Winter

It’s basically a snowless Alaska up here this year in Spokane Valley, WA. We’ve been freezing our backsides off in freezing temperatures all winter. It’s great, my favorite. Just kidding, I deeply revile the cold. However, just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t get amazing portraits done!

Uniquely Northwest

Just about the time you think, well I’ve missed my window for family portraits this year, you might reconsider! Winter portraits can be fun, successful, and ADORABLE! Don’t discount this time for something uniquely Northwest and your family. You have some options, even when it’s cold, especially if there is snow on the ground.

Outdoor

An outdoor session an be a special memory making event with your family. If you book a winter session, there are a couple of things that will make all the difference. First, DRESS for the winter session and plan to move. I’ll explore this in the next few paragraphs. Snowy shots are some of my favorite, the people in the images really stand out. If there is no snow on the ground, consider a “city” location. Pale, overcast wintery light is very flattering and makes any hint of color really pop! Locations that include high contrast background looks terrific for example, bridges, brick alleyways, buildings with columns, and high architectural elements make for really great photographs.

Tip One: Dress for Winter

The key to a successful out door session is to really dress for the weather. We’ve all seen the photos of families standing half dressed in the snow with ruddy cheeks and noses, shoulders up and teeth chattering. You aren’t fooling anyone standing in the snow without the proper cold weather attire. Everyone know you are freezing. It’s obvious and frankly, no fun. Layer your outfit, do the whole thing. Start with the cold weather gear, add coats, hats, scarves, mittens, and boots. It’s not ridiculous to bundle up in cold weather. What about matching crazy leggings, or socks?

Tip Two: Make it Fun

If you are going to be out in the weather, you might as well get active. This is the perfect time for pictures of building a snow man, and making snow angels. During a session with me, we take both posed and candid photos and snowy settings can make that activity so easy. If there is no snow on the ground, there is still fun to be had. Pictures taken huddled around a fire pit with cocoa and roasting marshmallows are a sweet family activity that will make for lovely portraits or ice skating the ice ribbon. Posing on one of the many bridges in this area can add interest to your winter photographs. Bring a sled, warm blankets, or a faux fur! There is a multitude of winter activities that can be used as a fun activity for your family portraits.

Tip Three: Move Indoors

Some of you are still not convinced. I hear you, playing in the snow just doesn’t do it. In that case, why not move indoors? Your home can be a terrific place to do your family portraits. The session below is one done at the client’s home. If you have a group too large for portraits at your home, consider renting a location like an Airbnb for portraits, a beautiful location with loads of light flooding the windows, or a large mouth stone fireplace would make for grand photos!

At Home

The session below is the F. Family. This session was booked at their home. The great thing about an at homes session is that you can do both indoor and outdoor. A quick trip indoors can keep small children or elderly family member from getting too cold. It also give variety to the session as you can see here.