Next to Fall, Winter is my favorite time of year to photograph couples, engagements, besties, and elegant winter beauty portraits. Some people shy away from winter photography sessions in Utah because, well, it's cold. But winter sessions make for some prime photo ops, so don't write off the brr months too quickly.

What's amazing with winter is the amount of incredible natural light there is. The beautiful wintery backdrop can turn a portrait session from a 5 to a 10 real quick! 

While beautiful wintry landscapes are undeniably stunning, the cold and extreme contrasts in light and dark can be challenging. Trust me when I say I am not a fan of the cold, so I have become accustomed to giving mental pep talks before heading out into the cold. I have found that making your wintery photo dreams become a reality is easy and loads of fun with a little preparation. 

A few quick suggestions to consider:

• Always bring layers
• Wear good shoes and have a backup pair if needed (it sucks getting cold wet feet)
• Bring back up clothes

Choosing What to Wear

Choose colors and prints that pop. An all-white background is gorgeous, but having that pop of red or that flash of gingham can make for a magnificent photograph. Winter sessions can get away with more bold primary colors, such as deep reds, blues, and greens. It is also a great time to bring the cool tones if you want a more soft look. 

Avoid matching everyone in your party exactly, for example, all-white shirts and jeans. It is a dated and flat look and adds nothing to the beautiful wintery backdrop. Instead, mix and match within a color family or theme, like grays and blacks with a pop of marron or warm rich earthy tones. One person wears a blue top, one blue skirt or accessory. Weave in similar colors and textures, whites, browns, and greys.

Don't Forget to Accessorize

Play up the winter accessories when planning outfits. Think cozy knit scarves, colorful coats, adorable boots, mittens, and more. Be flexible with your outfit plan and adapt to the weather. Everyone gets miserable when they are cold and uncomfortable. I once heard the saying; there are no bad weather days, just bad clothing choices. SO Accurate! If you need to wear coats and hats, that is just fine. Embrace it. It is authentic to the conditions, and that is the goal.

Have Fun!

Don't be afraid to have fun in that snow. Snowball fights? Snowman building? Angels? The possibilities are endless and this should be all about having fun. 

Be Prepared

Pack the necessities. Noses tend to run in the cold, and glasses can fog up. Bring tissues, hand-warming packs, clean clothes, and hot beverages to keep everyone perky throughout the shoot. 

Short & Sweet

Because it can be really cold, note that a shorter session may be in order. Make the most of your photos by using every second to the max, especially at the beginning of the session when everyone's still warm and spirits are exceptionally high.

Let's create your perfect winter photo memory. BOOK NOW!