Photo Tip: Getting Out After the Snowfall – There’s not much more exciting than waking up to snow covering the familiar landscapes you know and love – transforming the scene into a winter wonderland. After waking up to a few inches of fresh snow this past Monday morning, I headed out with my Nikon Z5 camera to try and take it all in. With spring seemingly right around the corner, it felt like one of the last chances to capture the magic of the winter season.
Read more to check out some tips that helped guide me throughout the way!
Photo Tip: Getting Out After the Snowfall
Tip 1: Go While the Snowfall is Fresh
Right after snowfall, there is a short time when everything in the landscape is enveloped in snow – undisturbed. While it’s not always possible to head out first thing in the morning to catch the undisturbed snow – it is well worth the effort. Since this snow may have been the last of the season, I made it a point to head out before footprints, melting, or wind started to change the pristine snowy landscape. Even a few hours can make a difference in your images, especially when the morning brings soft light with the snow is still clinging to branches and covering the ground evenly.
Tip 2: Slow Down and Look for Beauty
Instead of searching for one large “perfect” scene, I found myself looking to the smaller details – things that I think make winter landscapes so captivating. Snow piled inches high on tree branches, the way the snow gathers around mounds of grass, or the contrast of a dark stream cutting through a now white forest – these elements often tell a beautiful story. Slowing down and really observing your surroundings can completely change how you approach your composition. Rather than taking a quick shot and moving on, try to spend time exploring different angles, compositions, and distances. Some of the most compelling images come from moments that are the easiest to overlook.
Tip 3: Let Texture Tell the Story
When everything is covered in snow, texture becomes even more important. Think of creative ways to incorporate different textures into an otherwise sea of white within your image. Try to pay attention to how snow gathers in different areas of the landscape – find areas where snow piles up, and areas where snow is less abundant. Pair the softness of the thick snow with contrasting elements where you can find them – like rough bark, moving water, or subtle hints of color to create a more engaging and balanced image.