How to Survive a Winter Photoshoot
Your camera-holding fairygodmother on how to enjoy those snowy photo sessions
I ADORE a crisp and snowy photoshoot. The snow’s glistening, the skies frosty, and literally any backdrop is suddenly 10x more dramatic. Winter photoshoots can be cozy or adventurous, intimate or epic- and I love the challenge of a good winter shoot.
But, there’s snow on the ground for a reason. So, as stunning as you are, you’re also probably really freaking cold too! After years of shooting many snowy photoshoot, here’s my top tips for a warm winter wonderland, instead of frostbite and shivering.
First, if your dress goes past your shoes, wear snow boots or see if you can incorporate them to your outfit. Footwear can go a LONG way in helping you stay warm! So choose thick wool socks, real waterproof shoes, and snow or hiking boots that can actually keep out the cold and wet.
For my guys, really pay attention to your socks! You may still want a nice dress shoe, but feel free to bring maybe a pair of hiking or snow boots while we walk between locations or just really thick socks to keep you warm. We can also be strategic with poses and shots so we mostly don’t need to see your feet if you really want to stay in snow boots, but don’t want to skimp on the rest of your outfit.
Second, I always bring heat packs. I just buy a big pack when it starts getting cold from Costco or Walmart and leave them in my car. You can hold on to them while you walk to a new location or stuff them in your shoes. Either will go a long way in helping you stay warm!
I also recommend wearing as many layers as you can get away with! Ladies, it might be nice to have a fur cape, a scarf, or a big coat. Even if it’s over your wedding dress, even that can make for some fun shots. Men can also do a bigger coat to go with their outfit too!
But my biggest advice on layers is to not forget your underlayers! You can wear leggings, stockings, henleys, long sleeves shirts, thermal wear- whatever might keep you a little warmer and the heat a little tighter to your body. Depending on the cut of your dress or suit, it might be super easy to hide a few key layers under your outfit. And, if you know you want a winter wedding or photoshoot, keep that in mind while you shop!
Feel free to bring extra layers or warming items to use between shots too. Cold weather sometimes mean we need to take a blanket break or warm up in a big coat for a while- and that’s okay! I always recommend bringing a big warm jacket- whether it’s a part of your normal outfit or not- for you to cozy up in as we walk to the location or between shots. It’ll help keep your temperature and your spirits up.
Finally, this may sound a bit funny but move! Winter shots are my favorites to use tons of movement because it keeps you warm and lets us play with all the snow too. Don’t be afraid of a good dancing shot or playing tag in the snow or having a snowball fight during our shot- whatever will keep you moving and having fun! Movement keeps your blood flowing, so it’ll be harder to slowly become an ice sculpture.
Winter photoshoots are some of my all-time favorites and if you chose winter for your photoshoot, I am beyond excited! But, I hope these tips help you be a little more prepared and a little more merry during our time out in the snow.



