Hello, photo-loving friends! Are you ready to capture some frosty magic? ❄️ I’ve got your ultimate guide to dressing for those chilly winter photo sessions in NH! Grab your favorite warm beverage, or if you’re like me and you drink iced coffee ALL YEAR, fill her up, and let’s dive into how to stay cozy while looking fabulous for your family photos!
Layer Up for Comfort
Let’s talk about staying cozy! These chilly mornings (and sometimes equally chilly afternoons!) can be tricky to navigate, especially when we want those genuine smiles to shine through. While our little ones might be tough cookies who could brave the cold, asking them to flash their biggest grins with rosy, runny noses isn’t always a recipe for photo magic!
The secret sauce? Layers, layers, layers! Think cozy thermal tops, leggings, or warm tights tucked discreetly under those picture-perfect outfits.
And here’s a pro tip!
If your jacket isn’t meant to be part of your photo look, consider bringing along a cozy blanket instead. It’s perfect for quick warm-ups between shots and IN shots and much easier than the on-again-off-again jacket shuffle (which, let’s be honest, can turn even the most cheerful kiddo a bit grumpy!).
Remember, our goal is to capture authentic, joy-filled moments – and that’s so much easier when everyone’s feeling snug and comfortable! A little preparation goes a long way in keeping those sweet smiles genuine and those bodies warm and happy.
Fun Tips for Successful Winter Photo Sessions in NH
- Coats & Blankets
- Feel free to include coats and blankets in the shots if the cold makes it hard to take them off. They can add a cozy touch to your photos!
- Cover Your A$$ (and Other Things)
- I highly recommend wearing shorts or pants under dresses or skirts for coverage while sitting and playing, especially for the little ones.
- Another pro tip:
- Try on your outfits while chasing and picking up your younger children. What looks great while standing still may shift unexpectedly when you’re on the move!
- Chapstick & Moisturizer
- Start using chapstick and moisturizer now to keep those lips and skin hydrated. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
- Tissues/Boogie Wipes
- Keep some handy for runny noses—maybe even literally up your sleeve!
- Pre-session Snack
- I highly suggest everyone have a snack before the session. A little fuel goes a long way in keeping spirits high, and calories burn fast when bodies are shivering!
- Footwear
- Consider your footwear carefully! The grass may be frosty or damp, so choose shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry.
- Travel Light
- The less we need to carry during our session, the better! Leave anything you don’t immediately need in your car. We want to focus on creating beautiful memories and not worry about bags and extra items. Pack only the essentials—maybe a small bag with tissues and lip balm that I can easily carry for you so it’s with us at all times.
Capture the Magic
Are you ready to chase the frosty magic with me? Let’s turn those chilly moments into everlasting memories with your NH seacoast photo sessions. I can’t wait to see your beautiful faces light up against the winter backdrop!
Additional Tips for Chilly Sessions:
Keep it Short & Sweet
On those extra chilly days, consider booking a short session rather than a full one. Even when you’re bundled up like adorable marshmallows, less time in the cold means happier faces and warmer toes!
Location, Location, Location
While our seacoast spots are stunning, remember that it’s almost always a few degrees colder (and windier!) near the water. For those extra chilly days, consider our beautiful inland locations like Gilman Park or the interior sections of Wagon Hill Farm, where you’ll still get gorgeous backdrops without that extra coastal chill!
Home Sweet (Warm) Home Sessions
Consider a full session at your home during the winter months! We’ll start inside where it’s cozy and warm, capturing those sweet family moments in your natural environment – maybe baking cookies together, snuggling up with favorite books, or just being yourselves in your own space.
Once we’ve gotten those perfect indoor shots where everyone’s feeling warm and comfortable, we’ll head outside for some cold-weather fun. This way, you won’t have to worry about warming back up after being in the cold—we’ll already have those perfect indoor shots in the bag!
Plus, knowing we have those indoor photos secured often helps everyone feel more relaxed about braving the chilly outdoors for those final snowy shots.
This approach gives you the best of both worlds: cozy indoor moments AND those stunning winter wonderland photos, all while keeping everyone as comfortable as possible!
Popular Locations for Winter Photo Sessions in Seacoast NH
For those looking for the perfect winter backdrop, consider these popular photography locations:
- Your home, Where you live!
- Atkinson Common, Newburyport
- Stratham Hill Park, Stratham
- Gilman Park, Exeter
Weather Policy
When it comes to winter sessions, safety and comfort are my top priorities! Single-digit temperatures or below are too cold to be outside for more than 5 minutes (if that) – and no one looks their best when they’re that cold! We’ll discuss in home or otherwise inside or reschedule. We’ll also reschedule for cold rain, heavy snow, or icy conditions to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
But – a light snowfall can create absolutely magical photos! There’s nothing quite like capturing those perfect snowflakes falling or the sparkle of fresh snow in your family portraits.
Your session will proceed as planned unless conditions are unsafe or uncomfortably cold. If the forecast looks questionable, I’ll be in touch 24-48 hours before your session to discuss our options, but we won’t make any changes unless absolutely necessary. Your comfort and safety are my primary concerns while capturing those perfect winter moments for your family.
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