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Wintertime is a magical time of year to be a photographer. Yet, it is often overshadowed by the crisp colors of fall and the bright, welcoming pastels of spring. Many people want their pictures taken during these two, mild and vibrant seasons. I can’t blame them upon first thought. Fall and spring typically have great weather conditions and offer spectacular color. In all honesty, fall ranks as probably my favorite season to capture images because it is simply my favorite time of the year.
What is it about winter that makes it a perfect time of year for pictures? The more time I spend out and about with my camera in the wintertime, the more I fall in love with what this special time of year has to offer both in front and behind the lens. There is something calming and beautiful about winter. Overcast skies create sharp contrasts. Snow transforms the scenery and land that was once full of overgrowth, now is open and barren. Trees reveal their bareness and if you look closely, nature comes to life in the midst of the harshest of conditions. Suddenly, in this season of death, everything has wonderful character. Have you ever went hiking in the mountains in December through and aspen forest or gotten out and really enjoyed what this quiet season has to offer? I promise you will not be disappointed.
So, why should you consider getting your pictures taken in the winter? I have outlined my top five reasons for why I love photography in the winter:
Contrast: The whites, grays and blacks often pop during this season. The sky is often gray, which makes for great photography conditions. You would be surprised at what color you can draw from the starkness of winter. Plain and simple, I love the color palate during winter.
Snow: There’s nothing that makes a picture more magical than snow framing a subject. It’s gorgeous when it falls from the sky and even more stunning when it finally rests on the ground. It simply makes for the most beautiful and playful pictures!
Details: There are minute details in winter that you will never see in the other seasons. You see the bare “bones” of nature so to speak. Trees, land, rivers, even urban settings offer clear and unobstructed backdrops for pictures. They, along with the subject being photographed, have a story to tell. Where color may be lacking, character abounds.
Weather: Believe it or not, I would rather be bundled up and comfortable than be overheated and hot for pictures. It is a very passable time of the year to be outside. You just have to dress for the occasion and I must admit that I love winter hats, scarfs and outerwear!
Subject Strength: From experience, I believe that people photographed in winter are even more striking through my lens! The soft background of wintertime creates the contrast I mentioned above. Colors aren’t too bright or overwhelming during this season, so the focal point is magnified on the subject instead of scenery. Yet there is still enough color and character to create a nice variation between the person and the landscape.
So, if you are still second guessing whether you think winter is a good season to get some pictures taken, I hope this post will encourage you. Give it a chance. I think you will fall in love with the images this reticent, often forgotten season can offer. There is no right or wrong when it comes down to which season offers the best picture substance. I love them all, but winter is increasingly becoming one of my favorites.
