A winter wedding can be a magical and enchanting experience. The crisp air, snowy landscapes, and cozy ambiance create a beautiful backdrop for your special day. If you’re planning to have outdoor winter wedding photos, it’s essential to be well-prepared to ensure stunning results. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to prepare for outdoor winter wedding portraits that capture the enchantment of the season.
1. Communicate with Your Photographer:
First and foremost, have a detailed discussion with your wedding photographer about your vision for the winter wedding photos. Share your preferences, ideas, and any specific locations you have in mind. This communication will help your photographer plan the shots accordingly.
2. Dress Accordingly for winter wedding photos:
For outdoor winter portraits, you and your partner should wear attire that’s not only stylish but also warm and comfortable. Consider long-sleeved dresses, shawls, fur wraps, and thermal undergarments to stay cozy during the photo session.
3. Plan for Natural Light:
Winter days have shorter daylight hours, so consider scheduling your outdoor portraits earlier in the day to make the most of the natural light. This will help capture the crisp, ethereal quality of winter sunlight. This is not to discount the gorgeous winter wedding photos we can get after dark with an off-camera flash, especially if there is snow falling, but the lack of daylight is definitely something to keep in mind.
4. Keep Warm:
Provide your bridal party and yourself with warm accessories, such as gloves, hand warmers, and warm boots. Staying warm ensures you look and feel comfortable, which will reflect in the photos.
5. Scout Locations:
Visit the outdoor photo locations ahead of time with your photographer. This will allow you to identify the best spots, plan your shots, and find out if any weather-related considerations need to be addressed.
6. Embrace Snowy Props:
Incorporate the snowy landscape into your photos. Think about using sleds, snow-covered trees, or even snowballs for fun and creative shots.
7. Work with Seasonal Colors:
Choose color schemes and flowers that complement the winter landscape. Deep, rich hues and seasonal flowers like roses and evergreens can add warmth and depth to your portraits.
8. Plan a Backup Location:
Even the best-laid plans can be foiled by winter weather. Have a backup indoor location for your winter wedding photos in case of extreme cold, heavy snow, or other adverse conditions.
9. Hire an Experienced Photographer:
Select a photographer with experience in capturing winter weddings. They will know how to work with the unique lighting and environmental conditions to create breathtaking images.
10. Be Patient and Enjoy the Moment:
Winter weddings can present some challenges, but they also offer a unique and charming atmosphere. Embrace the chill, the snow, and the romantic ambience of the season. Let your love shine through, and your photos will reflect the magic of the moment.
Preparing for outdoor winter wedding photos requires careful planning and attention to detail. With the right preparations and the assistance of a skilled photographer, you can create a collection of stunning, enchanting images that capture the beauty and romance of your winter wedding day.
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter and designer on the side). She serves elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!
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