Winter landscapes are often portrayed as desolate, uninviting places, yet rarely does this detract from their regal nature. There is a visceral element to snow-enveloped terrain that stimulates an emotional response beyond the common perception of beauty. From a psychological point of view, human vision is drawn to the brightest or most colourful aspect of a scene, but when devoid of such objects, a landscape can conjure a mix of feelings.
The emptiness of a snow field and frozen mountain range activates a sense of vulnerability in the viewer, but at the same time, can bring about a feeling of peace and tranquillity. A stretch of ice over a frozen lake can be both ominous and inviting. Snow-dusted forests can signify danger, due to their impenetrable nature, but also seem cosy and protective.
As photographers, we can use these generally universal traits to our advantage when framing and exposing winter landscape images. The winter months provide a unique set of challenges and creative opportunities, so it is helpful to brush up on your photographic skills before the first snow starts to fall, at least in temperate and polar climes.
If you live in a region with less extreme swings in weather, you can still apply the skills learned here to your everyday photography. You can also use this knowledge to emphasise the best qualities of winter, however it manifests itself.
1 Overexpose
Use Exposure Compensation for corrective and creative reasons
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 259-Ausgabe von Digital Photographer.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 259-Ausgabe von Digital Photographer.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Apply a stylised detail enhancement
Give your photos a movie aesthetic with the bleach bypass effect in Photoshop
Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G
Matthew Richards investigates this lightweight wide-angle zoom lens with a unique focal range
Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
This lens offers everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto reach, says Matthew Richards
Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod
Adam Waring discovers an unfeasibly small yet feature-packed travel tripod
OM System OM-1 Mark II
James Artaius finds the OM-1 Mark II has features that you wish your camera did
How do I get into events photography?
Jules Renahan, owner of Jules Renahan Photography and co-founder of PhotoHound, tells us what to expect when photographing events
Career advice
This issue, Claire Gillo looks at the logistics behind running a photography business and talks to an events photographer
My dream photo kit
With help from used camera gear specialists MPB, we've created an expert photographer's fantasy camera kitbag
Create wet plate portraits
Recreate the collodion process for enhanced detail
Fine-tune colour and saturation
Use Lightroom's extensive controls to enhance individual colours in your shots