Tips for photographing the snowy landscapes of the Alpine

Looking to capture some stunning memories while visiting Hotham Alpine Resort? The Australian Alpine region is a rugged landscape of vast beauty, though it can produce some challenging conditions for photography.

During the winter season the landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland and there is really no shortage of subject matter synonymous with the Australian Alpine region waiting to be explored.

Jeff Freestone, photographer and Omeo local, shares some of his top tips for capturing a stunning snow scene.

"If you’re ready to push your image-making this winter, here’s how to get started," shares Jeff.

"Let’s look at three different ideas you can photograph that will provide you with great subject matter to convey the essence of the Victorian Alpine region."

Jeff's top 3 tips: 

1. Cattleman’s Huts

The Cattleman’s Huts which can be found scattered all over the Victorian High country have become synonymous with this region and make for great subject to photograph. They are usually found amongst the dense bushland in the alpine however, during winter, a heavy dump of snow can provide the perfect conditions for photography. In the peak of winter, enough snow will cover the messy grasses and bushes and blanket the entire area simplifying the scene and making the hut the stand out subject.

Huts to photograph with easy access from the main road are CRB Hut and JB Hut both in Dinner Plain.

2. Snow Gums

The iconic snow gum is a unique tree that is commonly found in the Australian alpine regions growing at altitudes above 700m. These trees face some of the harshest conditions in Australia during the winter months and this can be seen by the way their twisted trunks grow in all different directions. In the cooler months their trunks also begin to reveal some striking yellows, oranges and reds which is accentuated after heavy rainfall which makes them a perfect subject for a landscape photographer.

Snow gums can be found almost everywhere around the Dinner Plain and Mt Hotham area. Little to no hiking / walking is required as many can be found within a very short distance of a car park or from the side of the road.

3. Epic Vistas

One of the most jaw-dropping details about this region is the endless valleys and ridgelines that can be seen standing at the top of Mount Hotham. Providing epic vista scenes at both sunrise and sunset makes this a must-shoot location when visiting Mount Hotham. The most iconic peak is Mount Feathertop which is best photographed at sunrise.

There are many vantage points along the Great Alpine Road to capture the magnificent peak of Mount Feathertop. The most accessible and common place is at The Cross. There is plenty of places to park and a large open flat area to set up your tripod to watch the sunrise.

The other vantage points are along the Great Alpine Road down to Diamantina Hut where there is suitable places for cars to park and be out of the way of moving traffic.

Based in Omeo, Jeff Freestone has local knowledge of the Alpine region and has spent many winters perfecting his skills at photographing snow covered landscapes. He also leads both private and group workshops teaching in-the-field techniques and post-processing skills to provide photographers with the tools required to produce stunning snow scene images. Check out the latest in Jeff's workshops at Hotham and the local region.