Capturing Wintry Memories: Fun in the snow

Celebrate the Winter Season

​Although Fall is over and the beautiful warm sun has retreated, doesn’t mean you can’t schedule a family portrait session.  With the winter season all around us, where everything is draped in white, why not take this as an opportunity to have your family photographed in the beauty of winter.   Many overlook the beauty of winter and all the different wonderful aspects that can be photographed during this time of year.

​As it is, during winters one does not feel like doing much other than drinking hot cocoa and just hanging out and telling stories near the fireplace. So, when the meteorologist forecasts snow in the Northern Virginia area, that’s a great time to contact your family’s photographer and schedule your family’s portrait session in the snow.   It’s a wonderful time to grab so snowballs and have a good battle.  Is there anything more interesting than a snow fight? Perhaps not! All it takes is just one person to launch a snowball and the rest of the people follow lead. Honestly, this is a great way to showcase your family having fun in the snow and is a popular subject in winter photography!

It's a way to document your family enjoying the winter season!

​Now that Christmas has passed, and we are well into the New Year, this does not mean you have a shortage of beautiful occasions to capture on camera. As long as your family is having fun doing something even as quiet as knitting a cute pair of mittens, that too could turn as an interesting subject for you to capture on camera.

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​If reading by the fire or knitting is too quiet for you, and you want your photographs to show more action, why not take the family outside and ride a sleigh down one of your neighborhoods hills. 
You can even take photographs of the family as they make a snowman (if they have not already!) or as they make snow angels in the snow.

​Honestly, there is just so much that you can photograph during the winters post-Christmas too. You can even find some trees where they snow might start to melt a little as well, indicating that the end of winters is near.

Do not let the cold from outside discourage you from taking some neat and interesting photographs showcasing all the beauty and all the wonder of snow in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area. Just make sure notify your family’s photographer in advance that you’re interested in having a winter photography session so that he or she will be prepared. 

​Here are some helpful tips if you decide to schedule a wintery family portrait session.
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​Dress in Layers
Start with a base layer like long johns or Cuddl Duds.  Cuddl Duds are also sold for men, and children.  Like long johns, Cuddl Duds are thin warm layers to have under your clothes without having the bulk and budge.  Also think about wearing thick socks and long sleeves shirts.  Flannel shirts are great and warm.  After the harsh cold temperatures we've experienced in Northern Virginia and Washington DC last week, this is especially important.  Colorful scarves are another way to add warmth and yet add a splash of uniqueness to your portraits.  Ensure your family coordinate clothing that will stand out against the muted winter background.  ​​

Photo Courtesy: L.L. Bean

​My recommendation; L.L.Bean.  During the winter, my favorite place to shop for warm clothing and boots is L.L.Bean.  I prefer this store because unlike many other stores, instead of blindly buying a coat, L.L.Bean details the recommends the temperatures.  ​
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As you can see by the illustration, this book can be warm for temperatures as low as -20°F.

Props
For winter portraits, vintage sleds and plaid blankets are great for these types of sessions.  Even hot chocolate can be considered a prop.  Bring thermos full of hot chocolate to help keep you warm.  In addition, bring cute mugs and marshmallows.  If you’re not a fan of hot chocolate, try coffee or hot tea.  How cute would it be to have a portrait of your child with whipped cream on their nose.    

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Session Length
Request for a shorter portrait session.  During sever cold, the most many will be able to endure is about 20 to 30 minutes.  Although the time is shorter in length, you’ll be astonished at how many amazing images can be captured.
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​Safety
Always check the road conditions first to ensure you’re able to travel to your photographic location safely.  In addition to check the road conditions, double check the wind advisories.  This is important not only if you have younger children but also your furry family members as well.  Although it will be could, you’ll want to keep your family’s session safe and comfortable as possible.  Hand warmers are a great little thing to have on hand.  Warmers can also be used inside your boots and even your pockets to help keep you warm.
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Location
Location, Location, Location...is everything regardless of when you schedule your family's portraits.  However, when taking family photos during the winter, a little more thought maybe needed.  Who wants a drabby background...not me.  Think about a location that has evergreen trees or a waterfall (bonus if the waterfall is frozen).
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Have Fun
Although it will be cold, use this time to have fun with your family and enjoy the moment.  Having images of an impromptu snowball fight or building a snowman can be fun to look back upon and reminisce.  You'll be able to remember how much family fun you experienced despite the cold.  
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If you're looking forward to and excited about spring and the Cherry Blossoms blooming in Washington DC this spring, I'm currently accepting reservations for Cherry Blossom portrait sessions. 

​To secure your family's Cherry Blossom session, visit here.  Or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (571) 250-5073.

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