Winter Photoshoot Outfit Ideas: What to Wear and What Not to Wear
When planning an outdoor picture session in the winter, you may run into a bit of a dilemma. Of course, you want to look attractive during your session, but you also don't want to be freezing for an hour or two outside!
Enter the correct response: this blog entry! I've developed a list of the most important "do's" and "don'ts" when it comes to costume selection for winter picture sessions.
THINK...
Visible Layers - Visible layers, such as coats, sweaters, and faux fur wraps, may not only keep you warm and toasty, but also offer a great deal of aesthetic interest to a photograph! Consider purchasing a gorgeous coat to wear for the duration of your session and planning your other outfits around it!
While visible layers are fantastic, you may want to consider adding "secret" layers for your winter session as well! Adding additional warmth beneath your "visible" layers (as long as they do not become too heavy!) can make all the difference during a winter session. You'll want to ensure that you're able to endure the lower temperatures in order to obtain your money's worth of images throughout your session! My favorite "hidden layer" example comes from one of my engagement session clients, who wore a stunning maxi skirt to her winter session. She placed two pairs of pants and fluffy socks beneath her skirt, yet the final photographs didn't even show it!
As I previously stated, try investing in a nice coat and using it as the visual focal point of your photographs! A lovely coat also works well against a snowy scene.
Winter Accessories - ALL THE ADORABLE WINTER ACCESSORIES, PLEASE! Hats, scarves, mittens, boots, boot socks, and faux fur wraps - you name it, it can be integrated into your pictures AND provide additional warmth during your session!
Boots or Waterproof Shoes - This is a HUGE one that I try to remember to inform my clients about in advance... if your session will include snow, make sure you wear shoes that are either 1) waterproof, 2) insulated, or 3) you don't mind getting trashed! If you book a session with me and there is snow, you can bet we will be playing in it!!
Colorful Pops - I adore bright colors for winter sessions! With predominantly neutral (snow) or barren (empty tree branches) backgrounds, flashes of color (imagine a bright colored coat, or a brilliant pair of mittens, scarf, and hat!) may give a lot of visual appeal and "pop" to your photographs!
Winter Themed Props - Using fun winter themed props throughout your session might be a terrific way to stay warm! Do you have an adorable and comfy blanket lying around your house? Bring it in and we'll have you sit on it or wrap it around you and your friends or spouse! You may even bring some adorable cups and hot cocoa for a more stylish touch.
CONSIDER SWITCHING..
Outfits That Show Skin (if you're not up for slogging it out in the cold!) - This may sound self-evident, but I've had quite a few individuals arrive to their winter session wearing dresses and short-sleeved shirts, and I've felt bad leaving them out in the cold! Naturally, this is a purely subjective option. Certain individuals are unconcerned about the cold and are prepared to "power" through for an hour if they have a precise idea for how they want their photographs to look. I adore them individuals!!! However, if you are uncomfortably chilly and having a miserable day, it will most likely show through in your photographs! Consider wearing weather-appropriate clothing, unless you've never been troubled by the cold ;) Bear in mind that you are out in the cold weather for an extended period of time, and as a result, you will most likely become chilly quickly!
TOO MANY HEAVY LAYERS - Although layers are generally a good idea when planning an outside session, you'll want to avoid wearing too many! Excessive layering can result in the addition of "weight" that isn't necessary.
