Easy tips for taking photos in the snow

1. The golden rule: always shoot in RAW

Photographing in the snow can be quite challenging, as we will see, so there is no such thing as being too careful. We recommend that you always shoot in RAW, so you can still adjust the main image settings even after pressing the shutter and improve the final result.

Do you prefer taking photos only with your smartphone? Don’t worry: the most recent models offer this option in their settings too.

2. Pay close attention to exposure

Have you ever noticed how snowy landscapes often seem to have greyish tones and, more generally, look too dark? It is a misunderstanding — really!

Your camera’s light meter gets tricked and interprets all that white as excessive brightness, so it reduces it by setting a lower exposure. The simplest solution is to do a few tests, adjust the controls, and increase the exposure by one or two stops until you find the perfect balance.

☃️ Is everything looking white enough now?

3. Adjust the colours

One issue that anyone who loves taking photos in the snow already knows well is the classic blue cast of snowy landscapes. Snow is highly reflective, and the light changes throughout the day, making it harder to capture that beautiful white blanket in front of you.

Playing with the white balance is essential in these conditions. Try using the “Cloudy” mode, or — in manual mode — use a color checker, taking a very light grey as your reference.

4. Help your camera focus in the snow

Endless snowy valleys are beautiful, aren’t they? But what about focusing? The risk is ending up — both in your hands and on your memory card — with an unsatisfying shot because the lens could not find a proper point of reference. No problem: find an area with strong contrast and help your camera focus on that spot.

5. Composition and originality

Well, this is where the real challenge begins. When it comes to originality, it is important to try and take snow photos that do not feel like something already seen. Experimenting with photographic composition, for example, is a great place to start. But that is not all: you can play with the colours reflected on the snow, highlight details such as snowflakes by using a dedicated macro lens, or explore sports photography if you love skiing. In short: put your passion into it and do your very best to create warm, striking shots… even when you are photographing the snow!

At Album di Figurine, we have been helping enthusiasts like you collect their mountain holiday memories for years. Do you love taking photos while it is snowing? Discover our personalized sticker albums and have fun creating wonderful memory albums.