The Issue with Winter Landscape Photography

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy New Year🎉 Which season do you find most challenging for outdoor photography?

[@andrewreece5582]

Mark Denney - Summer (in the south). Heat, humidity, and the green tunnel effect you get on most hiking trails. Finding unique compositions gets tough when everything is dense leaves.

[@tedonporter]

I agree with Andrew I live in northern Florida and the summer humidity is so terrible most days I don’t even want to walk outside just to get in my car. I will take a frigid blizzard storm over a 100% humidity 95 degree day anytime. Because of that I find it difficult to get out and want to photograph anything unless it is a breezy day and I go to the coast.

[@JJRAIA-es9cj]

Summer when it’s hot, buggy, and vacationers. Spring and fall have the most variety for color, so that’s my preferred seasons. Winter for tree portraits and bare forests. Snow is beautiful, but the cold can kill you if you’re not careful.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Andrew Reece I agree! Summer for me is the hardest creatively speaking.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Tedon Porter I spent 10 years in South Florida - I know exactly what you mean.

[@michaelhull1813]

What I learned in the 10th Mountain Division... Bring an extra dry t-shirt. Sweat is bad. Always dress in layers. Bring extra dry socks. Wet feet never stay warm. Make the hike, change socks. If anyone disagrees with me, they have no idea what they're talking about. And your battery advice is spot on!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Michael! Appreciate you sharing these tips as well👍

[@mkwalk2385]

The one I remember is the acronym COLD. Clean clothing, avoid Overheating, Loose in Layers, Dry.

[@cerenademe9433]

*Wool base layer. Cotton is 👎.

[@damienrobertson349]

Excellent tips! One lesson I learned the hard way. Avoid - at all costs - accidentally breathing on a cold lens. In really cold weather it’ll condense and freeze on the glass in seconds and then there’s no easy way to scrape the ice off. Ps. In Canada it’s a neck tube and toque 😀

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Damien Robertson I did that same thing one time! Thanks for checking out the video Damien!

[@iah48]

If it's not too bad sometimes a few squeezes from a rocket blower will clear it up. Once at a -20 Niagara falls I made the mistake of intentionally breathing on a polarizer in order to clean it.. before the breath was out of my mouth I'd realized I'd made a terrible mistake, it went right back in the bag haha.

[@tlewisAK]

Called the same here in Alaska.

[@Gabe310m]

I love that you communicate with your audience and get right to the point in your vids thx

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Gabriel!

[@terryallen9546]

I appreciate your Boy Scout approach. We have pretty busy Search & Rescue operations here in western Wyoming. So your advice on keeping warm is essential to being found in time to survive. I'm sure most photographers won't be venturing too far into the wild, but every year some do. I suggest finding videos that prepare you for the extremes. Steep, deep, streams, predators, injuries, no cell coverage. A lot of things that can go wrong. I do a bit of snow storm shooting so I'm adding to your gear list: 1. Mittens with free thumb, forefinger keeps hands warm longer. 2. Gaiters on your ankles. 3. High energy food. Bars freeze too hard to eat. 4. Keep your phone warm/charged. 5. I and my camera often return to my truck looking like a frozen snowman. I would not put my camera/lens in a zip lock bag. 6. Space blanket. I've never used mine, but I've come close.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Terry Allen Many thanks Terry! Glad to hear you enjoyed it and thank you for sharing the tips above - very much appreciated!

[@connorfernandes9439]

learned the hard way already. Sweating and stopping makes you FREEZE!

[@ricardotejeda6530]

Absolutely had to revisit this video. I shot in the rain a week ago, and it's not that cold at all, but all of my gear ended up getting condensation on it. Luckily, my lenses and body are weather sealed, so everything is okay, but man did I panic. Thanks for the tips.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ricardo Tejeda Glad the video was helpful! Hope your gear was ok!!

[@rodrigopfs]

Generally, I don't subscribe to channels after seeing only one video, but you are an exception, my friend. The level of detail and eloquence in this piece are worth sticking around.

