Living in a geographic location in which all four seasons occur has majestic, as well as challenging elements when it comes to taking photos outside. I'm talking about you winter, with your freezing temps and precipitation that makes posing and smiling while showing off a look feel slightly short of an Olympic feat. Last year, I wrote the post, “5 Ways to Channel Outfit Post Creativity in the Winter,” which listed options for seeking respite from the frosty weather, however, what if you just have to take those pics outside?
I consulted a few personal style blogger colleagues for their tips on taking photos outside in the winter, from what environment is best to not get dirty snow or sludge in the background to concealed items that keep you extra warm; here's what they had to say:
“Taking outfit photos in the winter can provide a beautiful backdrop, however there are some days when either the air is just too cold or the city looks like slush-ville. If you're dealing with a super cold day, invest in some hand warmers; the last thing you want is to look freezing cold in your photos. Hand warmers are pretty inexpensive and will make a world of difference in the outcome of your pictures. Having a good backdrop is key, this is why scouting during the winter is essential. If you know the streets by your office or house are snow plow central, try to avoid shooting there. Parks are always a great alternative as are courtyards. It's all about being creative and thinking outside of the box. “
“Being a blogger ain't easy! Especially in the winter time… we see models standing in bikinis in the snow, all the time, and think to ourselves, “I am so glad that's not what I do for a living;” at least that's what I thought to myself before I became a blogger! Here are my tips and tricks for keeping warm and snapping those fashion shots, and quickly:
1. LAYERS… layers look good anyways, so use that to your advantage! Make ‘layers' a topic on your blog; share with your followers how to do it, and how to keep it warm. Start with leggings, tank tops, then long-sleeved turtle necks, topped off with a big sweater over it.
2. Wear tights! Styling tights underneath a cute pair of shorts, skirt, or dress really helps to keep those shivers in check.
3. Practice… your pose before running outside to capture! If you have the pose you want/need down, a quick few shots in the snow should work just fine.”
“When it comes to taking outfit pictures during the winter time I tend to either stay close to home, for quick warm ups (& outfit changes) or I grab a load of layers to keep me warm while shooting (also, those hand warmers are magic if things are really cold). I usually opt to shoot on days where it's most warm, I'll look at the weather a couple of days ahead of time and plan on taking pictures on the day that is the warmest with a good amount of sun.”
Do you have any tips to add to make the most of taking photos outside during the colder months?
Great tips here! Living in the downtown in a neighborhood full of historical buildings provides some great backdrops, so I tend to stay close to home when doing outdoor photo shoots. We can run inside to warm up, take a look at the photos, and plan which backdrop / poses / pieces to focus on next.
I also like to wear big mittens and a scarf etc. when taking photos of other pieces of my outfit – gotta keep warm!
Every season has their fun and challenging sides. The only time I will step out in winter to take pictures is if only there is snow on the ground. I simply cherish the natural white background created by snow. Thus is the only thing that I appreciate in winter of course not the cold.
OMG I know, in London we have quite fashion-blogger-friendly winter, but still I’m just freezing during the photo shoot!
Layers, that’s true! For last photo shoot I wore tights, leg gins, double pair of socks, trousers… and some tops underneath the sweater…And still, I got ill…
At times, I can do anything for a good picture! 🙂 my last blog post photos were shot at -15C, with the wind blowing right in my face, tears were coming out of my eyes 🙂
another big thing is how to keep your photographer comfortable 😉
I live in California, and, as much as I miss cold weather, we don’t have it here. But got to have these tips, maybe one day I’d be taking pics in cold climates, who knows! xx
www.livingzbeautifulmix.com
I always make sure to have something hot in my hands right before and even during poses. I keep an over sized blanket scarf in the car and park close to where we’ll shoot. That way warmth and comfort is just steps away.
It’s funny but some of my best looks come from those taken in the coldest weather (of which I’m not a big fan). I think its because, I don’t over think things and know that every second counts.
