beautiful, and transparent photograph that is typical of winter.

Icicles and frost

Like snow, icicles and frost are natural winter features. When photographing icicles, backlighting allows the bubbles and patterns inside to show through, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Incorporating a glowing glow or a ball blur will make the photo even more impressive.

On the other hand, to capture the delicate crystalline structure of frost, a macro lens is recommended, with an aperture of around F8 to capture details sharply while creating a background blur to accentuate the beautiful structure.

Morning fog

Fog rolling in early in the morning in winter is a subject that evokes a fantastic atmosphere. Use a wide-angle lens or a focal length in the wide-angle range to capture the ethereal scene enveloped in fog.

When shooting near water, aim for early morning hours when there is no wind, and capture the reflection of morning fog on the surface of the water to create a more artistic work of art. Also, use a tripod and a slow shutter speed, such as 1/50th of a second, to capture the smooth movement of the fog.

Night views and illumination

In the clear winter air, nightscapes and illuminations are particularly beautiful. When shooting these subjects, it is best to use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire landscape, with an F-number of F8 to F11 and a shutter speed of 1 to 10 seconds as a guide for exposure settings. A tripod should also be used for long exposures.

If there is snow or snowfall, capturing both the snow and the glow of the illumination at the same time will make for more attractive winter nighttime photographs.

Mountains and vegetation

Mountains in winter look majestic when covered with snow. On the other hand, trees and grasses standing strong in the snow give a sense of vitality even in the bitter cold.

To express these contrasts, it is effective to use a telephoto lens to superimpose the scenery. By taking advantage of the compression effect of a telephoto lens and layering the flowers and grasses in the foreground with the mountains in the background, you can create a composition with a sense of depth.

Macro lenses and lenses with high close-up performance are also good options for close-up shots of plants and trees in the snow.

Wildlife

Winter wildlife is another subject that stands out for its beauty in a snowy landscape. However, they are wary and move quickly, so be well prepared. It is important to use a telephoto or super-telephoto lens and maintain a good distance from the animal.

One rule of thumb is to use an exposure setting of about F5 to F8 and a shutter speed of at least 1/500 second. If you have a good understanding of the subject animal's biology, you can use a tripod to wait at your aiming point.

Skiing and winter sports

When photographing fast-moving sports such as skiing and snowboarding, use a telephoto lens and a fast shutter speed of 1/1000 second or more.

By deciding on a shooting point in advance and taking a series of shots before the athletes enter the frame of view, you will be able to easily capture the perfect scene without missing a beat.

Also, try using a wide-angle lens to capture the athletes and the magnificent snowy mountain scenery at the same time to express not only the intensity of the competition, but also the grandeur of the winter mountains.

Tips on exposure settings to capture snow and winter scenery

Proper exposure settings are essential for capturing beautiful snow and winter scenery. Here are some tips on suitable exposure settings for winter photography.

Shooting Mode

Aperture priority mode is probably the easiest to use for landscape, snapshot, and portrait photography. In this mode, the exposure is adjusted to be appropriate according to the F-number, which is also suitable when you want to control the bokeh effect.

On the other hand, when shooting fast-moving subjects such as skiers, snowboarders, or animals, use shutter priority mode. In this mode, the exposure is automatically adjusted to be appropriate according to the shutter speed.

F-number

When shooting expansive landscapes such as snowy scenes, a relatively wide aperture setting of F8 to F11 is recommended. This makes it easier to obtain a sharp image with every detail of the landscape in focus.

On the other hand, if you want to emphasize the subject matter, such as in portraits or snapshots, a setting close to maximum aperture of F2.8 to F4 is appropriate. By blurring the background, you will be able to make the subject stand out in a snowy landscape.

A smaller F-number also allows more light to enter the sensor, which is useful for shooting at dusk or on cloudy days, when light levels tend to be insufficient.

Shutter speed

When shooting landscapes and portraits on a sunny day, it is best to adjust the shutter speed starting at about 1/100th of a second.

If you want to capture a solid stop of falling snow, a faster shutter speed of 1/500 second or more is a good rule of thumb. This will make it easier to capture the snow as a dot.

On the other hand, if you want to capture snow trails, a slower shutter speed of about 1/50 second or less is recommended. For winter sports photography, use a faster shutter speed, such as 1/1000 sec. or more.

ISO sensitivity

Basically, using the lowest possible ISO sensitivity will produce clearer images. In an environment with sufficient light, such as a snowy landscape on a sunny day, ISO 100 to ISO 400 should be fine.

On the other hand, if the light level is insufficient, such as on a cloudy day or indoors, you will need to increase the ISO sensitivity, increasing it from ISO 1600 to ISO 3200 and checking the brightness.

