Winter Engagement Session Tips for Brave Souls
A couple walk in line through snow-covered trees in Westford MA for a chilly engagement session while carrying snowshoes
Winter in New England poses a unique set of obstacles for even the most mundane tasks. Getting to work adds 20 minutes waiting for your windshield to defrost. Getting groceries means pushing your shopping cart through parking lot sludge. But you’ll still find most New Englanders with an iced coffee in their hands (even if they can’t feel them).
Most photographers go into hibernation and work on back-end editing, because no one in their right mind would want to be out in this cold, right?
For the select few that are strong of mind to endure biting winds, deep snow, and losing feeling in your eyeballs; winter is such a wonderful time of year to get pictures taken.
Downside of winter photoshoots:
realizing that no matter how many layers, you will still be cold most likely
understanding because of that, these sessions tend to move slower and have a less organic rhythm
you will be limited in the range of poses you’ll be willing to shoot
you will be more inclined to want breaks between poses, which will lead to a choppier feeling for your session
Best activities for winter photoshoots:
snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
horseback riding
ice skating
hiking (in the woods)
exploring a city
For all their trouble, winter photoshoots can look truly magical in photos. I’d recommend trying to shoot for right after fresh snowfall that will leave fluffy branches and trees. Subjects really pop against the soft white.
Perks of winter sessions:
little to no foot traffic at your spots (especially on weekdays)
can start earlier in the day due to short window of sunlight (before Daylight Savings)
no risk of overheating (lol)
versatility of layers
dramatic and intriguing landscapes
What can you do to better prep for your session?
thermal layers are your best friend (if you’re not wearing 3 pairs of pants, you’re doing it wrong)
bringing thick jackets and/or blankets for breaks in sessions to warms up
hats + gloves for walking around
wool socks that will retain warmth even if they get wet
extra socks + shoes for the drive home if it’s over 20-30 mins away
Specializing in all things adventure, and sessions that feel like time spent with friends! For couples that want genuine laughs and to forget the camera is there at all, I am the photographer for you!
