Shoot Snow Scenes For Gorgeous Images

By Arthur H. Bleich

Image © Vivienne Gucwa

Violent winter snowstorms sweeping through the country are an open invitation to capture outstanding images. Accept that invitation by getting outside with your camera so you do not miss the opportunity.

It is easy to stay indoors by a warm fire while the snow falls, but that comfort often comes at the cost of missing unique photographic moments.

Get up and get going.

First, you need proper clothing. Without it, you will be uncomfortable and unlikely to capture the incredible images waiting outside.

For more than a decade, Vivienne Gucwa has photographed New York City in all conditions, including heavy snowstorms. Likewise, I have photographed in both polar regions and across frigid landscapes in North America. Experience has taught us how to stay protected in extreme cold.

Image by Moni Quayle

Vivienne has photographed nearly every snowstorm in New York City and continues to wait for snowfall each season with anticipation.

“It is my passion project,” she says. “During my first storm, I nearly got frostbite. I was using a broken point-and-shoot camera and covering it between shots with inadequate gloves.”

Over time, her approach has evolved. “My Sony camera bodies handle snow and rain well, but my lenses are not weather-sealed. To protect them, I use a simple plastic trash bag. I cut a small hole in one corner, stretch it over the lens so only the glass is exposed, and secure it with the lens hood. Sometimes I use a rubber band near the lens mount for extra protection.”

She points the camera downward between shots to prevent snow from accumulating on the lens. “Since I shoot in manual mode, I constantly adjust settings to adapt to changing conditions, especially when shooting at night.”

Image by Andreas

For clothing, she recommends a waterproof, insulated parka, waterproof pants, and boots with strong traction. A balaclava, goggles, and layered gloves help protect against exposure.

Breathable fabrics are essential. Even in extreme cold, physical activity generates heat, and overheating can lead to dehydration or, in severe cases, hypothermia.

Photographer unknown

While these precautions may seem excessive, they allow photographers to safely work in harsh conditions where unique images can be captured.

Beginners should start with shorter outings to determine the appropriate level of protection needed.

In extreme cold, I limited shooting sessions to under an hour and kept my camera inside my parka when not in use. Proper layering, including thermal clothing and insulated outerwear, is essential.

Image by Eberhard Grossgasteiger

Staying hydrated and carrying high-energy snacks is also important. One useful technique for breathing in cold air is to place your tongue against the roof of your mouth, allowing the air to warm slightly before reaching your lungs.

Photographer unknown

Digital cameras perform well in cold weather, but always carry extra batteries and memory cards. Cold temperatures can reduce battery life significantly.

If you are hesitant to expose expensive gear to harsh conditions, consider using a backup or less expensive camera.

Snow scenes often appear underexposed because camera metering systems interpret the brightness incorrectly. To correct this, use exposure compensation and increase exposure by about +1 to maintain bright, white snow.

Alternatively, use bracketing to capture multiple exposures at different settings. This ensures you have a well-exposed image regardless of conditions.

Image by Alessio Zaccaria

Once you venture out into winter conditions, you may find the experience rewarding and even addictive. At the very least, you will come away with striking images.

Acknowledgements

Excerpts above from New York in the Snow by Vivienne Gucwa © 2017 are reprinted with permission from the publisher, Ilex Press, a division of Octopus Publishing Group. The 192-page book is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Resources

Explore Vivienne Gucwa’s work on her website here.

Learn more about Thinsulate clothing.

Recommended Red River Paper for snow scenes.

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Your comments are welcome below.

Original Publication Date: February 02, 2023

Article Last updated: May 01, 2026

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