Disclaimer: Certain temperatures are unsafe to have a session. Make sure that you and your photographer are paying attention as you would for rain. You can also ask if a mini session is available. I don’t typically offer mini sessions except certain occasions, but in the winter I’m more inclined to do so due to the temperatures. Your photographer may too.
If you are in an area with long snowy winters like upstate New York, you may want to either have your family pictures taken in another season or in a studio. This post is to encourage you to consider braving the outdoors in the winter for some fun family pictures in the snow, and here are a few reasons why.
The Light
Light is the most important thing for a quality image. Posing and composition matter too, but if it in poor light the image really suffers. In the winter with snow on the ground, the snow acts like a giant reflector. It lights up everyone’s face in a soft and beautiful way. Other types of light are beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but I think the soft, even light in the snow gives the image a feeling of magic. (It makes me think of Narnia.)
Inspires Connection
If there is snow on the ground it means it’s chilly, right!?! No brainer! Getting close together and warming up your loved ones may be necessary and naturally inspires connection among everyone. For me, I want your pictures to make you feel something. I want the pictures you receive to remind you what it felt like to have a baby growing safely inside you or what it felt like to be wrapped up in the arms of the person you love. Time is something we can never get back, and I believe that pictures help us remember once we are in a new stage of life.
Get Those Bodies Moving
We can also take the opposite approach. Get the kids moving and blood pumping. Just standing in the cold will become unenjoyable for anyone. Even in the summer, I like to get the kids running and moving. Many of us have been trained by stale department store photography where the goal is to have everyone sit still and look at the camera. Kids are meant for movement. Lean into what comes naturally to them to help keep them warm. It’s a great way to create fun memories too.
They Are Unique to Certain Areas and Time of Year
Ya know, not everywhere gets snow like New York’s north country. I have met people who have never seen snow. Love it or hate it, it is only special in certain parts of the world. If you are a military family, like myself, you may only have a few years in a place like Fort Drum before you are shipped out to enjoy another part of the world. Though I don’t think location is the most important part of a photograph (gasp!). I do think documenting where you are is fun. It tells your story. If you on vacation in Hawaii or living in upstate New York, I think it is worth getting pictures taken to document your time there.
An outdoor session in the winter can sound unappealing…especially with little kids. But if you come to the session prepared by having blankets, hats, and gloves to use between poses, I believe it will be worth it. You can even get the air activated hand warmers and a thermos of a hot beverage for good measure. Like I said earlier, you can always ask your photographer if a mini session is available if you’re still apprehensive.
