Expert tips for mastering winter photography on your travels

These Are The Most Instagrammable Winter Wonderlands

• Travel experts at SkyParkSecure have revealed the top 10 most Instagrammable winter wonderlands from all over the world
• Niseko Ski Resort in Japan was crowned as the most Insta-worthy winter spot with almost 700k posts.
• Photography tips from photographer Allen White for taking pictures

With the festive season officially over, many of us are starting to plan our winter breaks away and in need of some inspiration, with #winterwonderlands being used over 17.3 times on Instagram.

Travel experts at SkyParkSecure have revealed the top 10 most Instagrammable winter wonderlands from all over the world, including destinations such as Lake Placid and Central Park in the U.S, alongside Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.

SkyParkSecure gathered over 50 popular winter wonderland destinations and paired them with hashtag data to reveal the most picturesque winter destinations.

The most Insta-worthy destinations revealed

Niseko Ski Resort, Japan

Image Credit: Niseko Village Official Site

Located in Japan, on Hokkaido – the country’s second-largest island, Niseko Ski Resort has over 2,000 acres of ski area and places in the top position with over 696k hashtags.  It’s home to luxury hotels, spas, restaurants and of course, fantastic snowy views.

Grand Teton National Park, United States

Image Credit: The Points Guy

Found in Wyoming, Grand Teton followed Niseko quite closely with 615K hashtags. The park is home to some of the oldest rocks in North America and is a very popular spot for fishing, hikers and mountaineers, however in winter as snow covers the valleys, it becomes a great spot for skiiers and spotting wildlife such as elk, moose and waterfowl.

Hagia Sophia, Turkey

Image Credit: The Guardian

In third place, Hagia Sophia is a mosque in Turkey’s capital Istanbul. And one of the most popular, and most important Byzantine structures in the World. The structure was originally built as a Christian church, later becoming a mosque – however it is open to the public. The already spectacular structure looks even more stunning in the winter as the snow falls, making it one of the most beautiful winter wonderlands you can visit.

Photography tips for taking pictures of a winter wonderland 

Capturing the beauty of a winter wonderland in photographs can be a magical experience. Photographer Allen White shares five photography tips to help you make the most of the winter scenery and take the perfect photo of the winter wonderland:

1. Early Morning or Late Afternoon Light:
   • Winter sunlight has a soft and warm quality during the early morning and late afternoon, often referred to as the golden hour. This light enhances the textures and colours of the snow, creating a more enchanting atmosphere in your photos. Aim to shoot during these times for the best results.

1. Use a Tripod:
   • Winter landscapes often require longer exposure times due to lower light conditions. To avoid camera shake and ensure sharp images, use a sturdy tripod. This is especially important for capturing details like falling snowflakes or frozen water features.
2. Adjust White Balance:
   • Snow can sometimes appear bluish in photos due to the cooler lighting conditions of winter. To maintain accurate colour representation, adjust your camera’s white balance setting. Manually set the white balance or use the “daylight” preset for a warmer tone. 

3. Include a Point of Interest:

• • • To add depth and interest to your winter wonderland photos, include a focal point or point of interest. This could be a tree covered in frost, a snow-covered cabin, or a person engaged in a winter activity. A clear subject helps draw the viewer’s eye into the scene. 

4. Highlight Textures:

• • • • Winter landscapes are rich in textures, from the powdery snow to the icy branches. Get up close to your subject to capture these details. Use a macro lens or the macro mode on your camera to focus on individual snowflakes, frost crystals, or other intricate elements.