How to Take Photographs in the Snow

Unless you live in the extreme southern tips of the country, or Hawaii, chances are you are experiencing some wintry conditions outside your window right now. If you’re a photographer, no doubt you’re imaging how to create some spectacular photo opportunities from what others may consider to be a messy nuisance. Taking photographs in the snow can be challenging. The results are certainly worth it. If you’re ready to head out into the winter wonderland with your camera, here are some tips to help you take some incredible photographs in the snow.

Use a Filter
Adding a polarizer filter to your camera lens when taking photographs in the snow will help eliminate glare and reflections off of the snow. For long exposure snow photography, an ND filter will allow you to keep the shutter open for longer periods of time on brighter days.

Exposure
As beautiful as that white blanket of snow looks, it can cause havoc when adjusting your exposure. If you don’t get it just right, that fluffy white snow could look like dirty gray muck! For crisp, white snow photography, adjust your exposure by +1 or +2 on your Nikon Camera from Beachcamera.com.

White Balance
If you see a blue tint in your snow photography, this means your camera’s auto white balance has gotten confused by the bright whiteness of the snow. Simply lower the number on your white balance manually. This will warm up your snow image.

More Than Snow
Look for other details to add to your snow photography other than just all of the pure white snow scenes. Adding these details will make your snow photography more interesting. When wondering about in the winter wonderland, search for things like animals, a single tree in a field, a barn or fence to serve as a focal point.

A Pop of Color
Add a pop of color to this perfect white background. This could be as easy as incorporating a red cardinal sitting on a branch, red berries on a partially snow-covered shrub, or a lost mitten on the ground. 

Macro Flakes
Taking photographs in the snow is a great time to practice your macro photography skills. Snowflake macro photography is a spectacular work of art if done correctly. You’ll need a macro lens and a tripod from Beachcamera.com to capture the details on these tiny and unique creations.

Catch a Falling Flake
If you know how to capture them with your camera, you definitely want to feature falling snowflakes in your collection of snow photography. A steady camera is crucial for capturing falling snowflakes. A tripod is a necessity. To freeze the snowflakes, use a fast shutter speed. For a blurring effect, simply slow down your shutter speed. Get outside before this magical time for photography ends. Photograph snow angels, capture snowballs soaring through the air, or snowflakes falling from the sky. Don’t forget to build an epic snowman with a carrot nose to top off those photographs in the snow!