3 tips for incredible winter family photos

Tips for a Successful Winter Family Session

While winter can make for beautiful photos, it’s also a little more challenging to plan than other seasons. But don’t worry! With a few tips, you’ll be ready to create stunning memories. Jolley’s Ranch is an excellent location for winter family photos. It’s beautiful and accessible. Read on for more tips on a successful winter family session.

1. Dress in Layers

The key to looking great and staying comfortable during a winter photo shoot is layering. Choose warm clothes that also photograph well. Think scarves, hats, cozy sweaters, and even boots. Rich, earthy tones and neutral colors like burgundy, deep green, mustard, or navy look fantastic against snowy backgrounds.

Avoid clothing that’s too bright or flashy—colors like neon or overly bright hues can clash with the soft tones of winter landscapes. But don’t be afraid to add a pop of color through accessories like a scarf or a knitted hat!

2. Plan for Comfort

Remember that winter can be cold, so it’s essential to think about how to stay comfortable during the session. Bring hand warmers, extra gloves, and even blankets to wrap up in when you’re not being photographed. A winter photo shoot can be a lot of fun, but you’ll want to keep your family members warm and happy, especially the little ones.

3. Use the Light to Your Advantage

Winter days are shorter, so timing your session is key. The soft golden hour light around sunrise or sunset will give your photos that dreamy, glowing effect. If you’re shooting during midday, look for shaded areas to avoid harsh shadows and to capture that softer, diffused light.

4. Prepare for Snow (or Lack of It!)

If you’re hoping for a snowy winter scene, keep in mind that snow isn’t guaranteed. It might be chilly but dry, or the snow may not be as plentiful as you’d like. Either way, you can make the most of it! If snow is sparse, consider locations with frosted trees or even a cabin in the woods. If there’s a heavy snowstorm, embrace it! Those snowflakes falling around your family can add a magical effect to your photos that’s impossible to replicate in other seasons.

5. Incorporate Winter Activities

If you want to make your session more interactive and fun, consider incorporating winter activities like sledding, ice skating, building a snowman, or even a snowball fight. These playful moments will capture your family’s dynamic and give you lots of candid shots that show off your personalities.

If you’d like to see more sessions from Jolley’s Ranch, click here. For more information on how to outfit your family, click here.