S
ure, it's cold outside, and all the
flowers are dead and gone, but
winter is a great time for outdoor
photography. Many wildlife
species are still active during the
winter, snow and ice can be fantastic
photo subjects and backdrops, and
intrepid and creative photographers can
even turn dead plants into interesting
images. Most importantly, winter light
is some of the best of the year, and
shouldn't be wasted!
Outdoor photographers know that
quality images depend upon good light.
Early and late day light is often the
best because the low angle of the sun
creates interesting shadows and warm
colors. During the height of summer,
that low sun angle usually occurs for
only an hour or so in the mornings and
evenings, and the sun blasts down from
high in the sky during the rest of the
day. However, during winter months,
the tilt of the earth provides for low sun
angles – and great photography light –
for much of the day.
If you do venture out in the snow,
54 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015
12/13/2010, 10:46:17 AM
Photography in Winter Light
Later mornings and earlier evenings make winter's sun ideal.
By Chris Helzer
