Choosing Outdoor Sessions during Winter :: Massachusetts Photographer
One of the great things about living in New England is having access to all four seasons. We get the fresh blooms of spring. The golden sunshine of summer. The blazing reds and oranges of fall. And of course we get the fluffy white snow of winter. And it’s true that the first three mentioned seasons are much more popular when it comes to outdoor photography. However over the past few years I have had the opportunity for outdoor winter portrait photography sessions more often. And I gotta say–I love them! I think part of the reason they became more popular after 2020 was because they were a way for parents and families to feel more comfortable in a social-distancing age. I also think that having to rethink how just about every aspect of life was done lead us all to be much more open to change. Some silver linings!
Winter in New England can seem to go on forever. Which I think is another reason why getting outside for family, maternity, and child portraits can be a great way to break up the monotony. And while we all think of winter as gray and sparse, this definitely isn’t always the case. For one thing, the sun often shines bright in the winter. Which can mean truly beautiful shots of the light reflecting off of the snow. And the other thing to keep in mind is that this IS New England. While it could very well be a day with snow covered ground, there is also the chance for a balmy day. There really is no telling what we’ll get!
Pros and Cons of Winter Photos
There are definitely a ton of pros to outdoor winter photos. For one thing, they’re obviously beautiful. They’re also more unique than outdoor photos during the rest of the seasons, if that’s something that is important to you. They can also be a ton of fun, especially for older kids who can play in the snow. I would absolutely love to do a family session in the snow that involves a snowball fight! These sessions are also the perfect excuse to get warm and cozy in sweaters, jackets, boots. Scarves and pom-pom hats would be the perfect accessory. And who doesn’t love adorable winter clothing?!
Of course there are also some challenges when it comes to photo sessions like these. For one, the planning involved. Because we live in New England and the weather is SO unpredictable you might have to settle for a rain (or in this case snow) date, or even cancelling the outdoor idea and instead having photos taken in my studio. Or if you have your heart set on a snowy winter landscape, you might be disappointed to find snowless grounds. There is also the challenge of bundling up and dressing in layers, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re willing to go with the flow a little bit these sessions can be so much fun, and so gorgeous!
For more family photo ideas check out my Family Photo Pinterest board!
Are you looking for outdoor winter portrait photography near Andover MA? Crabapple Photography serves clients from around the area including North Andover, Boston, Cambridge, Medford and beyond. Kate McKenna has been photographing babies, children, and families since 2009. Contact Kate today to learn more.
