Winter photography in the northern latitudes can be very rewarding for many reasons; one of the most important from my perspective is the fact that there are far fewer people to contend with! Locations like National Parks that are teeming with visitors during the warmer months can be nearly deserted as the mercury dips - and especially at the edges of the day.

That said, working in subzero conditions while navigating a snow-covered landscape can be a challenge if you're not prepared. Little things can make a big difference: one of those game changers is micro-spikes. I don't go anywhere without them (mine are manufactured by Kahtoola).

Micro-spikes stretch securely over your boots; the stainless steel spikes dig into the snow and ice, making it very easy to hike.

If you have a pair, you know what I mean.

Added traction makes slick trails more accessible - and safer (for both you and your camera!). You'll be able to get to locations that you otherwise might have great difficulty reaching, and you'll be able to move much more quickly.

The last time I was at Bryce in the winter, some of the steep trails descending into the amphitheater were extremely icy. Since it had recently snowed heavily, even parking areas were sheets of ice. I witnessed more than one person take a spill before they ever got anywhere near the trail.

The two parks in my "backyard," Yellowstone and Grand Teton, can also be extremely treacherous in winter. Even when ice isn't involved, you might be trying to make your way across a trail piled high with compressed snow. Especially when elevation changes are involved, you'll have a difficult time progressing if you can't dig in and get some traction.

Obviously, you don't need a national park to find slippery trails and paths. (You also might find yourself pulling out your spikes more than you'd think you would; I use them when clearing snow from my steep driveway...)

If you're headed outside this winter with your camera, do yourself a favor and give your boots some teeth!