Creating Magical Winter Diptychs | by Élodie Meyer
Hi, I’m Élodie, a photographer based in Canada, and I absolutely love being outdoors, especially during winter! There’s something magical about this season—the glittering snow, the serene landscapes, and the play of light on frosty mornings. Winter is also one of my favorite times to experiment with diptych photography, a storytelling technique that pairs two images to create a powerful visual narrative.
In this blog, I’ll first dive into what a diptych is, why it’s such a compelling storytelling tool, and why winter is the perfect season to master this technique. Along the way, I’ll share three niche tips to elevate your winter diptychs and help you capture stunning, meaningful pairings.
What is a diptych in photography?
A diptych is a creative storytelling technique where two photographs are placed side by side, forming a single visual narrative. The two images can be directly related, contrasting, or even abstract, depending on the story you want to tell. Unlike a standalone photo, a diptych invites viewers to engage more deeply by considering how the two images connect, complement, or challenge one another.
For instance, a diptych might pair an expansive winter landscape with a close-up of frost crystals to emphasize the magic of nature and its intricate details. Or it might juxtapose a serene scene of falling snow with a chaotic burst of children playing in it, highlighting contrasting moods within the same moment. Diptychs are versatile—whether used to evoke emotion, document a sequence, or simply create a pleasing aesthetic, they can transform simple images into something profoundly meaningful.
Diptychs give you creative freedom to evoke emotion, context, and curiosity. Done right, they elevate your storytelling and give your audience a richer experience.
Why is winter perfect for diptychs?
Winter offers an abundance of visual elements that make this season a treasure trove for diptych photography. Think of the contrasts between warm and cold, motion and stillness, or vibrant reds against stark white snow. The muted tones of winter create a minimalist canvas, allowing small details and subtle interactions between images to shine.
The soft, diffused light of winter days is ideal for creating a cohesive atmosphere across two images. Whether it’s the golden glow of a sunrise or the deep blues of a snowy twilight, the season lends itself beautifully to visual harmony.
How images work together in a diptych
The magic of a diptych lies in how the two images interact. Think of it as a visual conversation—each image brings its own “voice,” but together, they tell a more complete story. The relationship between the images can be literal, symbolic, or abstract. For example:
Literal connections: A diptych showing a snowman being built in one image and fully completed in the next. This type creates a sense of progression or time passing.
Symbolic connections: A crow perched on a bare branch next to an image of its dark shadow on the snow. This pairing suggests mystery or duality.
Abstract relationships: A shot of wind-blown snow paired with the swirling pattern of cream in a hot chocolate. These connections evoke mood and texture rather than a specific narrative.
When creating a diptych, consider how elements like color, composition, light, and theme link the images. Repetition or contrast in patterns, shapes, or textures can strengthen the visual connection. For example, pairing the soft curves of snowy hills with the rounded edges of a frosty window can subtly tie two images together, while a stark contrast, such as warm candlelight beside a frozen lake, adds drama.
A successful diptych isn’t just about placing two pretty images side by side; it’s about creating a dynamic relationship where each photo enriches the other, drawing viewers deeper into the story you want to tell.
3 tips for winter diptychs
Living in Canada, I’ve experienced some of the coldest winters you can imagine—but that doesn’t stop me from venturing outside with my camera! I genuinely believe winter is one of the most inspiring seasons for photography, and here are 3 tips to help you create diptychs:
Play with warmth and cold in post-processing: Winter is all about contrasts. In your diptych, enhance this by editing one image with cooler tones (blues and whites) and the other with warmer tones (golden hues or reds). This contrast draws the viewer’s eye and deepens the story.
Include signs of life: Winter landscapes can feel serene, but adding a hint of life—like animal tracks in the snow or a distant figure bundled up in winter gear—adds depth and interest. Pair this with a detail shot of the tracks or a close-up of the person’s frost-dusted scarf.
Experiment with textures: Winter is rich with textures—crunchy snow, smooth ice, fluffy clouds. Pair contrasting textures in your diptych, such as the sharp crystalline edges of ice against the softness of a woolen mitten. This tactile element makes your photos almost tangible.
Take your winter photography further
If you’re excited to dive deeper into winter photography, check out my new course, “Chasing Light in Winter”. It’s packed with shooting tips, editing techniques, and niche tricks to help you create stunning winter images.
Exclusive Freebie just for you
Want a sneak peek behind the scenes? I’m offering a free BTS video and editing guide for this diptych: how I planned, captured and created it, including how I edited the double exposure image on the right side of the diptych.
You can also grab:
• A video tutorial on editing a stunning bird photo.
• A PDF guide packed with tips for improving your photography voice.
These freebies are designed to inspire and guide you as you refine your photography skills.
Now it’s time to create!
Winter diptychs are a creative playground for storytelling. They challenge you to think beyond individual images and explore how two photos can interact and complement each other. Whether you’re capturing frost-kissed branches or the cozy warmth of a winter cabin, diptychs offer endless possibilities to express your vision.
So bundle up, grab your camera, and step outside into the snowy wonderland. You’ll be amazed at the stories waiting to unfold!
Ready to take your photography to the next level? Grab my Winter Course Chasing Light in Winter, and claim your freebies today! Let’s create something magical together!
