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Best Winter Photography Destinations - Part 1
Best Winter Photography Destinations - Part 1
by Keenan Hursh
For a lot of people, myself included, photography often takes a back seat when winter rolls around. I enjoy photographing skiing and try to get out to Yellowstone every winter but even with these outings my cameras start to collect dust during the colder months.
I think that a big reason most photographers get out less during the winter is that popular shooting locations and subjects are often less accessible. Roads can close, wildlife can migrate, and bad weather can drastically change lighting or obscure subjects.
In short, it would seem that some locations are less ideal than others when it comes to winter photography and as far as I can tell this is true.
I’ve compiled a list of some of the best winter photography destinations (at least winter in the northern hemisphere). Whether you’re looking to capture snow and ice or looking to escape the cold and capture something entirely different there’s no shortage of places to bring your camera during the winter months.
I’ve separated this topic into two articles. This first post is a list of locations that fully embrace winter. These are locations where the temperature drops, and snow and ice cover the land. The second post will be the exact opposite, a list of locations that seem to avoid winter altogether and are the perfect excuse to escape the cold. Part 2 will be posted shortly after part one, so stay tuned.
Alright, let’s get into it. If you want to put on a down jacket and bring a warm thermos of coffee or tea with you on your next outing, here are some of the best photography locations that fully embrace winter.
I think that a big reason most photographers get out less during the winter is that popular shooting locations and subjects are often less accessible. Roads can close, wildlife can migrate, and bad weather can drastically change lighting or obscure subjects.
In short, it would seem that some locations are less ideal than others when it comes to winter photography and as far as I can tell this is true.
I’ve compiled a list of some of the best winter photography destinations (at least winter in the northern hemisphere). Whether you’re looking to capture snow and ice or looking to escape the cold and capture something entirely different there’s no shortage of places to bring your camera during the winter months.
I’ve separated this topic into two articles. This first post is a list of locations that fully embrace winter. These are locations where the temperature drops, and snow and ice cover the land. The second post will be the exact opposite, a list of locations that seem to avoid winter altogether and are the perfect excuse to escape the cold. Part 2 will be posted shortly after part one, so stay tuned.
Alright, let’s get into it. If you want to put on a down jacket and bring a warm thermos of coffee or tea with you on your next outing, here are some of the best photography locations that fully embrace winter.
For Those Seeking Winter Conditions
It should be noted that all the following locations are also amazing during the summer and most likely get more traffic at that time of year. During the winter however, they take on completely new identities and create unique photography opportunities. This section is broken up into broad regions with top tier, specific locations in each of them.
It should be noted that all the following locations are also amazing during the summer and most likely get more traffic at that time of year. During the winter however, they take on completely new identities and create unique photography opportunities. This section is broken up into broad regions with top tier, specific locations in each of them.
Mountains of the Western US
The first region I’ll discuss is a vast and diverse area spread throughout most of western North America. From California to Alaska the western mountainous areas of the United States completely and drastically transform during the winter months. With heavy snowfall, low temperatures, and hardy wildlife the following locations are excellent when it comes to winter photography.
The first region I’ll discuss is a vast and diverse area spread throughout most of western North America. From California to Alaska the western mountainous areas of the United States completely and drastically transform during the winter months. With heavy snowfall, low temperatures, and hardy wildlife the following locations are excellent when it comes to winter photography.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is an incredible place for winter photography especially when it comes to wildlife. Yes, there are some amazing winter landscapes in America's original national park, but I think the primary focus here is wildlife. From steadfast herds of bison plowing through the snow, to elk and moose roaming the woodlands, to wolf packs hunting their prey, this is a truly unique ecosystem.
Yellowstone is an incredible photography destination and Backcountry Journeys offers some great winter tours here.
Yellowstone National Park is an incredible place for winter photography especially when it comes to wildlife. Yes, there are some amazing winter landscapes in America's original national park, but I think the primary focus here is wildlife. From steadfast herds of bison plowing through the snow, to elk and moose roaming the woodlands, to wolf packs hunting their prey, this is a truly unique ecosystem.
