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Winter Photography Tips and Tricks
Published December 2, 2022
Winter is here in the northern hemisphere, and this can change the ways in which we all go out and take photos. The photography process changes with the seasons including our clothing, gear, camera accessories, and even subjects.
Many of us are less likely to venture out into the cold with our cameras but for those who do the results can be very rewarding.
Many of us are less likely to venture out into the cold with our cameras but for those who do the results can be very rewarding.
I’ve come up with a list of tips and tricks that will help every photographer have more enjoyable and rewarding experiences shooting in the cold. Many of us probably already have some of these in our arsenals. some of us, myself included, may need some reminders.
That being said, let’s get to it. Here are some tips for shooting in the cold:
That being said, let’s get to it. Here are some tips for shooting in the cold:
1 – Bring an Extra Battery or Two
Batteries, batteries, batteries! I’m sure you’ve experienced your phone losing power significantly faster when it’s exposed to cold temperatures. Your camera battery is the same. Especially if you’re outside for long periods of time, your camera battery will not last as long as usual. Whenever you’re shooting in cold temperatures bring at least one spare battery and I would also recommend that you store them close to your body in an insulated pocket to keep them warm.
Batteries, batteries, batteries! I’m sure you’ve experienced your phone losing power significantly faster when it’s exposed to cold temperatures. Your camera battery is the same. Especially if you’re outside for long periods of time, your camera battery will not last as long as usual. Whenever you’re shooting in cold temperatures bring at least one spare battery and I would also recommend that you store them close to your body in an insulated pocket to keep them warm.
2 - Bring a Ziploc Bag
This is something I didn’t know about for the longest time but it’s a very smart precaution to keep your camera safe and functional. When you’re wrapping up for the day and about to head home or back to your car, put your camera and lenses in sealable Ziploc bags. As temperatures change rapidly condensation can form leading to electronic malfunctions. By putting your camera in a bag, you can slow down the time it takes for the camera to warm up reducing the chances of moisture getting into your gear.
This is something I didn’t know about for the longest time but it’s a very smart precaution to keep your camera safe and functional. When you’re wrapping up for the day and about to head home or back to your car, put your camera and lenses in sealable Ziploc bags. As temperatures change rapidly condensation can form leading to electronic malfunctions. By putting your camera in a bag, you can slow down the time it takes for the camera to warm up reducing the chances of moisture getting into your gear.
3 – Bring the Right Gloves and Clothing
Dressing appropriately can make the difference between having a fun and successful shoot and turning back early, cold, and without great photos. Layering is critical. You should have warm and breathable base layers, insulating mid layers, and waterproof outer layers to prepare you for a variety of possible weather conditions.
On top of that having the right gloves is also very important. If your gloves are too thick you won’t be able to press any buttons or turn any dials on your camera. If your gloves are too thin your hands will get cold reducing the odds of capturing great content. Fingerless gloves are a great compromise or bring a combination of thin liners and warm gloves.
Dressing appropriately can make the difference between having a fun and successful shoot and turning back early, cold, and without great photos. Layering is critical. You should have warm and breathable base layers, insulating mid layers, and waterproof outer layers to prepare you for a variety of possible weather conditions.
On top of that having the right gloves is also very important. If your gloves are too thick you won’t be able to press any buttons or turn any dials on your camera. If your gloves are too thin your hands will get cold reducing the odds of capturing great content. Fingerless gloves are a great compromise or bring a combination of thin liners and warm gloves.
4 – Lens Filters and Hoods
Having a lens filter and lens hood are absolute musts if there’s even a slight chance of rain, snow, or any precipitation or moisture in the atmosphere. These are accessories I always bring no matter the time of year, but they are even more critical in winter. Not only can they help with controlling environmental light, but they can keep your lens clean and dry.
Having a lens filter and lens hood are absolute musts if there’s even a slight chance of rain, snow, or any precipitation or moisture in the atmosphere. These are accessories I always bring no matter the time of year, but they are even more critical in winter. Not only can they help with controlling environmental light, but they can keep your lens clean and dry.
5 – Keep Your Lens Cap On
In addition to your hood and filter you should keep your lens cap on whenever you’re not actively shooting to prevent precipitation from settling on your lens. This can lead to blurry spots in your images that you may miss through your viewfinder or LCD screen. It’s always a good idea to take a look at your lens before taking photos.
