Winter Photography

Article and photographs © Al Perry

Hoarfrost on Grass and Woven Wire Fence in Nevada
Hoarfrost on Grass and Woven Wire Fence in Nevada

I have always enjoyed the challenge of winter. As a teen in North Central Indiana, I rose two hours before sunrise in the coldest months of the year to run a mile-and-a-half long trap line. More recently, I’ve grown to rejoice in the photographic opportunities heralded by the cold snowy months of winter. Wildlife looks best in the winter; especially with snow as a background. Landscapes take on a whole new form with the gentle accumulation of snow and ice.

Moonrise over Half Dome at Yosemite
Moonrise over Half Dome at Yosemite

We all know the downside of photographing in the winter: shorter days, more clouds, difficult travel, shorter battery life and yes, colder temperatures. As I write this, it is minus 18 degrees F outside my camper in West Yellowstone. However, these challenges offer opportunities for creating distinctive images in a serene wintry setting.

Sunrise at Yosemite
Sunrise at Yosemite

Each year I find myself doing more winter photography. I begin each journey with modest expectations and return with more than I sought. This winter my travels include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Iceland, and Alaska. In making the effort to embrace the challenges of winter photography, I have created images not possible at more comfortable latitudes.