Winter is considered an off season for wedding and portrait photographers in most areas of the world, with the majority of clients preferring warmer, more predictable weather. However, for those brave enough to battle the cold, the results can be magical. The white snow glistens against the vibrant, crisp skies, snowcapped mountains provide texture and interest in the backdrops, and the falling snow can add a ethereal vibe to the entire scene. To maximize these incredible opportunities, here are 8 tips to make your snow photoshoots an incredible experience.

1. Find Beautiful Snowcapped Mountains

Few things can compare to the majestic beauty of snowcapped mountains as a backdrop for a snowy photoshoot. These grandiose landscapes, with their pristine snow and majestic rocky terrain, add interest, beauty, and texture to any image. Here are a few examples:

2. Use The White Snow as Bounce Fill Light!

With the snow acting like an ambient fill light, photographers can play with shadow and light to create truly unique, flattering portraits. A perfect example of this is when shooting with a bright sky, as the snow picks up some of the brightness and illuminates the photograph. However, be sure to watch your exposures, as snow can reflect a lot of light and cause overexposure, especially during the middle of the day.

3. Utilize Golden Hour During a Snow Photoshoot

With the white snow and ice filling in the light all around, snow photoshoots can sometimes lack light direction. To avoid images being too “flat,” try shooting during the golden hour of sunrise or sunset when the light is warmer and more directional, or use flash to recreate golden hour.

The “golden hour” during snowy photoshoots can add an extra spark of magic to your photos. When it’s snowing, the soft and glowing light of the setting sun gives your photos a dreamy effect. It creates a golden hue that amplifies the color of freshly fallen snow and helps you capture some truly stunning shots.

4. Falling Snow (or Tossing Snow) Can Create Interest

Including falling snow in a winter photoshoot can add a touch of magic. To ensure that the falling snow is visible, make sure the scene is backlit, or backlight it yourself with a flash. Also, the falling snow will be more visible over darker backdrops vs lighter or white backdrops. Lastly, if the snow isn’t falling during your photoshoot, you can still get a dynamic approach by tossing snow yourself or having someone else toss snow in the foreground of the photos.

5. Add Fun, Candid Activities to Your Snow Photoshoots

Photographers can add a bit of fun and creativity to their outdoor snow photoshoots by adding activities into their shots. Ideas such as sledding downhill, making snow angles, or just playing in the snow can add some candid, organic moments to a snow photoshoot.  If the clients don’t want to “play,” then you can still get candid moments by capturing action poses and organic embraces.

Photo © Piper Brown (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Roger Williams Memorial Park in Providence, Rhode Island.

6. Consider Capturing the Deep Blues

Capturing the deep blues and icy whites of winter in a photoshoot can be a beautiful and breathtaking experience. The contrast between the warm colors of autumn and the starkness of winter creates an incredibly striking atmosphere, which can act as stunning backdrop to any subject. Photographers who are willing to brave the colder temperatures will be rewarded with uniquely beautiful images that they could not have otherwise captured. Taking advantage of natural sunlight and a snow-dusted landscape can create an almost magical scene, perfect for producing some truly remarkable photographs.

7. Compose for Impact

Creative compositions are important for snowy photoshoots as they allow photographers to express their individual style and bring out unique elements of the winter landscape.  Snow can provide a blank canvas for your compositions. Experiment with different perspectives and try to use the snow to lead the eye into the image or to frame your subject.  Remember these common compositional theories while you’re on your snow photoshoots:

• Framing
• Leading Lines
• Balance
• Symmetry
• Others!

8. Prepare Yourself and Your Clients

Snow photoshoots present unique challenges for photographers and therefore require more preparation that usual.  When battling cold, often uncomfortable weather, it’s important to prioritize safety and client comfort.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Watch the Weather Report: Check the weather prior to your snow photoshoot to ensure that the conditions are safe for you and your clients. If it’s snowing while you’re shooting, make sure you have someone observing the weather who can alert you to any oncoming storms or quickly changing conditions.

Safe Paths: Start by scouting out a location that has clear paths to get to your photo location.

Safe Clothing: Wear appropriate cold-weather gear, such as waterproof boots and layers to stay warm and dry.  Be prepared for the cold: Photographing in the snow can be physically demanding, so make sure to dress warmly and bring extra layers in case you get cold. Keeping your hands warm is especially important, as cold fingers can make it difficult to handle your camera.  If your clients want to wear something that’s not snow gear for their session, make sure they bring the photoshoot outfit to change into when you arrive at your exact photoshoot location.

Flash Lights: If you’re shooting outdoors at golden hour or at night, bring along safety supplies such as a flashlight or lanterns so you don’t get lost on your way back.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning and memorable winter images. Happy shooting!