Things don’t always go according to plan. In fact, very few things in life do. A major cause of photo sessions not going to plan is the weather. If you’re local to Maine, this past weekend’s weather, (a blizzard on March 23rd with 18 inches of snow), drove this point home.


If you have senior photos planned for this spring, but are now forced to embrace the snow, or if you are looking for snow senior session, here are a few things you should keep in mind for a successful snow session. 

For the Subject


Dress Intentionally

  • Choose good Shoes - Pick shoes that will keep your feet dry and offer you insulation. Nothing is less enjoyable than soggy, cold toes, and trust me, the suffering will show on your face. 
  • Choose Layered Outfits - Embrace outfits with chunky sweaters, vests, jackets, scarves, shawls, capes, and formal coats. 
  • Embrace Wintery Accessories - Hats, mittens and scarf sets will look good with your snowy scenery, and will help you stay comfortable.

Stay Warm

  • Blanket - This is faster to get around you than your coat, and it can help provide coverage during outfit switch ups or changes.
  • Warm up breaks in-between photo series - Here’s the thing, you may be tough and not need the break, BUT often the cold will turn your nose, cheeks, and ears red. 
  • Keep skin covered- If you’re planing to have a dress as one of your outfits, it will be gorgeous, but seriously consider incorporating tights, or tall socks to keep snow off your bare skin during those twirling, running poses. 

Assorted Tips

  • Glasses - Are they transition lenses? These will turn color quickly in the bright reflective light from the snow.
  • Static Control - The winter weather, clothing, and sliding in and out of a car for warm up breaks can all work together to build up static cling. Try bringing some dryer sheets to take the static right out of hair or your outfit.
  • Tissues - noses and eyes randomly water when you’re out in the cold for a bit. Be prepared.
  • Lip balm - oh please bring this with you! You’ll be smiling a lot in some cold conditions and your lips could become dry and crack. This has happened before, and if it happenes to you, there’s nothing you will want more than lip balm. It also helps keep your lips looking smooth throughout the session, so plan to have it on hand.

For the Photographer


You’ll benefit from the list above too! Especially the part about lip balm. Take my word for it. Here are some other considerations I’ve found helpful for preparing for a snow session.


1. Dress for the Occasion

  • Prioritize warm, waterproofed boots.
  • Invest in good socks.
  • Wear a hat.
  • Find fingered gloves that you can wear while working with your camera. If you can’t find fingered gloves that work with your camera, bring regular ones along to pop on during warm up breaks.


2. Stay Warm and Watch Your Gear

  • Keep an eye on your gear. I have been out in cold, wet conditions long enough for my camera to start malfunctioning. Some things to watch your gear for are condensation, and battery levels. Taking your camera from warm to cold can cause water droplets to form on the camera. A tip I found for this is to move your camera from warm environment to a cold one in a ziplock bag so the water will gather on the bag and not the camera. Then remove the bag off the acclimated camera. Reverse the process to bring the camera back to a warm environment. Batteries will be less effiencet in a cold environment, so expect your batter life to be shorter when working in the cold and bring a spare.


  • Warm up breaks - warm up breaks are good for your client so they don’t turn too flushed in the face, but they are also good for YOU. If you are shooting with bare hands, you will gradually loose your fine motor skills as your hands grow cold. You will stay more efficient through out the shoot if you prioritize and monitor your warmth. I’ve noticed that if my brain thinks I’m slowly freezing away and it needs to keep me from freezing to death, the mental capacity for creativity goes flying out the window - as it should! I plan on added in non-billed time to allow for warm up breaks, because I just feel that is the right thing to do to ensure that the session is a success for me and my client. 


3. Assorted tips 

  • Be careful about choosing remote locations. Try to choose locations that have access to warmth, and bathrooms. Some great summer time locations like parks actually close their public restrooms during seasons when snow is present.
  • Support your body. Don’t forget your water, and bring a blanket or two for you or your client to use.
  • Plan the flow of the shoot. If you want to have your client through snow up in the air for a few shots - awesome! It will look really cool, but try to plan the really immersive stuff towards the end of the session. You don’t want to have your client get wet at the beginning of the session just to freeze them out for the rest of the shoot. 
  • Lip balm. 


I hope both of these lists help you prepare for your snow photo session. Stay warm and make great photos!