Simon & Garfunkel’s A Hazy Shade of Winter, originally released in 1966 and covered by many artists including The Bangles, is one of the most iconic songs of all time. It speaks of the fleeting nature of time and how everything can change in an instant.
And for wildlife photographers, this resonates now more than ever. Winter offers incredible conditions, but with climate change, conditions are increasingly less predictable, more changeable and fleeting. With the sun low in the sky, the light for photography is good throughout the day, whatever the conditions. Storms can be dramatic, providing spectacular light. Freezing temperatures and snow can transform the landscape in a matter of hours – it only takes a dusting of snow to create a winter wonderland. Overcast and hazy skies give ideal conditions for a wide range of images. In their winter coats, animals look spectacular and can be far more approachable. Winter also brings migratory birds to our shores and incredible gatherings of wildlife.
Winter is a time to be prepared for whatever conditions we are handed. By knowing what wildlife is around, being flexible and adaptable, it’s possible to make the most of the opportunities we’re given and even make use of what might otherwise be perceived as misfortune. While it might be cold outside, you really can’t stay inside. It’s time to put on your warm winter clothes, fill your flask with a hot drink, and when the snow glows white on the mountainside, get out and go!
Winter light & weather
Finding the right subject is one thing, but great wildlife photographers pay just as much attention to weather and lighting conditions so they can adapt accordingly
1 WINTER LIGHT
With the sun low in the sky for more of the day, the light in winter can be some of the best you will have for wildlife photography. The further north you go, the better the light can be, although the days will be shorter. Cold, crisp and clear days will afford stunning clarity for photography. Consider using a polarizer but be careful about losing up to two stops of light and the effect that may have on your shutter speed. Shorter lenses will take a circular polarizer and long
