In this episode of F-stopping by the Woods, I’m recording from Kibber village, halfway through our snow leopard expedition with my friend and fellow photographer, Sumeet Gayathri Moghe. Even after all our planning, the Himalayas threw us some real curveballs-so I wanted to share the 10 most important lessons I’ve learned about winter wildlife photography in sub-zero conditions. These are the things I wish someone had told me before I came here: from why one good fleece beats three average ones, to how I learned the hard way about the need for gaiters, and why Category 4 glares are absolutely essential. We also talk about prepping for altitude, the right camera gear, and how to redefine what a ‘good day’ means when sightings are rare and distances are vast. If you’re planning a trip like this, or just curious about what it’s really like, these tips will save you a lot of discomfort and help you get the most out of your Himalayan adventure.