A winter photo walk through central Stockholm
Intentionally slowing down, observing and capturing the beauty of Stockholm in Winter.
Introduction
Stockholm in January… The light is softer, the pace of life is slower, and it’s beauty shows through the texture and colour everywhere. On this photo walk, my goal was to capture everyday scenes around the city centre while paying close attention to the surfaces and layers that define Stockholm in winter. Water, stone, sky, and quiet moments.
I often do these walks as an exercise in slowing down and learning to observe the beauty of regular scenes.
My equipment: Using the Fujifilm XT5 with the XF16-80mm lens, plus the Yakisugi film simulation.
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A Fujifilm film simulation recipe for X-Trans IV & V. (Based on FujixWeekly / community.fujixweekly.com)
This is my go-to recipe for a warm, deep classic look with rich shadows and a muted palette, great for moody street and environmental shots.
Film Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Color Chrome Effect: Off
Color Chrome FX Blue: Off
White Balance: 7500K
WB Shift: R 0, B 0
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: 0
Shadow: +2
Color: -3
Sharpness: -1
High ISO NR: -4
Clarity: 0
ISO: (Use Auto-ISO or adjust to taste)
Exposure Compensation: 0 (adjust based on scene)
Looking down toward Gamla Stan from Slussen
From Slussen, the view opens up toward Gamla Stan for great compositions. In winter, the muted tones help strip the scene back. Rooflines, church towers, and the contrast between the old city and the water. It’s a classic Stockholm viewpoint.
The view down to the iconic Gamla Stan from Slussen.
And a view towards Stockholm center from Slussen
Swan-watching at the edge of Kungsträdgården
At the far end of Kungsträdgården, people gather by the water to watch the swans. This shot shows a couple sitting down, sharing a moment together. I liked the balance between the birds, the water, and the city in the background. Calm, ordinary, and quietly beautiful as Stockholm always is.
Water textures near Stockholm City Hall
Along the water by City Hall, I focused less on landmarks and more on the surface itself. Winter water has a texture of its own. Dark, reflective, and constantly shifting. The water ripples catch the sun, creating abstract patterns and light that exist for a second before changing again.
Light hitting the water near city hall.
Light hitting the ice and water at city hall
The City Hall waterfront
Walking along the City Hall waterfront, the architecture of the halls feels heavier grounded against the winter sky. I captured a moment where a person was standing on the jetty, with the sun behind him, and the large structure of the City Hall beside him.
A man stands at the jetty near Stockholm City Hall
Closing thoughts
This walk wasn’t about dramatic moments, but more about an exercise in slowing down and observing the beauty of everyday scenes in the town where I live. When I slowed down a bit, I begun to notice details like textures, light and colour in a different way.
Fujifilm works particularly well for winter scenes in Stockholm. The colours come through in a rich way, especially around Gamla Stan where the warm toned buildings contrast well with sky and cold water.
I hope you enjoyed this shoer update. Feel free to get in touch if you’re ever in Stockholm and want to go on a photo walk, or want recommendations on photo locations.
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