7 Tips for Winter Engagement Portraits
An engagement session takes a lot of planning— choosing a location, picking out what to wear, and coordinating multiple schedules. But a photoshoot in the winter takes even a little more thought. Don’t let the cold scare you off from getting gorgeous photos, especially if there’s snow on the ground! There are definitely ways to fully prepare for winter engagement photos and get images you’ll absolutely love!
Consider how you react to cold
Every person is different, and some of us stand cold better than others. If you love the winter weather, an engagement photo session in this season is perfect for you! However, if you feel uncomfortable in the cold, that will definitely show in your images. No one wants a series of images with rosy cheeks, a runny nose, and layers upon layers of clothes.
If you do opt for a winter engagement session, wait until there’s a decent snowfall and be sure to talk to your photographer about backup dates if the roads are icy or the snow suddenly melts.
Be sure to bundle up
You want to look cute, but you also don’t want to freeze! There’s nothing wrong with wearing fleece-lined tights under your pants or using layers to create cozy photos. A sweater, a scarf and a classy winter coat make for incredible images in the snow and will be sure to keep you from shivering all day.
Choose the right time of day
This is where the guidance of a professional photographer comes in especially handy. Snow can be blinding during the middle of a sunny day but really sparkles near sunset. While the weather is colder at that time, it’s definitely worth it for the images you can get. Talk to your photographer about the best time of day for your session and prepare for the temperature accordingly.
Pick a gorgeous location
Is there a place in your area that looks stunning in winter? Why not take your engagement photos there? Woods look lovely with snow hanging on the trees. And you may be able to find a location with lots of icicles.
Keep in mind that when snow and/ or ice are absent, winter is not very pretty. The streets and grassy areas can be wet and muddy from all the melting and trees are bare. If you’re planning any sort of nature setting, you really want to have the aesthetic accents of snow or ice.
Take plenty of breaks
Taking photos in the snow can be fun, but it can also be exhausting. You may feel hot in your warm clothes and need a moment to relax in between shots. Consider grabbing some coffee or hot cocoa to help keep you energized throughout your engagement session.
Don’t be afraid to let your photographer know when you need to take a break or even go inside and warm up. They’re cold, too! It’s easy to step inside a coffee shop for a quick warm drink or retreat to your vehicle for a quick warm-up!
Take advantage of fewer crowds
Winter is a time when most people stay inside, especially if it’s snowy, so it’s your perfect opportunity to get photos in places you love that are usually busy or crowded. If you live in a city, this opens up more options for beautiful scenery without worrying about other people getting in the way.
Have fun and be playful
The best snow engagement photos are the ones of you and your partner snuggling up or even tossing snowballs at each other. Don’t be afraid to get silly and have a little fun! Your photos should capture what makes your relationship special and show off the joy you feel together. What better way to do that than pelting each other with snow?
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