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Photographing ice and Winter Close-ups

As autumn’s colours fade and winter takes hold, many photographers find themselves stuck for inspiration, or tempted to stay indoors to stay warm and cosy! But winter offers unique opportunities for creativity, especially when the landscape freezes over for abstract ice and macro photography.

Having just completed a long term Voigtlander 65mm f/2 Macro Apo-Lanthar Review it struck me that the pictures of ice and winter abstracts could help inspire you to wrap up warm and head out to make your own images!

The intricate patterns of glistening frost, and frozen textures are just waiting to be discovered, and you can transform even a simple frozen puddle or frosted window into an icy abstract with some creativity. While the cold weather discourages some, shooting some winter photography is the perfect excuse to embrace the cold close to home.

So why not grab a warm cuppa and let’s explore some ideas for photographing ice and winter close-ups.

Abstract ice image by Nick Dautlich using Sony A7R V camera and Voigtlander 65mm f/2 Macro Apo-Lanthar lens

Tips for capturing Ice Images

When capturing ice and winter abstracts an eye for detail, light, and composition can help. The following techniques will help bring your frosty images to life.

Light and Angle

Light is one of the most critical elements for any type of photography including ice. Early mornings and late afternoons provide soft, directional light that enhances texture and depth in frozen surfaces. Experimenting with angles can reveal patterns, reflections, and refracted colours, shooting at a low angle can highlight frost or snowflakes, while backlighting can create transparency and glowing effects.

You can incorporate tools like the a Macro Ring Light for close-ups, for even illumination without harsh shadows, or an LED light can be used for backlighting. Adjust brightness and colour temperature to suit the scene, giving your shots a unique winter aesthetic. Expose for the highlights with a histogram or menu setting to avoid clipping whites, especially when using supplemental lighting, or when the sun is reflecting.

Composition Tips

Abstract ice photography can be enhanced by finding patterns, symmetry, and isolating details. Look for leading lines in cracks or bubbles trapped in surfaces, and use shallow depth of field to isolate textures. Minimalistic compositions work well or you can focus on a single snowflake or a frost pattern for a striking abstract winter image. Frame your shots thoughtfully to draw attention to the natural geometry and balance of a scene.

Camera Settings

Achieving clean, sharp results in ice photography requires a low ISO, such as ISO 100 - 400 if possible, which will provide clean images with minimal noise. Select an aperture between f/5.6 and f/11 for optimal depth of field, which renders high sharpness across the frame. For precise focus, especially in macro shots, manual focus allows better control.

Ice and snow can confuse your camera’s meter, leading to overexposed highlights. Use exposure compensation to reduce brightness and preserve detail in whites, and check your histogram regularly to avoid clipping highlights or losing shadow detail.

A tripod is essential for longer exposures or low light conditions, helping avoid camera shake. Pair it with a remote shutter release to eliminate vibrations caused by pressing the shutter button.

 Icy macro of droplet on frozen blade of grass

Choosing the Right Gear

Selecting the right gear is essential for capturing close-up shots of ice and snow. From the best macro lens to helpful accessories, investing in the right equipment can help to elevate your winter photography.

Macro Lenses

Macro lenses are of course very handy for capturing delicate patterns, and the close-up textures of frozen landscapes. Macro lenses allow you to focus on fine details that often otherwise go unnoticed, revealing the beauty of winter at a far higher magnification than regular lenses allow.

Look for models with focal lengths between 50mm and 150mm, which typically provide a suitable working distance to a closer subject. The most popular choices are often 90mm or 105mm macro lenses, due to their versatility and optical quality. There’s a macro lens for every camera mount and we’ve summarised highlights from some of the most popular ones below.

Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III Macro VXD Lens

The Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD for Sony E and Nikon Z is a recently released macro lens for mirrorless mounts, offering incredible sharpness and 1:1 life-size magnification. Equipped with Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor, it delivers precise and surprisingly fast autofocus, making it suitable for macro and portrait photography. The lens features exceptional optical quality, reducing chromatic aberration and flare, even at close focusing distances, with a compact, weather-sealed design.

• Review: Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III Macro VXD Review

Canon RF 100mm F/2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens

The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens combines outstanding optical performance with cutting-edge features. It boasts a higher than average 1.4x magnification, offering incredible detail for macro work, alongside Canon’s Hybrid IS system with up to 5 stops of stabilisation. Uniquely, the Canon RF 100mm macro includes a Spherical Aberration Control ring, allowing photographers to adjust the look of bokeh for creative effects.

