Winter is probably the most beautiful season to take photos! For myself I totally love winter because of the snow covered landscapes, they look so peaceful. Besides all it’s beauty winter is having on disadvantage. The coldness. Shooting in cold temperatures is a challenging and difficult task for both, the equipment and the photographer.

As I’m dealing with cold temperatures quite often I would like to give you some insights tips and tricks about the camera but also what stuff I’m using to stay warm.

1. Warm Batteries

You might have experienced coldness with your smartphone already. As soon as you’re heading outdoors your battery will discharge much ways faster the usual. In terms of photography it is crucial to have the batteries fully loaded. When you’re outdoors for a longer time it is also smart to have multiple backup batteries. One professional advice – keep the batteries warm. Keeping your batteries warm is crucial, otherwise you will end up with non functional batteries. For myself I’m keeping the batteries in my pocket close to the body.

2. Gear and condensation

Let’s say it like this: Your DSLR can handle cold temperature. Those cameras are built to survive outdoors, they should handle snowfall and cold temperatures. Still it is important to protect your camera and lenses from heavy (and icy) snowfall. Furthermore it’s important to keep the camera dry. If it is snowing or raining or if you’re shooting in stronger wind conditions avoid changing lenses (if possible). Small particles in the air might destroy your gear, so please be careful about changing lenses.

Keeping care about condensation is also crucial when it comes to colder temperatures. Your camera does need time to adapt different temperatures, especially when changing fast between indoors and outdoors. Try to cool down or warm up your camera with a few steps. For myself I’m placing the bagpack in some cold place indoor for half an hour before heading outdoors in order to cool down the camera. When coming back I’m placing the bagpack again somewhere indoor but cold in order to warm up the camera. After around an hour I’m taking the camera out of the bag. Fastening this process might destroy the electric parts within your camera, so take your time and get some tea before checking the photos after a winter outdoor shoot.

3. Clothing

And here we go, the clothing. Having high quality and winter proofed clothing is crucial. For myself I’m using thin fleece gloves together with waterproof and windproof gloves, so two layers of gloves. Also having some chemical heat packs in your pockets might help at some point 😉

For the upper body I’m working with different layers. The colder the temperatures the more layers, easy as that. Sometimes I’m walking around with 5 up to 6 different layers with a fleece jacket, some merino wool underwear but also a wind and waterproof winter jacket. Same for the lower body, I’m also wearing merino wool underwear together with fleece pants and again waterproof and windproof quick dry pants.

Crucial for staying outdoors for a longer time are waterproof hiking boots and thick wool socks! If your grandma can make them by her own ask her for wool socks, they are the best! 🙂

As your foots are most likely to freeze first I’m usually wearing a small layer of socks together with the wool socks. The company “Wrightsock” is doing these double layer socks, they are awesome for staying warm during cold temperatures.

Another advice: Always have a dry change of clothes waiting for you in the car 😉

Final words

Winter photos are having something magical. Brave the elements and head outside for a photo session, you won’t regret it! 🙂

Let me know your thoughts about shooting in cold temperatures down in the comments! I can’t can’t wait to see what results you get! 🙂

Rock on,

Ingmar