Snow And Ice Abstracts With Tamron Lenses

Photos by David Clapp

As it gets colder outside, there will be ample opportunity to head out and shoot frost and ice as well as the possibility of some snow, all of which can make great abstract photos. 

A macro lens will be ideal for this but you can also use a standard lens and set the camera to macro mode for some good effects. To get the most out of bokeh backgrounds, a wide aperture is ideal. The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 lens will be a fantastic choice for this. Frost can only really be appreciated when zoomed in on to capture the beauty of the small structures.

When is best?

Dawn shooting will be ideal, if you can get up as the sun rises, then you increase your chances of capturing some great shots before the sun melts the frost and ice. Use the sun as it comes up to create the best lighting effects for your subject, changing the angle to best compliment your abstract. 

What makes the shot really pop?

Formations of frost, and leaves frozen in the ice can add interest to an abstract shot, and so too can long grasses or plants sticking out of the snow. A great place to look for patterns in frost is the humble car. depending on the conditions in which the frost formed, swirly, spiky patterns can be observed, and whether you prefer these on the glass of your windows or the paintwork of your car to add some colour, some great abstract work can be achieved. 

Reservoirs, lakes, rivers and mountains (if you are lucky enough to live near them) are good as colder night time temperatures occur where water is present. Look for frost covered reeds, branches and places where water splashes as these can be ideal places for icicles and other shapes to form.

If you don't want to venture far, some great abstracts can be captured in your back garden. Look for frost on ironwork, icy shed windows or frozen bird bath/pond water. Even frost on the grass can present some great opportunities and of course, don't forget the classic spider web. Captured against a plain fence or even with a nice bokeh background if you're lucky enough to find one with a bit of space behind it, the intricacy of these structures makes for fantastic abstracts.