Thursday, January 25, 2024

The Beauty of Winter Photography @ Winter WIN

Norfolk, Connecticut, a classic New England town is photogenic any time of year. It is a haven for professional and amateur photographers alike. Known as the "icebox of Connecticut," Norfolk is especially enchanting in winter's ethereal light when its unspoiled landscape is often carpeted with snow giving the countryside, mountains, beautiful homes, and woodlands a magical - almost lost-in-time look.

View of Norfolk from Station Place - Katherine Griswold

Winter photography's palette plays with light, composition, and Mother Nature's artwork, snow and ice. Knowing what to consider when shooting in the winter will help you turn an ordinary scene into one that is picturesque. During Winter Weekend in Norfolk, visitors can participate in a winter photography walk with a pro that will help them compose stunning winter images.

If you can't make Winter Weekend In Norfolk's photography walk, no worries, here are a few things to keep in mind that will help make your winter photos go from frigid to fascinating!

Dress for the Weather

Although this seems obvious, make sure that you bundle up! There is nothing more distracting than trying to shoot and being cold! By keeping warm and dry, you will be able to focus better on that great winter shot!

Lines and More Lines

Winter landscapes beckon with natural leading lines... from stonewalls to long shadows cast by trees along a forest path. Look for lines and shadows when shooting a winter landscape. These help with defining all that textured white snow.

Framing Nature

There is nothing more evocative than a bare branch etched against a deep blue winter sky that frames a colonial home or cozy cabin. A framed shot gives an image depth and projects a feeling of the beauty of nature. Look for contrasts, patterns, colors, and lines that stand out in the snow - these are the things sure to draw the eye of the viewer.

Winter Light

White snow acts as a natural reflector, bouncing light onto subjects creating a soft light. Unlike the harsh light of a mid-summer day, winter light is soft and more diffused making people and objects appear in a less luminous more flattering glow. Winter light is ideal for shooting portraits because of the natural diffused light especially in the hours just before sunset or just after sunrise when winter light is at its most magical.

Exposure

Snow can be tricky so getting the right exposure is critical. Due to its reflective nature, snow can sometimes trick your camera into overexposing the subject. In this case, the snow appears to be white with no recognizable details. You can overcome this by either underexposing your subject or using a polarizing filter that will allow you to capture more detail. Another option is to fix the exposure and white balance in Photoshop or Lightroom. 

Extra Batteries

Although you can use a cell phone, a good quality DSLR camera is best for winter photography because you can manipulate your settings. Always carry an extra set of fully charged batteries. The cold can suck the life out of your camera's batteries in the blink of an eye. And, a pro tip is to try to keep those extra batteries warm.

Temperature Changes

To avoid problems let your camera acclimate to the temperature. Don't take your camera from a hot environment right into a cold environment, this can cause condensation and damage. Keep your camera and batteries in a well-insulated bag when not using them to protect them from the cold.

Just Have Fun!

Weekend in Norfolk, whether it is the summer or winter is all about community, coming together, and enjoying all that the welcoming town of Norfolk has to offer. The crisp air, the beauty of Norfolk, and the frozen landscape all come together at Winter Weekend in Norfolk which will transform your photos from mundane to stunning. For more information about Winter WIN 2024 visit https://www.facebook.com/weekendinnorfolk for up-to-date information!