Yellowstone is an incredible photography destination and Backcountry Journeys offers some great winter tours here.
Grand Teton National Park
If you travel just south of Yellowstone, you’ll come across Grand Teton National Park, another premiere winter photography destination. Like Yellowstone, there are incredible wildlife opportunities to photograph moose, bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and so many other fascinating animals.
What truly sets Grand Teton apart, in my opinion, is that there are just as many opportunities for landscape photography as well. You’re right at the base of one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the country and the surrounding plains and hills are gorgeous as well.
At Backcountry Journeys we offer a variety of exciting winter trips to Grand Teton National Park. If you haven’t been here in the winter, then what are you waiting for?
If you travel just south of Yellowstone, you’ll come across Grand Teton National Park, another premiere winter photography destination. Like Yellowstone, there are incredible wildlife opportunities to photograph moose, bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and so many other fascinating animals.
What truly sets Grand Teton apart, in my opinion, is that there are just as many opportunities for landscape photography as well. You’re right at the base of one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the country and the surrounding plains and hills are gorgeous as well.
At Backcountry Journeys we offer a variety of exciting winter trips to Grand Teton National Park. If you haven’t been here in the winter, then what are you waiting for?
Yosemite National Park
While we’re on the topic of national parks, the last one I’ll mention in the Rocky Mountain region but certainly not the least is Yosemite. This is an incredible location for landscape photography year-round with its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys but during the winter Yosemite takes on a whole new identity. Whether you’re looking to capture the famous firefalls or want to see the valley covered in a blanket of snow, Yosemite is a premiere winter landscape destination. There are great photography opportunities both from trails and roads as you make your way through this iconic California valley.
Definitely check out our winter trips to Yosemite if this sounds like your cup of tea.
While we’re on the topic of national parks, the last one I’ll mention in the Rocky Mountain region but certainly not the least is Yosemite. This is an incredible location for landscape photography year-round with its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys but during the winter Yosemite takes on a whole new identity. Whether you’re looking to capture the famous firefalls or want to see the valley covered in a blanket of snow, Yosemite is a premiere winter landscape destination. There are great photography opportunities both from trails and roads as you make your way through this iconic California valley.
Definitely check out our winter trips to Yosemite if this sounds like your cup of tea.
Deserts of the Southwest
Perhaps mountainous regions undergo very dramatic and extreme changes when winter rolls around, but the desert regions of the American southwest experience change as well. At times these shifts in identity may not be quite as observable, but they are there. Whether it’s a light coating of frost, a blanket of snow, or just cooler temperatures and different lighting the desert can be an incredible place for winter photography.
Perhaps mountainous regions undergo very dramatic and extreme changes when winter rolls around, but the desert regions of the American southwest experience change as well. At times these shifts in identity may not be quite as observable, but they are there. Whether it’s a light coating of frost, a blanket of snow, or just cooler temperatures and different lighting the desert can be an incredible place for winter photography.
Zion National Park
It’s hard to imagine a more dramatic desert landscape than the view from Angels Landing in Zion National Park. Zion has a very unique geography and topography creating tons of landscape photography opportunities year-round. Add some snow and a winter sky into the mix and it’s a whole different ball game. This park changes quite a bit in the winter months and there’s less people getting in the way of your shots. You can always explore the narrow slot canyons and experiment with changing light conditions in these marvelous mazes of stone.
Feel free to check out our departures that visit Zion in the winter!
It’s hard to imagine a more dramatic desert landscape than the view from Angels Landing in Zion National Park. Zion has a very unique geography and topography creating tons of landscape photography opportunities year-round. Add some snow and a winter sky into the mix and it’s a whole different ball game. This park changes quite a bit in the winter months and there’s less people getting in the way of your shots. You can always explore the narrow slot canyons and experiment with changing light conditions in these marvelous mazes of stone.
Feel free to check out our departures that visit Zion in the winter!
Bryce Canyon National Park
Not too far from Zion is Bryce Canyon National Park. We often visit both of these iconic destinations on our photography tours. Bryce Canyon is yet another very unique and intricate place. With its massive amphitheaters filled with delicate rock spires (called hoodoos) and expansive views in every direction this national park is a great place for landscape photography during the winter. The contrast between the striking and jagged orange rocks and bright white snow is unlike anything else.