• Review: Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro Lens Review

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F/3.5 Macro IS PRO Lens

Designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F/3.5 Macro IS PRO Lens delivers a true 2x magnification ratio (4x equivalent in full-frame terms), which is the highest magnification in this list. Its lightweight, weatherproof construction ensures it performs brilliantly in harsh conditions, while the in-lens stabilisation works in harmony with MFT camera IBIS for up to 7 stops of stabilisation.

• Review: M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F/3.5 Macro Lens Review

Voigtlander 65mm F/2 Macro Apo-Lanthar Aspherical Lens Sony E / Nikon Z

The Voigtlander 65mm F/2 Macro Apo-Lanthar Aspherical Lens is a precision-engineered lens for Sony E and Nikon Z mount cameras. With an APO (apochromatic) design, it minimises chromatic aberration for stunning clarity and accurate colours. The f/2 aperture provides a shallow depth of field with beautiful subject separation, while its 1:2 magnification ratio is perfect for product and detail photography. Built with a solid manual focus mechanism and premium optics, this lens is a favourite among photographers who want premium quality for macro and general shooting.

• Review: Voigtlander 65mm f/2 Macro Apo-Lanthar Review

Nikon Z 105mm F/2.8 VR MC S Lens

The Nikon Z 105mm F/2.8 VR MC S Lens is a high-performance macro that delivers 1:1 life-size magnification for capturing detailed shots. Featuring Nikon’s ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings, it reduces flare and ghosting for clear, high-contrast images. The lens also includes built-in VR (Vibration Reduction) for stability and sharpness when shooting handheld. With its premium build quality, quiet focusing system, and f/2.8 aperture, this lens excels in close-ups, portraits, and general photography, making it an excellent choice for any Z-series photographer.

• Review: Nikon Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S Macro Lens Review

Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F/2.8 Macro Lens

The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro Lens is a versatile, high-performance option for any L-mount camera user. Offering a true 1:1 magnification ratio, it is perfect for capturing life-size macro details with clarity. The lens features Panasonic’s advanced optical design, which delivers edge-to-edge sharpness with minimal chromatic aberration. It also comes with focus limiters and a focus clutch mechanism for precise manual focusing. With a dust and splash-resistant construction, it’s ready for challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for photographers working in studio and outdoor settings.

• Review: Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F/2.8 Macro Lens Review

While a macro lens isn’t essential, it makes it much easier to fill the frame with intricate details. If you don’t have a macro lens, you can use a telephoto lens with high magnification, a magnification extender, or any lens that allows you to get closer to your subject.

Accessories to Enhance Winter Photography

We’ve compiled some accessory ideas below for you to consider adding to your kit. Tripods provide sharpness and stability, while filters like polarisers reduce glare and reflections in icy landscapes.

Tripod

A photography tripod is a must for sharp close-ups, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting on icy surfaces. Compact travel tripods are perfect as they don’t need huge reach and are lightweight and portable, while stable enough for any macro kit.

Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fibre

The Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fibre is a lightweight and stable option for macro photographers. Its innovative design collapses into a compact form, and it includes a quick-release ball head for precise positioning and a reversible centre column, which is excellent for getting low to the ground for detailed macro shots.

Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS Twist Carbon Tripod (MKBFRTC4FB-BH)

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS Twist Carbon Tripod (MKBFRTC4FB-BH) is a professional-grade travel tripod for travel photographers, which is perfect for macro. Its carbon fibre legs provide stability and vibration reduction and the kit includes a 360° ball head for flexible compositions. We made a Manfrotto Befree Travel Tripod Review, which is packed with more details about this newer model.

Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS Carbon Fibre Tripod

The Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS Carbon Fibre Tripod is another pro-level tripod, which is very versatile and stable. Made from carbon fibre, it supports heavier equipment while remaining quite portable, and features an innovative Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) system, which allows limitless positioning, making it ideal for macro and landscape photography.

We made a Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS Carbon Fibre Tripod Review here, which goes into lots more detail.

Using a telephoto lens with high magnification for icy details by Nick Dautlich using Sony A7R V camera and Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens

CPL Filter

A Circular Polarising (CPL) filter reduces glare and reflections, which are particularly prominent on ice and snow. By rotating the filter, you can enhance the natural colours and textures of frozen details, reducing glare while improving contrast and saturation. A CPL filter brings out subtle tones in frosty or snowy scenes. 

