Help me work out my shyness with winter light

[jay moussy]

I seem to be very shy about dealing with winter light.
My 135 and 620/120 format B&W tools are ready (and maybe DSLR), but somehow I do not seem to know how to approach the winter light, here in New England, in an area where there is usually not much snow.

Beside just effin' doing it, putting a coat on and stepping out with gear, what can I do to change my thinking?

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Winter light is the best. You answered your question yourself. Just get out and do it.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Advance film slowly in cold weather because advancing quickly can cause static discharge which messes up the negative.

 

[osella]

I love the winter light, there it’s just lower intensity light so you may need faster film or a tripod. A lot of scenes(for me anyway) tend to have a lower contrast range so you might just have to develop the film a little longer.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

It's often a diffuse light as well. Shoot what works with the light and not trying to make the light work where it doesn't. Or experiment if that's your thing. Enjoy.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Hi Jay, I prefer winter light. Everyone and his cat and the phone crowd take pictures in cheerful summer sunny conditions. I think of winter as requiring a more deliberate and contemplative approach. Take the appropriate insulated clothes, your 120 or 620 equipment, cable release, and tripod, and go record your world. Use the softer light to your advantage. Cheers!

 

[MattKing]

Winter light is often less directional than light at other times of the year.
This was shot in mid-February:

 

[jvo]

commit to going out - allow yourself to screw up every shot! it's no biggy!

then be surprised when you realize you made mistakes, but got one really, really, good one!

 

[MartinCrabtree]

Sometimes the mistakes make for a wonderful photograph. Shoot the frames and develop.

 

[brian steinberger]

Winter light is often less directional than light at other times of the year.
This was shot in mid-February:
View attachment 261943

Fantastic !!

 

[Auer]

Winter for me is pocketable cameras and fast films.
Seek out contrast where you can, or go all opposite and look for the greys.

 

[Pentode]

I've always liked the low angles of winter sun, personally. I've shot some of my favorite stuff in winter.

As the others mentioned, wear warm clothing, especially shoes and socks, and be gentle with your gear. Cold weather not only causes static discharge, it also causes lubricants to stiffen up a bit so treat your camera gently and don't force anything. I've found that a lot of modern batteries perform poorly in the cold as well so consider all mechanical cameras and light meters that can be kept in a pocket to keep warm. I've had several experiences with electronically controlled shutters not working in the cold and I believe that the issue was not the camera's electronics but, rather, the battery being unable to provide enough current in low temperatures. If you do end up needing to rely on a battery, bring backups and keep them warm.

At the end of the day, the only obstacle you have is you. Just load up a camera and go for a walk!

 

[DWThomas]

I've always liked the low angles of winter sun ...

Yes! I often find myself in the eastern US mountains, but far less often in the winter months, and am amazed at the effects of low sun angles on bare trees and rocks.

"Mysterious Path"
(Along Skyline Drive through Shenandoah NP in late November)

 

[guangong]

Winter light is the best light. Summer light is often just too harsh, and light can be high, all resulting in harsh pictures.
The answer to your problem has already been answered. Just get out and experiment with your film, camera, and processing. Each photographer must find his own path