[@erikswenson2659]

Thanks for the little embedded tip about setting the LightRoom background to white. Obvious when you point it out, but something I doubt would ever have occurred to me on my own. Particularly, helpful for those without calibrated monitors that want to print their snowy photos.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to do it and glad to hear it was helpful!

[@mikemitchell3889]

Mark, Great topic! As a year-round motorcyclist, I've been hip to the neck gaiter for years. Word to the wise, never walk into a bank (or liquor store) with the gaiter pulled up over your face. Please don't ask how I learned THAT lesson... I've found that staying dry is the key to maintaining warmth. Not just for snow, but I bracket exposure for EVERYTHING.Thank goodness for the dynamic range of newer (and larger) sensors! WB, I agree is best done to taste. I love the LR white background tip. Happy New Year, Mike

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Mike Mitchell Thanks Mike! Happy New Year to you and well! I bet I can guess how you found out about gaiters and banks:)

[@tylerfureymusic]

Good tips! One thing that is often forgotten on winter excursions is to hydrate. Although you might not feel the need to drink as much as one would in a warmer climate, your body needs the hydration just as much (if not more in my opinion) and the cooler temps make it really easy to get dehydrated.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

T Dog Swizzle Thanks so much and yes that’s a very good point to emphasize!

[@stephaniejanes4063]

I just spent half a day yesterday snowshoeing 9kms to take photos... lol But I'm from Alberta we are made for the cold! Always prepared!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yes you are!

[@rk12395]

Smart wool socks are a lifesaver!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ross Kimbirl Indeed👍

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

In UK , we call them Neck tubes and are mostly used by motorcyclists. they really keep you warm and stop wind chill on your neck ( your jugular runs up your neck very close to your skin and heat loss can be significant from wind chill )

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

That’s the first name I’ve heard them called that actually makes sense. I think that’s what I’ll go with👍

[@kimberleyhutchinson4714]

I came back to this video today as I prepare to go shoot in fresh snow tomorrow. I too use Vallerret gloves, as well as their overmitts which are like sleeping bags for your hands. I generally use them when it is -12C or colder. Would recommend re-usable hand warmers. I totally agree with bagging gear. When I bought a daily sling from PD, I got a really large zip lock bag from them. GOLD! Your explanation of over-exposure is giving me a lot more confidence about my shoot tomorrow. Thanks for another valuable video!

[@travissaunders4686]

"Change the background of Lightroom to white" is a great tip that I hadn't thought of, thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Travis Saunders Glad to do it Travis!

[@SentinentCoffee]

Biggest issue for me is there is no snow. Last year we didn’t have any, so I’m desperately hoping for a lot this year. But great tips, especially the first one is critical. The enjoyment of photography goes out the window, when you are cold and miserable.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Agreed! It’s the worst standing still for hours freezing!

[@themoodyphotographer59]

Winter here in Moody, Texas. Most of the trees lose there leaves, the grass turns brown in most places and about the only flowers are dandelions. Spring, Summer and Fall are all pretty good here though.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Dennis Nelson North Carolina where I live I can get like that too.

[@TheMoodyPhotographer]

After my laptop is fully recharged and me sitting apart from my kids, I can enjoy the video ❤️😅 For me the winter is really so challenging, but I still like it a lot more than not being able to concentrate on the composition because of millions of mosquitos biting me hahaha, but as you said you have to take care of yourself from the cold and don't forget to take 10 batteries 🤦🏻‍♂️😆 I don't forget that day (-18) when I forced to go back home because I battery died after only 1 hour but it was so hard to leave the place because the conditions were fantastic, after that day I promised myself to buy 2 extra batteries for winter.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

The moody Photographer Definitely prefer winter over buzzing mosquitoes any day of the week😀

[@baz5150]

Doing great work Mark, by far my favourite photography channel on KZbin, informative & highly educational for all landscape photographers, I never miss a video 👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

You are the man Barrie! Really appreciate everything you said - means a lot. Hope you have a Happy New Year!

