The Unique Joys of Landscape Photography in a Snowstorm

Snowstorms can be pretty unpleasant to work in, but they can also give you rather unique photographic opportunities. If you have never shot in one, this great video will show what it is like and the sort of images you can create.

Coming to you from Thomas Heaton, this interesting video follows him as he shoots in a snowstorm. Shooting in a snowstorm is an entirely different look from simply shooting a snow-covered landscape, and it can create some very unique and otherworldly images. It presents some challenges as well, such as melting snow causing moisture on your camera and lens (so be sure to take precautions) and flying snow making it difficult to autofocus. One thing I have always loved about shooting in active snowfall is that depending on the rate and the size of the flakes, you can get vastly different images. In fact, it is my favorite environment in which to fly my drone (check out this article for tips on flying your drone in cold weather). Take a look at the video above for Heaton's full thoughts. 

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out "Photographing The World 1: Landscape Photography and Post-Processing with Elia Locardi." 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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8 Comments

Well, I prefer to shoot in the aftermath of a snow storm. :-)

Thanks for sharing this one, Alex. :)

Great video, I always appreciate that TH is willing to fail. What Thomas fails to point out is that images can be ruined by flakes falling in front of the camera lens - to work around this I typically take multiple shots in the hope that some are usable.
I have ventured out many a time during snowstorms in the long Vermont winter (what else is a man to do?) and the atmosphere and feeling of isolation is incredible.

Three years ago I discovered Mr. Heaton's YouTube channel. In our household whenever we see an individual tree in the landscape we like to say: "Oh look! A Thomas tree!"

I've shot in many a snowstorm (living in Breckenridge Colorado) and captured some amazing images. If you dress for them and you have the camera covers, etc. it minimizes the discomfort and keeps your gear safe. It also helps to have a warm car near!

I have shot in rainstorms and got good results, but I am a bit put off about snowstorms. Tried it a few time in Wisconsin, where I'm from, and in Russia, where my wife is from and where most of my shooting is done. Have done snowfall shots, but not snowstorms. Now you got me thinking. Thanks.....a lot?

I prefer to shoot snow storms from in front of a fireplace with hot chocolate, robe, slippers and PJ's. But, that van is sweet!!!! Add 4-wheel drive to it and it's perfect!

Check out Thomas Heaton's YouTube channel. He has had "interesting issues with the van from top-up canopy delay, lighting issues...I'm only mentioning this because I'm extremely jealous. I love the safe and lock-pick-proof doors!