EXPERT TIPS: FAMILY PREP FOR WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY​

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HOW CAN FAMILIES PREPARE THEIR CHILDREN FOR OUTDOOR WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS?

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Autumn is a really lovely time to have a winter photo session. The dark greens and orange tones in the trees, the cold weather and fresh crisp air and of course, all the cosy outfits, make for really beautiful winter photography. It has to be said, however, that this time of year can be a little bit… unpredictable, shall we say, weather wise. So here are a few of my winter session tips for family photography at this time of the year, to help you, and your family, get through any obstacle that can be thrown at you during your photo session during the winter months and to help you and your family prep for winter photography and a successful photoshoot this season.

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HOW CAN FAMILIES MAKE THE MOST OF NATURAL LIGHTING DURING THEIR WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS?

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 Family prep for winter photography needs to begin with considering natural lighting, especially as we lose a lot of light hours at this time of year. The main thing is to prioritise scheduling shoots during the golden hours, early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The soft, warm light enhances winter landscapes, creating a magical effect for family photos, enhanced on a really clear day too! 

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FAMILY PREP FOR WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY

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On the day itself, I use local apps that track rain.

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We've discussed lighting, but I want to discuss my other best tips for really making the most of your entire session, enabling you to walk away with those gorgeous family portraits you'll cherish!

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The first thing I want to discuss is those extra layers & layering for your family photo session...​

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• Warmers – It gets nippy out there and little fingers can get freezing. Cute mittens for your children can be lifesavers and look really lovely in photographs. If you have any hand warmers, (the ones that you crack, and they heat up) these can be perfect to bring along for after your shoot too! Obviously warm clothing, scarfs and blankets all go well with the aesthetic in winter images, so please bring’em! Wrapping up in a blanket all together can be so sweet and even if you don't use it in your family photos, it’ll keep you warm whilst walking around or whilst certain family members are individually photographed as the others wait on the side-lines.

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• Efficiency - In the winter, I personally make sure to work extra quickly and efficiently so if we have to end your shoot a few minutes early because there are teeth chattering, then we can do so! I’ll always take the most important photographs first, too. With just a little planning (regarding locations, outfits, and the sort of family groupings you are after in your images) the shoot should flow with ease and nobody will even have the time to get cold!

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• Details – Items such as tissues (for snotty/runny noses) or if you have long hair (like me), a hair tie, are details that are really worth thinking about! Bringing such things, as well as baby wipes (I learnt this the hard way at my first year photographing at the pumpkin fields with all the mud!) can be perfect for avoiding any wind/mess winter wants to through at us!

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• Organisation - In the run-up to your shoot, I’ll keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and I expect you might too! Regardless of what the forecast says, I always recommend that we don’t make any decisions until the evening before your shoot. The reason for this is that I find the forecast can change frequently over the course of a week, and a day that is forecast to be rainy in a week’s time, can often be forecast to be a lovely, dry and sunny day, once we reach the day beforehand.

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• Flexibility - If it does look like it’s only going to rain for a short while, we might decide to start a little earlier (for example) but as long as we both have a little bit of flexibility in our diaries, we should be fine! Should the absolute worst happen and your session can’t go ahead as planned, we can reschedule to another date, and we’ll work together to make sure that the solution is something you feel happy with!

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• Props - Props like a clear umbrella are always helpful (I’m never seen without my two – one for you and one for me)! Colour as long as it's not too bold can be a nice way to add something to the photos through your accessories!

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• Clothing Options - I’ve got a whole blog post on what to wear to a family shoot seen here, outfit planning, and layering (especially for younger children), as mentioned - is a great place to start!​

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FAMILY PREP FOR WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY

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The best locations for family winter photography outings include snowy landscapes like parks, woodlands, or even your back garden for a cosy feel. I always aim to look for places with good natural light and scenic backgrounds to capture beautiful winter moments with your family.

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If you’re interested in booking a family shoot, with a family photographer for your family photography, please look here for more details. ​​

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For my previous blog post, please click here.