[@sstansm7f]

Thanks Mark! I do the similar WB correction in winter photographs. Though my approach is a bit nuanced: I make the snow warmer but until blue cold colors are preserved in the hollows and shadowed places on the snow.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Stanislav Samolenkov Thanks for watching Stanislav!

[@christianjensenphotography]

A good collection of tips here. When it comes to clothing I generally recommend a 3-layer with and additional stopping layer. So the base layer will be a layer of wool. You want to cover most of your skin with a thin layer. The reason you want to use wool and not a technical/syntetic material is that wool keeps you warm even if it contains up to 30% of moisture (sweat) and as a natural fabric it is not as expensive as the technical stuff. So after you have covered yourself from toes to neck/hands in wool you will add a second layer. This is the layer you ajust for temperature conditions. If its cold, wear a thick pair of wool trousers and a sweater. If its around the freezing point, then wear something a bit thinner. You can even drop this layer if it gets even warmer. As a third layer you will want to have something to keep the weather out. So a layer that has a wind stopper and a rain stopper. The additional stopping layer is a long thick comfy jacket/parkas. Once you stop. Get that thick jacket on to keep heat. If you plan on a trip where you know you will be active/producing a lot of heat I recommend a second pair of base layer in your backpack. if you plan on standing still in the snow for a long time, you should bring a little shovel and level and compact the area were you are standing to keep snow away from your shoes. A pair of electrically heated shoe inserts can also be a good option, but once the battery runs flat on these you will be very cold :S So a short packing list On body: 1 - Baselayer throusers / sweater / socks / boxer 2 - Warm layer throusers / sweater / socks / gloves / Snood (temperature dependent) 3 - top layer throusers / jacket / gloves or mittens if its extra cold / headgear (hat) In backpack 1 - Big comfy down jacket 2 - extra baselayer (at least a sweater) For camera batteries i some times use a external battery (like juicebox.direct/product/jbe6-01/). With a good warm battery stored as close to skin as possible and a cord out one of the jacket arms. You can just pull the cord out and connect to the dummy battery.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Christian Jensen Photography Thanks Christian! And, a big thanks to you sir for providing such great info in this comment, it’s very much appreciated!!

[@jamescorral1673]

Nice job on the tips Mark! I also think being in the cold, bringing water is just as essential!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

James Corral Many thanks James! That’s a good point as well!

[@d53101]

Very informative video Mark. I shoot regularly here in Toronto getting our share of cold weather. I just remove my SD card or cards at the end of the shoot and leave the camera gear in my backpack bag. After a few hours in the house they are fine. Your tips on exposure of snow scenes is very important. I am constantly adjusting the exposure compensation to get it right. I do take a thermos of coffee and some kind of protein bar with me as well. I like winter photography since it is a such a different challenge than other seasons photography.

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

Winter is challenging where I live in North Essex, UK simply to find inspiring photos. We don't often get really cold weather, between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, two whole years since it last snowed here!

[@markjensen663]

Happy New Year Mark! The Asolo hiking boots are great, I have a pair myself but don’t bring those to the frozen lakes and tundra of northern Minnesota in the winter or you will end up with frost bitten toes. Insulated boots are a necessity to avoid amputation.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Very true! Happy New Year to you as well Mark!

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Mark: Very timely video. I live just north of Toronto, Ontario but winter hasn't been too harsh yet. I used to Ski Patrol, so a tip to keep your hands even warmer is to place a penny in the palm of each hand and your won't be cold again. We don't use pennies in Canada anymore, so our friends in the United States won't have any issues. Enjoy the cold and keep shooting. Cheers, Keith Pinn

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Keith Pinn I’ve never heard of the penny technique, sounds interesting!

[@TonyHogrefe]

I ride a motorcycle year round in northern Michigan. When the temps dip below 40, it's a battle against Mother Nature and you're just ridding out of spite. Wool, neoprene, and leather are the rules for the day. Nothing cuts the wind like leather.

