Winter Photography Ideas

Sometimes the best photo ops are right in front of you. When you're curled up in front of the hearth, don't forget to snap this quintessential symbol of Winter.

Harsh weather can produce graphically interesting patterns worthy of a photo op.

Even the most mundane streets take on a festive gregariousness around the holidays. Find your favorite light-scape, and pick a few unusual angles to snap.

When the ground is blanketed in snow, the countryside takes on an entirely new personality. Even on a road frequently traveled, take some time to reacquaint yourself with its new seasonal look.

Don't let your holiday decorating efforts go undocumented. Since holiday decor often involves candles or Christmas tree lights, the shadow and light play can create a great photo.

Whether it's a road trip to your favorite tree farm or your family gathering in the kitchen to prepare a feast, some of the best subjects aren't necessarily the finished product. Get some candids of your holiday in the making.

I will be practicing my soup-making skills this Winter, so among all the simmering and stewing, I plan to immortalize my creations. There's something so inviting about a bowl of steaming soup.

Channel your inner fashion photographer, and take some magazine-worthy images of your glitziest holiday and New Year's Eve party accessories. The party animal in you may not be contained, but all that sparkle deserves to be captured.

Your nail art took hours of painstaking painting, so snap a few shots of your darling digits!

They are so elegant, delicate, and beautiful — don't pass up an opportunity to memorialize Winter's icicles before they melt away!

If your pet loves the snow, capture them enjoying the fluffy white stuff. A puffy coat helps, of course.

Your ski trip offers a myriad of photo ops: from high atop the mountain or fireside, après-ski at the lodge.

Some folks leave up their Christmas lights all year, but they aren't nearly as festive in June as they are this time of year. These twinkly lights at dusk are particularly pretty.

The symbol of celebratory gatherings, Champagne gets me in the spirit for Winter parties, even in still, photographic form.

Those boots were made for walking, so take to the snow-covered trails and remember to stop for a photo op. A solitary footprint on a carpet of snow can make for a striking image.

An empty, snow-blanketed street translates to a hauntingly beautiful photo.

Slip on those comfy Uggs or Sorels, and snap a pic of your snuggly Winter footwear.

The centerpiece in a Christmas decoration spread, the tree is not to be forgotten!

Whether your choice is coffee, cocoa, or a hot toddy, a mug of something warming and delicious makes the frigid weather bearable.

Against the primarily white and green landscape, red Winter berries are so festive and eye-popping!

Lush Spring foliage is an obvious photo op, but I love the negative space created by leaf-free trees. They are both graceful and stark at the same time.

If your Winter plans involve travel, be sure to take in the sights and capture any lovely holiday decorations you find during your explorations.

If you're lucky enough to spend part of your Winter in a rustic setting, make good use of your cozy cabin in the snow! Those warm wood tones are a sharp contrast to the whites and blues of the chilly landscape.

Summer beaches may play host to the majority of sunset photo ops, but don't discount the power of a snow-crusted setting. The ice reflects the brilliant colors of the sky, making it appear that you got two sunsets for the price of one.

You spent months picking out the perfect presents and nearly that much time wrapping them. Capture your efforts before your loved ones destroy the evidence.

And let us not forget your Elf on the (fill in the blank). Let's hope he's a nice — vs. naughty — member of elfkind.