Choosing the right filter involves matching the filter size to your lens thread. If you have lenses with multiple filter thread sizes, step-up rings can be used to adapt a larger filter to smaller lenses, saving you from buying multiple filters. Alternatively, consider a square filter system, which is versatile and works with a variety of lenses, such as the Kase Armour Entry Kit 100mm System.

To use a CPL effectively, attach it to your lens and rotate the outer ring while looking through your camera's viewfinder or screen. You’ll see reflections diminish or textures pop as the filter aligns with the light.

Spare Batteries

Cold weather drains camera batteries quickly. Pack extras and keep them warm in your pockets to ensure you don’t miss the perfect shot.

Lens Hoods and Cleaning Kits

Protect your lens from frost, condensation, and fingerprints while shooting in cold conditions by attaching the lens hood. Some hoods have a cut-out, which helps if you’re rotating a filter. A lens cleaning kit is also invaluable for keeping your gear clean when shooting outdoors, especially if it’s snowing or your lens gets wet.

Macro Rail

For extreme close-ups and greater control over depth of field, a macro focusing rail can be a game-changer in achieving pinpoint precision. A macro rail, such as the Leofoto MP-180S Macro Focusing Rail with Arca-Type QR, is an indispensable tool for achieving precise focus and composition in extreme macro photography, such as when capturing snowflakes. This allows you to make incremental adjustments to your camera’s position along the X and Y axes, crucial when working with razor-thin depth of field at high magnifications.

Lighting for Winter Photography

Lighting can play a crucial role if you’re capturing macro winter photography in extremely low light, allowing you to highlight details and create unique effects. The right light can transform frosty patterns, icy textures, and snowy abstracts into more eye-catching images.

Macro Lighting

For close-up shots, a macro light like the Godox Macro Ring72 Light is an excellent choice. Affordable and easy to use, it provides even, shadow-free lighting around your lens, for revealing the fine details of ice crystals and frost.

LED Lights

For more dramatic effects, compact LED lights are a great option. Use an LED for backlighting to illuminate translucent ice and create a glowing effect, or position them to produce starbursts when light refracts through frozen surfaces. Look for LED lights with adjustable colour and brightness settings, allowing you to experiment with warm or cool tones. Portable models like the Joby Beamo Reel are ideal for adding creative lighting to your macro setups.

Another abstract winter photo of ice details and textures by Nick Dautlich using Sony A7R V camera and Voigtlander 65mm f/2 Macro Apo-Lanthar lens

Creative Ideas and Projects

Winter provides an exciting opportunity to explore unique winter photography ideas, turning everyday elements into abstract images. Here are a few creative projects to try:

1. Frozen bubbles: Create frozen bubbles by blowing soap bubbles outdoors in sub-zero temperatures. As the bubble freezes, patterns form, creating a unique, dynamic subject. Use a macro lens to capture the delicate frost crystals as they develop. This also works with frozen droplets and other natural phenomenon, which are found in very cold conditions.
2. Freezer experiments: You don’t have to brave the cold for great ice shots! Freeze water in glasses, bowls, or trays to create custom ice textures and patterns. Add food colouring, leaves, or flowers for added interest, then photograph them under directional or backlighting for effects.
3. Frosty windows: On chilly mornings, windows often become canvases for delicate frost patterns. Explore the symmetry and intricate designs, using a macro lens to isolate the most beautiful areas.
4. Icicles and dripping water: Capture icicles forming or water droplets freezing mid-motion for dynamic winter scenes. Position an LED light behind the icicles for a stunning glow.

These projects can help you find inspiration to experiment during winter, allowing you to create beautiful and original images from the comfort of your home or local area.

Winter is the perfect time to embrace creativity with macro photography that can bring all sorts of previously unseen icy details to life. From choosing the right gear like macro lenses, tripods, and CPL filters, to experimenting with lighting and composition, there are countless ways to enjoy photography during the colder months.

Remember to use low ISO, manage highlights and shadows carefully, and keep your setup stable with a tripod and remote timer.

Share your best winter macro shots with us on our social channels, and if you’re looking to upgrade your equipment, browse our cameras, lenses and accessories to shop for everything you need for the perfect frosty frame!

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By Nick Dautlich on 22/12/2024