There is a special kind of magic that comes with outdoor, winter photo sessions. The snow lightly falling and icicles hanging from the branches create a lovely backdrop for any photo session. And we are fortunate here in Prince George, BC, to get lots of the white fluffy stuff!

Here are some tips to make your winter photo sessions go smoothly.

1.       Dress warmly. Bulky coats aren't always that flattering so wearing layers such as winter woolies, then a nice sweater, perhaps a scarf to accent and you will be good to go. Since you’ll be standing outside for a long period of time, bring some snuggly wraps or blankets that can be grabbed whenever you're not in front of the camera. Shivering makes it hard to look happy and pose properly.
2.       Wear sunscreen. Protecting your skin should be a priority throughout the year, not just in summer. Use a good moisturizer to protect your skin from chilly winds.
3.       Watch the weather. Warmer days may seem more pleasant but melting snow can change the entire look of your backdrop. If you are looking for light snow flurries, try and keep an eye on the weather forecast to make sure that you don’t end up with melting or heavy snow.
4.       Be flexible. If the weather isn't exactly what you had hoped for, see if you can still make the photo session work. If you are however scheduling this session in advance, you may just have to work with the weather on that particular day.
5.       Incorporate colour. Even though winter usually has lots of snow, why not wear a splash of colour to really stand out in your photos? For example, vibrant shades of blues and greens look amazing amongst brown and grey trees.
6.       Plan your day. Taking your photos just after the sun rises or just before it sets will provide you with wonderful lighting so try and plan your session around those times.
7.       Refreshments. Take some hot tea or coffee along to make your photo session even more enjoyable and get ready for some beautiful results.