We’re just a couple of months into 2025, and my photography journey has already been filled with remarkable “firsts”. For the first time, I ventured into the Canadian snowscapes renowned for their breathtaking beauty, experimented with the latest full-frame mirrorless camera, the Sony A7R V, took my Fujifilm X-T4 out in the frigid cold to capture the essence of winter, and so much more. I’ve also been devising a novel approach to shooting in low-light conditions during snowfall. So, let me bring you up to speed!
It all began in the Canadian Rockies, a winter wonderland that photographers dream of. Since my primary interest lies in landscape and wildlife photography, it was an absolute haven. During my stay, I was able to witness a variety of wildlife species adapted to the cold, and the landscapes blanketed in snow were simply out of this world.
The snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes have always held a special allure for me. This trip, I was able to capture the serenity and grandeur of these scenes in ways I had only imagined before. The contrast between the white snow and the dark evergreen trees created a visual symphony that I was eager to document.
Although my favorite wide-angle lens for landscapes is the Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8, I challenged myself to use the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 for some unique perspective shots. With its large aperture, I was able to play with depth of field and isolate specific elements in the frame, such as a lone tree in the middle of a vast snowfield. I used a portable reflector to bounce light onto the darker areas and enhance the details.
Of course, the wildlife in the Canadian Rockies also provided some unforgettable moments. The majestic elk, with their impressive antlers, were a sight to behold. I patiently waited for the right moment to capture them against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Another fascinating creature was the arctic fox, its white fur blending perfectly with the snow. I had to be extremely careful and stealthy to get close enough for a decent shot without disturbing it. The fox’s curious eyes and bushy tail made for a charming subject.
The snowy owls were also a highlight. These magnificent birds of prey are a symbol of the Arctic regions. Photographing them was a challenge due to their keen eyesight and tendency to fly away at the slightest disturbance. But with a long telephoto lens and a lot of patience, I managed to get some shots that I’m truly proud of.
Apart from wildlife, the frozen waterfalls were a spectacle in themselves. The icicles hanging from the rocks and the gushing water beneath the ice created a dynamic and beautiful scene. I used a slow shutter speed to capture the smooth flow of the water, adding a sense of motion to the otherwise static landscape.
Leaving the Canadian Rockies was bittersweet, but I was excited to return home and process the images. Back in my studio, I experimented with different editing techniques to bring out the best in my snowscape and wildlife photos. I also started planning my next photography adventure, perhaps to a coastal area to capture the contrast between the cold sea and the snowy shores.
I even tried some panoramic stitching with my images of the vast snowfields. This technique allowed me to create a more immersive view of the landscapes, giving the viewer a sense of being right there in the middle of it all.
When spring started to show its first signs of approaching, I couldn’t resist going back to one of the local parks near my home that took on a whole new charm in the remaining days of winter. The light dusting of snow on the benches and the half-melted ice on the small pond added a touch of tranquility.
I took my Nikon Z6 II along this time, paired with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, which gave me the flexibility to capture both wide vistas of the park’s snow-covered pathways and close-ups of the delicate snowflakes clinging to the branches of the shrubs. The soft morning light filtering through the trees created a magical atmosphere, and I made sure to adjust my camera settings to make the most of it.
I found a group of small birds hopping around in search of food among the snow. Their colorful feathers stood out against the white background, making for some really charming shots. I had to be quick and precise with my focus, as they were constantly on the move. To freeze their motion and get sharp images, I increased my shutter speed while still maintaining an appropriate aperture to get a good depth of field.
One particular day, a light snowfall began while I was in the park. It was like nature was presenting me with a perfect opportunity to play with long exposure. I set up my tripod and used a slow shutter speed to capture the falling snowflakes as streaks of white, creating an almost dreamy effect. The flakes seemed to dance in the air, and the resulting images had an ethereal quality that I was quite pleased with.
As the snow continued to melt in some areas, I noticed the patterns it left behind on the ground. The way the snow had melted around tree roots and along the edges of pathways formed interesting shapes and lines that I photographed from various angles. These abstract images added a different dimension to my collection of snow-themed photos from this year.
I also experimented with black and white photography during this time. The simplicity and contrast of black and white really emphasized the textures and forms in the snow-covered scenes. The play of light and shadow became even more pronounced, and it gave a timeless feel to the images, as if they could have been taken decades ago yet still held that same captivating power.
Now, looking back on these past couple of months of photographing in the snow, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration. I’ve learned so much about working with different lighting conditions, dealing with the challenges of cold weather on my equipment, and finding unique perspectives in what might seem like ordinary winter landscapes. I’m already looking forward to next winter, thinking about new locations to explore and new techniques to try out.
I hope that through sharing these experiences, I can inspire other photography enthusiasts to venture out into the snow and discover the beauty that lies within these cold but captivating scenes. If you have any suggestions for future photography locations or techniques you think I should try, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Let’s keep this creative journey going together!