[@LuciaHewitt]

Happy New Year! We don't really get very cold weather but all your tips were excellent, thank you! Will definitely use them when I visit my daughter up north :)

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Lucia Hewitt Happy New Year to you as well Lucia!

[@treyfoerster8759]

I got a pair of cutoff gloves with a mitten hood at Fleet Farm and then use a lined leather mitten to go over them for cold days. Leather mittens also great for snowblowing days.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Trey Foerster I’ve been thinking about getting a mitten style glove for awhile now, but haven’t made the purchase just yet.

[@michaela8802]

Great pointers!! I’m about to do an outdoor portrait shoot in the snow. Totally new for me living in Phoenix. This tutorial was just what I needed. Thanks!!

[@philipslotte6362]

Great tips for my upcoming trip to Finnish Lapland, thank you Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Philip Slotte Thanks Philip! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@remco6816]

Hej Philip Slotte, jag kollade på din instagram, men inte dålig alls ;).

[@philipslotte6362]

@@remco6816 Tack du, kul att höra :)

[@ericklindberg8377]

Great video Mark. Very helpful. I find my hands are what take the worst beating during winter. Especially on those sub-zero days. I have a pair of gloves that are helpful when its over 25 degrees, but anything less and my hands are still numb in 5 minutes. I'll definitely check out the gloves you mentioned. See you next week my friend!

[@paulkolenda94]

Changing the background in Lightroom and the plastic bag tip are game changers. I will do you one better. I had a similar problem with condensation in my lens while in Cambodia and Vietnam. 90% humidity - but the hotels were cool and dry. When I would come out of my room I had condensation on my glass for about 30 min. I found warming the gear prior to going out would help but I worried about the internals. The bag would have put me at ease. I will remember that for next time. Thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Paul Kolenda Thanks Paul - happy to hear the video was helpful!

[@SciTeF]

Happy and prosperous New Year! There's a saying that goes like: If you have cold feet, cover your head! Thanks for the zip lock bag advise. I will definetly carry and use at least a couple from now on!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks and Happy New Year to you as well!

[@Shhhchris]

Very informative, Mark. Thanks! 🙌🏻

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank YOU!

[@stevencrowleyphotography8621]

Great tips Mark! Another thing to mention that have been extremely helpful in my case are snowshoes. They help me get to where I want for compositions that would be hard to get to otherwise. A good set of gaiters is helpful also. I made sure to get the largest size snowshoes to accommodate myself and the weight of all the gear in my bag. Cheers and Happy New Year!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Steven Crowley Photography Great tip Steven! Happy New Year to you as well!

[@jamesrabkin7571]

One more very important tip that I learned in the Boy Scouts decades ago. This tip should be used any time that you venture into the outdoors alone, especially in the winter time. Alway let someone know where you will be, and what time you will be back. If you have a two-way radio, bring that and let that person know, so that they can convey that to your rescuers.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

James Rabkin Very very good information James!!

[@richard5005]

Hey 👋 Mark thanks for sharing your winter ❄️ photography experience on KZbin . It was very ! helpful indeed. Great 👍 job well presented. 👌Richard

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Much appreciated Richard - thank you!

[@richard5005]

Late Fall , Winter and early Spring.

[@wingincamera]

Happy New Year, looking forward to watching you through 2020. For personal comfort in cold weather I use layering learned from long distance motorcycle riding in cold weather. You are basically in one position for hours at a time. In later years I did turn to using electrical heated gear. Also, if carrying a tripod it can be very cold. On the upper legs of the tripod I attach those pipe insulation foam tubes. The tubes are split along one edge and easily slid onto the tripod legs. A little black tape secures them.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy New Year to you as well! That’s a great idea regarding the tripod legs - appreciate you sharing that!

