Winter is one of the best times to capture magical photos. Snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, and crisp air create great photography opportunities. Combining a winter photo walk with night photography can give you wonderful results.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, I never miss a chance to join a Photo Walk whenever the opportunity arises. Recently, I participated in a winter Photo Walk on a cloudy December day. The walk began with the soft, natural light of the afternoon, providing good conditions for capturing the winter landscape. As the day progressed, we photographed the sunset by the river. As darkness fell, we transitioned to night photography, experimenting with different settings and techniques, including a few long-exposure shots.
In this blog, we’ll share simple tips on camera gear, settings, accessories, and how to make the most of your winter photo walk.
Why Winter and Night Photography Are Amazing
- Unique Lighting: Winter lights and reflections create dramatic effects.
- Snowy Details: Fresh snow adds texture and softness to your images.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Fewer people around give you uninterrupted shots.
Best Cameras and Lenses for Winter Night Photography
The right camera and lens make a big difference. Here are our top picks:
| Camera | Why It’s Great | Best Use |
| Nikon Z6 II | Great low-light performance, full-frame sensor | Landscapes, street photography |
| Sony A7 III | Compact, excellent for night photography | Long exposures, portraits |
| Canon EOS R10 | Lightweight and affordable | Beginners, night cityscapes |
| Lens | Why It’s Great | Best Use |
| Nikon Z 24-200mm | Versatile zoom for wide and close shots | Landscapes, light trails |
| Nikon 50mm f/1.8 | Great in low light, creates bokeh | Portraits, glowing lights |
| Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 | Lightweight prime lens with sharp focus | General night photography |
| Canon EF35mm f/2 is USM | versatile, compact, and lightweight wide-angle lens, | Portraits, glowing lights |
Note: for the Photo Walk I joined in, I used my Nikon Z 5 camera and my Nikon Z 24-200 mm and Nikon 50 mm f/1.8 DLSR lens connected to a Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter (FTZ adapter is needed to used F mount lenses on a Z mount camera)
Camera Settings for Winter and Night Shots
Getting the right settings is essential for sharp, vibrant images.
| Setting | Recommendation | Why It Works |
| Mode | Manual (M) | Full control over exposure |
| ISO | Start at 800; increase to 1600–3200 if needed | Handles low light without much noise |
| Aperture | Wide (f/1.8–f/2.8) for portraits, f/8–f/11 for landscapes | Adjusts depth of field |
| Shutter Speed | 1/10–1/30 sec for handheld, 5–10 sec for long exposures | Captures enough light |
| White Balance | Auto or Cloudy | Keeps snow colors natural |
| Focus | Manual or Single-Point Autofocus | Ensures sharp focus on subjects |
Accessories for Winter Photo Walks
Winter conditions can be challenging for your gear. Here are some must-have accessories:
| Accessory | Why You Need It |
| Tripod | Essential for long-exposure night shots. |
| Lens Hood | Protects against snowflakes and glare. |
| Extra Batteries | Batteries drain faster in cold weather. |
| Gloves with Finger Access | Keeps your hands warm while adjusting settings. |
| Microfiber Cloth | Wipes snow or condensation off your lens. |
Ideas for Winter Night Shots
- Capture Snowy Rivers
- Look for ice skaters on frozen rivers.
- Use a wide lens like the Nikon Z 24-200mm to include buildings and snow-covered trees.
My Settings: 1st photo : lens: 24-200 mm, f/6.3 , 1/250 sec. ; 2nd photo : lens: 24-200 mm, f/2.8, 1/200 sec.
- Focus on Bokeh Effects
- Use the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 for sharp subjects with blurred, glowing backgrounds.
- Set aperture to f/1.8 to create dreamy lights.
My settings: 1st photo: lens : 24-200 mm , f/6.3, 1/50 sec. ; 2nd photo: lens : 50 mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec.
- Shoot Reflections
- Find icy puddles or bridge reflecting in the river water.
My settings: 1st photo: lens : 50mm, f/2.8, 1/80 sec. ; 2nd photo: lens : 24-200 mm f/6.3, 1/50 sec.
- Light Trails
- Use long exposures to capture car light trails against a snowy city.
- Phot below is set to 0.6 seconds and mount your camera on a tripod or put your camera on top of something stable to keep it from shaking.
My settings: 1st photo: lens : 50mm, f/11, .60 sec.
Tips for a Successful Winter Photo Walk
- Dress Warmly
- Layer up with warm clothing and waterproof boots.
- Plan Your Walk
- Choose spots with good lighting like parks, city squares, or holiday markets.
- Check the Weather
- Avoid heavy snow or strong winds that may affect visibility.
- Protect Your Gear
- Use a camera bag with a rain cover and avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent condensation.
Definitions of Terms Used
Here are simple definitions for key photography terms:
1. Aperture
- The opening in a lens that lets in light.
- Measured in f-stops (e.g., f/1.8, f/8).
- Smaller f-stop numbers mean more light and shallow depth of field (blurred background).
2. ISO
- Controls the camera’s sensitivity to light.
- Lower ISO (100–200): Best for bright conditions.
- Higher ISO (800–3200): Needed for low light but may cause noise (grain).
3. Shutter Speed
- The time the camera’s shutter is open to let in light.
- Fast shutter (1/500 sec): Freezes motion.
- Slow shutter (5 sec): Captures motion like light trails.
4. Bokeh
- The soft, blurred background in a photo.
- Achieved by using a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8).
5. White Balance
- Adjusts the color tones in your photo.
- Auto: Adapts to changing light.
- Cloudy: Adds warmth to winter scenes.
6. Long Exposure
- A technique using a slow shutter speed to capture motion, like light trails or flowing water.
- Requires a tripod to keep the camera steady.
7. Nikon F mount, Z mount lenses and FTZ adapter
- F mount – lenses for Nikon DLSR cameras
- Z mount – lenses for Nikon mirrorless cameras
- FTZ adapter –Enables the use of Nikon F-mount lenses on Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras
Conclusion
A winter photo walk combined with night photography is a rewarding experience. With the right camera gear, proper settings, and essential accessories, you can capture the beauty of winter’s glow.
Whether you’re shooting light trails, snowy streets, or reflections, every shot tells a story. So bundle up, grab your camera, and start exploring the world of winter photography!
Did you enjoy these tips? Share your favorite winter night photos in the comments below!
“In the winter, the stars seem closer, the landscape quieter, and the light softer — all inviting the photographer to capture the magic.” – Ansel Adam
