Winter can be an absolutely breath-taking time to do your family or senior portraits in the Colorado Springs area.
...And I don't just mean because the cold will take your breath away! Ha! Actually, one of the major benefits of living on Colorado's front range is that, even in the winter months, our weather is often still mild. The temperatures are usually colder than other seasons, yes, but it's not unusual to have days where the temperature climbs into the 50s and 60s! Snow around here also does not typically stay on the ground long due to the sun's strength at our altitude. I've seen snow melting off of my front porch in sunny conditions in single-digit temperatures.
BUT - all of these wonderful opportunities for mild-weather portrait sessions during the winter do not take into account the incredible beauty of doing your portraits in the snow! Whether the snow is actively falling, or just after a storm has passed through the area, there is nothing quite like capturing your milestones and memories in the pristine conditions fresh snow provides.
Here are a few of my favorite tips and suggestions for doing your next portrait session in the snow.

1. Choose the time that works best for you - morning or late afternoon!
I love morning snow sessions. There's just something so peaceful about them - the snow is freshly fallen, very few people are out and about yet, and that morning light just hits different. Unless it happens to be cloudy, or you're able to be up and ready close to sunrise when it's a lot colder, it's unlikely you'll be able to have a mountain background for morning photos as the sun would be shining right into your eyes. I typically choose forest locations for morning snow sessions.
In the afternoon (golden hour is much earlier in the winter here!), you can combine beautiful snowy scenery with a mountain background and possibly a stunning winter sunset depending on weather conditions. Snow sessions in the afternoon are best combined with colder days and weather conditions, and/or deeper snow, since sunshine here causes the snow to melt pretty quickly.

2. Layer up your outfits to stay warm
It's very possible to still dress nicely for your photos AND stay warm. As your personal portrait stylist guru, I will absolutely help you choose your layers based on forecasted temperature and weather conditions so that you can be as comfortable as possible from head to toe.
Since we usually choose locations close to parking for snow sessions, clients sometimes take a turn in the car warming up for a few minutes when they aren't involved in whatever poses we are currently doing, which helps take the edge off.
I also usually bring hand and toe warmers to colder sessions - I got you!!!

3. Your session doesn't have to take long
I certainly don't mind long, drawn-out portrait sessions where we while away the day exploring and wandering and discovering, and capturing every moment. But, I also have the ability to capture your memories with expediency, and cold temperatures are certainly the time for expediency (especially if you have littles in your session)! Moving quickly means feeling warmer, and I know how to get your family posed and interacting in ways that will give you the memories you desire quickly and efficiently. Time is not a factor in most of my portrait session offerings, so we can use as much or as little time as we need.
Bonus tip: Bribe your kids with a special treat (hot cocoa?!) promised after the session if they cooperate well!

4. Your photographer can be more flexible
The winter months are usually slower for many portrait photographers. The majority of people update their portraits during the fall months and leading up to Christmas, and after the holidays most people are laying low for the winter. Getting on your favorite photographer's calendar is a lot easier in the winter months! And if the weather doesn't cooperate (too windy, TOO cold [it does happen!], snow doesn't happen), we have more flexibility to reschedule so you can hopefully get the portraits of your dreams.
If you're excited about scheduling your next portraits in the snow, get in touch! We can set a tentative date, or you can join my wait-list and I'll reach out to the list when snow is in the forecast to see who is available (first come, first served).
Snow photos not your thing? We can plan for a warmer day, and I also do indoor sessions - lifestyle at home or in studio!
