Layers,Layers,and more Layers
- Okay, so this might seem obvious but you’d be surprised how many people are completely unprepared for the elements. (I will be posting another blog soon that goes in depth with my gear and reviews for each item.) So to start,Winter boots and wool socks,I have been out in the coldest days we’ve had the last couple years and my feet are always toasty thanks to insulated winter boots.
- Long johns (long underwear) along with an outer pant that is wind and water proof,or at the least wind and water resistant.
- Core heat. I normally will have on a wool or poly base layer, a wool sweater, then a puffy jacket, and then if need be, a windbreaker over that. All the layers keep me plenty warm and if I am hiking to a spot and get hot along the way a simple unzip cools me off nicely.
- The accessories. A good hat that covers your ears or a balaclava is a must. Scarfs can be a bit cumbersome so I opt for a Buff Headwear garment to keep my neck protected from the bitter wind. And of course gloves, to make your life easier as a photographer the thumb and pointer finger should have cut outs so you have easy access to all the small buttons on your camera. Don’t skimp out on gloves because as soon as your fingers get cold is when you are done for the day.I still haven’t found a pair I’m in love with but one day I will.

Scout locations:

I like to do this before I go to sleep each night. I use my Map app, Google Earth, and even some books/magazines to get location ideas. I also do this when I am on hikes and such. Always scouting for possible compositions. This is especially important in the winter because if you can save an hour of walking around trying to find some cool locations to shoot then that is less time you will be standing out in the cold.
Reason 2 that its more important in the winter. There is only 8-10 hours of light each day. If you arrive at your location late you might not have time to set up and get the composition you wanted before the light disappears. Having a gameplan of what to shoot will better your chances for getting the shot you had envisioned.

All In the Details:

During winter everything is dead right? Trees, flowers, your soul because it’s so cold. Partially right, and that’s why you need to look for the details. An interesting ice pattern on the frozen lake, the frost on leaves or tree branches, maybe even one of those dead trees but now it happens to be snowing and adds more interest to the image. There are small details everywhere you go that are interesting to photograph. The trick is to step back from the bigger picture and pay more attention to those details.

Wildlife is still active during the winter, if you don’t know what to take pictures of there are always animals! Deer, Squirrels, Geese, Ducks, Birds of all sorts are still out and about. Find a local pond or lake and you are bound to find something. The key here is patience, wildlife spooks easily so stay quiet and be prepared to wait for the good shots. (Which goes back to dressing in layers)

A nice snowstorm can make for some fantastic images by adding a lot of atmosphere and interest to your composition. It doesn't have to be a storm from The Day After Tomorrow, any snow will do!
Obviously if you aren’t able to drive in the snow safely then try to find something close by to shoot. There could be something great hiding in plain sight in your backyard that just needed a bit of snow to come to life!