Home
>
Photography
>
The Well-Dressed Photographer - Winter

The Well-Dressed Photographer - Winter

Some of the best images can be captured during the winter months, so don't let the cold stop you. For the best photography experience, wear clothing that will keep you comfortable and safe.

Dressing in layers and choosing clothes made of suitable materials are the best ways to fight cold weather. Layers allow you to quickly add or subtract clothing to adapt to the varying climate, your activity level and tolerance to the environment. Selecting clothes made of certain materials will maximize the layers' effectiveness.

Layering fundamentals

It starts with a good "first layer"? the clothing next to your skin. Moisture from perspiration or precipitation will lower your body temperature, making you feel cold, if left next to your skin. Appropriate first layers wick away that moisture, leaving your skin dry and warm. They are made of natural materials such as silk or wool, or synthetic materials, such as polypropylene. These materials are traded under a variety of brand names. Cabela's has a good selection right here.

Thermal underwear designed specifically for the cold weather comes in three weights: light, mid and expedition weight. Choose the one that best fits your activity and tolerance. Don't use first layers made of cotton or cotton-blend. While comfortable, they are risky to use since they don't dry quickly, and you will get cold.

The second layer serves as the insulating layer, and holds the heat your body produces to keep you warm. It also should be made of a material that wicks and dries quickly, because the first layer will wick wetness to the second layer. The second layer is often a sweater or light jacket made of wool or synthetic materials such as fleece. REI Outlet carries many products that will fit the bill. Visit REI here. Goose down is an effective, lightweight insulator, but it won't keep you warm if it gets wet.

Since the second layer uses an open weave to allow moisture to evaporate and to trap the warm air, you also must use an outer layer for it to be effective. This layer ? usually a jacket or parka ? prevents the warmth from escaping and keeps the wind, rain or snow out. Some outer layers have insulating properties added for the coldest weather, but they are more versatile if they don't. The best outer layers are made with a waterproof and breathable material, such as "Gore Tex" or similar fabric. Check the assortment at Sierra Trading Post here.

While rubber and plastic also are waterproof, you want a breathable fabric so that the moisture wicked from the first layer through the second layer can evaporate and you don't feel clammy. You can save a bit of money on this layer by choosing a "water resistant" instead of a waterproof jacket. Water resistant material will ward off a light rain, and since you rarely will shoot in a downpour, it should be sufficient.

New technical materials, often used in "soft shell" jackets or pants, combine the insulating and wind/water resistance layers into one. Some fleece has wind resistant properties. They add convenience and eliminate bulk, but generally perform at a lower level than the prime items. Campmor carries these items: here

Protect your head, hands and feet

Cold hands can be a big impediment to your photography. Glove liners are thin gloves that work like other first layers. They also protect your fingers from direct contact with the cold when you remove your bulky gloves to handle your gear. Add a second layer of gloves made of wool or synthetic materials to retain heat and resist cold and wind. If these gloves are fingerless, you will have better access to camera controls. Look for fingerless gloves with a flap that can be pulled over your fingers to keep them as warm as mittens would, which gives you the best of both worlds. You can find a pair at Sierra Trading Post here.

Another important piece of gear is head protection. Although it's no longer thought that you lose most of your heat through your head, you should still protect it. Choose something made of the materials recommended above. Like your other clothes, if you add a wind resistant layer, such as the hood from your jacket, you'll be even warmer.

Wet, cold feet can ruin an outing. Avoid this by using socks made of wicking material that dries quickly and retains heat when wet, similar to the materials described above. Thick socks generally will be warmer, unless they make your shoes so tight that the blood flow to your feet is constricted. Eastern Mountain Sports offers a good selection here.

Many shoes/boots have a Gore Tex liner to keep water out and to let your perspiration escape. Less expensive and somewhat less effective shoes/boots have a waterproof treatment that must be reapplied after some use. This treatment, however, inhibits the breath ability of the leather. Snow boots add an insulating layer and use rubber materials to keep snow and water out. Fit your shoes/boots so that your toes have some wiggle room to keep your blood circulating.

