After ten years of daily photography, I know through experience that this time of year is the hardest time of year for me to stay motivated or inspired to pick up my camera every day. In my neck of the woods, the winter months can be rather bleak with little or no color to the landscape, and the cold temperatures don’t help much in terms of motivation to get outside.
But on those occasions when I brave the weather and bring my camera along (as well as a good attitude), I always find something interesting to photograph. Something that surprises or delights.
Needing a little help in the motivation and inspiration department lately, I went back through my Lightroom catalog to see what kinds things I have photographed in the past this time of year. Like I suspected, there were plenty of photos of the winter landscape. And, after a deeper look, I noticed that my photos tended to fall into a few fairly obvious categories: Color, Contrast, Shape (or form), and Texture.
So if you could use a little inspiration, today I thought I would share some photos and a few thoughts to hopefully provide you with some ideas and tips for your winter photography.
Also known as “what to take a picture of when there’s nothing to take a picture of.”
Color
Compared to the other seasons of the year, the winter months are definitely more drab and dull. But that doesn’t mean they are colorless. With a keen eye towards color, there are many interesting shades of green in the landscape (or at least in the urban landscape of my neighborhood). And many shrubs such as azaleas and nandinas sport colorful foliage this time of year. There are also vibrant little pops of color from winter berries that really stand out when you get up close and personal.
Shape/Form
When I set out to take photos this time of year, I will often remind myself that I’m not looking for anything “pretty” – I’m looking for something “interesting.” And this subtle change in mindset opens up a whole new world of possibility and photographic inspiration. Things like the shape of leaf or the form of a spent flower or seed-head now come into focus (pun totally intended). Because without all the distraction of leaves and flowers, you can really start to notice more of the lines and shapes and appreciate the essential structure of a plant. Little details that might have gone previously unnoticed.
One note about gear here. For many of these shots, I used my macro lens which is helpful for getting in close to a subject and capturing tiny details.
Contrast
Contrast is defined as something being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association. So when I go about trying to this contrast in my photos, I am looking for contrast in color or shape or texture. I also happen to love the juxtaposition of organic things mingled with inorganic materials.
Texture
Another subtle element I enjoy capturing in winter is texture. And I say subtle because it’s often not something that is immediately apparent when I’m out walking around my neighborhood. Similar to contrast, it requires an intentional mindset to notice these kinds of tactile characteristics.
I hope these tips and ideas have provided you with some inspiration to see your world differently. Because this is what photographing nature in Winter requires from us. To look beyond the obvious. To notice little details. But the payoff is walking home with a sense of wonder and delight. And the desire to keep going.
Love, Kelly
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