In addition to your hood and filter you should keep your lens cap on whenever you’re not actively shooting to prevent precipitation from settling on your lens. This can lead to blurry spots in your images that you may miss through your viewfinder or LCD screen. It’s always a good idea to take a look at your lens before taking photos.
6 – Bring a Lens Cleaning Kit
And just in case you do get precipitation or moisture on your camera make sure you have a proper lens cleaning kit. Once again this is something I always have with me but in the winter, it is once again even more essential. If you’re switching between hot and cold environments frequently or quickly it is very common for condensation to build up on your lens, between your filter and lens, or on your viewfinder and screen from your body heat. Make sure you have a good cleaning kit with multiple microfiber lens cloths.
And just in case you do get precipitation or moisture on your camera make sure you have a proper lens cleaning kit. Once again this is something I always have with me but in the winter, it is once again even more essential. If you’re switching between hot and cold environments frequently or quickly it is very common for condensation to build up on your lens, between your filter and lens, or on your viewfinder and screen from your body heat. Make sure you have a good cleaning kit with multiple microfiber lens cloths.
7 – You Might Need a Rain Cover
If there is serious precipitation such as heavy rain or snow a rain cover is never a bad idea. Almost all modern cameras are weather sealed, and this is better than nothing at all but if it’s really coming down, you’ll want to be prepared. Even simple rain covers that are plastic tubes with a cinch for the lens work well. And you can get awesome shots with particles in the air so I would definitely recommend trying this out if you haven’t yet.
If there is serious precipitation such as heavy rain or snow a rain cover is never a bad idea. Almost all modern cameras are weather sealed, and this is better than nothing at all but if it’s really coming down, you’ll want to be prepared. Even simple rain covers that are plastic tubes with a cinch for the lens work well. And you can get awesome shots with particles in the air so I would definitely recommend trying this out if you haven’t yet.
8 – Focus on New Subjects
Wintertime creates new environments and new subjects that we can’t observe year-round. The freezing of water, and cooling of the atmosphere can create some truly special photography subjects and it’s never a bad idea to highlight these while shooting. Whether your capturing icicles, a frozen lake, or snowcapped mountains use these temporary and fleeting subjects to your advantage.
Wintertime creates new environments and new subjects that we can’t observe year-round. The freezing of water, and cooling of the atmosphere can create some truly special photography subjects and it’s never a bad idea to highlight these while shooting. Whether your capturing icicles, a frozen lake, or snowcapped mountains use these temporary and fleeting subjects to your advantage.
9 – Correct Exposure in the Snow
I shoot in the snow all the time and it can be incredibly frustrating to correctly set your exposure. If your surroundings are covered in snow this creates a massive amount of bright light all around making it very easy for your camera to either under or overexpose your images. There are a couple things you can do to compensate for this excess light. Instead of exposing for the subject of your photo you should expose for the brightest parts of the scene to prevent highlights from being blown out. You can always brighten the shadowy areas in post processing but don’t go overboard. Additionally, you can use a polarized filter to reduce glare from reflective surfaces.
I shoot in the snow all the time and it can be incredibly frustrating to correctly set your exposure. If your surroundings are covered in snow this creates a massive amount of bright light all around making it very easy for your camera to either under or overexpose your images. There are a couple things you can do to compensate for this excess light. Instead of exposing for the subject of your photo you should expose for the brightest parts of the scene to prevent highlights from being blown out. You can always brighten the shadowy areas in post processing but don’t go overboard. Additionally, you can use a polarized filter to reduce glare from reflective surfaces.
10 – Use your Histogram
And finally, it’s never a bad idea to look at your histogram readout in addition to reviewing images on your LCD screen. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve reviewed an image outside with sunglasses on or in bright light thinking I was spot on only to get home and realize the image was totally overexposed. Use your histogram to your advantage.
And finally, it’s never a bad idea to look at your histogram readout in addition to reviewing images on your LCD screen. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve reviewed an image outside with sunglasses on or in bright light thinking I was spot on only to get home and realize the image was totally overexposed. Use your histogram to your advantage.
Well, those are the ten tips and tricks I’ve found help me the most when shooting in cold conditions. I hope this information will help you on your next cold weather photography outing and have fun getting some great shots this winter!
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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 2025
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Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.