Shutter velocity for falling snow – Tom Bol Pictures, LLC

I really like photographing in snowstorms.  Atmospherics are a very good factor for pictures, they add temper and graphic qualities to a picture.  You have heard the saying….’dangerous climate is nice climate’ in the case of pictures.  We simply bought 4 inches of contemporary snow the opposite day right here in Alaska, and the falling snow seemed like a dream exterior our window.  Just the right sized snowflakes lazily falling within the boreal forest…gorgeous!

But there is a vital query to ask whenever you {photograph} falling snow…what shutter velocity to make use of, and the way do you need to render the snow?  The reply is subjective.  First, take into account a number of issues when taking pictures snow.  How laborious is it snowing, and the way large are the snowflakes?  Is the wind rising the speed of the snowflakes?  How lengthy is your focal size…600mm or 24mm?  How a lot gentle do you could have?

I’ve seen multiple upset photographer after they have a look at their ‘snowing’ photos.  Why?  Generally it’s as a result of they weren’t taking pictures quick sufficient.  As a rule of thumb, I prefer to shoot at 1/1000 or quicker to freeze falling snow and provides it that diamond look. You might need to shoot quicker in a windy blizzard or utilizing a protracted telephoto lens…I usually shoot 1/2000 or quicker.  Look at this picture above from Japan….shot at 1/2000 to create sharp snowflakes.

You may need blurry snowflakes for different photos.  Here is a snowshoeing shot at 1/100.  Blurry flakes match the tender forest and tranquil high quality of the picture.

Loads of instances low gentle is a problem.  Last fall in Denali we had an unbelievable moose encounter throughout a snowstorm, however the gentle was actually low. To shoot at 1/1600 for sharper snowflakes I had to make use of an ISO of 5600.  Always higher to make use of the ISO you want and get a loud picture somewhat than use decrease ISO with too gradual of shutter velocity and get a blurry shot.

Winter is right here, and if snow is in your forecast, prepare.  Photographing in snowstorms is magical.  Just keep in mind to ask your self the way you need the snow to look within the ultimate picture, and ensure your shutter is appropriate for that impact!