3 tips for smartphone photography in cold weather

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The coldest days of the year are in full swing. But how do you ensure your smartphone is winter-proof? With these three handy tips for smartphone photography in the cold, you'll brave the cold with ease and capture the most beautiful images in the wintry weather.

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Bring a power bank

Your smartphone cannot handle the cold very well. Due to the cold weather, your battery runs out faster or your smartphone can even fail completely. Therefore, make sure you always take a power bank with you, so that you can charge your smartphone at any time. Make sure you keep the power bank in a warm place, in a bag or in the inside pocket of your jacket, for example, so that the battery does not run out so quickly.

Do you want to be fully prepared when you hit the road? Make sure you bring a power bank with a fast charging function, so that you can charge your phone and use it again in no time.

Photographing in the cold?

Lens & condens

4. Let your phone get used to the cold

If you go from the warmth indoors to the cold outdoors, your lens can fog up and photos may appear milky. Put your phone in your pocket or bag for 5–10 minutes before taking photos.

Extra tip: put it in a sealed bag for a while; condensation will form more quickly on the bag than on your lens.

5. Clean your lens

A fingerprint or raindrop will make your photo soft and faded, especially in streetlights or backlit conditions. Give your lens a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth or a clean, soft fabric. Then check if any highlights are sharp and round again.

Stable images

6. Hold your phone extra firmly

In low light, your phone can sometimes take a little longer to take the photo, making every little movement visible. Hold your phone with both hands, elbows tucked in, and take the picture slowly. Hold still for a second before clicking.

7. Use a tripod

A tripod is the fastest way to get sharper photos on dark days or in the evening. Don't have a tripod with you? Leaning against a wall or placing your phone on a ledge will make a big difference. A (mini) tripod gives you more control over your framing and makes it easier to take multiple photos in a row.

8. Take 2–3 photos in a row

In the cold, you're more likely to move unnoticed (cold hands, wind, slippery surfaces). By taking 2–3 photos, you'll almost always end up with one that's sharper or better. Ideal for challenging lighting situations and it takes almost no extra time.

Faster focusing & easier operation

9. Tap to focus

Your phone might choose the wrong spot to focus in fog, darkness, or backlight. Therefore, tap your subject (e.g., a face or the most important detail) before taking the photo. Many phones also let you hold down to lock the focus/brightness, so your image doesn't constantly change.

10. Use the timer or a Bluetooth remote

When you press the shutter button, you often move just enough to blur your photo, especially in the cold. Set the timer to 3 seconds, then you don't have to press the shutter button and your photo will be instantly more stable. Even easier: use a Bluetooth remote shutter ; you can press the shutter with gloves on, work remotely, and keep your phone on a tripod without touching it.

Hopefully the above tips will ensure that you are well prepared for your trip. Have fun taking images in the cold! Do you have any questions about taking photos and videos in the cold? Then we will be happy to help you further.

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