Amber Light Photography

My Top 10 winter exploring tips to get those icy waterfall shots without the frostbite.
1. Take a buddy. it makes it more fun and safe. If you are going solo tell someone your route and plans.
2. Scout the area before it's covered in snow and ice. You want to know where dry land is and where there is water under that ice so you can avoid it.
3. Don't walk on shelf ice! Or any ice you don't know the thickness of or what's under it.
4. Watch the weather closely. Especially the temperatures. A seemly harmless rise in temps may make hiking more comfortable, but it also can make that ice formation above your head unstable.
5. Explore within your limits. Winter is not the time to challenge yourself way above your experience level. Choose trails you are familiar with and expand as you go.
6. GEAR UP! get yourself a decent pair of microspikes or tail crampons for icy spots. If you're going in steeper locations an ice axe or trekking poles might also be helpful.
7. Wear layers. They give you the option to add or lose warmth so you don't end up sweaty and later frozen.
8. Carry the 10 essentials.
9. If you are a photo nerd like me take extra batteries and carry them close to your body to keep them warm. The cold zaps them pretty quickly.
10. HAVE FUN... Safely!

have a winter hiking tip? Leave it in the comments!

It's ! Who's got weekend plans that involve a ? My Fungi and I are going to pick out our Christmas tree. Oops I meant Fun Guy... uh hubby. Well that's awkward

Saying goodbye to winter. what are you looking forward to this summer?

Some shots from sunset and blue hour this weekend at Webster Pier