Winter seems to last forever here in the Mid-West! Not to mention sometimes it’s here as early as November and stays as long as March! So many families and couples love to schedule their photos in fall because of the beautiful colors we get, but I love it when some embrace the beauty of our winters here too!

There is something so beautiful and peaceful about fresh fallen snow. It looks like it is out of a painting! I mean is there anything like flocked pine trees?!

But as beautiful as it is, the truth is here in the mid-west it can be cold too. So how do you get the beauty of the snow without being cold and miserable your whole session?

Here are 5 tips to have an amazing winter session in Wisconsin!

1) Dress for the weather.

Embrace the cold and dress for the weather, but take the same thought process of fashion and coordinating everyone as you would if you were coordinating their outfits. It’s such a fun time to bust out the knitted hats, scarves, and gloves! Think about tweed jackets, fleece coats, and fuzzy hoods

2) Bring jackets, gloves, blankets

I always tell my clients when we are planning on them wearing just their outfits for their session to bring jackets, gloves, and blankets and we’ll keep them near us. We can always take a quick warm up break! (Sneaky tip: put hand warmers in the jacket pockets!). It’s also great for families to bring extra stuff so anyone not in photos can keep warm.

3) Be Flexible

Our Midwest winters are so unpredictable. I always want to make our sessions happen. But your safety is also important to me. If the weather is below freezing we’ll reschedule. But the great news is I always leave room during this time to get you in sometimes as soon as in the same week!

4) Pop of Color

That blanket of white snow is the perfect backdrop to make a beautiful impact with a pop of color! Something that is really going to stand out against the snow and if there are any trees, bushes in the background.

5) Be Playful

I love to capture honest emotions and reactions. Winter in the perfect time to have a little fun and embrace snow balls fights, catching snow flakes on your tongue, and maybe even a little sled ride!

6) 50/50 Split

Winter is the perfect time to take advantage of having part of your session outside in the snow and the other part in-home. For in-home winter sessions it’s so great to incorportate snuggling under blankets, sipping cocoa and watching the snow fall!

Ready for your own beautiful winter session?