Having just returned from photographing in the Rockies in winter weather with my friend Kristen Wilkinson, I thought some might find it helpful to hear some tips about photographing in winter weather. These won't be photography tips for the most part, but rather, will be tips on staying warm and safe while out in the weather. Over the years, I've had several photographers that weren't familiar with photographing in extreme cold ask about how not to lose fingers and toes to frostbite, so now seems to be the perfect time to answer those questions!
Photographing in the Winter
January 20, 2023
Frozen Dream
Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning and peaceful winter paradise. As the morning light shimmers off the snow and ice-covered lake surface and the surrounding snow-covered mountains, the air is filled with serenity and tranquility. The scene exudes a dreamy ambience, the pale blue sky dotted with delicate pastel hues. Nature engulfs the lake in its stunning beauty, inviting visitors to become lost in the enchanting atmosphere.
First off, let's touch on dressing for the cold. Most of you know that layering for the cold is important. I generally wear two layers on my legs, plus socks that reach my knees. For the past ten years, I've worn UnderArmour Men's ColdGear leggings under a pair of winter hiking pants. These leggings are designed to be warm, and with a snug fit that helps keep body heat in, and allows for another layer to be worn over them. On top of the leggings, I wear a pair of winter ski/snowboard/hiking pants that I found on Amazon. These are fleece lined, waterproof, and nice and warm. I've worn them in temperatures in the single digits and have never felt cold in them. There are more expensive available by the likes of North Face, Patagonia, LL Bean, and Fjallraven, but these work well for me and are easy on the wallet.
Winter Morning at Cape Neddick
Cape Neddick lighthouse, the Nubble light, stands watch over a wintry landscape on a January morning.
Up top, I wear an UnderArmour ColdGear Compression Mock as my base layer. Like the pants, the fit is snug, the shirt is warm and allows for other layers on top without feeling like I'm restricted in my movements. I'll also wear a waffle thermal shirt, and then on top of that, a Columbia lightweight fleece as a third layer under my jacket. Finally, I have a North Face winter jacket that features a water proof outer shell, and an insulated inner shell. It's a few years old so doesn't correspond to the current offerings on their website, but this jacket has always kept me warm and dry when out photographing in extreme cold. I've worn this exact setup in temperatures as low as -14ºF with a -24ºF wind chill, and stayed out for as long as 2 hours without any issues.
Winter on the Concord River
The Concord River in Concord, Massachusetts, flows peacefully through a winter wonderland of freshly fallen snow. This almost monochromatic photograph features cobalt tones in the sky and river that contrast beautifully with the pure white of the blanket of snow covering the ground and trees, perfectly capturing the character of a New England winter morn.
So that covers my legs and torso. On my hands, I found this great glove system by The Heat Company. I've only needed to use the Liner, but the system includes two other pieces- the Shell and the Hood. The Liner features a pocket to put a hand warmer in, which sits on the back of your hand. These gloves are warm and allow me the freedom of movement to control my camera with the gloves still on. There are several different variants of The Liner- I'm using the Durable Liner Pro. I also put a hand warmer in the palm of my hand inside the glove for double warmth.
Snowy Spruces
Escape into a winter wonderland with this breathtaking photograph of towering spruce trees standing on the mountainside above Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, blanketed in a layer of fresh snow. Swirling snowflakes dance in the air and the sun casts a warm glow over this enchanting scene.
For socks I wear wool ski socks that come up to my knees. This gives me an extra layer over my lower legs to help keep them warm, in addition to the leggings and hiking pants. Then I use toe warmers on the bottom of the socks to keep my toes extra warm.
Winter Morn at Portland Head Light
Sea smoke, caused by frigid air temperatures moving over warmer water, rises from Casco Bay as Portland Head Lighthouse stands on the headland keeping its watch early on a winter morning. Recent snowfall covers the rocky shoreline while the horizon glows pastel orange and pink through the fog on a day where the temperature measured -14ºF with a -24ºF wind chill.
For the aforementioned hand warmers, I use Hot Hands Hand and Toe Warmers. The toe warmers adhere to the bottom of your feet over the socks. As I said, I put a hand warmer into each pocket on my gloves, and a second one inside the palms of the gloves. These provide heat for up to ten hours, and keep my hands nice and warm even in the coldest temperatures.
Deep Freeze
A glaze of ice covers the rocks on a frigid winter morning at Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde, Maine.
For my head, it depends how cold it is. If we're talking single digit temperatures or lower, I'll wear either a fleece hood that has face protection as well, or a balaclava face mask that covers the head and face. I'll wear a knit cap under the hood, which helps keep the hood from drooping into my eyes, or I'll wear a knit cap on top of the balaclava for extra warmth.
Newfallen Snow at Pemaquid Point
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, at sunrise on a winter morning, stands tall and proud, its white exterior contrasting against the deep blue of the early morning sky. In the foreground, the rocky landscape is blanketed in a layer of fresh snow, covering the ridges of rock of the Pemaquid peninsula and drawing the eye back to the historic beacon. The light of the impending sunrise casts a warm glow over the landscape, illuminating the lighthouse as well as snow-covered rocks and trees, completing this peaceful winter tableau.
Obviously, if out in snow, boots will be needed. I prefer a waterproof, insulated hiking boot. These are less bulky than big snow boots and allow me freedom of movement. In addition to the boots, I'll also add micro spikes to help with traction. Micro spikes work like snow tire chains, but for your feet. A rubber top stretches over the boots and holds the spikes in place. They increase traction and make it easy to walk on packed snow and ice without slipping. In addition, I have found these to be essential when climbing over the slimy rocks along the coast, or stream beds that may be slippery when photographing waterfalls. These are probably one of the single best additions to my camera bag that isn't a camera or lens!
Winter at the Maple Sugar Shack
A classic maple sugar shack sits under a blanket of fresh snow in Vermont. Firewood to feed the boilers is stacked outside, ready to start boiling sap down to a sticky maple syrup.
Finally, for deeper snow and longer hikes in that snow, snow shoes are hugely important. They were a big help while in Colorado. I use a pair of Tubbs Snowshoes. They're light, they support enough weight to carry both me and my pack, and make it easier to get down the trail when covered in snow. You'll want to make sure you purchase the right size to support your weight plus the weight of your pack.
Winter Cascade
Limited Edition
The New Hampshire landscape is blanketed in fresh snow as the waters from Lucy Brook cascade over the granite ledges to form Diana's Baths near North Conway. Fine Art Limited Edition of 100 prints.
Let's face it, it's much harder to be out in the winter weather trying to make photographs. If you're not used to the cold, it can be especially daunting. Living in Maine and growing up in the northeast, winter weather isn't foreign to me. But for photographers like my buddy Andy Crawford from Louisiana, who I keep trying to convince to come visit for some snow photos, it may be tough to know what's needed to survive a few hours in the cold. I hope this quick guide is helpful to some.
Winter at the Grist Mill
A small stream runs past the Wayside Grist Mill on a cold winter morning after a fresh snowfall in Sudbury Massachusetts. The water-powered grist mill, built of stone under the direction of original property owner Henry Ford, first ground grist in 1929. The fresh snowfall on this day creates an idyllic setting that calls to mind holiday greeting cards.
Posted in Photography Tips and tagged winter, photography, hand warmer, snowshoes, stay warm, cold, weather, .
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