Winter Photography; Advice from my Photography Text

Thus far, my photography textbook, National Audubon Society Guide to Nature Photography Digital Edition, has taught me a little bit about the basic equipment required to be a good digital nature photographer. Most recently, I have read a section entitled "Winter Photography."  This section spends quite a bit of time just making sure the reader knows how to dress before going out on a winter shooting session.  Dressing in layers is not always the answer, because if you get too hot and start to perspire you will eventually be even colder.  That is why breathable warm clothing, preferably with zipper vents, is most important when going out on these shoots.  Ski/snowboard pants are often ideal pants to wear.  Headgear is also important because 70% of heat is lost through the head.  Although I misread initially and though the author was recommending to wear a Greek dessert on your head to keep warm, I reread it and found that he recommends wearing a balaclava (a hood that completely covers the head, with eye and mouth openings).  Breathable, waterproof, insulated boots and gloves are also strongly recommended.

Equipment is also prone to the affects of the cold.  Batteries have shorter lifetimes when subjected to cold temperatures, so keep some extras packed in your vest where they will stay warm.  Also, when going from a cold environment into a heated car or building, it is a good idea to tightly seal all equipment in a large plastic bag before transitioning so that condensation doesn't build up in it.  Once the bag and its contents feel as if they are the same temperature as the room, the contents can be removed.

Finally, shooting photos in the winter is obviously different from shooting in the summer.  Picking subjects in the summer usually includes bright colorful scenes.  In the winter, however,  it is valuable to capture reflections of light off of snow and ice.  Snow laden fur and feathers are also something to keep an eye out for when shooting wildlife photos.

Citations:
Fitzharris, Tim. National Audubon Society Guide to Nature Photography Digital Edition. Buffalo: Firefly,            2008.