5 Tips for a winter engagement session
If you're not a fan of the cold, but would still like to have your engagement session in the winter, take a page from Jordan and Tamra. These two lovebirds had their session indoors at a local mill that was lit up for the holidays. This made for a festive backdrop in a comfortable, climate-controlled setting. Given that their session also took place in the middle of a pandemic, it was not easy finding an open space indoors and safe for us to photograph without masks. The mill was a fantastic location, and we had a great time. It was also nice to not have to worry about winter's rapid loss of light.
When you're planning your engagement session in the winter, here are some tips for you to get the best photographs:
Become one with the weather app. It's crucial to know just what the weather will look like on the chosen day of your session.
Have a back-up plan. Living in New England has taught me one thing - Mother Nature's on crack, and the weather is as fickle as her moods. Make sure you have a couple of locations (indoor and outdoor) that will allow you to duck into, should the weather become unbearably cold or turn suddenly foul. This is standard advice for any situation, but it is especially pertinent in the winter.
Consider alternative times for your session. Most couples tend to aim for the mid-to-late afternoon for engagement sessions. Consider having your session much earlier in the day. My favorite time of day to shoot during the winter is right around 1pm. The sun is bright and high in the sky at that time. Given that it's past noon, the sunlight has some directionality to it. I especially like to photograph just after a day of snow or rain, because the sky is usually clear and very blue. I get the most vibrant, cheerful photos on days like that.
Don't be a hero - accept your cold tolerance. I am an African who spent her formative years living on the equator. I do believe that winter winds are the devil's breath! I hate the cold and so dress accordingly when I have to go out on a shoot. Now I know it's hard to look cute when you're bundled up like Nanuck from the north; however, there are ways to maintain feeling in your hands and feet while dressing in style.
Have Hand Warmers in your coat pockets. I always have some on me when I'm out shooting in the cold, and I don't just have them in my coat pockets.
Bring something warm to drink with you. I always have my 20oz Contigo coffee mug with me on a session. It's usually filled with tea or warm mulled cider because both those drinks make me happy. Thanks to the voodoo magic of Contigo, these stay scalding hot for HOURS. I have two of these magical travel mugs.
Dress in layers: I don't mean bulky layers like in oversized sweaters and scarves, but in form-fitting layers like thermal underwear that don't distort your outfit's form.
Finally, just have fun! The session is supposed to be when you get comfortable with me as your photographer, and I learn all about you two.
