Winter Photoshoot Must Haves

Snowy winter season is one of my favorite times of year for wedding and engagement photos! It’s absolutely gorgeous and when it snows. If you are planning a winter photoshoot, it is important to be well-prepared to ensure that you and your love stay happily comfortable and warm throughout the shoot.

My Must Haves

1.Extra Layers and Warm Clothing
2. Style For The Winter
3.Be ready to MOVE!
4.All The Warmers!
5.Something Fun

1. Warm Clothing: The first and foremost thing you need for a cold weather mountain engagement shoot is warm clothing. Bring a set of winter boots and big coat; you can throw a coat over top of your outfit in between locations and for those photos not showing your feet, boots keep you warm much longer; you want to stay dry and warm for as long as possible! Wear a base layer and warm socks, both are not visible, but keep you toasty for longer.
   
2. Styling: Start with the basics, the most simple of your outfit, and then add layers as we go. This gives you a variety of photos and keeps you warm throughout. Don’t forget to bring a warm hat, gloves, cute unzipped or buttoned jacket…and maybe the peppermint schnaps, 😉 these create a few cute photos to add to your collection.
   
3. Be Ready To MOVE!: Temps can dip into the negatives, or the wind might pick up and you want the fun happy photos vs the frozen face look so be ready to run through a lot of poses rather quickly, and move around at your shoot, maybe even stop for that local coffee on the way!
   
4. Toe Warmers: Toe warmers, hand warmers, big patch warmers, all the warmers! If you haven’t been in the cold much, your extremities always feel it first so toe warmers in your shoes and hand warmers in your jacket pockets or mittens are a nice way to keep you toasty as long as possible in the chilly Montana winters. They are small and lightweight, and can be easily tucked into your gloves or pockets to keep you warm. You can purchase disposable hand warmers or reusable ones that can be heated up in a microwave or boiled in water.
   
5. Bring The Fun: Be ready for a snowball fight and if you have a sweet old fashioned sled…bring that too. Winter offers unique opportunities for extra cozy photos; for example, a warm drink can go a long way. Consider bringing along a thermos of hot cocoa or a shot of whisky to enjoy and shoot with as well. Another essential for a cold weather mountain engagement is a blanket. A thick, warm blanket can be used to keep you and your fiance warm and as a backdrop for some of your photos.

PROTIP: Once you put on a cowboy hat, ball cap or winter hat, your hair is done, so take a few photos first and then add the hats!