Tips for Photographing Mountains in Winter Light

In this article, I share some of my tips to successfully capture your mountain photos every time. Winter mountain photography presents unique challenges and opportunities that require both technical knowledge and proper preparation.

Dress Warmly and Bring Appropriate Equipment

The first piece of advice I can give is to start with appropriate equipment, as weather conditions can change at any moment at altitude. Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable, and being prepared can make the difference between a successful photo session and a dangerous situation.

Playing with Foreground and Background Elements

It's easy to get carried away by the mountains surrounding us. Indeed, it can be difficult to know where to look given the beauty of the landscapes encountered. Very often, the impression created by a composition is not the one found in the photo.

For example, a mountain very close to us may seem massive and spectacular in the field. However, once back home, it's frustrating to see that the initial impression has disappeared! This is why it's important to compose your photos by adding elements (people, rocks, trees, etc.) to the foreground. By doing so, the impression of massiveness left by the mountain will immediately emerge.

Personally, I particularly appreciate the "sub-framing" technique, namely a photo where the subject is held not only by the frame of the image, but also by internal elements of the latter. The massiveness of a mountain range can be reinforced by framing it within the limits of the landscape standing in front of the photographer. For example, it's practical to use the lateral cliffs of a valley to frame the mountains located at the bottom of it.

Take Advantage of Temperature Inversion

Winter is also the period during which what is called "temperature inversion" (or "inversion layer") occurs. This phenomenon happens when a layer of air has a positive temperature gradient—more precisely, temperature increases with altitude. In the valley, everything is gray and cold, while in the mountains, it's sunny and warm.

Thus, temperature inversion gives rise to a sea of clouds that can be very picturesque depending on the chosen composition. This creates some of the most dramatic and ethereal mountain photography opportunities, where peaks emerge like islands from a cloud ocean.

Exploit Your Tripod and Filters

Depending on the weather, the mountains are also the ideal place to take long exposures. Lakes and waterfalls (when they're not frozen), as well as mountain landscapes under a cloudy sky, are all opportunities for long exposures. Long exposure means tripod and neutral density filter.

Also, don't forget to bring your polarizing filter. Indeed, it will give punch to your images and make the mountains stand out from the landscape. If you use a circular polarizing filter (CPL), be careful of vignetting: if you turn your filter too much, the sky may darken too much and you'll get vignetting. Note that if you forgot your polarizing filter, the effect can be generated by computer with Luminar.

Golden Hours (or Infrared) Are Your Ally

The best time to take photos is during the "golden hours" window. They describe the short period following sunrise and preceding sunset. These hours are called "golden" in reference to the golden aspect that landscapes take during this window. Also, the light is softer, thus avoiding harsh shadows.

To precisely estimate the "golden hours" window, I highly recommend the PhotoPills app. Thanks to its augmented reality module, you can see on your phone the exact location where the sun will set and rise. Very practical for removing doubt and composing your photo more serenely!

But what if your schedule or the weather doesn't allow you to shoot at these times? One creative alternative is infrared photography. By using an infrared filter, you can capture stunning, ethereal images that reveal a surreal side of the mountains, turning ordinary daylight into something otherworldly.

Safety Considerations

Winter mountain photography requires extra attention to safety. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and what starts as a clear morning can quickly turn into a whiteout. Always inform someone of your planned route and expected return time.

Pay attention to avalanche conditions and stick to established, safe routes. The magic of winter mountain photography is only worth pursuing when done safely. Remember that the mountain will always be there for another day—your safety is paramount.

Battery life decreases significantly in cold temperatures, so always carry spares and keep them warm against your body. Consider using hand warmers in your camera bag to keep equipment at optimal operating temperature.

I hope these tips will help you improve your winter mountain photography! 🙂 The combination of proper preparation, technical knowledge, and creative vision will allow you to capture the true magic of winter in the mountains while staying safe and comfortable throughout your adventures.