Outdoor Photography How To

Winter is one of the most beautiful times of year, providing everything from sunny-clear to blizzards for the phtoographer to capture on film or memory card. Here are 10 ideas for you to try this winter.

1. A Touch of Color

Winter snow can be a beautiful photo subject, but a photo of just snow can be pretty dull. You can add "spice" to a snow shot by including a colorful subject, such as this red car. It was just the touch needed to turn this gray-day image (shot during precipitation) into a winner. Photo by Lynne Eodice

2. Holiday Lights

Colorful holiday lights can make for colorful photos. You'd think the dark of night would be the ideal time to shoot them, but all you'll get is colorful spots against black. By shooting at the "magic hour"—around twilight—you can also record some detail in the buildings for more-interesting photos. A tripod is a must, and bracketing exposures is a good idea. Photo by Lynne Eodice

3. Winter Sunrises

With the long days of summer, the sun rises rather early. Winter's later sunrises mean you don't have to get up so early to capture these beautiful events. You can meter the sky just to the side of the sun (with the sun out of the frame), or just let a multi-segment meter do its thing, as was the case here. Photo by Mike Stensvold

4. Clearing Storms

Winter is a stormy season, but eventually those storms clear. And as they do, some incredibly beautiful lighting occurs. All you need to do to capture it is watch for it. Check the local weather forecast to see when a break is likely, and scout out potential picturesque locations. Photo by Mike Stensvold

5. Shooting in "Bad" Weather

Many photographers stay inside and grumble when the weather is "bad." But they're missing great opportunities, for such weather can yield terrific photos. Don't be one of the "grumblies." Bundle up (dress in layers), keep your gear out of the elements (a large plastic sandwich baggie can protect the camera—use a rubber band to fasten the opening around the lens), and look for ethereal, moody images. Photo by Lynne Eodice