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

omg i am so glad you psoted this. I caught the sunset at 36f it was cold. I am NEW. Battery started flashing i was like oh Krap. Then realized it was the cold. I was hiking up a hill so i tucked it in my jacket to warm it up a little. took my photos. Gel pack in my bag. walked home, my computer room is cold so i slowly warmed it up. but i couldn't believe how cold my lens was WOW makes sense all that glass though. Love your stuff. Make another cold weather and rain camera safety please.

[@iang265]

Yet more great content, now all I need is some snow over here in the UK. As an aside if you turned on the membership function for KZbin I'd definitely be hitting that 'Join' button. I get so much value from your videos!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Ian! Really appreciate that

[@anujasharma9677]

Happy New Year Mark. Have a fabulous 2020. This was yet another great video. Thank You

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Anuja Sharma Thanks Anuja! Hope you have a fantastic New Year as well!

[@anujasharma9677]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Thanks You Mark!

[@PereaPhotography]

Great video man! Last week at the Grand Canyon I forgot my gloves in the hotel room. Luckily Chris had 2 layers so I still have my hands lol.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks buddy! I’ve done the same thing on multiple occasions - my hands become basically worthless when they’re ice cold, it’s the worst.

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Happy New year Mark to you and your family and a great video there mate with some fantastic tips😀👍✌

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Paul Thomson Photography Happy New Year to you as well Paul! Very much appreciate you checking out the video👍

[@pipari21]

Take memory card out of the camera before putting your camera bag in the car so you can look at your photos right away when you get home. Assuming your home is so close to the shooting location that your camera is not yet warm after the car ride and you have to leave the bag closed until it slowly warms up. Also put the camera bag in the trunk, not back seat. The trunk warms up slower (at least in my car). I always leave my camera and lenses in the closed camera bag until next morning if I have been shooting in winter. The amount of cold air in the bag has enough insulation against camera/lenses warming up too fast in my experience. I have the Shimoda 40 l. The situation might be different with other bags.

[@matthiasmullin]

Love that tip for changing the background to white to have a good idea of pure white.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

It’s really helped me out with winter pics👍

[@brennanemerson1786]

I'm not to sure if it's been mentioned yet but be careful with doubling up on socks. If it begins to make your feet sweat, it can make for a very uncomfortable experience very quickly. Awesome Video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Brennan Emerson Thanks Brennan and thats a great point!

[@strote]

Thanks Mark. Happy New Year!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

ANDY STROTE Happy New Year to you as well Andy!

[@PMCN53]

Great advices as always Mark. I'll be doing all of those things in 5 weeks traveling to Lofoten -Norway (from Australia) average temp 30-40 deg C!! to Lofoten -2 to -7 deg C. My first experience in the Northern European winter. Cheers!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Enjoy your trip Phil! Sounds like it’ll be a rather chilly, but super rewarding one!

[@andrewkeating8952]

Super video Mark - thanks 🙏

[@spenceford4299]

Thanks for the tips. Went for a drive yesterday through Banff and Jasper national parks. These notes will help me greatly with editing my shots.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Spence Ford Glad to do it Spence!

[@ilesmic]

Nice video-- Just completed an Alaskan Aurora workshop-- First time snow shoeing, dog sled ride and -17F temp-- Fun but so cold.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Michael Iles Sounds like to a of fun and super cold🥶

[@ilesmic]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto It was on both counts-- When I got home my nose was peeling from frost bite.

[@tlewisAK]

Where in Alaska did you go? I live in Fairbanks, and I shoot down to -40F to -50F (raw air temp).

[@ilesmic]

@@tlewisAK It was outside of Fairbanks at Aurora Bear-- I am from the Pacific NW and that was very cold for me

[@merlebecker8417]

Mark - Great video on the essentials of winter photography. Also perfect timing for me. I am "feeling" out some cold weather trips w/i a few months. Would be new experience and video really helps plus some PP tips for old photos. TKS

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Merle Becker Thanks so much and it’s great to hear the video was helpful! Enjoy your upcoming winter trips!

[@orcaspest]

Thank you, great tips and Happy New Year!! 🎊

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

orcaspest Thanks so much and Happy New Year to you as well!

