Winter brings with it some truly remarkable photographic opportunities — moody light, dramatic skies, misty waterfalls, and snow-covered landscapes. Don't let the cold weather keep you from getting out there. To help you stay photographically active this winter, we've put together five ideas to get you shooting.
Last updated: May 2026
1. Master Indoor Photography
If it's too wet and cold to head outdoors, it's the perfect excuse to master indoor photography. Unlike shooting outside, where natural light does a lot of the heavy lifting, great indoor photos require a bit more thought around light sources, backgrounds, and composition. Fortunately, there's an endless list of household subjects and setups to experiment with — from still life arrangements to portraits by a window.
Check out our Photography Tips blog for plenty of inspiration and guidance on indoor photography.
2. Shoot in Low Light Conditions
Winter means shorter days and longer periods of low light — which, for photographers, is actually an opportunity. Moody, atmospheric images thrive in low light. Here's how to make the most of it:
- Use a fast lens: A wide maximum aperture (f/1.4–f/2.8) lets in more light and produces beautiful background blur (bokeh).
- Mount your camera on a tripod: Essential for sharp images at slower shutter speeds.
- Add artificial light: A camera flash, LED panel, or even your smartphone's torch can add just enough fill light to lift a dark scene.
- Raise your ISO: Modern mirrorless cameras handle high ISO remarkably well — don't be afraid to push it when the light demands it.
3. Capture the Rain
A rainy day is a great photography opportunity. Raindrops on windows, reflections in puddles, and the soft diffused light of an overcast sky all make for incredibly atmospheric images.
To capture raindrops on a window, use a wide-open aperture to create bokeh — focus on the drops themselves to render the outside world as a soft, abstract blur. For puddle reflections, get low and shoot at ground level to capture the reflected scene. The results can be surprisingly striking.
4. Take Photos of (or in) the Snow
Nothing says winter like heavy snowfall. If you're heading to the snow for a photography trip, be aware that snow photography comes with its own set of challenges — particularly around exposure and protecting your gear.
Exposure: All that bright white snow can fool your camera's light meter into underexposing the scene. To combat this, intentionally overexpose by +1 to +2 stops using exposure compensation — this keeps the snow looking white rather than grey.
Protecting your gear: Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly — carry spares and keep them warm in an inside pocket. When coming back indoors from the cold, seal your camera in a zip-lock bag before entering a warm space to prevent condensation forming inside the camera body.
5. Go Chase Waterfalls
Winter rainfall means waterfalls are at their most powerful and dramatic — making them one of the best winter photography subjects. Seek out a picturesque waterfall near you, wait for a good downpour, then head out a day or two later when the flow is at its peak.
Ted's Top Tips for waterfall photography:
- Use a slow shutter speed (1/4s to 2 seconds) to add silky motion blur to the flowing water for a more ethereal, dramatic effect.
- Mount your camera on a tripod — essential when using slow shutter speeds to keep the rest of the frame sharp.
- Use a neutral density (ND) filter to reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds even in bright daylight conditions.
Bonus Tip: Create Contrast in Your Photos
Winter light tends to be flat and diffused — which can make images feel a little uninspiring. The solution is to actively create contrast within your frame.
One approach is to place a brightly coloured subject against a neutral background — think vibrant winter clothing against a white snow field or grey sky. The juxtaposition of colour against a colourless background creates an immediate visual impact.
Another technique is to use negative space — placing a dark subject against a bright, blown-out sky, or a light subject against a dark background. Allowing large areas of empty space in your frame draws the eye directly to your subject and gives your images a clean, graphic quality.
Frequently Asked Questions: Winter Photography
What camera settings should I use for winter photography?
For snow scenes, use exposure compensation of +1 to +2 stops to prevent underexposure. For waterfalls and flowing water, use a slow shutter speed (1/4s to 2s) with a tripod and ND filter. In low light, use a wide aperture (f/1.8–f/2.8), raise your ISO, and mount your camera on a tripod for sharp results.
How do I protect my camera in cold and wet winter conditions?
Keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket, as cold temperatures drain lithium-ion batteries quickly. When moving from cold to warm environments, seal your camera in a zip-lock bag to prevent condensation. For rain, consider a weather-sealed camera body or a rain cover for your gear.
What lens is best for winter landscape photography?
A wide-angle lens (14–24mm on full-frame) is ideal for capturing expansive winter landscapes, snow scenes, and waterfalls. A standard zoom (24–70mm) is versatile for a mix of landscapes and portraits. For wildlife in winter, a telephoto lens lets you keep your distance while still filling the frame.
Get the Gear for Winter Photography
Ready to get out and shoot this winter? Explore our range of mirrorless cameras, tripods, ND filters, and lighting at Ted's Cameras. Visit your nearest store for expert advice, or shop online with free shipping over $500.
For more photography tips and inspiration, browse the Ted's Cameras Photography Tips blog.