If this sounds like somewhere you’d like to go then check out our Canyons of Utah: Zion and Bryce in Winter tours!
Not too far from Zion is Bryce Canyon National Park. We often visit both of these iconic destinations on our photography tours. Bryce Canyon is yet another very unique and intricate place. With its massive amphitheaters filled with delicate rock spires (called hoodoos) and expansive views in every direction this national park is a great place for landscape photography during the winter. The contrast between the striking and jagged orange rocks and bright white snow is unlike anything else.
If this sounds like somewhere you’d like to go then check out our Canyons of Utah: Zion and Bryce in Winter tours!
Death Valley National Park
Perhaps Death Valley is home to some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded on earth but as this desolate land receives less light and chills out in winter it can become a very pleasant and striking place. One of the most iconic shots that comes to mind for me is the cracked earth of Badwater Basin covered in frost. The stark contrast between the dry cracked mud and the cold frost creates an otherworldly landscape and makes for an excellent photograph. Apart from this, there are countless other landscapes that only become more dramatic in winter.
Take a look at our Death Valley: Land of Extremes departures to learn more about the tours we offer here!
Perhaps Death Valley is home to some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded on earth but as this desolate land receives less light and chills out in winter it can become a very pleasant and striking place. One of the most iconic shots that comes to mind for me is the cracked earth of Badwater Basin covered in frost. The stark contrast between the dry cracked mud and the cold frost creates an otherworldly landscape and makes for an excellent photograph. Apart from this, there are countless other landscapes that only become more dramatic in winter.
Take a look at our Death Valley: Land of Extremes departures to learn more about the tours we offer here!
Joshua Tree National Park
Similar to Death Valley, Joshua Tree rarely becomes a snow-covered winter wonderland but temperatures do drop and photography opportunities can change with different lighting conditions. In addition, it's not uncommon to have snow covered peaks in the background. Joshua Tree is a very unique place for landscape photography.
The combination of mountains of rounded boulders and Joshua trees scattered throughout the landscape truly is unlike anywhere else on the planet. These trees are quite strange and seem to branch off into a wild tangle of foliage.
This is an excellent location for winter landscape photography, and we offer some great winter photography tours in Joshua Tree!
Similar to Death Valley, Joshua Tree rarely becomes a snow-covered winter wonderland but temperatures do drop and photography opportunities can change with different lighting conditions. In addition, it's not uncommon to have snow covered peaks in the background. Joshua Tree is a very unique place for landscape photography.
The combination of mountains of rounded boulders and Joshua trees scattered throughout the landscape truly is unlike anywhere else on the planet. These trees are quite strange and seem to branch off into a wild tangle of foliage.
This is an excellent location for winter landscape photography, and we offer some great winter photography tours in Joshua Tree!
International Destinations
I’ve mentioned many great destinations throughout the United States for winter photography, but I’d hate to limit this list to just that. After all the US isn’t the only place that experiences winter. The following locations are some of the best, most iconic international destinations when it comes to taking pictures in winter.
I’ve mentioned many great destinations throughout the United States for winter photography, but I’d hate to limit this list to just that. After all the US isn’t the only place that experiences winter. The following locations are some of the best, most iconic international destinations when it comes to taking pictures in winter.
Iceland
Iceland is an incredibly unique country. As an isolated island in the north Atlantic that happens to be constantly bubbling with volcanic and geothermal activity, this country is truly special. It’s no wonder that for a very long time only the rugged and hardy Vikings called these lands home.
From frozen waterfalls and ice caves to icebergs washing up on the shoreline to snow covered mountains all contrasting the black volcanic stone, Iceland feels like something out of a science fiction novel.
This is one of our favorite destinations at Backcountry journeys and you’ll definitely want to check out the trips we offer in Iceland!
Iceland is an incredibly unique country. As an isolated island in the north Atlantic that happens to be constantly bubbling with volcanic and geothermal activity, this country is truly special. It’s no wonder that for a very long time only the rugged and hardy Vikings called these lands home.
