35 Best Winter Picture Ideas
Put on your warm clothes and try these 35 tried and tested winter picture ideas for any level without expensive photo equipment.
1. Shoot Macro
Macro photography is an art that brings closer and maximizes the objects that surround us in everyday life. It shows us amazing and very inspiring details and colors. Snowflakes, frost on the leaves, frozen droplets – all these are wonderful objects for macro photography. It will not be difficult to find frozen beauty.
- Use extension tubes for your lenses to get clear, detailed images.
2. Capture Sunsets or Sunrises
Going for a walk with a dog or for a morning jog, take your camera with you. Sunsets and sunrises in the winter are especially beautiful, the sky is painted in bright red and pink tones. This time of the day offers you plenty of winter photoshoot ideas.
Remember that in such situations, you need to take pictures quickly since in just a few minutes the sky can become pale, and the wind will disperse the clouds.
3. Capture Falling Snow
Falling snow is not an obstacle for excellent shots. Just on the contrary, it’s one of the best winter photo shoot ideas on this list. To get an excellent photo, you only need to consider a few nuances. First, do not use the flash. Snowflakes are tiny crystals, so a haphazard reflection of light in all directions is guaranteed. Secondly, the shutter speed is of great importance, because it depends on how exactly the falling snow is displayed in the picture – whether it is a slow fall (short shutter speed) or a dynamic flight (long shutter speed).
4. Photograph City Lights
The winter city is very interesting for shooting and offers a lot of winter photo ideas: the leaves of the trees do not obstruct the beautiful buildings, and the snow acts as a reflector, highlighting the shadows. Especially spectacular are the photos taken in the evening, when the snow is illuminated by lanterns and car headlights. Take photos at night with a manual focus to get high-quality shots.
5. Capture Snowy Landscapes
Winter is one of the best seasons for landscape photography because everything looks unusual and mysterious. There are plenty of cute winter photoshoot ideas in the landscape genre. With proper shooting, reflected light from the snow will add a unique charm to your picture.
- View more abput landscape photography.
6. Capture Water
Mysterious winter photos can also be taken near the water! Ocean, sea, lake, river are perfect objects for creative winter portrait ideas since they will add a special mood to your pictures. The perfect solution is to capture the water reflection. The icy surface of the lake or river can also look very interesting in the frame. Another creative idea will be shooting the stream when water is blurred with slow shutter speed and the ice around it is sharply detailed.
7. Capture Winter Night
Shooting in the winter at night is very interesting and unusual. Night sky in combination with a snowy landscape can create a truly magical atmosphere. All you need to bring the boldest night snow photography ideas to life is a tripod, a lens and a good external flash.
8. Wildlife Photography
One of the best snow photography ideas is to shoot wildlife photography. Of course not everyone lives in the place inhabited by polar bears, or penguins. But you can still excel in this genre by photographing forest-dwellers or birds, such as beautiful bullfinches, woodpeckers and squirrels. Moreover, in winter, many animals and birds need food, which makes them less timid. This allows you to come closer and to make wonderful shots. Note that it is better to shoot birds in the winter forest using a long-focus telephoto lens.
9. Capture New Year Fireworks
I'm sure you like bright and dynamic pictures of fireworks. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to take such shots. All you need to make such winter photography ideas work is a tripod, and a nice place and right settings. Fireworks are usually quickly over, so there won’t be a second chance to get the settings right.
- Find out what the best carbon fiber tripod is.
10. Photograph Icicles
Look around, find an icicle and take a shot until they melt away. The picture will be atmospheric, elegant and gentle.
11. Try HDR Photography
HDR (High Dynamic Range) can bring excellent texture and quality without unnatural colors. Depending on the lighting, the snow often lacks texture. The difference between bright white tones and deep shadows sometimes can be so visible that it will not work very well. For such photos, HDR is the perfect tool to put everything in its place. It will also enhance the colors, make them more vivid and bright.
12. Freeze Soap Bubbles
Among other creative winter photoshoot ideas is blowing bubbles. Is it frosty outside? Then it's time to go to the snowy yard and blow soap bubbles on flowers, bushes and branches. The camera can capture these tender ice masterpieces best when it is sunny.
13. Aerial Shots
To take photos from a height is one of the most creative snow picture ideas on this list. Winter creates landscapes that are impossible for other seasons. Blizzard turns the forest into a shining, brilliant kingdom. These stunning scenes can be captured by drones. When flying in winter, you need to carefully monitor the battery charge. Note that the operating temperature of most drones is from 0°C to 40°C.
- Find out how to choose a drone.
14. Cabin In The Woods
Each of us wants to plunge into the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale. Snow-covered houses and their cozy interiors inspire us with a lot of photography ideas for winter. They fully render a holiday atmosphere. While staying in a comfortable cabin far away on Christmas vacation, don`t forget to take your camera with you and take a shot.
15. Crystal Ball
Winter is a very fruitful time for photographers if you know what props to use. Landscape photos with crystal ball can make another inspiring subject for winter photoshoot ideas. Place the ball on the ground and hold it in your hands to add a human touch to a photo. Don’t forget to flip the image inside the ball, as it’s going to be upside down.
- Learn more about crystal ball photography.
16. View Out of the Window
Capture the moment sitting near the window in a cozy warm room and viewing amazing winter landscape. You don`t have to leave your room to render the snowy atmosphere. Such winter photoshoot ideas work great for selfies also.
