Although autumn is a glorious time for outdoor photography, winter can be equally attractive. This morning, thick frost coated the trees outside my office window, transforming the world with a silvery shimmer. In mountainous areas, snow-laden peaks contrast against azure skies, as skiers gather on the slopes for an exhilarating run in their colourful suits.

Naturally, photo opportunities differ from one region to another. Still, you can find great potential in any area with snow. The first step is to overcome the natural inclination to stay indoors by the fire. Then, you'll need to keep both photographer and equipment comfortable in frigid conditions. Winter offers many possibilities, making this season ideal for photography. If I can entice you outdoors, the following tips should minimize frustration and discomfort, a prerequisite for making any outing enjoyable and productive.

• Dress in layers: Instead of slipping into a thick, heavy snowmobile suit, plan to dress in layers starting with polypropylene undergarments to wick sweat away. This tactic has several advantages: it maintains mobility, retains body heat and lessens the risk of feeling clammy. If you start feeling warm during some activity, simply remove a layer or two. For a parka, consider a weather- and wind-resistant fabric that will "breathe" (dissipate perspiration) such as Gore-Tex, Polartec, or Thermax.
• Keep feet and head warm: Wear two layers of socks; start with a capilene or polypropylene pair that will wick sweat away. Thermal footwear with felt liners, such as Sorel Pacs, or snowmobile boots, should keep your feet warm. Wear a warm hat with earflaps under the hood of your parka to minimize loss of body heat.
• Use the right gloves: Mitts provide the greatest warmth, but your hands will freeze when you remove them to adjust camera controls. Start with a pair of light gloves under heavy mitts; remove the mitts when you need dexterity to manipulate camera controls. If using a metal tripod, cover its legs with foam pipe insulator from a hardware store.
• Try chemical heat packs: You won't get great shots if you're shivering. For an extra bit of warmth, carry a few chemical heat packs, available at outdoor stores. Pop one into each boot and mitt to keep your feet and hands comfortable.
• Keep the equipment dry: Cameras and lenses should operate in temperatures down to well below zero Celsius if kept moderately warm. If it's far below zero, slip the camera under your exterior layer (parka) while not actually shooting. Dry snow will blow off the camera unless its exterior is very warm. Before venturing outdoors from a humid environment, allow your gear cool down. In wet snow, use a large freezer bag over the camera/lens. Cut a hole for the lens to poke out and keep the plastic in place with strong rubber bands. Add a lens hood to keep flakes off the front element.
• Keep the equipment cool: Do not take cold photo equipment into a warm/humid vehicle or building for short periods. If you do so, condensation will form on its exterior and this moisture will freeze when you return outdoors. When you must take cold photo equipment indoors for a short time, keep it inside a camera bag with the zippers closed tight.
• Carry spare batteries: Even a lithium-ion battery will give up after less than an hour in sub-zero temperatures, so be sure to carry a spare. A battery will revive if kept in a warm inside pocket so simply exchange the cold one for the warm one in order to keep on shooting.

Snow can provide a spectacular background for a variety of outdoor sports and activities, besides offering stunning nature and landscape opportunities. So while others stow their equipment until March, why not get out and exploit the many opportunities? These are guaranteed to make the winter months pass quickly, and productively as well.

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