From frozen waterfalls and ice caves to icebergs washing up on the shoreline to snow covered mountains all contrasting the black volcanic stone, Iceland feels like something out of a science fiction novel.
This is one of our favorite destinations at Backcountry journeys and you’ll definitely want to check out the trips we offer in Iceland!
Canadian Rockies
Another incredible destination for photographing mountainous winter landscapes is the Canadian Rockies. If you’re looking for jaw dropping, rugged and jagged peaks surrounded by forests and seemingly infinite wilderness this is the place for you. And as usual, national parks are some of the best and most accessible places to get opportunities like this. Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes are my personal favorites but there’s no shortage of incredible winter photography destinations spread throughout the Canadian Rockies.
Another incredible destination for photographing mountainous winter landscapes is the Canadian Rockies. If you’re looking for jaw dropping, rugged and jagged peaks surrounded by forests and seemingly infinite wilderness this is the place for you. And as usual, national parks are some of the best and most accessible places to get opportunities like this. Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes are my personal favorites but there’s no shortage of incredible winter photography destinations spread throughout the Canadian Rockies.
Antarctica
Antarctica probably embodies winter conditions more than anywhere else on earth. This remote and relatively unexplored continent of snow and ice hosts some jaw dropping landscapes and a range of fascinating wildlife. Antarctica is one of the most difficult places to travel to but if you can find a way to get to the bottom of the earth, you’ll most likely be rewarded with some once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. Just make sure not to get stuck in the ice pack!
Antarctica probably embodies winter conditions more than anywhere else on earth. This remote and relatively unexplored continent of snow and ice hosts some jaw dropping landscapes and a range of fascinating wildlife. Antarctica is one of the most difficult places to travel to but if you can find a way to get to the bottom of the earth, you’ll most likely be rewarded with some once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. Just make sure not to get stuck in the ice pack!
The Alps
The European Alps are some of the most iconic and picturesque mountains on earth. This dramatic range stretches its way across 8 countries in western Europe and is filled with glaciers, snowcapped peaks, ski areas, and quant mountain villages. The alps are arguably one of the most accessible mountain ranges in the world making it easy to travel to a plethora of shot locations and capture some breathtaking landscape photography. Maybe hit the slopes as well if that’s your thing.
The European Alps are some of the most iconic and picturesque mountains on earth. This dramatic range stretches its way across 8 countries in western Europe and is filled with glaciers, snowcapped peaks, ski areas, and quant mountain villages. The alps are arguably one of the most accessible mountain ranges in the world making it easy to travel to a plethora of shot locations and capture some breathtaking landscape photography. Maybe hit the slopes as well if that’s your thing.
Norway
And finally, we have come to the last destination on today’s list, Norway. This country in northwestern Europe is home to jagged coastlines, iconic fjords, glaciers, and towering peaks. It really is the full package. Norway entirely embraces the winter environment and should be at the top of the short list of any landscape photographer.
Be careful though, if you travel too far north during the winter months you just might lose the sun for good. If you play your cards right though you get longer golden hours that are closer together making the photography that much better. Norway is also an excellent winter destination to chase the aurora, Lofoten Islands in particular, are stunning (stay tuned for a future BCJ departure...).
And finally, we have come to the last destination on today’s list, Norway. This country in northwestern Europe is home to jagged coastlines, iconic fjords, glaciers, and towering peaks. It really is the full package. Norway entirely embraces the winter environment and should be at the top of the short list of any landscape photographer.
Be careful though, if you travel too far north during the winter months you just might lose the sun for good. If you play your cards right though you get longer golden hours that are closer together making the photography that much better. Norway is also an excellent winter destination to chase the aurora, Lofoten Islands in particular, are stunning (stay tuned for a future BCJ departure...).
Hopefully these destinations have given you some ideas on where to plan your next photography trip if you’re looking for winter conditions. And, if you’re looking to avoid winter altogether and take your camera somewhere nice and warm then stay tuned for Part 2. As always enjoy your photography outings and take advantage of the free time you have this winter!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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