Exposure Compensation

When photographing a snowy landscape covered with white snow, the entire scene may appear dark and grayish. In such cases, adding an exposure compensation of about +1.0 EV makes it easier to express the original whiteness of the snow.

Conversely, if you want to emphasize the texture and unevenness of the snow surface, try adding an exposure compensation of about -1.0 EV. Adjust the exposure compensation accordingly while viewing the actual photo.

White Balance

Basically, using the “sunlight” or “sunny” preset will give you natural tones. If you have a preference, you can try changing the white balance.

For example, setting the white balance to “sunlight” will give a bluish tint to the snowy landscape, emphasizing its dignified coldness and transparency. On the other hand, if you set the white balance to “Shade” or “Cloudy,” the yellow tones will increase, creating a warmer atmosphere. Adjust the settings according to the image you want to express.

For more serious control, shoot in RAW format and adjust later.

Composition to make the most of winter scenery

To bring out the best in winter scenery, it helps to know a few compositional techniques.

For example, a three-part composition with snow-covered trees and rocks in the foreground, an expansive snowfield in the middle ground, and snow-covered mountains and sky in the background creates depth and a sense of balance.

In addition, creating a curved composition with an S-curve river or road in the foreground will naturally lead the viewer's eye to the back of the scene and emphasize the expansiveness of the winter landscape.

To bring out the texture of the snow surface, be aware of the contrast between light and shadow. By using morning and evening oblique light, the fine irregularities of the snow surface can create long shadows and a three-dimensional effect. You can also express a sense of perspective and scale by placing linear shadows and shapes on diagonal lines.

Creating angles and leaning in

Find a beautiful angle of view by changing the angle at which you hold the camera and the distance between you and the subject. For example, shooting from a low angle with the camera pointing upward emphasizes the expanse of the snow surface and its contrast with the sky, creating a sense of grandeur.

On the other hand, shooting from a high vantage point with a bird's eye view allows you to look out over the snow-covered landscape and express the quietness and beauty of winter.

It is also important to take advantage of leaning in and pulling out. By daring to get closer to your subject rather than simply shooting the landscape, you may discover the beauty of details that you had not noticed before. Make active use of your footwork.

Use flash

Flash is an effective way to capture the falling snow in vivid detail. The light from the flash reflects off the snowflakes, making them easier to capture with the camera and creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Also, when shooting at night or at dusk, it is possible to bring out the texture of the snow in the near field while creating contrast with the nightscape or dark sky in the far field. For example, when shooting snowy landscapes in urban areas, an emotional atmosphere can be effectively created.

Consider the time of day when shooting

The impression natural light gives changes depending on the time of day.

For example, during the blue hour in the early morning, the sky is a deep blue, and the snow reflects this color, creating a fantastic atmosphere. During the daytime, the clear air and the light reflected by the snow during the sunny hours create a characteristic high-contrast, vivid photograph. During the golden hour at dusk, the snow surface takes on a warm color, creating a soft atmosphere.

Try photographing the same subject at different times of day and you will discover something new.

Try shooting with a variety of subjects

In winter photography, if you simply focus on a snowy landscape as your subject matter, you will tend to end up with mediocre photos. So, try incorporating different elements into your images!

For example, children playing in the snow or people walking along a snowy road are impressive images of everyday life in winter. In portrait photography, a white snowy background can enhance the subject.

The combination of snow with architecture and cityscapes is also a beautiful and attractive subject. Old temples and shrines covered in snow, or modern buildings covered in snow, evoke the contrast between the seasons and the changing history and culture.

By combining a variety of subjects with winter scenery in this way, you can create rich, narrative works that go beyond mere landscape photography.

Cautions for Winter Photography

Winter photography is a great opportunity to capture beautiful landscapes, but it can also be a challenging environment for both the equipment and the photographer. Here are some points to keep in mind to prevent problems before they occur.

Counteract condensation

Condensation is one of the biggest enemies of winter photography. It tends to occur when bringing equipment from the cold outdoors into a warm room, or vice versa, and can cause damage to cameras and lenses.

To prevent condensation, it is important to avoid sudden temperature changes. When going outdoors, take the camera and lens out of the camera bag and allow it to slowly acclimate to the outside temperature over a period of 30 minutes to an hour. Similarly, when returning to a warm room, leave the camera in the bag and gradually bring it back to room temperature.

While shooting, use a rain cover or similar covering to protect the camera from moisture and snow. Also, use a lens heater to maintain a constant temperature on the lens surface and prevent condensation.

Attention to battery depletion

In low-temperature environments, the camera's battery drains more quickly than normal. If possible, it is a good idea to have at least two spare batteries available.

