Winter photography presents unique challenges. The cold can drain batteries, make gear difficult to handle, and test your endurance. But the reward is stunning landscapes, crisp light, and serene conditions that transform familiar locations.
Coming to you from Thomas Heaton, this immersive video takes you through a frigid overnight camping trip leading into a winter sunrise shoot. Heaton prepares for the extreme cold by doubling up on sleeping gear and avoiding the use of his van’s diesel heater while sleeping. He shares an important tip—preparing breakfast in advance makes those freezing mornings more bearable. The night reaches temperatures near -10°C, and by morning, conditions are crystal clear with no wind. Heaton emphasizes the importance of arriving at a location early to capture the subtle pre-sunrise glow, though on this particular morning, a low bank of clouds delays the light.
The real challenge begins when he sets out to find a composition. Initially, nothing grabs his attention. He walks past several details, resisting the urge to force a shot. Then he stumbles upon a jetty with Blencathra mountain in the background, its peak just catching the first sunlight. The foreground elements—a frost-covered shoreline and scattered boulders—create a balanced scene. However, his tripod is frozen shut, so he relies on image stabilization for a handheld shot. Heaton points out a subtle but compelling element: the water isn’t perfectly still, giving the reflection a textured, organic feel rather than an artificial mirror effect.
Moving on, Heaton seeks a more abstract composition. He finds an ice formation catching the sunlight in just the right way. This moment highlights a different approach—finding beauty in small, overlooked details rather than iconic landscapes. He emphasizes the satisfaction that comes from discovering a scene no one else has captured. While popular spots like the jetty produce great images, they’re frequently photographed. An abstract subject, like a frozen pattern in the ice, offers something more personal.
After the shoot, Heaton returns to his van and naps until the afternoon. He then sets out again, hiking a nearby trail. Despite the clear winter conditions, nothing compels him to take another shot. Instead of forcing a composition, he embraces the experience of simply being outdoors. His takeaway: photography isn’t just about capturing images. The process—exploring, observing, and enjoying the landscape—is just as valuable. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Heaton, and stay safe in the cold!
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
