Indoor Photography Ideas - It is cold outside!!

Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 358 Location: Duluth, MN

I would like to start a sticky thread to get people motivated to keep shooting, even though it is getting extremely cold outside.
Well here in Minnesota it is anyways. Yesterday it was 1 degree.
I don't mind going out to shoot in the cold, but 1 degree is a little much.

So I am looking for some thoughts and ideas from anyone who has them.
I also thought allot of people could learn from shooting in low light situations, etc...

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 9:55 am

Living in New England i am often faced with the same dilemma. First thing I'd do is open all your shades. You'd be amazed at twhat pops out with all the neatural light. Check the basement too for some unique lighting. Good time to try and do some still lifes maybe.... Personally i have a friend who shoots "kitchens" and her shots amaze me. If yo're inside things can be moved around for good placement. Just try a bunch of different stuff and see what works!
Rob

Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 27

In another thread, someone suggested using a macro lens indoors. The idea is that even everyday things can look interesting and new when viewed that closely. I don't have one yet, but am seriously considering getting one for the winter months.

Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 350 Location: Ontario, Canada

Breaking light bulbs, spiders in the basement, seasonal blooms and cataloging your home for insurance purposes are a few ideas that come to mind.

Other things to keep you busy on these cold evenings include building some of your own photo gadgets - light tent, macro slide rail, radio remote for your camera.

There is pin hole photography for those bright but cold Saturday afternoons.

And then when you really get bored, there are hundreds of PS tutorials on the Web.

Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 1016 Location: Newcastle, UK

Get some winter clothes you wuss ;)

Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 358 Location: Duluth, MN

Timmynoshoes wrote:

Get some winter clothes you wuss ;)

Zip it Timmmah!!!!! lol

Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 27

Timmynoshoes wrote:

Get some winter clothes you wuss ;)

It's difficult to compose a shot with frozen eyelashes!

In the coming winter months, I plan to photograph the interiors of several abandoned, yet maintained, buildings. (Maintained=heated.) Also, I've got a pile of black and white film that I've shot over the past few months, so those dreary winter days can be spent in the comfort of the darkroom.

Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 251 Location: Metro Detroit

abandon wrote:

Timmynoshoes wrote:

Get some winter clothes you wuss ;)

It's difficult to compose a shot with frozen eyelashes!

But I'll bet you a self portrait with frozen eyelashes would turn out really really well! ....I may even try it =P

I saw some really cool nature shots where things had become encased in crystal clear ice.. and have been waiting for MONTHS to get a chance to capture some of my own. This weather couldn't have come soon enough =)

Unfortunately for me, even though it's going to hit single digits tonight with wind chill, the temp is supposed to head back up to the 40's in a few days.

Ah well.

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:15 am

Timmynoshoes wrote:

Get some winter clothes you wuss ;)

been using my winter duds for quite a while now... :)

I dunno if it's a dumb idea or not, also involves puttin on the winter duds and gettin out in the cold. But, as I was wandering yesturday I thought maybe for the rest of this winter I'd start a series of snow sculptures. The wind and snow work together to make some very cool shapes/patterns and such, thought I'd try taking shots of ones that I find in my travels/wanderings.

Dumb idea?

btw...the last week it's been -27C (-16.5F) every night here. Yup it's cold out there. :)

Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 358 Location: Duluth, MN

I am also waiting for some interesting Ice formations. Lake Superior makes some awesome formations in the winter on the shorelines. Should be fun. I enjoy going out in the cold, just not all the time. My new Carhartt Arctic lined jacket should be here next week and my Iceman Boots are out of storage. No excuses now.

I am really waiting for some freezing rain, that makes for awesome shots as well, great highlights.

Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 1016 Location: Newcastle, UK

Icequeen wrote:

Timmynoshoes wrote:

Get some winter clothes you wuss ;)

btw...the last week it's been -27C (-16.5F) every night here. Yup it's cold out there. :)

Pfft, its colder than that in my flat :P

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:54 am

How about a What Is It, thread or sticky in the Macro forum, and invite folks to submit interesting shots for others to guess what it is.
I'm pretty sure it could keep you busy for hours around the house.

Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 358 Location: Duluth, MN

Lionello wrote:

How about a What Is It, thread or sticky in the Macro forum, and invite folks to submit interesting shots for others to guess what it is.
I'm pretty sure it could keep you busy for hours around the house.

That sounds pretty interesting.

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 11:26 am

Pornography is typically shot indoors in the winter...

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 11:30 am

Timmynoshoes wrote:

Pfft, its colder than that in my flat :P

I'd be gettin a bigger furnace if I was you. Brrrr!

I started playin with different things around the house, and my macro filters, for one of Packard's assignments. I think it would be cool to see what kind of shots you can get of normal every day humdrum stuff around the house.