Snowed in for a day at Keldy Forest - tips for snow photography

Keldy Forest
Nikon D800E 16-35 f4

We spent the weekend in Keldy Forest in North Yorkshire. Having driven there in driving snow by Saturday morning it was so deep that the road was closed. This was very exciting for the kids. From my perspective I had a camera and a tripod and was hoping to capture some minimalist and dramatic snowscapes.

Keldy Forest
D800E 70-200 f2.8

Photographing the open spaces that are accentuated by the snow is of course an exposure challenge and some of the images here were shot 3 stops overexposed, with the snow being a great minimaliser. The forest itself was stunning with some of the tree trunks covered in patches of snow.

Beware walking on soft snow that has fallen on ground that is not frozen. I have heard of photographers getting stuck in mud under deep snow, and falling, thereby dropping their gear, and cameras do not like a bath in snow.

Keldy Forest
Nikon D800E 16-35 f4

Beware the cold reducing battery power and therefore make sure you have enough with you.

Be aware that the exposure is difficult and therefore check your histogram or bracket - in general add light.

Make sure your tripod is steady. This can be difficult in deep soft snow that has fallen on soft ground. The only tip I have is to push the tripod legs into the snow and ensure it is steady before you expose the shot.

Keldy Forest
Nikon D800E 16-35 f4

Remember that walking in deep snow is tiring and so be aware how far you are going and do not allow yourself to become so engrossed in the beauty of the landscape to forget where you are and what you are doing.

If you have any further tips please let me know them.