Great tips. I hail from Toronto Canada. I love how beautiful the snow is and I keep seeing places that I think I would love to shoot at, but then I get there and I’m freezing. Red noses and chapped lips in style yet?
– KL
Ooh, this one’s a tricky one. Great tips! I love shots with snow, but it’s so frigid out!! Hand warmers are a fun trick, I’ll have to try them. Layers are magical, though – jeans over tights is my favorite thing ever for when it’s super cold.
I’m from NYC so I know how cold and yucky it can get. Manhattan has a lot of great indoor public spaces to utilize for photo’s like grand central terminal, penn station, and The museums, just have to be brave enough from the crowds and people staring at you.
I also have a SUV car so, when I am taking photo’s around Astoria Park in Queens, I have my car close by to do outfit changes, or to stay warm.
One of the most important thing is to get as much prepared as possible – to chose the location the day before, so you don’t have to run around with bared legs in the frost to search a nice background, to try the light and camera settings before and e.t One of my VIP tips – to search for a place close to home/the car so that you can easily warm up after.
Hey beauties!
As a Published Model, this is one topic that I can help with 😉 hehe.
I’ve done photo shoots in 20* degree weather, wearing swimsuits, miniskirts, daisy dukes, etc…
Half the time, the location we’d be on, didn’t have a bathroom or changing room. I’d either have to change in my car (thank goodness for tinted windows! Lol), or I’d have to get creative.
I’d say the #1 must have item to have with you on set (when it’s freezing outside), is one of those huge fluffy robes! You know, the long, bulky, fleece type things? Those suckers are lifesavers! Have one of those & a pair of fluffy slipper shoes (those slipper boots, that can be worn outside).
Between shots, throw on the robe & slippers. The slippers are nice and warm, and will help prevent frost bite. I have dealt with frost bite, after standing around at a photo shoot…. In heels.
Not only is the robe super warm.. But it’s really easy to quickly take off & put back on.
The best part of it?? It’s big & long enough to literally change inside of the robe! Now, you do need to get a little creative, and wiggle around lol. But having a robe like that in 20*degree weather, while you’re in the middle of the woods. Wearing wicked short club wear dresses.. Is an item that’s irreplaceable. Especially since I didn’t have a dressing room! So, I went behind a tree (my friend was there too.. So she made sure that nothing peaked out lol. But yeah, I learned how to change my entire outfit, inside of a tied big fluffy warm robe! 🙂
I also recommend ear warmers. The kind that look like headbands with fluff balls that cover your ears.
Stay away from beanies & hoodies! The last thing you want to do is mess up your hair 😉 hehe.
Heather Lynn
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Great tips here! Living in the downtown in a neighborhood full of historical buildings provides some great backdrops, so I tend to stay close to home when doing outdoor photo shoots. We can run inside to warm up, take a look at the photos, and plan which backdrop / poses / pieces to focus on next.
I also like to wear big mittens and a scarf etc. when taking photos of other pieces of my outfit – gotta keep warm!
Hi Sagan, That sounds awesome! Good idea too to run inside and plan the next shot!
Every season has their fun and challenging sides. The only time I will step out in winter to take pictures is if only there is snow on the ground. I simply cherish the natural white background created by snow. Thus is the only thing that I appreciate in winter of course not the cold.
winter has been quite warm here but in case of a cold wave, these tips will be precious!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Great tips! Luckily I live in Austin, TX so it doesn’t get too cold…. although lately that has not been the case!
xoxo
Lee Anne
You are sooo lucky, Lee Anne!
OMG I know, in London we have quite fashion-blogger-friendly winter, but still I’m just freezing during the photo shoot!
