Prepping for a Family Photoshoot in the Winter | Getting the Best Out of Your Snowy Session

blonde mother and two children sitting in a red sled in the snow during winter family photoshoot

Snow is by far my most favorite setting to shoot in. Especially in the high desert, where there’s always a good chance of getting some warm afternoon light… it’s a chef’s-kiss, can’t-miss type of situation for me!! There’s something about snow that brings out the magic of an average everyday situation and manages to deliver joy in every shot. But a family photoshoot on a winter day definitely has its challenges.

Now, mamas, papas, and other family-lovin’ people, I hear you. The fear of being cold or wet can sometimes drown out all the reasons why not to schedule a family session in the snow. Here are my top 4 professional tips and tricks to show you it’s possible to have fun and get wonderful results you’ll cherish forever!

Tip 1: Opt for a Mini Winter Family Photoshoot

If you know me, you know I love a precious mini session with your gorgeous fam! In fact, I have a whole blog here detailing the difference between a mini and a full session for your family shoot.

Between November and April every year, I open up my calendar to fill with mini-sessions, which are a shorter session at a lower price point that can give you a precious handful of amazing photos to use for your holiday cards, to document your family at a special point in life, or just for fun! A mini session is jam-packed with opportunities to get fun updated family photos and capture some true authentic joy coming from your kiddos playing in the snow.

AND, a great bonus to choosing a mini session for your family photoshoot in the winter is that you won’t have to brave the cold for long! Less worry about the kids complaining, no risk of getting a cold, and it’ll be easier to shed your bulky winter coat for a few minutes to take some pictures.

blonde brother and sister in yellow sweater hugging in the snow during winter family photoshoot

blonde mother and two children sitting smiling and standing in the snow during winter family photoshoot

blonde little girl in yellow sweater and blonde little boy in blue plaid sweater playing ring around the rosie in the snow during winter family photoshoot

Tip 2: Hype up the Fun!

As a parent, I’m sure you know that your kiddos truly learn by watching and listening to you. Even when you’re not aware! Hype up the session, talk about your excitement and keep that energy going! From weeks before your session, all the way through the end, talking about how fun it will be is a guaranteed way to make sure your children will follow suit and share your excitement.

For extra ease, pose that this won’t just be a family photoshoot on a winter day! This is a time for an adventure, maybe sledding or another fun activity like this session featured in this blog! I love capturing your family in their element, so any winter activity you’d normally do that we can incorporate will help keep your kids excited.

mother snuggling up and tickling children in the snow during winter family photoshoot

Tip 3: Come Ready to Play!

Know that I will keep you moving with games, prompts, movements and more. But just like we need your positive energy as an influence, your kids are going to be elated to just have the opportunity and time to play with you. Let’s make it happen!

mother in brown wool jacket throwing snow with her son during winter family photoshoot

Take this opportunity to get some cute new and warm outerwear! Dress for the occasion. Since we are in the snow, dress for the snow! I have a wardrobe guide to send to families for every season, so don’t let the wardrobe planning get in the way! You can make sure everyone looks great and is still ready for some fun and movement.

(Psst: I also have a Pinterest board full of my previous sessions that you can pick through for some outfit inspo!)

mother in tan wool coat pulling two blonde children on red sled

Tip 4: Layers, Layers, Layers.

Speaking of wardrobe…No family photoshoot in the winter is going to be any fun without the proper attire! I’m talking tights under tights under tights under dresses! Gloves under gloves, as many socks as you can imagine, and if they are cold weather brands/thermal gear, even better.

I know that this might sound like overkill, but it’s going to be so much better to over-prepare and shed some layers if you get warm than it will be to never get warm enough and freeze your little toes off while trying to have a good time.

Another way I suggest alleviating the cold temperatures is taking “warming breaks!” I can work with you to find locations just STEPS away from the car. We don’t always have to go to a snow park or hike out into the middle of the woods. Some of my favorite locations anywhere from Bend, Sunriver, and LaPine offer beautiful snow capped trees and a blanket of snow just steps away from the passenger seat.

little boy in blue plaid sweater hugging mother in brown jacket during winter family photoshoot

But we can also bring the warmth with us! Enter: hand warmers everywhere we can fit them!

Put them in shoes, inner layer pockets, gloves, ear muffs, etc. Your fingers and toes will be most vulnerable even under your layers.

blonde mother in brown jacket hugging young daughter in yellow sweater during winter family photoshoot

While it’s tempting to choose a date in a warmer season, I hope these tips have convinced you that a family photoshoot in the winter is so magical that it’s worth the extra planning! You can’t beat the fresh air and big smiles!

Reach out to me here to schedule your fairytale winter photoshoot with the whole family.

Now please enjoy these adorable and playful photos during this family winter photoshoot mini session!