How to Prep for a Winter Photoshoot | Whitney Beth Photography
How to Prep for a Winter Photoshoot | Whitney Beth Photography
Ok ok, I know it’s not even Halloween yet, but winter will be here soon, and with it, winter photoshoots. I love shooting in the snow, especially when there’s a light flurry in the air. You know who doesn’t like shooting in the snow? Your entire family (probably.) It’s hard enough getting everyone on board with family pictures - but throw winter into the equation and we’ve got to do some serious planning to get everyone onboard.
1. Dress accordingly.
- This may seem like, “duh” but it is 100% THE most important part to a happy photoshoot. Dress your family WARM and in LAYERS. In the family picture above, it may look warm-ish out, but it was near the 30’s and we were fighting a winter storm advisory warning. You know who wasn’t cold? My little family. I’m wearing leggings and tights under my dress and a thick - super warm cardigan on top of my flannel dress. Super toasty. Jones and Danny were dressed similar in that they had lots of layers under sweaters/shirts and Jones was wearing long johns under his pants.
2. Don’t get fully into your outfit until you arrive.
- Technically this could go under the last point, but I really wanted to make sure it stood out. If you’re in the warm car with all your layers on and you get out into the cold, you will be cold. It’s science. But if you wait to bundle and layer up until after you get there you will be warm. Let me say this again for the people in the back; WARM FAMILIES ARE HAPPY FAMILIES. (This also helps keep your outfits clean until you arrive.)
3. Eat before you shoot.
- Sound advice for prepping for any photoshoot, but especially crucial for winter. Full families equal happy families and happy families listen to direction and get the shots needed FAST. AKA you eat, you happy, you done.
4. Wear the right shoes.
- Are you sensing a theme? Haha! I know those heels look so good and those Mary Janes are adorable for your little girl, but add snow and it’s a big NO. Instead, just embrace it and wear neutral colored snow boots. You won’t even notice them in the pictures and your feet and family will thank you.
5. Embrace the weather and red faces.
- Yes it’s snowy and cold, use it to your advantage. Have a (gentle) snowball fight. And throwing snow in the air looks like glitter. Your littles will most likely have red faces by the end of the shoot, and that’s ok. It’s natural for that to happen when you’re out in the cold. Don’t stress about it during the shoot, there’s nothing that worrying and stressing will do to fix it. Most of the time it’s not as noticeable on camera as it is in real life, and if it is, there’s this awesome thing called photoshop.
6. Bring hot chocolate.
- This can even be added in as a cute prop for pictures. But having hot chocolate in a thermos (or two) waiting for you in the car is the perfect pick me up and inventive for your family to look forward to once pictures are done and over with.
And as with all photoshoots, try not to stress. It can be tricky and frustrating getting your family all there (especially if they don’t want to be.) But that’s where I take it from. It’s your job to get your family there, and my job to help tell your story and document the magic that is you. So if the thought of winter photos exhilarates you and terrifies you at the same time, take a deep breath, read this post and shoot me an email. Let’s do it.
