Recommended settings#
Shutter1/60 s + flash, or 1/15 s for streaks
Aperturef/2.8–f/4
ISO800–3200
Quick start: Pop of flash freezes flakes; slower shutter streaks them against street lights.
Starting exposures#
Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 4. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.
| Aperture | ISO 100 | ISO 400 | ISO 1600 | ISO 6400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f/1.4 | 1/8 s | 1/30 s | 1/125 s | 1/500 s |
| f/2.8 | 0.5 s | 1/8 s | 1/30 s | 1/125 s |
| f/5.6 | 2 s | 0.5 s | 1/8 s | 1/30 s |
| f/8 | 4 s | 1 s | 1/4 s | 1/15 s |
| f/11 | 8 s | 2 s | 0.5 s | 1/8 s |
Step by step#
- Backlight snow with a streetlamp.
- Try off-camera flash from the side.
Gear checklist#
- Speedlight
- Weather cover
Pro tips#
- Rear-curtain sync adds trails to frozen flakes.
Common mistakes#
- Direct flash lighting nearby flakes as blobs.
Related guides#
Frequently asked questions#
What are the best camera settings for falling snow at night?
Aperture: f/2.8–f/4 · Shutter: 1/60 s + flash, or 1/15 s for streaks · ISO: 800–3200. Pop of flash freezes flakes; slower shutter streaks them against street lights.
What gear do I need for falling snow at night?
Speedlight, Weather cover.
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources