In a previous blog I mentioned that we experienced our first snowfall of the season this morning. It yielded little more than a dusting, but it sparked a flurry of activity for my 3-year-old daughter. She ran to the window to watch the fat flakes fall then ran to the closet to dig out her new winter gear.
“Mama, it’s snowing. I gotta get my boots,” she told me very matter-of-factly.
Regular readers of this blog also know that I made a pact with myself to get outside and capture more winter scenes this season. I didn’t start today, but I know it will just be a matter of time before Mother Nature dumps a ton of snow on our front lawn.
If you too are planning to capture snow covered landscapes this winter season consider the following tips that I keep in the back of my head when I am shooting in the (freezing cold) great outdoors.
FOCAL POINT
Most people think capturing a snow-covered countryside is a snap. I would agree. However, not all wide shots of snowy pastures are interesting to look at. A sterile landscape can yield fabulous photographs if you take the time to look beyond the cliché shots. A common problem with landscape photographs is that while they might capture a beautiful scene they actually have no point of interest, and consequently can be rather boring. When you are taking a shot of an open area look for a point of interest or focal point that will give viewers a place for their eyes to rest. It could be a set of footprints in the snow or a squirrel collecting nuts, or icicles hanging from the branch of a tree. Try to look for the little things that tell a story of your winter adventure. Often you’ll find that it’s the little things that create a more interesting view of the big picture.
TIMING
Like most things in life, timing in photography is critical. Not to sound like a broken record, but again I have to stress the importance of the “golden hours.” The start and end of days can present the best opportunities for shooting winter landscapes. You’ll find that when the sun is shining at an angle it creates interesting shadows and colors – particularly in the evening when the light is warm and golden. Another timing issue is that ordinary landscapes can really come alive when inclement weather is approaching. Ominous storm clouds and whipping winds help make for dramatic outdoor shots.
BLACK AND WHITE
Never underestimate the power of black and white. The technique provides a striking impact on photos—-especially ones that feature snow or ice. There’s something about a black and white shot that completely changes the mood and feel of a shot. Also, shooting in black and white is a great way to breath new life into shots taken on dull or overcast days.
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Common Sense Tips To Capturing Frame-Worthy Pictures