Engagement photos are an exciting way to spread the news of your upcoming wedding while also allowing you to interact with your photographer before your wedding day. More importantly, engagement photos are more than just pictures — they’re memories! You want to be able to look back on your journey and remember all the beautiful moments that led up to your big day. The best engagement photoshoot experiences always require some planning, more so when you opt for a winter session. Luckily, we’re here to lend you a hand with some of our top tips.
Put thought into your location
Most couples and photographers would agree that a great deal of consideration goes into selecting a site for an engagement photoshoot. In this case, when you’re taking photos outdoors in the cold and potentially wet elements. It’s crucial to choose a spot with these factors in mind.
There are several routes you can take when deciding on a location. A great place to start is a meaningful setting for you and your fiancé. Our super-fun Adventure Guide is a great tool for helping you find the perfect location! From that point, let the seasonal aspects guide you. You might choose a location that highlights the best parts of winter. The dazzling holiday lights in Downtown Denver or the frosted pines trees of Sapphire Point make great starting points! If you’re still struggling to decide, your photographer may be able to help with location scouting.
Condition your skin and locks
Once you have your location set in stone, it’s time to start conditioning yourselves to be camera-ready! The dry air and cold temperatures during the winter months can be especially rough on skin and hair, causing dryness, itchiness, and irritation that stand out in photos. So, it’s best to focus on cosmetic preparations that work to retain moisture—this goes for the fellas too! To achieve radiant skin in the winter, consider upping your H2O intake, using a humidifier, and avoiding hot showers that strip the skin of natural oils.
Since the dry winter air can leave hair flat against the scalp, it’s important to keep your locks strong and in-tact. Avoid wearing hats in your photoshoot that can draw attention away from your faces. For the ladies, hair products with style memory will keep your hair shape and texture in place despite blustery winter winds. As for the gentlemen, those with longer hair might benefit from styling their strands back into a chic man-bun. On the other hand, those self-conscious about premature balding spots should consider prepping with a hair-thickening medication to feel confident throughout the entire shoot. These small preparations will leave you both confident during the shoot and leave you with photos that you remember fondly.
Plan for the elements
Most engagement photoshoots last from sixty to ninety minutes, longer if your session includes multiple locations. Being outdoors for this duration of time requires planning to keep you warm, comfortable, and safe from the elements. Regardless of sun or clouds, remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas before you step outside for your winter wonderland photoshoot.
To combat chilly temperatures, try to take breaks whenever possible by going indoors to warm up. It can also help to bring tissues in case of a runny nose, and a canteen of hot cocoa or tea! Dress in layers to stay warm in between takes. Take advantage of hidden layers, such as wearing an extra pair of socks. Lastly, bring an extra change of clothes. Between wet snow, slush, and spills, you never know what could happen!
If you’re looking for a creative and beautiful way to share your engagement bliss, consider a winter photoshoot and use these tips to ensure it’s everything you’ve dreamed of!
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