
Winter in the Pacific Northwest offers some of the most magical and serene landscapes you’ll ever see. As a Vancouver-based landscape photographer, I’ve found that the combination of snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and soft, diffused light makes winter one of the most rewarding seasons to capture. However, it also comes with challenges—managing exposure, dealing with cold conditions, and composing scenes in often unpredictable weather. With the right techniques and gear, though, you can transform these challenges into incredible photographic opportunities.
One of the biggest hurdles with snowy landscapes is exposure. Snow can trick your camera’s metering system into underexposing the scene, turning bright, sparkling snow into dull gray. I recommend shooting in manual mode to have full control. Start with settings like ISO 100, f/8-f/11 for a deep depth of field, and adjust your shutter speed depending on the light—typically between 1/100 and 1/500 seconds during daylight. To ensure accurate exposure, use exposure compensation and increase by +1 to +2 stops if your image appears underexposed. For scenes with high contrast, like a snow-capped mountain against a darker forest, spot meter off the brightest area of snow and fine-tune in post-processing. Always shoot in RAW so you can recover details in highlights and shadows later.
Composition is where you can truly bring your winter photos to life. I often look for leading lines—frozen rivers, ski tracks, or even cracks in ice—that draw the viewer’s eye through the frame. In Vancouver landscape photography, I’ve found that adding contrasting elements like a lone tree or a distant cabin can add scale and drama to your shots. Reflections in icy lakes or frosty branches framing a mountain peak can elevate the scene. For lighting, winter golden hours are shorter but more dramatic, so aim to shoot early morning or late afternoon for those warm tones that contrast beautifully with the cool snow.
Of course, none of this is possible without the right gear. Winter conditions demand durability and reliability from your equipment. I always use a sturdy tripod for stability, especially on icy terrain, and I recommend a wide-angle lens like the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L for sweeping vistas or the RF 24-105mm f/4L for general versatility. For isolating details in distant peaks, the RF 100-500mm is an excellent choice. Filters are also a game-changer in winter photography; a circular polarizer from Lee Filters can reduce glare on snow and ice, while graduated ND filters help balance bright skies with darker foregrounds. Don’t forget to protect yourself and your gear—lens hoods, rain covers, and extra batteries (which drain quickly in cold weather) are essential.
Gear List for Winter Landscape Photography: Camera Options (from entry-level to advanced)
Lenses (RF Mount)
Filters (Lee Filters)
Lee Filters Little Stopper (6-Stop ND) ( If you're buying one filter, this should be it)
Winter photography can be demanding, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to capture the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With the right preparation and a willingness to embrace the elements, you’ll walk away with images that truly stand out. If you have any questions or tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments or feel free to contact me here
Happy Shooting :)
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