Snow can either be a photographer’s dream or a photographer’s nightmare. However, if you are willing to brave the cold and are ready to get creative with your photography. Taking snow portraits can transform the way you shoot in the winter elements.

A snowy scene generally creates a very flattering light for portrait photography. The natural white light that bounces off the ground and surroundings means that there are very few nasty or harsh shadows. It’s like the whole world has turned into your personal reflector. Capturing the magical elements of falling snow and icy trees helps give your photos a dreamy feeling.

But there are a few tips you need to know before you head out to capture your stunning snowy portraits. Unlike shooting in warm weather, you will need to be prepared in advance with your gear and have a good grasp of your manual settings. This way, you will have maximum time and efficiency while keeping yourself warm and safe.

Tips for Taking Portraits In The Snow

Before you grab your camera and run out the door, there are things to consider and plan for. Here are a few of our top tips to help you create beautiful snow photography.

Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark

Photos in the snow after dark can add an extra bit of drama to your images. With the right lighting, they can also really help the whiteness of the snow stand out against a black background.

Look out for a location with street lamps. Alternatively, bring a torch or some cool artificial lighting to get creative with your shoot. One extra light (and knowing how to use it) can make a big difference to the impact of your shot.

Think About Your Background

A snowy portrait of a person with a stunning landscape in the background will instantly up the wow factor of your photo.

Pay attention to your composition so that one element of your scene does not overtake the other. For example, use the rule of thirds to create a good balance in your winter photos.

Add A Pop Of Color

Shooting with a mostly white background means you are almost given a blank canvas to work with. Plan ahead with your model so that they are wearing a bright color. Adding a bit of red to your shot will really help your subject stand out against the snow.

Dress For The Cold

If you are going to take photos in the snow, this should be fairly obvious; however, it should never be overlooked. Make sure you have several layers of warm and protective clothing on to prevent you from exposure.

Don’t forget waterproof and stable footwear. There is not much worse than having freezing cold, wet feet when you are trying to work your photographer magic.

The same goes for your models. If you are planning to shoot with a beautiful gown or suit, make sure they have a large, long coat to throw on in between shots. Nobody will be having much fun if your teeth are chattering on camera!

Don’t you hate it when your photos are too light or too dark? This happens the light meter, also known as an exposure meter, has not been used well. If you enjoy using any auto exposure mode, you may not even be aware of how to use a light meter in photography.

An accurate light meter will help you or your camera choose the optimal exposure settings. All digital cameras have an in-camera light meter. Handheld light meters are also an option if working with older film cameras that do not have light metering built-in. They are also used to measure flash power when using strobe lighting.

Accurate light readings are essential for setting a correct exposure. Correct exposure is the one that gets your photo looking how you want it to. Light meters read the light intensity. A camera’s light meter in manual mode will indicate when the exposure settings are correct or when you need to adjust them. The exposure meter and camera work together to manage the exposure settings in an auto exposure mode.

How Do Exposure Meters Measure Light?

There are two types of light meters and two types of light: in-camera and handheld. In-camera light meters measure reflected light. Hand-held light meters measure both reflected and incident light.

The reflected light is light that reflects off any surface. Incident light is the light that hits a surface. The type of surface light reflected off will influence how a camera light meter responds. Light-reflecting off a light, mid-tone, or dark surface will produce different readings with reflected light meters. Incident light metering is not affected by the color or tone of what you photograph. Incident metering can provide accurate measurement regardless of what you are photographing.

A handheld light meter can be an expensive and extra piece of photography equipment. These tend to be used mostly by photographers who need flash metering when they are using strobe lighting. I used to use a handheld meter for studio work and when using film. Now flash meters are not so vital for my work as I know the output settings of my studio lights and can manage them without a dedicated flash meter.

Digital photography using flash is made easier because the camera light meter will communicate with the flash. Together they will calculate the exposure settings, flash range, and output. So when using a flash, you usually don’t need a handheld light meter, especially when using a dedicated flash that communicates with your camera.

Sometimes, a handheld light meter will help achieve exposure settings more accurately in very low light. In very flat, low light reflective metering does not provide the nest camera settings.

Why is Light Metering Important?

Light metering is important when you want to capture well-exposed images. What is considered to be well exposed is open to discussion. But, without using a light meter, most people will not consistently capture well-exposed photos.

Occasionally I have met photographers who can assess the available light by looking at it. I am reasonably capable of doing it, but my light meter is more accurate. Light changes; it’s not always the same.

In the morning, the middle of the day, and in the evenings, it’s different. Before sunrise and after sunset, it’s low and flat. Shortly after sunrise and a little prior to sunset, it’s softer than in the middle of the day. With cloudy skies, the brightness of the light can vary, depending on the clouds.

The digital light sensor in your camera is limited in the range of tone it can capture in a single exposure. If too much light affects the sensor, the image is overexposed. When too little light enters the camera, the image is underexposed. The right balance of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed must be used to capture a well-exposed photograph.

Are you looking for some fun and creative winter photoshoot ideas? It’s the best time of year to capture gorgeous snow falling outside your window while sipping hot chocolate. Or maybe you want to learn how to shoot winter landscape photos. Winter photography should be fun for the whole family.

This article will give you some winter wonderland inspiration. Also, you will learn how to have a great winter photoshoot, including camera tips, accessories, and much more. Create the perfect photoshoot using this article!

Winter Photoshoot Ideas

Looking to have a creative and fun winter photoshoot? There is no shortage of ideas, and you can try one or many of the following ideas.

Snow Photography

When it comes to winter photoshoot ideas, snow photos should be at the top of your list. Winter is the best time of year to capture these delicate flakes, and if you live in a snowy area, you should head out into the cold and look for gorgeous landscapes around you. Look for snow-covered mountains, leading lines of pine trees covered in snow, and snowy rooftops.

Winter Selfies

If you want a fun selfie to capture your winter mood, then consider how to create a cold-themed selfie. This could vary a lot depending on where you live. But the most important thing is to head outside to capture your winter selfie. Play with variations of accessories, including winter hats, scarves, and mittens.

Set your camera up on a tripod, or simply use your phone selfie mode. For the perfect session, surround yourself with a snow-covered white background. Your warm cheeks will pop even more and create a festive photo.

Landscape Winter Images

If you live near mountains, a frozen lake, snow-covered trees, or other beautiful landscapes, it’s time to head outside to capture the perfect winter photoshoot. Photography is always more fun when shooting outside, don’t forget to wear your layers and keep your camera warm, so your batteries don’t die too fast.

Cozy Winter Fireplace

The air is so much more cozy and pretty when sitting next to a fireplace. Use your camera and lens to capture fire from different angles. Try to incorporate accessories and light into your pictures. Every idea can be different, and you have unlimited shots using a digital camera, so shoot away. Just be careful when playing with fire.

Macro Photos

Macro photos are great for a winter photoshoot. Using a macro lens, you can zoom in on your subject and make them the main event of the photo. Try using a macro lens to shoot the snow, flowers, and trees. Winter is full of macro photo options.

Winter Pet Photography

Your pet may not enjoy the cold very much, but nothing is cuter than a puppy playing in the snow. Remember to shoot at a high shutter speed and let your pet play outside, hopping through the snow as you take multiple shots of their holiday joy.

Winter Nights

Try challenging your photography skills by photographing snowy scenes by night! Night photography is a challenge in itself, but anytime you can add snow and lights, the night sky lights up, and the colors change completely.