Top 5 Winter Photography Tips from Nick Irwin

Winter photography certainly comes with its challenges, but it also offers incredible opportunities to create breathtaking, one-of-a-kind images. From snowy landscapes to whimsical night scenes, winter delivers a unique atmosphere for photographers willing to brave the cold. To help you capture your best winter shots, we asked professional photographer and Tamron Ambassador Nick Irwin to share his top five winter photography tips, covering essential gear, recommended settings, and creative techniques.

In this article, you will learn:

• How to create stunning winter landscapes even in cloudy weather
• The best camera settings for snowy scenes and frozen landscapes
• How to stay safe while photographing ice and snow
• Creative ways to find fresh angles in winter photography
• How to add depth and storytelling to your cold weather photography

TIP 1: Create Movement with Long Exposures on Cloudy Days

One of the most useful winter photography tips for dull, overcast days is to use long exposure techniques with a neutral density filter. Winter often brings gray, uneventful skies, but you can still capture dynamic photos. By using a 6- or 10-stop neutral density filter, you can smooth out water surfaces, enhance color tones, and bring out the intricate beauty of icicles and snowy scenes. Creating minimalist winter landscapes with flowing water or dramatic skies transforms an ordinary setting into an extraordinary shot.

TIP 2: Capture Striking Blue Hour Shots Without Filters

An essential winter photography tip is to take advantage of blue hour photography for stunning results without needing filters. After sunset, the deep blue tones create a magical atmosphere, ideal for long exposures. Set up your tripod, lower your ISO for cleaner images, and extend your shutter speed to 15, 30, or even 60 seconds. Using a high f/stop will turn distant lights into sparkling stars, making your cold weather photography even more captivating. Experimenting with settings during blue hour brings snowy scenes to life.

TIP 3: Stay Safe and Explore More with Proper Footwear

One critical winter photography tip is to first prepare for icy conditions with the right gear. Specifically, investing in a $25 pair of crampons (ice cleats) can open up opportunities to photograph frozen landscapes that would otherwise be too dangerous to reach. As a result, stability on icy paths means you can safely chase colorful winter sunsets and explore hidden frozen wonders. Above all, prioritizing safety is crucial when photographing ice and snow, especially when exploring remote or slippery locations.

TIP 4: Find Unique Angles for Fresh Winter Perspectives

A creative winter photography tip is to challenge yourself to find new perspectives when shooting winter landscapes. Rather than taking the obvious shot everyone else captures, look for unconventional angles that tell a different story. In one image from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Nick Irwin made trees appear to have icy roots simply by adjusting his viewpoint. Experimenting with unique angles in winter scenes will make your portfolio stand out and capture the spirit of cold weather photography in fresh, imaginative ways.

TIP 5: Look Beyond the Obvious to Tell a Deeper Story

One powerful winter photography tip is to first think beyond what’s right in front of your lens and build multi-layered compositions. For example, in one of Nick’s striking images, fascinating foreground ice blends seamlessly with snow-covered pine trees in the background. By doing so, combining foreground and background elements creates depth and a sense of narrative, essential for storytelling in winter photography. Ultimately, capturing frozen landscapes with multiple layers adds richness and emotional impact to your snowy scene compositions.

Best Lenses for Capturing Winter Scenes

One often overlooked winter photography tip is selecting lenses that perform reliably in cold, unpredictable conditions. Having the right lens can make all the difference when you’re capturing snowy landscapes, icy textures, and fleeting winter light.

For those looking for versatility and outstanding performance in winter environments, two excellent options are the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 and the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD.

Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2

The Tamron 28-75mm G2 is a fantastic all-around lens that handles everything from detailed close-up shots of frost-covered branches to sweeping winter vistas. Its fast f/2.8 constant aperture ensures excellent performance even in lower-light winter conditions like blue hour or heavily overcast skies. Plus, it’s compact and weather-sealed, making it a great companion for outdoor winter adventures.

Key Features:

• Constant f/2.8 aperture for exceptional low-light performance
• Lightweight and weather-sealed for tough winter conditions
• Fast and accurate VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) autofocus motor
• Outstanding image sharpness across the zoom range
• Compact size, ideal for hiking and shooting in snow and ice

Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD

Meanwhile, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 is ideal for photographers who love expansive snowy scenes or dramatic ice formations. Its ultra-wide perspective allows you to capture the grandeur of winter landscapes while maintaining sharpness across the frame. Lightweight and durable, this lens is also highly portable — a critical advantage when hiking through snow and rugged trails.

Key Features:

• Ultra-wide 17-28mm focal range, perfect for vast winter landscapes
• Fast f/2.8 constant aperture for stunning low-light performance
• Weather-resistant construction for outdoor reliability
• RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent Drive) autofocus motor for fast, quiet focusing
• Compact and lightweight design for easy carrying in snowy terrain

Ultimately, investing in high-quality, weather-resistant lenses like these not only expands your creative possibilities but also ensures that you won’t miss a shot when the winter weather gets challenging. When building your gear kit, keeping these winter photography tips in mind will elevate both the quality and reliability of your cold-weather shooting.

Conclusion: Master Winter Scenes with These Expert Tips

Winter offers photographers a unique chance to capture the world in a completely different light — literally and creatively. By following these winter photography tips from Nick Irwin, you’ll be ready to tackle snowy scenes, icy landscapes, and frozen sunsets with confidence and artistry. Embrace the cold, prepare your gear, and most importantly, see winter as the creative playground it truly is.

To see more of Nick Irwin’s work, visit his Instagram: @irwin.nick

Learn more about the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) and 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063). Find an authorized Tamron dealers in your area or visit the TAMRON Store today.

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