While snowshoeing and hiking in the middle of winter, we find ourselves in low-light minimal-chromatic environments.   White snowbanks, brown-grey trunks, green-grey conifers, and dull skies await us.   On a sunny day, the blue skies and reflected light brings out a greater range of colors, but also harsher contrasts of light and shadow.

The low sun, though, can be used to frame colorful views and interesting photos.

In open spots, south or southwest facing slopes, or on south-facing hills, look for patches of sun shining through clouds, dispersing the colors through the mists.   In summer we can’t take into-the-sun images without some careful adjustments, but in winter the lower sun (more atmosphere to shine through and more slanted rays), winter condensation clouds and mists allow us to turn our attention southward, toward the sun.

Enjoy the lightshow while out on the trails and take some trial photos.   The images will probably need some post-processing to find the right mix of light, dark areas, color, and composition, but the rewards of wonderful views + good photos continues to call us out to the low winter sun.