[@orcaspest]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Thank you!! 😊

[@BudBetz]

Thanks Mark! A 2020 start for the New Year! Unless one lives and works in the cold for prolonged periods of time, it's easy to under prepare. Lots of people underestimate cold's effects on themselves!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I know I certainly do from time to time! I’m no warm natured that I often find myself a bit on the chilly side.

[@darkleafpix]

Thanks to help me with my check list!! Going to Lapland this month!! Keep Rockin Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Gio Franco Thanks Gio! Enjoy your trip!

[@Graygeezer]

Thanks for the advice! I’m going above the arctic circle in Norway in Feb-March to try and catch the northern lights. Most timely! Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Gray Geezer Glad to do it Gray and enjoy your trip - sounds amazing!

[@johnmehalick]

We were just out in one of the local parks doing a waterfall. We were dress for the NEPA temperatures. But down by the water, ice, and out of the sunlight. As we setup we really got cold!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I find that’s always the coldest part - after you’re all setup standing around with little movement.

[@PeteMiller]

Related to good hat/head-cover: Make sure you can HEAR reasonable well with your hat. You don't want to miss important sounds (safety first, but also nature at its' finest)!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Pete Miller Very good point Pete👍

[@arthurchen794]

Thanks for your tips, photography babysitter. I will put the silica bags in the food sealing bag tomorrow. :)

[@thijsskip]

Perfect video for this time of year, and a happy new year to you too Mark! Preparing myself for a trip to the Northeastern part of Norway for some wildlife- and (obviously) aurora photography, so this video is just at the right time. My winterboots are from a brand called Sorel, which I would highly recommend for cold temperatures.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks - glad you think so! Enjoy your trip to Norway and thanks for the recommendation on Sorel as well!

[@jeffreylebowski4927]

Hey btw, the reason the camera underexposes snow - or any bright scene is not because "the camera thinks, snow is brighter than it really is", but because the cameras metering system tries expose everything so it becomes medium-grey brightness or 50% brightness on average. The camera has of course no idea what the scene represents, and if it is supposed to meter the entire image it will take full advantage of its dynamic range and usually get the exposure right, by averaging everything and exposing it to get it right in the middle of the histogramm 50% brightness. For bright scenes that means it will underexpose and for dark scenes that means it will overexpose. I really enjoy your videos, thanks and happy new year.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks for sharing the additional information Jeffrey! I hope you and your family have a very Happy New Year!

[@rumtreibbaer]

When shooting in snow I always shoot with expoure control +1, and I have to learn it new every year as for the first shots I forgot it during summer 😉

[@dracphelan]

I experienced a similar, but reversed, problem with my camera when I visited Arkansas in the summer. The air conditioning in my car chilled the camera and lenses enough that it took a couple of hours for them to defog once I was out of the car.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Tim Covington Same thing happens to me almost every time I travel to a tropical climate.

[@traceybartlam5940]

Great video. I’m going to Norway in a couple of weeks 🤞and am nervous of taking snow photos. It’s a once in a lifetime trip and I’m worried I’ll mess up my photos as don’t have much snow photography experience (no processing!) and no chance to practice as in the UK and no snow! I wasn’t sure if I should leave WB on auto but your info about overexposing was useful. My other worry was condensation as we will probably go from outdoors straight into warm transport 😳 I’m now taking extra ziplock bags and keeping everything crossed

[@brrenyborg330]

Happy New Year😊 and thanks for a great video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Børre Nyborg Glad to do it - Happy New Year!

[@gerrymarion6998]

Thanks Mark for this information. I went snowshoeing a few weeks ago, and I was afraid to take my Canon full frame camera. In the future I will keep in mind your helpful tips so I don't ruin my lens and camera.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it Gerry! And many thanks for watching this week’s video!

[@georgee3401]

Great tips. Many thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks George!

