You probably have a favorite time of year. I know I do. (Spring.) That said, there's something wonderful about every season.

Take winter, for example. I'm actually stressing out just a little about the fact that it's already the first week of February - and wondering how I'm going to cram in all the things I'd like to shoot before spring arrives. Punxsutawney Phil's prognostication notwithstanding, I'm hoping the season doesn't leave too quickly.

There was a time when I would not have said that. In fact, for many years I disliked this time of year intensely. With one exception, harsh winter climates have been characteristic of all the places I've lived. The winter months meant miserable driving conditions, bitter cold, and the inevitable (seemingly never ending) chore of driveway clearing. Period.

To be clear, I continue to dislike driving in ice and snow, and firing up the snowblower multiple times every week isn't up there at the top of my hit parade. Still, I now have a great fondness for winter.

What changed?

The camera.

Once I began photographing the landscape, winter started to call my name and eventually pulled me outside. (Thankfully!) Winter has much to offer.

Long shadows. Monochromatic color palettes. A completely different story waiting to be told. And arguably the most significant benefit of all: fewer people.

Places that are overrun during the summer months are transformed. Take Yellowstone, for example, which I nearly completely avoid from May to October. It's mostly closed to vehicle traffic this time of year, which means you'll have to enter by snowcoach, snowmobile, or via skis or snowshoes unless you come in through the north gate, from which you can access both Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley with your car.

The thermal features in Yellowstone - always otherworldly - are further transformed into something truly magical in the winter. The colder, the better. I've been lucky enough to be in the park when the mercury dipped to more than twenty degrees below zero - and was treated to spectacular steam and hoar frost thanks to the clash between super-heated waters and frigid air temperature.

In the image below, thick steam hangs over the Madison River as the sun comes up. It was -24 degrees F that morning. Magical.

 To fully embrace working outside in the winter, of course you must be prepared. You're not going to enjoy yourself if you're freezing, and you need to make sure your gear remains functional.

It is possible to stay reasonably warm without forfeiting mobility!

Wear layers, beginning with a base layer. Get a good pair of insulated pants (I prefer snow pants to ski pants; they're often less expensive and the fit better accommodates a base layer). Wool socks will keep you warmer than cotton - and you might want to start with silk sock liners. Good gloves are paramount. (Full disclosure: I still haven't found a pair with which I'm completely satisfied.) You obviously need to be able to manipulate your camera while staying warm. Whatever you choose, chemical heat pads help tremendously. I still end up pulling my glove off briefly when it comes time to change settings.

One other point to remember about your hands: the tripod is going to get very cold very quickly. That cold will transfer through your gloves more rapidly than you might think. Try to limit contact. For example, if you're carrying the tripod to the next location rather than strapping it onto your backpack, balance it on your shoulder and drape your arm over it versus gripping it with your hand.

Those chemical heat pads are also great for your feet; I adhere them to my socks. If it's going to be exceptionally cold, I also toss one or two into my insulated vest. Also on very cold and/or snowy days, I wear a neck gaiter. A really warm hat goes without saying. Also good boots, and microspikes so you can get around safely.

As for the camera, be sure to take extra batteries. The colder it gets, the more quickly they'll lose power. Keep the spares as warm as possible by storing them close to your body (interior vest pockets are a good spot).

On those -26 degree F days, I go with a super zoom because I find switching lenses in bitter, extreme cold to be clumsy. Better to get the shot than to be fumbling with lenses.

Pack a zip-lock bag along with your camera gear. When you're finished for the day, place your camera in the plastic bag before heading inside. This will help prevent condensation as the camera warms.

Make sure you have lens cloths in your bag, as well as a rain jacket to protect your camera in the event it begins to snow.

Dress properly and take a few precautions with your gear, and you'll be ready to rock and roll. Take it from me - someone who was most definitely not a fan of winter - you can learn to embrace it!