Chasing winter light: a guide to snow photography

Banff-based photographer Will Lambert spends his days chasing light across Canada’s mountain peaks. An award-winning action and adventure specialist, his lens captures everything from high-speed ski runs to quiet moments in the snow.

I remember the first time I tried shooting in a blizzard in Banff National Park, my lens iced over, my fingers froze, and I thought, “Is this even possible?” Growing up in Sheffield, snow always felt like something from Christmas films rather than real life. My family spent weekends hiking the Yorkshire hills or exploring the Lake District and Scotland – rain, muddy boots and cake wrapped in tin foil. Both my grandfather and father were avid photographers, and evenings were spent gathered around a projector to relive their images. That spark first drew me to photography – capturing the feeling of a place, not just its appearance.

My first serious photography adventure began in the Austrian Alps, combining my love of mountains, skiing, and storytelling. In 2016, I moved to Canada, where the Rockies’ winters stretch over 200 days. I had to learn to embrace the cold and the unpredictability, and discover the beauty in snow’s simplicity. Over the years, I’ve learned a few key lessons that make snow photography both challenging and rewarding.

Why I love snow photography 

A snowy world feels like a blank page. Landscapes I’ve photographed countless times suddenly transform under snow, sculpted by light and shadow. There’s a stillness to winter that allows you to slow down and really see. My passion for skiing and photography combine perfectly here: it feels alive and creative to chase light through fresh powder or capture a turn in untouched snow. Frozen fingers, fogged lenses and bright midday glare are part of the experience – but it’s that balance between discomfort and beauty that makes snow photography so fulfilling.

Chase the golden hours

There’s something magical about shooting snow during the blue and golden hours – just before sunrise or after sunset. Soft pastel tones wash the landscape in pink, purple and gold, with snow acting like a giant reflector. Some of my favourite mornings have been spent standing in the stillness of Banff, watching first light brush the peaks. Try setting your white balance to Shade or tweak the Kelvin temperature to bring out warmth in cool tones. It’s worth the early alarm – those fleeting minutes create almost dreamlike images.

Expose to the bright side

Snow can fool your camera’s light meter, resulting in dull grey images. I almost always overexpose by +1 EV, sometimes +2 in heavy snow or overcast conditions, keeping whites crisp and true to how the eye sees them. Check your histogram to avoid blown highlights and always shoot in RAW – it gives flexibility to adjust tones without losing snow’s natural brilliance.

Gear care in the cold

Cold weather affects both you and your gear. Batteries drain quickly, so I carry spares in an inside pocket. Lenses fog when moving from cold to warm, so I let cameras acclimate slowly in my bag. Simple covers – even a plastic bag – can save your gear in heavy snow. I learned this the hard way at Sunshine Village in Banff: condensation almost ruined an afternoon’s shoot. Since then, careful preparation has saved countless shoots. Keep a microfiber cloth handy and always store lenses in sealed bags when moving between temperatures.

Foreground and contrast

Snow can make scenes look flat. I rely on trees, rocks, shadows or people to anchor the frame and provide depth. Scout for a dark element to break up white expanses. A lone tree, a hiker or a shadow stretching across fresh snow can transform a simple scene into a compelling composition. This is one of my favourite examples: a silhouette tree against rolling snow dunes – minimal yet striking.

Soft light over harsh sun

Overcast days are perfect for photographing wildlife or landscapes. Soft even light reduces harsh shadows and highlights subtle textures in snow, fur or feathers. I let the snow act as a natural reflector or find shaded areas to diffuse harsh sun. Cloudy conditions are ideal for capturing details and subtle textures without harsh contrast. This gentle light keeps every detail visible, producing intimate, lifelike images while maintaining the quiet winter mood.

Motion and atmosphere

Capturing skiing or snowboarding adds energy and story to a scene. While watching a skier carve powder or a snowboarder catch air, I shoot at very fast shutter speeds (1/2000s+) and use Burst mode to freeze every flying snowflake and turn. Use fast shutter speeds to capture action crisply and Burst mode to catch the perfect peak-action frame. The result transforms a simple run into a vivid story of speed, skill and exhilaration, letting viewers feel the rush of the mountain firsthand.

Make the most of minimalism

Longer focal lengths (100mm+) allow me to isolate subjects, textures and light. Compressing the scene highlights contrast, patterns and subtle textures that would otherwise be lost in wide shots. Shadows become sharper, lines cleaner and shapes more graphic. Focus on one element per frame to create strong minimalist compositions. A lone peak shrouded in cloud, a trail in powder or a skier on a slope gains focus for a visually compelling scene.

Tell a winter story

I often think in sequences: gearing up, hiking, reaching a summit and returning. Series like this let viewers experience the journey – the effort, the challenges, the awe. Sequencing frames works brilliantly in Popsa Photo Books, where coherent visual narratives shine. Small details – footprints in fresh snow, a steaming cup of coffee – help convey a complete story. Approach shoots as interconnected moments rather than isolated images.

Snow photography is challenging but deeply rewarding. Every flake, shadow and texture offers a new perspective. Get out there, experiment and don’t be afraid to break the rules. Explore your surroundings, play with light and capture both details and landscapes. You can see more of my winter work in my galleries, and for behind-the-scenes glimpses, seasonal shoots and real-time adventures, follow me on Instagram @WJLPhoto. I can’t wait to see the snowy stories you capture!