Winter photoshoots can be incredibly special, especially in our beautiful mitten state! This magic does come with its own set of challenges, but with the right planning, you can craft a shoot that feels warm, intimate, and utterly unforgettable. Here are essential tips and tricks for a seamless winter photo session in Michigan.
Essential Tips & Tricks for a Seamless Winter Photo Session in Michigan
PREPARING OUTFITS
Outfits are one of the biggest aspects that lead to having a successful photo session in the winter. The main thing to consider is warmth. This can be done with plenty of layering and being practical about the weather conditions that you will be dealing with. I always recommend long underwear. It’s a great way to keep your core temperature up, without adding too much bulk. Just remember that if you're uncomfortable, that typically tends to show through on camera so allow yourself time to consider your options and it can always be helpful to coordinate different layers with different outfits as well depending on if you're transitioning from inside to outside. One of my favorite tips I love to give my clients for winter sessions is lean on hand warmers! Put them in your pockets, in your shoes. You will be amazed how much they can help you get through a snowy session.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATIONS
When choosing locations for a winter photo session, I always recommend selecting a location both indoors and outdoors, or, even better, a location that has options for both indoor and outdoor. Unfortunately, that's not always the case in metro Detroit, because a lot of indoor locations can limit professional photography or include additional fees to utilize their space, so in these circumstances, I strongly recommend leaning on your photographer for suggestions, but always offer insight into what type of aesthetic you're looking for first so everyone is on the same page. Also, if you are still looking for greenery in your winter session, botanical gardens are always an excellent option!
When utilizing outdoors locations, I always like to give my clients breaks here and there so they can run to their cars and warm up a little before getting back into it. You can even have someone drive you to the session and they can keep the car running so the car is already warm during session breaks.
KEEP TIMING IN MIND
Winter days are always shorter and that means there's less light to work with. During the summer, I typically like to start my sessions around 7pm because the best light always comes 1-2 hours before sunset. In winter, there's typically no ideal time to start your session. 70% of our winter season consists of overcast light, which is always ideal for photography, but just keep in mind that your time frame for your session will have to take place earlier in the day. This is a very important factor to keep in mind if you're planning a winter wedding. For winter weddings, I always strongly encourage a first look so you can get your portraits knocked out before the ceremony, or just place your ceremony time earlier in the day so that you're not racing the light.
EMBRACE THE SEASON
I love snow! It is genuinely my favorite season to capture photography in. There is something so beautiful and dreamy about it. If you would like to have snow in your session, I like to book these sessions as a "standby" type of session and we can coordinate availability based on the radar. For your winter sessions, consider some props that fit in with the season! A thermos of your favorite warm beverage, a blanket to wrap yourselves in during the session or in between poses, and embrace all the winter accessories like hats, scarves, furs, etc. They are not only practical, but can be quite fashionable as well.
WINTER WEDDING TIPS:
For outdoor photos, I highly recommend investing in a rolling cart that someone from the bridal party/family can bring with for people to set their coats & bags in during photos so they're not getting wet and are easily accessible.
Allow for extra time for everything in your timeline. Colder temperatures equal more stuff and the more stuff, the more time it takes to get around. Be aware of the extra moving pieces in your timeline.
If you invest in the fur shawls from retailers like Amazon and Shein, just know that those things shed like crazy! They will get all over dresses and suits so either invest in higher quality ones or be sure to have a lint roller nearby during photos.
Michigan weather is unpredictable so it is always helpful to have backup plans/locations in mind for your wedding portraits.
Travel time in the mitten can take a little longer during the winter months so it's always a safe measure to inform people that the ceremony time is 15 minutes earlier than it actually is so there's a little buffer for travel.
If you want portraits taken in heels, just be sure to have some boots tucked away and nearby during photos in case you get uncomfortable.
Your dress & veil will get wet. No matter how hard you try, it is going to happen and it is okay. If you're doing your photos before the ceremony, I suggest keeping the poses that include movement to a minimum. I highly recommend bringing a hairdryer with you in case you feel the need at any point to dry out any wetness, but your stunning photos will be 100% worth it.
Comments