The first significant snowfall of the season has fallen. It’s sparkly. It’s pretty. And it also means cold weather is officially here!
Because we Minnesotans know that this is only the beginning of winter, I think it’s time to talk about how to stay warm at and during outdoor winter photography sessions.
So grab a blanket, your favorite warm beverage, and maybe a note pad because I’m serving up some goodies:
Layering is my favorite dancer trick when it comes to staying warm in cold weather. Wearing simple long underwear on the top and bottom helps add a layer for warmth. If you don’t own long underwear, a tight long sleeve shirt and leggings work in a pinch. And if you plan to wear boots, wear those Smartwool socks. Mmmm Smartwool (my fave Christmas gift)!
You don’t necessarily have to wear them for your photos – though you can if you want – but you certainly can bundle up between shots and while walking to the next location. For example, during family photos I like to get photos of many different groupings (mom & dad, dad & daughter, mom & son, etc). When you’re not in front of the camera, feel free to put your coat on to get warm!
Blankets also work in a pinch when you need to get warm quickly. And there’s the added bonus of being able to use blankets as props IN your photos. You can sit on them so your booties don’t get damp from snow. You can drape a blanket around you and your honey’s shoulders…it looks super cute and it keeps the heat in.
If you truly want to embrace the winter theme wear your hats, scarves, mittens, boots, etc. Your photos will still be adorable plus you and your family will actually be able to play in snow! Snow angel making photos anyone?
Warm yourself from the inside out by bringing and drinking a hot beverage. Plus, we make drinking hot cocoa as part of your winter photo session theme.
This step is maybe the most important. We know that it’s going to be cold. Set your expectations appropriately, take the necessary precautions, listen to your body, and go with the flow. Recognize that everyone has his or her own threshold for cold and we shouldn’t push anyone past it – that’s when it stops being fun.
If you have a winter session scheduled, or if you’re hoping to schedule one, I hope these tips help keep your family warm and your hearts happy!
How do we even start to say thank you for all the work and effort you put into our wedding day?
- Josie and Scott
Lauren played such a meaningful role in our wedding, capturing the day in photos that we'll look back on for the rest of our lives. She kept Scott and me calm and sane - Lauren is a miracle worker! She put in 100% effort and gave us her very best, and that means so much to me. Seeing our photographs makes me so excited and so happy that Lauren was with us on this journey.
Lauren made the process so easy and made us feel so comfortable!
- Amy and Luke
We just wanted to say thank you again so much for your amazing work. You were seriously incredible to work with and we loved the locations you suggested for both our engagement shoot and the spots in Stillwater. We were very worried about getting professional photos done since we had never done it before, but you made the process so easy and made us feel so comfortable. Thank you!
Working with Lauren was easy breezy and FUN! She gave us our most treasured photos ever!
- GRACE AND NICK
There was a chunk of time in our wedding planning when we thought we'd go without a professional photographer to save on cost (terrible idea!) but once we met with Lauren, we knew we'd be in good hands. She checked in often and asked questions that got us thinking about other parts of the wedding that we probably would've missed. Lauren captured exactly who we are as a couple!
Lauren's enthusiasm and passion make the photo-taking process so fun – she made me feel like a star!
- Alisa AND Adam
Lauren and her team are so much fun to work with! She made us feel so comfortable on the day of our wedding, providing both silly and helpful cues to help us relax and be ourselves in our photos. Lauren’s background in dance is super helpful in recognizing simple posture changes that make a big difference, too. Oh, and the photos we got are just stunning!
Lauren was pivotal in making our wedding day perfect!
- Emma AND Erik
My husband and I looked FOR MONTHS to find the perfect photographer and after meeting Lauren we knew was the best fit for us. She made our day so much fun and easy. She found little opportunities to make the perfect photo all with a calm ease that comes from someone who has an artistic eye along with experience in understanding the flow of a wedding.
Not only is Lauren an amazing human being, but she is an awesome photographer!
- Haley AND Erick
I've been in several weddings and have worked with a multitude of photographers and I never felt as confident as I did with Lauren. I love how professional she is. She helped with the timeline way in advance and we stuck to that timeline the day of. She was also able to professionally and firmly keep unruly family members settled and focused and navigated family drama beautifully!
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