Have you got a winter plan ?
No , no , no , not the one that involves copious amounts of alcohol , festive food and sofa loafing while watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” with your nearest and dearest …
This is a photography plan that enables you to be “LUCKY” and comfortable during your winter shoots !
How are the best photographers always in the right place at the right time , come ice, mist , rain , hail or snow ?
You’ve guessed it , good photographers are engaged, prepared and organised , physically and mentally !
I carry a list of “Aspirational” shots in my head , I have established picture ideas, l know the locations , light , weather conditions I want and I’m prepared to wait , a “good” weather forecast or view from my window can trigger a drop everything photo shoot , these unexpected shoots challenge the patience of those I share my life with but they almost always deliver , you have to do what you have to do !
I don’t want to be out in cold winter weather freezing my “Wotsits” off for nothing , I want good pictures in the bag quickly , these pictures still rely on serendipitous events but I plan to be in the right place on the right days, I prepare to be “lucky” !
Fleeting moments are fleeting , you have to be there …
Plan your shots in decent weather to avoid walking about aimlessly in the cold , I have established viewpoints in my head, I know how I want the pictures to look before the shoot, I work quickly and plan to return home in time to see Jimmy Stewart save Bedford Falls !
A “Good” winter weather forecast for me usually involves mistiness , hard frosts or snow , I then match the conditions with one of my pre-selected locations , photography becomes so much easier when conditions are “Perfect” !
You need warm clothing , fresh batteries , good shoes , bobble hats and a deep lens hood , then just fill ya boots , Brrrrrr !
Early morning starts can be a challenge in winter as footfall can be low in cold weather , be patient & ready, you might not get too many opportunities . Make best use of your “Waiting Time” to pre-plan the masterpiece your about to capture , scrutinise the scene carefully , predict what might happen or go wrong , make sure your view is “The Best One” !
Shoot against low light to make the best of misty mornings , short telephoto lenses with deep lens hoods will help to compress the perspective and amplify the misty effect , don’t be a hero when the cold becomes too much , go home !
This is a hit and run approach !
Identify a few local locations that might deliver your next Masterpiece , imagine these views in mist , snow etc , these are your go to locations for bad weather , have a plan , stay warm but don’t suffer for your art , its not necessary !
Give one of these planned “Bad” weather shoots a go , the atmosphere can be photographically tangible , stay local and you’ll be home before George Baileys’ Building And Loan runs into trouble !
A Good picture or a couple of hours sofa loafing ?
You’ll remember your photo shoot long after you have forgotten your sofa loafing ?
PS: If you have never watched “Its A Wonderful Life” you should , this 1946 , Frank Capra cinematic festive masterpiece won’t help your photography in any way but it will feed your soul !
Nostalgia is what it used to be …
Take care and stay safe , every time a bell rings …
Unlikely subjects can become viable in winter weather .