17. Cozy Day In
In winter, you want to wrap yourself in a large warm blanket, put on a knitted wool sweater and socks, drink delicious hot chocolate or coffee while watching the dancing fire in the fireplace. Aren`t all these things the perfect setting for indoor winter shot? Bring these perfect winter photography ideas to life and capture the moment of your relaxing day at home.
18. Create Bokeh
Bokeh images are rich in beauty and magic. They give us an opportunity to implement winter picture ideas more creatively. Ideally, use a high-speed lens and a tripod. To transfer beautiful shades of lights, you need to shoot in low light conditions, which means setting long shutter speed. It is better to use manual focus to select the desired object. Also, think about buying a set of bokeh shapes or making your own ones from black paper.
19. Shoot in Cozy Outfits
For this idea of a photoshoot in winter outfits, you will need scarves, mittens, soft headphones. They will help create a warm portrait. In addition, snow is a good natural light diffuser.
- Get inspired by these portrait photography ideas.
20. Blowing Snow
One of the most popular winter photo ideas is to take a handful of snow in the palms and blow on it. Sparkling snow dust is beautiful and unusual. Shoot close-up, the background in the picture should be slightly blurred, so open the aperture wider.
21. High Contrast Portraits
Against the background of white (or gray) snow, really bright objects will stand out more. Rich colors such as red, green, blue, orange and others will be effectively highlighted in the picture and attract attention.
22. Tinsel
Winter shot with tinsel is among most creative winter portrait ideas. Use tinsel to create a fashionable, glossy picture as on magazine pages.
23. Capture Your Pet
The best photoshoot ideas for winter are connected with animals. Our smaller friends can also become perfect models – take your favorite dog for a walk and take pictures of it playing in the soft snow. Don’t forget about props – colorful blankets or scarfs.
- Discover more pet photography ideas.
24. Building a Snowman
How without building a snowman in the winter? Snowman can be decorated with a scarf, a traditional huge carrot, patterned mittens. You can take a photo of the process of its creation, and then take a picture with the result of your work. Pose near the snowman, hug or even kiss – these are great outdoor winter family photoshoot ideas.
- Check out these family photo ideas.
25. Tree Farm
Another good moment to capture is a family trip to a tree farm before Christmas and New Year.
Take a shot that will render the atmosphere of holidays, family joy and happiness.
- Use these Christmas photo ideas.
26. Old Bridge
The photoshoot on the bridge, especially using the “leading lines” technique, always turns out to be creative and interesting. A Christmas family shot on a snowy bridge is also in this collection of winter photoshoot ideas that help render the holiday atmosphere.
27. Holiday Baking
Can't and don't want to stick your nose out? No problems, you can create a real fairytale on your kitchen and implement a lot of winter photo shoot ideas. Take a picture while cooking dinner or baking a cake for your holiday table. That`s a perfect idea for family shooting.
28. Skating Rink
One of the best winter photoshoot ideas for couples is games and entertainment on the background of snowy nature. Shoot skating on the city rink and you will get atmospheric and even romantic portraits with happy faces that capture sincere emotions and joy.
29. Wrapped in a Blanket
Another great idea for couple photography is shooting in a snowy forest with blankets, beautifully knitted dresses, sweaters, hats and other winter attributes. Take blankets, thermoses with hot drinks and, of course, your love.
- Check out these couple photo ideas.
30. Snow Fight
Playing snowballs is one of the best winter photoshoot ideas. This way you will capture the cheerful emotions of your clients that will remind them of their childhood. Don`t forget to increase your shutter speed to get clear and detailed shots.
31. Logs
Wood logs are a wonderful background for winter shots. Ask your clients to sit on them or just stand in front of them.
32. Sleigh Ride
Fun skiing or sledding opens a lot of snow photography ideas for shooters. It is a great opportunity to capture the happiness of the moment, for example, the delight of a child when moving down a high hill. Such photos, especially with a group of people, turn out spectacular and emotional. For family shooting, mom and dad can put the children on a sled and ride them together.
33. Making Snow Angels
Find a nice place in the park or forest and ask children to make an angel on snow. That`s a typical pose but it always works. Take such pictures from afar and in the last turn if their outerwear gets wet.
34. Bedtime Stories
Ask the children to gather together and read some Christmas stories. You can come up with cute winter photoshoot ideas and capture the moment to get a nice photo, rendering the atmosphere of holidays and fairytale.
35. Faux Snow
For the newborn photo session, you can use some faux snow. Ask parents to put nice Christmas clothes on the baby, such as fluffy pants or red Christmas hat, add faux snow and take a shot. Cute photos are guaranteed.
Winter Freebies for Photo Editing
To get a perfect winter shot, you no longer need to wait for snowy weather or frosty day, checking the forecast every time to gain inspiration and create something special. These 5 freebies will add a magical atmosphere to your shot. Try them now!
Free PS Overlay "Falling Snow”
This free overlay will add a winter fairytale to your shot, creating a real snowfall with multiple small snowflakes.
Free PS Action "Elf House”
If you need to make colors brighter and add special bokeh-like snowflakes, then use this action. It perfectly suits winter shots. Also, you can try applying it to the outdoor wedding pictures to add some magic.
Free PS Overlay "Frosty Mood”
This overlay will look gorgeous in shots with cold shades, taken in the morning or at dusk. It will make the colors even colder, more enhanced and mysterious.
Free PS Action "Blizzard”
Use this action for shots where you need to add the effect of falling snow and create the winter atmosphere. It will add snowy particles around the main object, evenly scattered over the frame.
Free PS Action “New Year’s Toy”
This action will help you convey joy and holiday mood. It adds realistic-looking snow and is perfect for portraits that lack vibrance.
Ann Young
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more
