Tips for Outdoor Winter Family Photos in Southeastern Wyoming

Planning a winter photo fest with the fam?  I’ve got ideas on how to make the most of your outdoor winter family photos, including outfit ideas and photo ideas!!

Winter is Wonderful

Winter gets a bad rap when it comes to family photo sessions.  It takes some extra planning and flexibility to have a winter family photo session, to be sure.  But when it works out, the photos are absolutely beautiful!

• New snow adds freshness to your images.  
• Snow also adds texture and interest to photos. 
• We also have more cloudy days in winter.  Clouds make for some beautiful light and always make this family portrait photographer happy!
• Cloudy, dramatic skies make for beautiful backdrops.
• Families come home for holidays in winter.  Take advantage of having everyone there!
• Outdoor family photos look great on Christmas cards!

Tip #1.  Plan Ahead…but be Flexible

If you know you want outdoor winter family photos, especially with snow, discuss your ideas with your photographer!  For winter sessions, I recommend scheduling a date first, but understanding we might have to reschedule.  

If winter thwarts our plans, there’s no fee for rescheduling.  Ditto for wind.  That’s usually what gets us here in Wyoming.

If you want snow in your photos, that takes a bit more creativity here in Goshen County or Southeastern Wyoming.  Sometimes we just get lucky.  But generally, I’ll keep an eye to the forecast and call you a few days ahead of time to see if we can fit in a session when there’s snow on the ground.

Tip #2.  Dress Warm

We’re in Wyoming and I shouldn’t have to tell you this.  But I will.  Dress warm!!!  

I recommend dressing in layers.  Sweaters or jackets add warmth without a lot of bulk.  A scarf can add a pop of color and keep you warm.  Wear warm socks with boots or waterproof shoes.   Bring coats and gloves to put on between sessions.

When it comes to colors to wear for family pictures in the winter…just about anything works!  Jewel tones look great against the snow, as do pastels.  

Avoid large blocks of light-colored neutrals like white or khaki if you’re shooting in the snow.  You don’t want to blend into the background during your photo shoot.

I always try to have Hothands products ready for clients so they can keep fingers warm.  But you might bring toe warmers or some blankets as well.

Tip #3.  Prioritize Your Must Have Images

I always ask clients for their most important images and make sure we shoot those first.  Then we’ll work down through the shot list as time and temperatures allow.  Know what those must have images are for you!

Tip #4.  Manage Expectations

My summer family sessions typically last an hour or more.  We take our time, play lots of games and generally make time for silliness and fun.

But when it’s cold out and every minute counts, I’m a little more regimented.  I’ll work through our shot list methodically and try to nail your images in as little time possible.  The cold makes people cranky, so brevity is often the name of the game.  Just know the session will be more structured.

But what we lose in flexibility, we make up for with connections.  Winter photos are perfect for snuggles and cuddling!

Tip #5.  Be Prepared to Play at Outdoor Winter Family Photos

If we have a great snowy scene, come prepared to play at the end of the session.  I think kids in winter coats and gloves make for some adorable photos!  We can throw snow, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, etc.  Big and little kids alike will appreciate the spontaneity!

Tip #6.  Coats and Hats Can Still Be Cute!

Even if you have to bundle up, your photos can still be fun, beautiful and provide wonderful memories.  Have fun with it by picking out cute hats and matching gloves or other fun winter gear.  Or have everyone wear their Muck boots for an authentic Wyoming look!

Don’t let old man winter scare you off of an outdoor winter family photo session!  With a positive attitude, some hand warmers and a little planning, we can pull off a beautiful session no matter the season!

Tip #7.  Have an Indoor Backup Plan

Large family photoshoots are popular in winter because it’s also the holiday season.  Grown children come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and friends are in town.  If your snow family pictures include people who don’t live locally, you’ll want to have an indoor backup plan!

Shooting inside might not be as fun as playing in the snow, but you’ll love having those images all the same.  I can give you ideas on where to shoot indoors, including renting space if necessary!

Tip #8.  Schedule Early

My schedule gets absolutely CRAZY BUSY from September through mid-December.  Your family photographer also wants to spend time with her own family and may take several days off around holidays.  It’s also a popular time for mini sessions.  I don’t offer Christmas photography sessions between Dec. 23-26, for example.  So plan your family photo shoot early and book your date as soon as you can.

Booking your family photography session

Ready for beautiful family portraits?  Find more details about my family sessions!  If you’re ready to book and want to secure your session, contact me below!