You're dreaming of gorgeous Alaskan snowy outdoor photo session and then freeze. (Pun intended.) Alaskans tend to be all set in the outdoor gear department, but looking nice while staying warm? Not quite as easy. You, like me, are probably channeling your inner grinch to think: "But what would I wear?!" Here's ten tips for staying warm during an outdoor winter photo session!
What you feel good in. Before you buy something new, look through our own closet and see what you FEEL good in. Do you have a favorite sweater that goes with your favorite jeans? A sweater dress that makes you feel fabulous? A jacket that is sentimental but you typically leave in the closet just because it's "too nice?" Start with something you already own that FEELS like YOU. That's what we want to capture during your photos.
Layers. What is one thing Alaskans are great at for dressing? LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS. Take that favorite sweater and add a tank top underneath for another layer of warmth to make it through your photo session. Slip a pair of leggings under your maternity dress - no one will notice! Make sure your kiddos are wearing warm socks, and let them wear their snow boots - we can do our best to hide the boots in the snow or make them not as obvious using their pant leg, a nearby bush, etc.
Wear a dressier jacket. Even if you LOVE that long sleeve blouse, let's wear your nicer and slightly warmer jacket that you like. Starting with a little warmer outfit will help everyone!
Take breaks as needed! Bring your warmest coat anyways - even if we don't planning on wearing it for photos. You can put it on in between shots!
Use your best furs. Include a statement piece of warmth, like this fur. Almost nothing says, "I'm an Alaskan Woman!" like these maternity pictures of sweet Karly with her wolf wrap. It was -10 this day, and she stayed incredibly warm! Or, this gorgeous fur coat that Halina was wearing.
6. Now that we're warm, let's think colors. If you are doing senior photos, bring several outfits (or ones that can be adapted to look like several outfits - like a fancier jacket with a sweater underneath) and think about the colors. Maybe don't choose white as your main color, unless it can be offset. If you are doing couple or family photos, don't choose MATCHING colors, choose COORDINATING colors. In this family photo, we are wearing jerseys for the same team, but they're all a little bit different so the matching isn't too overwhelming. In this photo, we wore holiday colors in a family group that paired well together, but didn't match.
7. Chosen your outfit? Add warm accessories! Adding warm accessories is a great way to layer your photos and stay warm. I LOVE these fur mittens that Halina wore in her photos which were so practical and beautiful!
8. Bring hand warmers! Hand warmers can be tucked in your coat pocket ready to warm you up in between shots, can be put in your boots, held on cold noses, and so much more! They're helpful to have with, even if you don't end up using them. But don't worry, we will move quickly!
9. Choose your location wisely. Winter locations are some of my favorites to scout out because there's several things to think about! How easy is it to get to? Is there a spot nearby to easily warm up (cars are great for this!) or are we planning to be in the cold for longer? AND, because we live in such a beautiful place, is there somewhere just as beautiful a little closer? You'd never know that this shot of Elle was right alongside the Parks Highway, we were watching cars for each other as we crossed the highway with camera in hand! You'd never know that this image was shot in my driveway. This stream location was just off the road!
10. Reschedule if necessary. This is an odd one to end with, but hear me out. If it's just too cold to where you will FEEL miserable in your photos, you will likely LOOK miserable in your photos. I would rather reschedule and try for a warmer day, even if it runs the chance that there will be a little less snow on the ground.
All in all, your winter photos are going to be incredible! I'm happy to walk with you each step of the way as you coordinate your outfits and we plan your session together.
Thanks for reading,
-Kami
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