1
Take control
Snowy landscapes can play havoc with
a camera’s metering system: it bases
exposures on neutral grey, so all that
bright snow will fool it into underexposing
the image. The simplest way around this
is to overexpose by one to two stops,
keeping an eye on the histogram to
ensure the highlights aren’t blown.2
Keep it simple
When a covering of snow simplifies the
landscape, it’s a great time to create high-key
monochrome images. Try using minimalist
compositions to isolate a subject such as a
lone tree, stark against the snow. Overcast
days with blank white skies, which most
of us usually try and avoid, are actually
perfect for this type of image.3
Get out early
To catch pristine snow without footprints, or
sparkling frost before it melts, get out early in
the morning. With luck, you’ll also capture the
beautiful pastel colours of a winter sunrise.
The added bonus is that with short days,
sunrise is at a more civilised hour!4
Wrap up warm
It’s hard to concentrate on photography if
you are cold, so wear clothes that will keep
you warm and dry. Good boots, a hat and
gloves that still allow you to operate the
camera are essential. Pack a down-
insulated jacket in your bag for when you
are standing around waiting for the light.5
Get out in all weathers
Winter isn’t just about snow: bad weather can
make for brooding skies and dramatic bursts
of light when the clouds part. At this time of
year, the sun doesn’t get very high in the sky,
so the light can be good for much of the day.Justin^ Minnshttp://www.digitalcameraworld.com DECEMBER 2019 DIGITAL CAMERA^37