How to Photograph Ice and Snow in Harbin, China
Surreal ice sculptures at night at Ice World in Harbin, China.
If you’re looking to make fantastic ice and snow photos, outside of traditional alpine landscape photography locations, then a trip to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, in the far north east of China, should not be missed.
My Exhilarating Visit To Ice World
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, then Ice World attraction is for you.
While you can visit during the day, my Ice World adventure took place at night. During that time I had an absolute hoot photographing all manner of large, internally illuminated structures.
Daytime temperatures were down to around -20 Degrees Celsius at Snow World, but my evening adventure at Ice World saw the mercury drop to -30 Degrees Celsius.
While not recommended for the faint hearted, if you’re properly attired and able to keep moving, it’s absolutely possible to make photos under such conditions.
And I’m here, alive and breathing, and able to tell the tale.
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However, during my night time photography session at Ice World, my face got sore very quickly from the cold.
Fortunately I had a balaclava with me which saved the day, though it did frighten one of the local lasses when I asked to make her portrait.
To behold a wide-eyed foreign devil is one thing, but to hear a strange language from behind a mostly covered face, outdoors at night, was a tad too much for this lass.
Fortunately, once my face was revealed the world was put right, detente re-established and a successful portrait created.
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One thing I did discover at Ice World was the frequent formation of ice on my camera body.
To cope with this potentially dangerous situation I continued to photograph after wrapping the camera inside a fleece beanie, with the lens sticking out.
Doing so kept my camera, battery and memory card relatively warm.
As well as minimizing the decline in battery power, resulting from the extreme cold, this simple action helped ensure the continual operation of my camera throughout the evening’s photo session.
I also used the beanie to wipe the ice crystals off the outside of the camera and lens barrel on a regular basis.
Thai warrior, carved in snow at Snow World in Harbin, China.
I photographed this sculpture of a Thai warrior at the amazing Snow World in Harbin, China.
Fashioned from snow, I was fortunate to photograph it with late afternoon sunlight illuminating the central part of the sculpture.
Snow World is a large and expansive outdoor park, filled with statues and sculptures carved from snow. Due to the extreme cold, these works of art remain intact throughout the deep winter allowing the exhibition to remain open for months.
I recommend you assign at least half a day to explore Snow World, after which a hot meal and a revitalizing shower will be required.
Snow World is a wonderful and very interesting place, and I really enjoyed being able to wander around and photograph the sculptures and architectural replicas on display throughout the extensive site.
Orange and green colored mural at Snow World in Harbin, China.
Trust Me, Photography Is A Physical Endeavour
“To make interesting and unique photos you need to put yourself in a position to do so. Sometimes that position is relatively uncomfortable, but it’s worth it. ”
Making great photos isn't always easy and it's the physicality of the process, not the camera gear you're working with, that often makes the difference between a competent and a more memorable image.
If that means going without a meal or putting up with heat, cold, wind or rain to be able to make that image, then that’s what you do.
Have no doubt, it’s hard work and persistence that wins in the long run. Talent is great but, on it’s own, it’s largely over rated.
“A man’s got to know his limitations.”
However, perspective needs to be maintained. I'm saying be prepared to move out of your comfort zone. I'm not saying put yourself in danger.
Care always needs to be taken to remain safe when making photos under extreme weather conditions. Knowing your own physical limitations, and your own levels of endurance, are critical.
Please, stay safe and don't over do it.
And the end of the day, if it’s not fun it’s probably not worth it.
