Winter often gets a bad press with photographers, but January offers some of the most beautiful light of the entire year. With the sun staying low in the sky, even the middle of the day can deliver long shadows, soft contrast and wonderfully sculpted landscapes.

Rather than chasing dramatic colour, winter light rewards patience and observation. Subtlety is the key.

Why Winter Light Is Different

In January, the sun never climbs particularly high, which means:

• Light is more directional for longer
• Shadows help define shape and texture
• Highlights are gentler and easier to manage

This makes winter ideal for minimalist compositions, woodland scenes and landscapes where form matters more than colour.

Think Beyond Sunrise and Sunset

Golden hour isn’t the only time to shoot in winter. Overcast days can produce beautifully even light, perfect for:

• Woodland photography
• Frosty fields and moorland
• Subtle tonal scenes where contrast is low

Mid-morning and early afternoon often provide the best balance between usable light and manageable contrast.

Simple Composition Works Best

Winter scenes benefit from restraint. Try:

• Reducing the scene to just one or two elements
• Using natural lines created by shadows or paths
• Letting negative space play a role in the composition

If something doesn’t add to the image, consider excluding it.

Exposure Tips for Bright Winter Scenes

Snow, frost and pale grasses can fool your camera’s meter. A few simple checks help:

• Use exposure compensation (+⅔ to +1 stop) in bright scenes
• Keep an eye on the histogram rather than the preview
• Avoid clipped highlights – winter tones work best when subtle

Final Thought

January is a great time to slow down and reconnect with the fundamentals of seeing light. The quieter months often produce the most thoughtful images - if we give them the chance.

If you would like to learn more about photographing in the winter or indeed at any time of the year, consider joining me on one of the many workshops I run each year - all of which are full of tuition, tips and tricks! Current workshop offerings can be found on my Workshops Page Here >>.