It is a good idea to store unused batteries in a warm place, such as an inside pocket that can be heated by body heat. Using a body warmer to keep the batteries warm is also an effective method. You can also reduce battery drain by frequently turning off the camera between shots.

Prepare for the cold

Don't forget to take precautions to protect yourself from the cold. First, choose outerwear that is windproof and waterproof. Gloves that are easy to maneuver or that allow the photographer to pull out the fingertips are recommended so as not to interfere with the shooting process.

It is also important to keep your feet warm. Choose waterproof and warm shoes, and use thick socks and a body warmer to keep you comfortable during long shoots.

Accessories for winter shooting

You can expand the scope of your shooting by making use of accessories.

First is a tripod. When shooting night scenes, animals, or morning fog, you will have more opportunities to use a slow shutter speed. Using a tripod prevents camera shake and produces sharp images.

Rain covers are important for shooting during snowfall. It protects the camera and lens from snow and water droplets and helps prevent condensation. Additionally, a lens heater can help prevent condensation on the front of the lens.

Filters should also be checked: PL (polarizing) filters adjust for reflections on snow and water surfaces and allow for deeper color rendition. ND (Neutral Density) filters are useful for adjusting exposure when shooting during the day when the sun is shining strongly.

How to Select the Right Lens for Snow and Winter Photography

Choosing the right lens is also an important factor in creating images that are true to your image. To capture snowy landscapes and winter nature beautifully, consider the following points when choosing a lens.

Focal length

Wide-angle lenses (focal lengths of approximately 35 mm or less) excel at capturing expansive snowy landscapes, snow-covered mountains, and panoramic views of cityscapes. It can focus on a wide area from near to far while emphasizing the contrast between the expanse of sky and the snow.

On the other hand, standard lenses (focal lengths from about 35mm to 80mm) are suitable for portraits and snaps. With its natural angle of view, it can capture the everyday winter scenery with a rich sense of realism.

Telephoto lenses (focal lengths of approximately 80 mm or more) can capture a close-up of a distant subject and a portion of the landscape, making them ideal for wildlife photography. The compression effect is also an attractive feature for taking powerful pictures.

First, a zoom lens that covers the wide-angle range to the standard range will be useful for a wide range of applications, from landscapes to snapshots. In addition, a telephoto zoom lens can be used in most situations.

Aperture F-number

In winter photography, light tends to be in short supply, so a lens with a small maximum aperture, such as F2.8 or smaller, is very useful.

A lens with a small maximum aperture F-number makes it easy to take brighter pictures even at dusk or on cloudy days, and it also produces high-quality images at high shutter speeds and large F-numbers.

A small maximum aperture F-number is also useful for emphasizing blur in the background. For example, in portraits with a snowy landscape in the background, or in macro photography of snow crystals, the subject can be captured impressively in the background blur.

Weight and compactness

Lightweight and compact lenses are convenient for shooting for long periods of time or when moving around a lot. Since our luggage and clothing are often bulky due to thermal protection and other factors, a lens that is easy to maneuver directly leads to comfortable shooting.

It is advisable to actually hold the lens in your hand to check its weight and fit.

Proximity shooting ability

In winter, small, minute subjects such as snow crystals and frost formations are also attractive. Therefore, a lens with good close-up shooting ability is very useful.

By choosing a lens with a short minimum focus distance that allows you to get close to the subject at high magnification, you can achieve macro-like expressions without the hassle of changing lenses.

Autofocus (AF) performance

Winter shooting conditions are often characterized by low-contrast conditions such as snow, fog, and dusk. Make sure the camera can focus quickly and accurately.

AF tracking performance is also important. When chasing a fast-moving subject, such as in winter sports, choosing a lens with high AF tracking performance will enable you to take powerful, in-focus photographs.

Vibration Compensation (VC) Mechanism

When shooting in winter, you may be wearing thick gloves or shivering from the cold, conditions that can easily cause camera shake. Therefore, it is important to check for the presence of a Vibration Compensation mechanism. It is recommended that the amount of Vibration Compensation mechanism can be adjusted to broaden the range of expression.

Moisture-Resistant Mechanism

Using a lens with a Moisture-Resistant Mechanism allows you to concentrate on shooting even in bad weather. Even though a lens cover or other covering is attached, it is not uncommon to shoot during snowfall, so it is important to check the Moisture-Resistant performance of the lens itself.

Winter Shooting Full of Attractive Subjects

Winter photography offers many beautiful subjects in addition to snowy landscapes. Even the same subject can be brought out in different ways by changing the background or position, or by adjusting the leaning or pulling of the subject. Consider the key points of appropriate exposure settings, composition, and lens selection for your subject, and try your hand at photographing a variety of subjects.