Because winter is here for 6 months of the year whether we like it or not!
Hello, it’s me, your friendly neighbourhood photographer, reporting from the North Pole … I mean Canada. My whole life, I've lived in this beautiful frigid prairie land, where the air hurts my face. If you're reading this, I'm guessing you live here too! And even though the air hurts my face, I will argue that winter photos are some of the most beautiful photos! Think about it, not everybody is as "lucky" as us to have the amazing phenomenon of snow in their lives.
I’m assuming you've come here because you are in need of some wisdom on how to survive winter photos. Otherwise, I advise you to move on, as this could be a boring read. Winter is often overlooked when it comes to photos, because it is literally FREEZING. But it is super pretty. And with that ...
... prepare to get cold.
TIP ONE: WATCH THE WEATHER
While winter can be beautiful and provide magical settings for photos, certain weather-related scenarios can make taking winter pictures a nightmare. There are two types of weather I would recommend you avoid at all costs.
- Super windy weather (I know in SK, there is a degree of wind to be expected). Winter wind cuts deep and can make a -5 day feel like a -20 day. When it is "too windy" (25km+ winds), I will reschedule. If you have children at your photo session, they do not put up with the cold.
- Weather below -15 degrees. I generally don't shoot outside if it's colder than this, except under special circumstances (like a wedding). This is more for your benefit than mine. I will be dressed up and warm in my winter gear. You will most likely not.
TIP TWO: CHOOSE OUTFITS WISELY
The struggle and age-old question … what on Earth do you wear for photos in general, let alone for your winter family session? Consider what you plan on using them for. Are these for the annual family Christmas card? Are they for the walls in your home? Is there a specific theme you’re after? The answer to this should influence the direction your family's picture outfits and colour schemes will go. Even on "warmer" winter days, make sure to have a jacket, mitts and touque ready to go. Make it make sense. You wouldn't wear open-toed shoes or t-shirts in the winter. So don't! Make sure your outfit is designed to keep you warm. This can easily be done by layering, bringing along scarfs, hats and mittens, or bringing a cozy blanket with you! Trust me, even in -2 you will be cold at the end.
Pro tip: Don’t wear white if your location is predominantly white and covered in snow!
Pro tip: Bring along handwarmers to stuff in your mitts and boots! These have saved a shoot from a cold toddler meltdown on multiple occasions.
TIP THREE: GET MOVING
Get busy with activities! I will 100% guide you in poses and help facilitate movement during the session. But I definitely recommend some sort of activity - go skating, tobogganing, ice fishing, bring a thermos of hot chocolate... the list goes on. These activities make for fun, authentic photo memories. You really will enjoy skating with your kids (or at least they will), or being a goof and riding down a hill on a toboggan. Not only will they make awesome photos, but moving will help keep you warm!
TIP FOUR: LET'S GO INSIDE
Sorry to burst your bubble - but staying indoors is the *easiest way to keep warm! The winter is beautiful to look at and has a magical element to it. But sometimes we have to go inside. In-home lifestyle sessions are also beautiful and cozy! These are especially amazing for families with small children and couples. Lifestyle sessions inside my space will be available soon as well!
Whenever I do an indoor session, there is also the option to head outside for a few photos as well. We will just be in your backyard, nothing crazy! But it is a nice option if you still want to get some snowy photos!