Layers, that’s true! For last photo shoot I wore tights, leg gins, double pair of socks, trousers… and some tops underneath the sweater…And still, I got ill…
So, I need to invent something new!
http://yukovadesign.tumblr.com/post/107990902786/trend-of-the-season-duster-coat
Please let us know what you invent, Yukova! 🙂
At times, I can do anything for a good picture! 🙂 my last blog post photos were shot at -15C, with the wind blowing right in my face, tears were coming out of my eyes 🙂
another big thing is how to keep your photographer comfortable 😉
http://www.lerablogs.com/2015/01/caged.html
This is life-saving at this time of year! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Dolce Kisses ♥
www.dolcepetite.com
Bloglovin | Instagram
I live in California, and, as much as I miss cold weather, we don’t have it here. But got to have these tips, maybe one day I’d be taking pics in cold climates, who knows! xx
www.livingzbeautifulmix.com
I also plan ahead but it sooo necessary. Got a real bad cold once…:) xo Sabina @Oceanblue Style
I always make sure to have something hot in my hands right before and even during poses. I keep an over sized blanket scarf in the car and park close to where we’ll shoot. That way warmth and comfort is just steps away.
It’s funny but some of my best looks come from those taken in the coldest weather (of which I’m not a big fan). I think its because, I don’t over think things and know that every second counts.
Melody
Great tips. I hail from Toronto Canada. I love how beautiful the snow is and I keep seeing places that I think I would love to shoot at, but then I get there and I’m freezing. Red noses and chapped lips in style yet?
– KL
Ooh, this one’s a tricky one. Great tips! I love shots with snow, but it’s so frigid out!! Hand warmers are a fun trick, I’ll have to try them. Layers are magical, though – jeans over tights is my favorite thing ever for when it’s super cold.
I’m from NYC so I know how cold and yucky it can get. Manhattan has a lot of great indoor public spaces to utilize for photo’s like grand central terminal, penn station, and The museums, just have to be brave enough from the crowds and people staring at you.
I also have a SUV car so, when I am taking photo’s around Astoria Park in Queens, I have my car close by to do outfit changes, or to stay warm.
xo,
Rhea
lol my biggest problem isn’t what to wear but actually getting off my ass to go outside especially if I can feel the cold inside the house hahah
Lazy Obsession
Layers are indeed a great idea! Thin and practical black tops and leggings from Uniqlo (I swear by their magical HeatTech line) are key!
One of the most important thing is to get as much prepared as possible – to chose the location the day before, so you don’t have to run around with bared legs in the frost to search a nice background, to try the light and camera settings before and e.t One of my VIP tips – to search for a place close to home/the car so that you can easily warm up after.
xx
http://fashionpeekaboo.com
Hey beauties!
As a Published Model, this is one topic that I can help with 😉 hehe.
I’ve done photo shoots in 20* degree weather, wearing swimsuits, miniskirts, daisy dukes, etc…
Half the time, the location we’d be on, didn’t have a bathroom or changing room. I’d either have to change in my car (thank goodness for tinted windows! Lol), or I’d have to get creative.
I’d say the #1 must have item to have with you on set (when it’s freezing outside), is one of those huge fluffy robes! You know, the long, bulky, fleece type things? Those suckers are lifesavers! Have one of those & a pair of fluffy slipper shoes (those slipper boots, that can be worn outside).
Between shots, throw on the robe & slippers. The slippers are nice and warm, and will help prevent frost bite. I have dealt with frost bite, after standing around at a photo shoot…. In heels.
Not only is the robe super warm.. But it’s really easy to quickly take off & put back on.
The best part of it?? It’s big & long enough to literally change inside of the robe! Now, you do need to get a little creative, and wiggle around lol. But having a robe like that in 20*degree weather, while you’re in the middle of the woods. Wearing wicked short club wear dresses.. Is an item that’s irreplaceable. Especially since I didn’t have a dressing room! So, I went behind a tree (my friend was there too.. So she made sure that nothing peaked out lol. But yeah, I learned how to change my entire outfit, inside of a tied big fluffy warm robe! 🙂
I also recommend ear warmers. The kind that look like headbands with fluff balls that cover your ears.
Stay away from beanies & hoodies! The last thing you want to do is mess up your hair 😉 hehe.
Heather Lynn