In the most severe conditions, add face protection with a face mask, a baklava, or a neck gaiter. And never forget the sunscreen. Snow reflecting the sun's rays will intensify your UV exposure, even on cloudy days.

All of these clothes retain the heat you make. Some nifty gear can add to your warmth. Place chemical packs in your gloves, a pocket, or your boots that get warm when exposed to oxygen. REI has these items here. Also look for boots, socks and gloves that are battery heated. Check the products at Cozy Winters here.

Dress well to enjoy winter shooting

Your body's first mission is to protect its vital organs, such as your heart and lungs. If cold, your blood vessels will constrict in your arms and legs, reducing flow to them and leaving fingers and toes susceptible to frostbite. Keep all of your body parts covered with clothing designed to battle the cold. Being the well-dressed photographer will keep you shooting safely and comfortably throughout the winter season.

--- ABOUT THE AUTHOR ---

Carolyn Wright is a professional photographer with an active wildlife photography business. Shooting for 25 years, her award-winning images have been used in books and corporate marketing materials. Her photos will be included in the upcoming book, "Captivating Wildlife - Images from the Top Ten Emerging Wildlife Photographers" by Scott Bourne and David Middleton. She also is working with Scott Bourne on "Wolfscapes," a photo book documenting the beauty and strength of wolves. Her wildlife images can be viewed at http://www.vividwildlife.com

On the faculty of Olympic Mountain School of Photography, Carolyn's passion is enhanced when teaching photography. She enjoys writing and speaking on the subject, as well, and is a regular columnist for PhotoFocus, an online magazine for serious photographers.

shuttle from O'Hare Bingham .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Attackers use caller ID spoofing and AI voices to steal money. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides seven ways to protect yourself.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about the Genesis GV60 MIV, an electric rescue EV with snow tracks for extreme missions.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you ensure a smooth online experience with a reliable, secure home network setup.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about Vollebak’s Shielding Suit, which blocks EM radiation, infrared and tracking for privacy.

Even Apple products are vulnerable to cybercriminals, and a new report suggests the owners of Mac products will have to be more vigilant this year.

An inflatable six-person tiny house from a firm called 2001 looks like a space station with its inflatable dome that is transportable and eco-friendly.

Scams cost Americans an estimated $159 billion every year and average about $3,500 in losses per victim. The CyberGuy has advice to protect yourself.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Zeekr and Waymo are joining forces for the world's first mass-produced autonomous vehicle, combining an electric vehicle with self-driving technology.

A humanoid robot training center has opened in Shanghai, a big step in China's efforts to become a global leader in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Security experts have discovered that hackers are targeting apps on the App Store to spread malware that steals information from saved screenshots.

A new luxury SUV combines military-inspired design and high-end luxury transportation and includes two military-grade gas masks to protect against chemical warfare.

80% of stalking victims are tracked using tech. GPS trackers, like AirTags, are among the most popular ways to do it. Here's how to protect yourself.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to protect yourself against artificial intelligence-fueled romance scams, which have become the most common type of fraud in 2025.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the steps to declutter text messages on a Mac or iPad. Apple offers ways to do this more efficiently.

Here's how to take control of the algorithms on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok if your social media feeds aren't showing you content you want to see.

Beware of iCloud scams using urgent messages. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you spot the red flags to protect yourself.

Travel abroad worry-free with these top translation apps for travelers. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson highlights some favorites.

The European Space Agency's Euclid space telescope was going through preliminary tests in September 2023 when it captured images of an Einstein Ring in a nearby galaxy.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says hackers are using Microsoft Teams for phishing, vishing and quishing via social engineering.

Red light camera tickets: Not liable to ID the driver; some are fishing expeditions. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you fight back against tricky fake tickets.

The apps collecting the most data about you are among the most widely used. Kurt the CyberGuy takes a look at 20 of these apps and how you can protect personal information.

AST SpaceMobile of Texas is developing the world's first global cellular broadband network that can connect directly to your smartphone without special equipment.

Community Health Center, a Connecticut-based healthcare provider, has disclosed a recent data breach affecting over 1 million people in the U.S.