Photo sessions in the fall are really popular with the colorful leaves. Photo sessions tend to slow down after this season though with the coming cold and snow in winter. I find winter snow sessions magical though. When we are greeted with a blanket of fresh fallen snow, the images can be magical. Hanging out in the snow and cold though can make you irritable if you are not prepared.
Dress in Layers
The number one thing for your photo session is to make sure you and your pet are warm. While some dogs have the fur to withstand cold climates, others need some extra protection. A winter jacket may be needed for your furry friend. The same goes for you and any children. The best thing to do is to dress in layers. Starting with some long john’s, then your clothes you have chosen for the session. Finish off with a winter coat or jacket. Even if you would like a quick image without the coat, it will be good to have close by to put on immediately after the shot.
Boots & Accessories
Finding a cute winter hat and/or scarf to coordinate with your coat will add nice layers and some texture to your images. Don’t forget the gloves either. I have had sessions where the clients totally forgot about gloves and were miserable after a short time. Toe and hand warmers can also be helpful if it is a really cold day.
Boots will be a must if we are treking through the snow.
Blanket and plastic
A blanket can have multi-purposes. It can be used to keep you warm between shots, it can be used to wrap you and your pet in for some images of you together. The blanket can also be used for putting on the ground to sit on and help keep you dry. While I will bring plastic to lay out on the snow for sitting along with a blanket, you may have a blanket that is special to you that you would like to use for your session.
Other Considerations:
When planning a snow session, the scheduling will need to be flexible. Even though we live in the snowy North, not all snowy days are suitable for our sessions. If the wind chill drops to a certain point, the conditions may be quite miserable despite the preparations, so the session will be rescheduled, or we may find an indoor area to have our session.
The best time for a snow session is early morning or just after the snow has fallen in order to have minimal traffic through the snow.
I have limited availability for snow sessions. Be sure to schedule a session now.
It’s an International circle!
Join the fun! This group of International Professional Pet Photographers bring you information on our weekly topics. While we focus on one broad subject, we may each have a different spin on it or provide you with additional information from our world of pet photography. Follow the next link to view how the next amazing photographer tackles this weeks challenge. Follow each link at the end of each blog until you return to me. Then you have successfully completed our blog circle. Enjoy!
+++++ NOW head over to:
Meet Bella.
Bella is a German Shepard and Australian Shepard Mix. Bella is a loving and cuddly dog. She loves affection from her trusted humans and will follow
you everywhere. She loves to play with her squeaky balls and rope toys. Her favorite pastime is fetch, but also loves to cuddle.
Please contact Friends of Second Chance.
Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter
6660 E. Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
315-435-5584
https://jamesvillesecondchance.com
Capture your journey with your pet. Nancy Kieffer is a pet and nature photographer serving Central New York, the Adirondacks and Beyond. Capture how you share your life with your pet! It may be a vacation adventure or curled up on the couch. Travel assignments welcomed.
I love that you offer snow sessions, the images are gorgeous and always makes me feel like you were the only ones in the forest that morning – magical!
I love the blanket idea when doing snow dog and family photos. Great tips!
Great tips and gorgeous images! brrrrr
Great tips for clients for their snow session! I like that you note that temperature will play a factor too – as in too cold / windchill means rescheduling.