Minimal Black and White Photography Series: Stockholm in Winter
There’s Beauty in Bleakness.
Introduction
Winter in Stockholm is… cold, grey, and bleak.
But I find that in the bleak grey skies and frosted landscapes there is a minimalist beauty. In this post I share a series of black and white images that I took in winter 2024/ 2025 that showcase the subtle beauty hidden in bleak Nordic winter scenes.
My equipment: Using the Fujifilm XT5 with the XF16-80mm and XF70-300 lenses, plus the Kodak T-Max P3200 film simulation.
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A Fujifilm film simulation recipe for X-Trans IV & V. (Based on Fujixweekly.com)
This is my go-to black and white recipe for a gritty, atmospheric black-and-white look that is perfect for moody winter landscapes.
Film Simulation: Acros (or Acros+Y, Acros+R, Acros+G)
Monochromatic Color (Toning): WC -1 & MG -1
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: 5500K, +4 Red & +7 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlight: +1
Shadow: +3
Sharpness: +2
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: +1ISO: up to ISO 12800
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)
The Story Behind the Shoot
Having spent a few winters in the Nordics, I realise that I have spent most of the time between October and April trying to escape the dark and cold surroundings of my home. But this year I decided to try and focus on the beauty of this bleak season. I set myself the goal to get outside as much as possible and see Stockholm as a canvas for minimal black and white photography.
When looking properly, I started to see that the fog-shrouded trees on Kungsholmen, the gentle flow of water at Hornsberg Strand with a few birds in the still sky, or the lone figure seated on a bench at Huvudsta Strand—all work as great photography subjects that create feelings of calm, solitude and introspection.
As a photography enthusiast with an interest in Fujifilm’s film simulations, I also wanted to challenge myself to find a film simulation that focuses on simplicity and contrast, proving that even in the bleakest scenes, there’s beauty to be found.
Even in the bleakest scenes, there’s beauty to be found.
Exploring Stockholm’s Winter in Monochrome
Minimal Landscapes and Emotive Details
A foggy landscape on a cold winter morning in Huvudsta, with trees piercing through the haze.
Theme 1 - Baren Landscapes:
The barren winter landscapes come alive as trees pierce through the thick fog. The simplicity of these images emphasizes natural forms and the interplay of light and shadow, perfect for fans of minimal landscape photography.
Theme 2 - Reflections and Motion:
Capturing water scenes where a few birds fly or swim offers a dynamic contrast against the still and muted backdrop.
A winter scene at Huvudsta Strand. Ducks sitting on the water.
Birds flying across the calm water at Hornsberg Strand
Theme 3 - Solitary Moments:
A person sitting alone on a bench isn’t just about being isolated—it’s a moment of quiet and reflection. Black and white photography brings that out in a simple, honest way, where minimal scenes can still tell a story.
A woman sits at a bench looking across the water at Huvudsta Strand
A woman looks out towards the winter sky from Västerbron bridge at Kungsholmen.
Technical Insights and Tips for Black and White Photography
Gear and Settings: I used the Fujifilm XT5 paired with the XF16-80mm lens to capture crisp details in low-light winter conditions. The Kodak T-Max P3200 film simulation is ideal for enhancing the natural contrast of black and white photography, giving each image a timeless, gritty feel.
Shooting in Winter: Cold weather and minimal light conditions can be challenging. Experiment with different exposure settings and embracing the natural ambiance of winter. For those keen on black and white photography, every shadow and highlight tells its own story.
Compositional Tips: Look for strong lines, simple shapes, and negative space. Whether you’re shooting expansive urban scenes or intimate moments in nature, focusing on minimal elements can transform ordinary winter scenes into compelling visual narratives. With negative space, I like the concept that sometimes it’s the empty space that adds more context to the composition than the subject itself.
The Stockholm Photo Locations That I Chose, and Their Unique Moods
While this series isn’t a location guide per se, it’s a run-down of the places featured in this series. Most other location guides would of course include Gamla Stan, Djurgarden and other popular Stockholm locations, but if you want to find bleak, black and white scenes with trees, water, some building and not too many people around then these are my suggestions:
Kungsholmen:
The snow-covered bridges and icy waterfronts around the edge of the island creates striking contrasts against the winter sky.
Hornsberg Strand:
The minimalist docks and frozen waters offer a serene offer abstract winter compositions.
Huvudsta Strand:
Bare trees and foggy mornings along the water add a moody, timeless quality.
Each provide their own distinct mood to the imagery. From the urban edge of Kungsholmen to the reflective waters of Hornsberg and the calm solitude of Huvudsta, these spots offer loads of opportunities for minimal, black and white photography.
That's a bit of what I saw and felt during the Nordic winter—quiet scenes, soft light, and the kind of stillness that makes you slow down and look a little closer. What do you think about Nordic winter? What are your favourite locations to shoot for beautiful, bleak, minimal photos? Let me know—I’m always keen to discover new spots.
