Dressing Right for Winter Photography: Tips to Brave the Cold and Capture the Beauty
As someone who loves capturing the magic of nature, I find joy in exploring the outdoors throughout the year. Winter, in particular, has a special place in my heart, and I spend a good amount of time photographing its unique charm. Living in New England, I not only appreciate the winter scenes around me but also lead photo tours and workshops to incredible places like Yellowstone and Alaska during this chilly season. Even though it can get pretty cold, the beauty of winter is that, with the right clothing, it becomes a cozy and visually stunning adventure.
Proper dress is critical for outdoor winter photography. It will keep you warm, comfortable and dry. Winter weather can lead to frostbite, hypothermia or even death.
Layers
The important thing to remember is to dress in layers. Layering simply means wearing a combination of clothes (in layers) to help regulate your temperature and keep you warm and dry. You can add or subtract layers to match the weather and activity. Once you have a layering plan, you can adjust your temperature control simply by removing or adding layers as needed.
There are essentially three layers to consider base, mid, and outer. Each layer has a specific function. The base layer wicks moisture & perspiration away from your skin to keep you warm. The mid layer is for insulation and keeping you warm. The outer layer allows moisture to escape while blocking wind, and repel water.
Avoid cotton because it traps moisture, so it stays wet and draws heat from you. Anything that can dampen your clothes, such as perspiration, rain, or falling in the water, can cause cotton to start robbing you of heat fast.
Base Layer
The base layer is in contact with your skin. A tight fitting and wicking material is best to keep you warm and dry. Polypropylene, silk, polyester, Thermax, Thinsulate, and wool are all good choices Base layers come in various weights (lightweight, midweight and heavyweight). Select a weight based upon the outside temperature and your activity level. The lighter weight is better at wicking, the heavyweight has more insulation.
Mid Layer
The Mid layer provides insulation. The insulating layer helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Common material for mid layers includes down, polyester, fleece, wool and synthetic/ natural blends. Many mid layer clothing has extras such as pit zips, long front zippers, adjustable cuffs and collars.
Here is the coat I currently wear: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83558?feat=593-GN1&page=rugged-ridge-parka&csp=f
Outer Layer
The outer layer blocks wind and allows moisture to escape. An outer shell is an important piece in bad weather, because if wind and water penetrate to your inner layers, you begin to feel cold. Furthermore, without proper ventilation, perspiration cannot evaporate but instead condenses on the inside of your shell. Typical outer layers include shells made of Gore-Tex or a similar material. Extras such as pit zips, ankle zippers (for pants), and a variety of ventilation options are standard. Outer layers should also be tough enough to withstand tears and abrasions. Other less high tech options may include wind resistant materials, or water resistant fabrics. I personally like a coat that has pit zips and a hood. An insulated hood is critical.
Avoid cotton because it traps moisture, so it stays wet and draws heat from you. Anything that can dampen your clothes, such as perspiration, rain, or falling in the water, can cause cotton to start robbing you of heat fast.
Pants
I wear fleece pants. I also bring wind and waterproof shell pants if it gets real cold or the weather turns bad.
Gloves
Winter photography requires gloves to prevent discomfort and potential damage from the cold. I've tried different methods to keep my hands warm, exploring various options for comfort:
Heavy gloves are too bulky to set camera controls and I have to quickly take my hand out of the glove for adjusting the camera. If I am not shooting that much I will use this option.
There are gloves which split and allow quick access to thumb and finger tips. The fingers simply can be opened up temporarily so you can operate the camera or gadget directly while keeping the rest of your hand warm.
I like using glove liners with and without heavy gloves. Glove liners allow access to controls. They will keep your hands a little warmer. I can also use them with a heavier glove when I am not photographing.
I also like gloves that have touchscreen. Then you can use your cell phone or the back of your camera without taking you gloves off.
Waterproof and Insulated Hiking Boots
Make sure the boots are rated at least 20 below. My boots are temperate rated between (30-50 below zero). This is not a literal translation, if it is 10 degrees outside and the boots are rated to -20, doesn’t mean that your feet will stay warm. Therefore, I recommend getting the lowest temperature rating you can get. Getting warm boots, coat, gloves and a hat are critical for winter comfort and safety.
My favorite boots are Baffin. They are one of the most popular winter and snow boots and are legendary for keeping feet warm in extreme cold.
Of course, not all their boots are designed for such bitter cold. Baffin offers a wide variety of boots, all designed for different climates, uses and temperatures. Another popular brand is Sorel. There are other brands also.
I also recommend warm socks (not cotton). Socks should be layered also.
Gaiters
Gaiters are a nice element of your gear for winter and spring hiking. Many backpackers and hikers also use them year round. In the winter and spring, gaiters provide extra insulation for your lower legs, particularly if you are snowshoeing. During mud season, they are also essential for keeping your socks dry. If you do a lot of bushwhacking, they also provide a lot of extra leg protection. Many people will also use them in drier seasons to keep rocks and sand from getting into their boots or trail shoes. Gaiters come in different lengths called high and low gaiters. High gaiters are used for snowshoeing and mountaineering and extend to just below your knees.
Other Essentials
Lip Balm and Sunblock prevent your lips from cracking in the cold and protect your face from sunburn. The sun still project UV light in the winter even on cold days.
Sunglasses are very important. The sun reflects a lot of glare off the snow, even on cloudy days, so protect your eyes.
Pack a Duffle Bag for Your Personal Items. This duffle bag is meant for your personal belongings, not your camera gear. It is easy to misplace gloves, hats, heat packs, water bottles, scarves, etc., when getting out of the car. From our experience, bringing an extra duffle bag in your suitcase is helpful in keeping your clothing organized. It helps prevent any mix-ups with other people’s belongings. This is especially important for night photography.
What’s in My Bag
Extra layers if it gets colder than I expect (Sweatshirts etc.)
Spare gloves: In case I lose one
Facemask: I hardly ever use it but if it gets super cold, I will need it
Scarf
Hand and Foot Warmers
Shell Pants: If it gets too cold or windy, I will put this on
Heavy Socks: In case I need to add a second layer
