new possibilities. While in Sequoia one
winter, I included the General Sherman
redwood on my list of photo subjects. But
I changed direction, started wandering and
found this spectacular ice cave. The curving
ripple effects in the roof line gave the image
an abstract quality. This cave was only a
few feet high and formed when snowmelt
slid off the corrugated roof of the visitor’s
center and re-froze.
What about photographing wildlife in
winter? Do you automatically go for the
frame-filling portrait of the snow-covered
bison or elk? Instead, make the animal part
of the scene, not the whole subject. Expand
your vision to include photos of wildlife in
their environment. Images like these are
informative to your viewer. They may also
look just as great as your grand landscapes
but with an important new element.
Winter is also a time to re-think your
equipment and clothing. Wet, freezing,
cold, uncomfortable; all are descrip-
tive of how I felt at one time or another
standing in 2 feet of white slush waiting
for the light to finally break over the
landscape. Weatherize your gear. Carryspare batteries in the warm pockets of
your parka. Pack lens cleaning cloths to
remove rain, snow or dew from lenses
and wipe down your camera. Consider
shroud protectors that cover your cam-
eras but have openings for lenses, flash
and your hands to work the controls.
Your clothing is equally import-
ant. Cold-weather boots, socks and
liners make all the difference, and a
waterproof, warm hat is mandatory.
Remember, winter can be very cold,
and the light constantly changes, so it
may take longer to set up and compose
your image. You won’t think clearly if
you’re cold and wet. Bright snow can
be blinding, so bring dark glasses or eye
shades. Gloves flexible enough to work
your camera controls are critical. You
also need to stay hydrated.
So, now that you have done all this
re-thinking, go out and have fun in the
winter landscape. OPSee more of Dave Welling’s work at
strikingnatureimagesbydavewelling.com.Above: Bubbles in ice on the Merced
River, Yosemite National Park.
Opposite top left: Multnomah Falls
in winter, Columbia River Gorge,
Oregon.
Opposite top right: Ice cave in
Sequoia National Park, California.
Opposite bottom: Bison feeding
in a snow-covered meadow in
Yellowstone National Park.
52 Outdoor Photographer outdoorphotographer.com