[@jameslane3841]

I am loving your UGA cap, go Dawgs

[@lindseymillar8522]

Great info as always. All my best for 2020. Looking forward to another year of great videos!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Lindsey Millar Thanks so much Lindsey! Happy new year to you as well!

[@dm32221]

You have great timing for this video for me. I just went on my first adventure after a great snow fall to shoot winter scenes. I did find the post possessing to be considerably more challenging than expected. You have great advice for shooting in the winter especially taking care of the gear. I am a newbie in photography and just began getting serious this past year and have learned a great deal but, winter shots I had not done yet. I hope the next time out for winter my shots will be better. Happy New Year and I look forward to more great videos and advice.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy New Year to you as well! I’m glad to hear the video was helpful!

[@1spitfirepilot]

Great - some excellent points. Pedantic note: 'simplistic' doesn't mean simple, or nice and simple. It means 'over simple' - it's a criticism!

[@TheMpsmith]

Happy New year. Nice vid. Learned a lot. I live in NM so typically needing gel packs for moisture is not an issue but I can see where condensate could cause problems. I always use the plastic bags. ETTR is pretty common practice. Thanks for all the great info. Mike

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it Michael and Happy New Year to you as well!

[@rlfisher]

Great reminders, and some new ideas, too, before I head to Lofoten Islands in three weeks. Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

rlfisher Enjoy your trip!

[@Jake-ho5ij]

Smart wool socks and asolo boots. Literally my exact cold weather setup that I’ve used in -30 temps in Alaska for northern lights. Color choice man.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Jake 8267 Works great for me as well!

[@davidakoubian3025]

Great tips! Happy New Year.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

David Akoubian Thanks David! Happy New Year to you as well!

[@alchemist_x79]

For the point about condensation, I don't know if this happens for anyone else, but for me, our family drives a CRV hatchback, and I usually put my camera bag in the "trunk" because I can secure it down there so it won't move while I drive. There's no heater in that part of the car, so it only heats up gradually, as the warmer air from the front seat makes it way over the back seat and into the trunk. Seems to work pretty well. At least I never seem to have condensation problems during cold weather when I stow my gear back there. I like the idea about taking ziploc bags along though. I'll remember to stow a few in my camera bag for next time!

[@davidblack2632]

Happy New Yeat. Wishing you the best for 2020. I love the advice for winter photography.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

David Black Thanks David and a very Happy New Year to you as well!

[@MSmith-Photography]

After shooting, I'll put my camera bag in my trunk. In the hour or so journey home, I feel that it gives my camera enough time to warm up slowly. Once I get home, I let my gear sit. I won't copy the photos to my computer until my SD card(s) have had time to warm up.

[@ZhekaKozlov]

Thanks for the video! It's very useful to me since I live in Siberia where we have a very long winter 😄

[@aperturereign5810]

I concur on the Under Armour gear!!!! You wear one of those shirts and you can get away with a fall jacket in cold weather!!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

The best!

[@I5north168]

Happy New Year Mark's

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy New Year to you as well!

[@richritter]

I REALLY need that tee shirt Mark.

[@Pleasestandby]

Awesome video Mark! Winter is my favorite season to photograph and I totally agree with all the tips and gear suggestions! 😊 That trick of switching Lightroom to a white background I didn’t even know about tho, so thanks for sharing that! Happy New Year 🎊

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Please Stand By Many thanks it’s much appreciated! Happy New Year to you as well!

[@Pleasestandby]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Thanks! 😃

[@spyghetti]

Did I spy with my tiny eye a S"ony Walkman Sports"? better have auto-reverse! great tips for winter especially dealing with bringing cold gear into warm temps.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

MJD W Indeed you did! I remember when that was state of the art tech!

[@spyghetti]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto you would think it was to listen to tunes for when you're running, biking or at the beach, but it also served as protection in case you were listening to music in bed during the waterbed era.

