THE WINTER LANDSCAPE

Well, here in the Midwest we've had more snow this season than we've had in the past several years combined!  I love it!  As I talked about in a previous blog posting any chance I can get out to shoot "the white stuff",  I'm on it.  Took advantage of a pristine morning recently and explored Cuivre River Sate Park.  We had a major snow during the night so the landscape was pristine that morning.  Oh, and it was cold!  Advantage?  Yep!  No one else was there.  My footprints were the first, and whenever that happens I know I'm in for a great experience!        

Frenchman's Bluff

Overlook - Cuivre River State Park

Starting with this post I'm going to integrate a "Tip of the Week" that ties in to the post.  Nothing fancy, not rocket science-just thoughts and techniques that I've discovered in over 27 years of shooting.  I have to admit-most of the tips I'll be sharing come from my learning them the hard way. So if I can save you a few headaches along the way-terrific!

Cedar and Snow

Cedar Tree

REAL WORLD SHOOTING TIPS - WINTER LANDSCAPE & SNOW SCENES

• Invest in a good pair of boots-waterproof, insulated, comfortable to hike in.
• Sunglasses, Hat & Gloves-I like wool, but there are many options.  Mittens that have flip backs are great for keeping your hands warm when not shooting but allowing full finger control when you are.
• Lens Pen with brush-If snow gets on your lens or camera it's best to lightly brush it away.  Never breathe or blow on your lens!
• Extra batteries-bring several as the cold saps the power quickly.  Keep the extras close to your body to keep them warm.
• You'll be shooting some high contrast scenes.  In order to ensure holding details in the highlights and shadows shoot bracketed exposures from a tripod so you can blend them in post production if necessary.
• I like to travel light on these excursions as I usually cover a lot of ground.  A small waist pack with an extra lens, polarizing filter, lens pen, flashlight, map of the area, etc. pretty much round it out.
• Get out there early!  Like all landscape photography, the magic light is as the day breaks and as the sun sets!

So get out in the great outdoors and experience this beautiful season with your camera!               

Happy Shooting!      Michael