Winter Family Portraits in Edmonton

Fresh, clean and magical. These are some of the words that come to mind when thinking and visualizing, a beautiful winter portrait.

The winter season is not the most popular time for a family portrait, but for the adventurous family, the results can be stunning. If you’re looking for a different kind of family portrait read on.

Having an outdoor family portrait done in the cold winter months is generally not that desirable due to the temperature but if you like the look and are willing to brave the cold, the images can be breathtaking. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for a winter photo session in Edmonton.

Weather Considerations

Obviously the weather plays a big part of a winter photo session. Keep an eye on the temperature and work with a professional photographer that can be flexible with dates in case you need to change your photo session appointment. If the weather is miserable on your photo session day (anything colder than -10C is usually not recommended or fun)

Also, the windchill factor can cause havoc so be flexible and patient and reschedule your appointment if it’s too cold.

Clothing for Winter Family Portraits

Just like a photo session in the summer or fall you'll want to coordinate your colours. You will most likely be wearing a jacket for the entire photo session but if it’s warm enough for a sweater, it will usually look better. If possible, keep your jacket handy, but out of sight of the camera frame so that you can put your jacket on during breaks to warm up. Choose colours and tones that look good together. Solids are usually best and avoid busy patterns. For your footwear, you can wear boots or shoes, depending on where you will be doing the photo session. Generally snow boots are better because they will cover your ankles.

Make sure to bring some gloves to keep your hands warm as well. If your gloves look good with your outfit, it’s okay to wear them in the photos.

Location Tips

Edmonton and area has many great outdoor photo locations for the winter. Many parks and ravines make a good choice or you can always head down to the Edmonton River Valley. Choose a location that is easy to walk to and not too far from your vehicle. A path or bridge in a wooded area is usually a good choice. If possible, choose a location that is sheltered from the wind. This will help to keep you a bit warmer and avoid people‘s hair flying around.

Plan Your Shots

Work with a professional photographer to ensure your photo session goes smoothly. Have a plan with your photographer before you start your session. Know what photos and groupings are most important to you and your family. Start with those most important photos first. If there are multiple families involved in the photo session start with the biggest group shot and break it down to smaller groups after that. If people in your family are waiting to have their photo taken, let them warm up in a nearby building or their vehicle. Keep in mind that the days are short in the winter months so plan on doing your photo session an hour or two before sunset. This is when the light is the best and you’ll get better results. 

Conclusion

In summary, winter family portraits can be a unique and beautiful way to capture cherished family moments, despite the challenges posed by the cold. By taking into account essential factors such as weather conditions, appropriate attire, strategic location selection, and thoughtful shot planning, families in Edmonton can create stunning images that reflect the beauty of the season. With careful preparation and collaboration with a professional photographer, the results can be both memorable and visually striking, making the effort well worth it. Embrace the winter landscape and enjoy the process of creating lasting family memories!

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