Winter is arguably one of the prettiest seasons in Maine. From frosted lakes to white-capped mountains, there’s natural beauty in every corner of the state.
Capturing that beauty on camera can be a challenge. From arctic conditions to improper gear, getting that perfect shot can be difficult if you don’t prepare correctly.
That’s not the case for freelance photographer and Maine native Jamie Walter. As an avid skier, surfer and outdoor enthusiast, Walter finds himself at home in nature.
)
Specializing in action, adventure and landscape photography, Walter has shot some of Maine's premier ski resorts since 2013. His work captivates an audience in the ski industry, and beyond.
His passion for the outdoors and photography started at a young age while making home movies on a Canon ZR80 Mini-DV camcorder. While his equipment may have changed, his keen eye remains. Turning his passion into a career, Walter has learned a lot of lessons along the way. He shares some of that advice and his tips on snapping the perfect winter picture with Spectrum News Maine.
In your opinion, what is different about shooting photographs in the winter vs. the summer, fall or spring?
There is definitely something special about shooting photos in the winter time. After a fresh snowfall, landscapes are covered in this perfectly clean, blank canvas that can’t be replicated any other time of year. The sun is also lower in the sky here in Maine, which creates nicer light for longer periods of time.
For someone who has never picked up a camera before, what is your top piece of advice for shooting in colder temperatures?
Always be prepared for the cold. I can’t recommend a two-glove system enough — a thick pair of mittens or gloves with another thinner pair of liners underneath. That way when you need to fiddle with buttons or dials on a camera, your hands are still protected by the liners, but then you can warm your hands back up inside the thicker pair when needed.
What are the do's and don'ts for shooting in the winter?
Do: Pack an extra layer even if you don’t think you need it, bring hand warmers, a headlamp, and snacks. There is less daylight (and more darkness) during the winter months, so you want to be prepared in case it gets dark on you and the temps start dropping.
Don’t: Wear clothes that are prone to getting wet — try to avoid moisture at all costs! Also, when you return home after shooting in the cold, make sure to leave your camera inside your camera bag while it warms up to avoid condensation by pulling out the cold body and lens in a warm house. Either that, or wrap your camera in a towel.
What makes a good starter pack for winter photography?
I always make sure to bring spare batteries with me when adventuring out for winter photo missions. I also always have extra packs of hand warmers stashed in my bag, because my hands tend to get super cold really quick. Along with all the things mentioned above!
For those who want to take their photography to the next level, what is something you'd recommend trying?
Pay attention to the details around you. Snow can create some amazing textures, patterns and shapes. Take time to analyze the scene you are trying to capture, find an area that suits the shot you see and get creative with finding something nice and clean.
Do you have any tricks to ensure your camera battery doesn't die mid-shoot?
If you are worried about battery life in the cold, you can always take your camera battery out when you are not shooting and stick it in an internal pocket near your body to keep it warm. I always carry spare batteries just in case. Thankfully modern camera batteries still do pretty well in cold temperatures.
What is your favorite kind of winter setting to photograph?
Definitely fresh snow or trees covered in rime ice in the mountains. There’s something so peaceful and beautiful about the stillness of a snowy mountain landscape. I also love when I find these scenes where I can also include a skier.
Do you have a favorite picture that you captured during winter?
My all-time favorite winter photo I’ve taken is a photograph of the Milky Way over Katahdin that I shot in March 2018. It’s my favorite for a few reasons — I got so lucky with good conditions to shoot that photo and put in a ton of effort to make it happen. Sixteen miles of hiking into Baxter State Park to get to Chimney Pond cabin, waking up at midnight to hike the mountain in the dark, spending a few hours on Hamlin Ridge in 10º weather at the photo location. Baxter State Park is a really special place for me personally and the memories I associate with that picture also makes it my favorite. To my knowledge, nobody has ever taken that photo before and knowing it's unique means a lot too.
View Walter’s portfolio or purchase prints on his website, or follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.