Photographing Bare Trees In Winter

Image by David Clapp

Winter is the perfect time to photograph trees in a different season to the norm. Their bare branches can create intricate patterns, and the lack of leaves give a better feel of the shape and form of a tree. Here are some top ideas for photographing trees in the winter:

Groups/ lines

Photographing a group of trees, say in a forest or lining the side of a canal, can be made all the more atmospheric in the winter. Try changing your perspective, for example crouch down to give the trees a more overbearing feel and play around with angles, too. Looking up at a group of bare trees will give you a web-like canopy which when exposed correctly against the sky can create a great macro image. 

Single trees

Single trees, when photographed against a pleasing background can make for really striking images. Their shapes, especially if the tree is warped in some way, can create really provoking images. Try silhouetting the tree against the sky to emphasise the bare knobbly branches whilst capturing the beauty of a sunset. 

Macro close up shots

Trees will all have unique patterns in the bark, and textures on the branches of trees that make them great candidates fo close up photography. On smaller saplings and young trees you'll be able to get much closer to the top branches without having to climb far. Trees that dangle their branches like willows can also make close-up photography easier. As the trees start to grow their new leaves, the buds can make great macro shots too. 

Sun through the trees

Photographing sunbeams through the trees can be a great success in the winter as there is more opportunity for the beams to filter through the bare branches. The air has to be slightly misty for this to work to its fullest, giving the beams something to reflect off. This works in medium density areas of forest - too few trees and the beams won't form, too many and they won't break through the branches properly. Lighting can change quickly, so make sure you work swiftly to capture the effect.

Frosty or snowy trees 

When it's cold, snow, ice and frost can add a new element to your photos. Whether you choose to shoot groups of trees, or macro shots of frost on the branches, a really white frost will give a fairytale-like feel to your images.