[@MeAMuse]

Best glove solution I have found is to use fingerless mittens that also expose the thumb. I find that you can just slip your index finger and your thumb out to control the camera. Mittens specifically keep your fingers warm, and it is quicker to get your finger back up to temp quicker than gloves. I couldn't do the 2 layer gloves thing - I still find it awkward to press buttons with them on.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Dean I’ve actually never went the mitten approach, but might try it out this winter.

[@MeAMuse]

Mark Denney hope it works as good for you as it does for me!

[@dennishollinghurst7220]

Happy New Year. This was a great first video for 2020. Thank you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy New Year to you Dennis! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video - thank you!

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Great advice, and some good tips, will certainly use them on my next outing. Thanks for sharing

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it John! Many thanks for checking out the video

[@cillyede]

Very helpful, danke!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it !

[@alwyng572]

Great tips and very timely as I'm heading off to the French Alps tomorrow. I hadn't even thought about the ziplock bag tip which makes so much sense. What do you do when you change lenses? Just apply the same logic and put them into a ziplock bag and then into your camera bag until later I guess. My Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART lens isn't weather sealed so that's giving me cause for concern as to whether I should even take it with me. Probably too late to expect a reply but thanks again for the video and the advice.

[@janboag8361]

Wow I should have watched this video before I went out today for the field of white flowers that I photographed. Should have changed the ev to brighter. Lesson learned

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for watching Jan - glad the video was helpful👍

[@rogerking8959]

Great tips thank you!

[@davidhendrickson9446]

Happy New Year Mark, Please consider changing your winter glove usage to the following. trailheads.com sells a fingerless / mitten / with a cleaver thumb that you fold back that secures itself with a magnet. It works awesome. The mitten also folds back and secures when not in use. The way you're doing it presents a extra unnecesary step and more bulk. I use to climb mountains and mittens are always warmer than gloves. The reason, your fingers tend to keep each other warm while they are side by side. In a glove each individual finger loses heat through it's covering. Hope this makes sense. David

[@RamazanKamari]

Happy new year.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ramazan Kamari Happy New Years to you as well!

[@JasonRenfrow]

Hi Mark. Another great video. I have a quick question. Can you tell me a little bit about your camera settings when you are filming your vlogs? The color, exposure, etc. are so good. Do you use a soft box of any sort or just natural lighting. In my vlogs I seem to be washed out. Any suggestions?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Jason! I record all my videos in Fuji’s f-log, usually f4 60 SS, 4K 30fps. I saw the biggest difference when I purchased the Aperture 120D with LightDome Mini for lighting.

[@balintk.9373]

Worth mentioning a USB powered lens warmer to avoid condensation on your lens while you are outside shooting in freezing conditions. You can get them for a 15-20 bucks or euros depending on where you live from the internet. I noticed my D500 starts to freeze after 1.5 hours below ~ -8°C. Question for people who do astrophotography in winter: what do you do for hours if you car is not in your vicinity? :D Most of our national parks in Hungary are protected areas so you cannot just drive in and park your car, even if you have the roads. Most of the time I need to hike to get to my location no matter what kind of weather we have.

[@johnsholian4318]

Happy New Year Mark! Thanks for the link to those Valleret gloves. I’ve been looking for something that has the foldable fingertips and those look perfect. Winter shooting is probably my least favorite time because of how wet it gets in the Willamette valley and because it’s usually flat grey light that we have to deal with for a few months. Tough to get motivated in those conditions...

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy New Year to you John! Yeah it’s tough sometimes when you get those grey conditions day after day.

[@nicola6323]

Speaking of car, I’m soooo happy to have an auxiliary heating system in my car. Get's super warm very quickly! 🤗

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Nicola Indeed! Good stuff for sure!

[@joannahiattkim3680]

helpful, Mark, thanks! Happy New Year!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Joanna! Happy New Year to you as well!

[@jeffselfphotography3066]

I'd much rather shoot in the winter than summer. The summer is just too green and there is too much vegetation to see anything. Just picked up a few of the items you recommended.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Jeff Self Photography Same here Jeff! I find Summer to be the most difficult from a creative perspective.