The Best Locations and Tips For Nature Photography During Winter

When it comes to nature photography, more often than not, the golden hour plays a major role in the composition of an image. Needless to say, it can be inspiring and unforgettable. But what about winter, when nature is either hibernating, withered away, or completely washed out? Many people are surprised to learn that cold months offer beauty, unlike any other season.

The Blue Hour

If you’ve ever wondered how some photographers are so good at capturing vibrant blue tones, consider that they might have waited for the blue hour to capture those stunning blue-shaded images.

The blue hour is another name for twilight, which occurs in the morning or evening when the sun is at an obvious degree below the horizon, creating a series of blue shades that take over the sky.

Timing and patience are going to be necessary when working with the blue hour, which only lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, on a good day. The exact time to catch this miracle hour depends on location, season, and climate. It’s generally 20 minutes just after the sun sets and just before the sun rises.

Subjects to Photograph

Thanks to obvious contrasts and complements between objects and coloring, there are a few subjects that are ideal to photograph during the blue hour. Snow-covered landscapes such as mountains and hills make great subjects, as well as the moon, glowing villages, and light architecture. In short, just about anything can be magically captured during this breathtaking hour.

Perfect Winter Locations

If you’re a world traveler, it’s going to be easy to find endless spots to shoot during the blue hour. Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Alaska, and Thailand are all locations offering memorable blue hour nature photography opportunities. However, travel isn’t necessary if you are willing to go on a short road trip or are within proximity of a lake, the ocean, hills, mountains, snow, or a combination of a few.

Winter and the Blue Hour

The mountains on their own are undisputedly incredible. However, when the snow blankets these majestic structures, it creates a picture-perfect wonderland. Snow, like water, mirrors and reflects on surfaces. During the blue hour, the balance between colors and portions of the sky that are reflected gives the landscape a prominent blue and ethereal story.

Obstacles to Consider

As with any form of photography, blue hour photography is going to present a series of challenges. When planning a blue-hour photo shoot, one should take into consideration all of the surroundings.

Artificial lighting can pose a problem as many times, this type of lighting can be brighter than the surroundings. Unlike the natural and varied blue light of the sky, artificial lights are solid and lack variation, creating obstacles within the image.

Other things that may come between you and a great photo are going to be weather and climate. Some cloud cover will help add depth and detail, but too many clouds can cover all or most of the blue shading in the sky. However, if the timing is right, you may be able to capture the clouds rolling in or away during the blue hour, making for a unique capture.

One of the major obstacles photographers can encounter during a blue-hour winter photo shoot is moving objects. People, wildlife, and other unstable elements can create a lot of noise (blurs and pixels), making your image look unprofessional.

The Best Equipment

Most modern digital cameras are equipped with high ISO abilities, which is an important part of capturing the perfect blue-hour winter landscape. A tripod is also a very good idea, as it can be placed on a steady surface without the risk of shaking. Having a remote shutter release will help with any shaking.

Lenses can be tricky. Every photographer has a preference, but if you’re uncertain, first consider your camera’s capabilities and whether or not you’ll be using a tripod. For use with a tripod, a lower aperture of about f/8 will help with sharpness. For shoots without the aid of a tripod, a bright lens and a camera with fast shutter speed settings will make all the difference.

Extra Tips and Ideas

If you take time off every year, planning your vacation around a winter destination might prove to be unforgettable. Many winter-based countries and towns offer blue-hour photography tours, which makes timing a little simpler.

Some photographers rely on apps and websites that offer time, location, weather updates, and more that can help plan a blue hour photography session. Local camera shops also specialize in specialty classes that teach various techniques.

Heading Out

With the basic knowledge, good equipment, a flashlight, warm clothing, and perhaps a warm cup of tea, you’re ready to put your skills to the test. Remember, to achieve success in any photography field, practice is the answer. The more you do it, the better you will get.