Winter light is pure magic. There’s something about the soft, golden glow of the sun reflecting off freshly fallen snow that makes every photo feel extra dreamy. Whether you’re photographing a couple in a snowy forest, a cozy engagement session by the fire, or a playful family shoot bundled up in scarves, winter offers a unique kind of light that can make your images look breathtaking. But it also comes with a few challenges! Here are my top tips for shooting in winter light so you can create stunning, warm, and romantic photos—even on the chilliest days.
1. Embrace the Soft, Golden Glow
Winter light is softer than summer light because the sun stays lower in the sky throughout the day. This means you get gorgeous golden-hour-like lighting for longer! If you’re planning a shoot, schedule it for late morning or mid-afternoon when the sun is at its warmest and most flattering angle. That way, you can avoid the harsh blue tones that can sometimes happen in the middle of a cold day.
2. Use the Snow as a Natural Reflector
One of the best things about shooting in winter? Snow acts like a giant natural reflector! It bounces light beautifully, filling in shadows and giving skin tones a soft, even glow. If you’re photographing people, position them so the sun is slightly behind them, and let the snow help illuminate their faces. No need for a bulky reflector—Mother Nature’s got you covered!
3. Watch Your White Balance
Winter light can sometimes be tricky because it leans towards cool tones, especially on overcast days. If your photos are looking a little too blue, adjust your white balance to warm things up. Setting your camera’s white balance to ‘Cloudy’ or manually adjusting it in post-processing can help bring back those cozy golden tones that make winter photos feel extra inviting.
4. Capture the Frosty Details
Don’t just focus on the big picture—take some time to capture the little details that make winter so special! Think frosty eyelashes, breath in the cold air, intricate snowflakes on a scarf, or soft woolen mittens holding a warm cup of coffee. These small touches add so much depth and storytelling to your images.
5. Keep Your Gear Warm (and Yourself, Too!)
Cold temperatures can be tough on your camera and batteries, so be prepared! Keep extra batteries in your pockets to stay warm, and avoid breathing directly onto your lens to prevent fogging. And of course, dress warmly! A good pair of gloves with touchscreen fingers will keep you comfortable while still allowing you to adjust your settings.
6. Play with Snowy Backdrops and Movement
Winter is the perfect time to get creative with movement! Encourage couples to cuddle up, twirl in the snow, or throw a handful of snowflakes into the air. The softness of falling snow makes for the most magical, whimsical shots. If there’s a fresh snowfall, take advantage of those clean, untouched backgrounds for dreamy, minimalistic compositions.
7. Find Cozy Indoor or Transitional Spaces
Sometimes, the best winter shots happen indoors looking out. If your clients are freezing, consider shooting near big windows with natural light or capturing them wrapped up in a blanket with the snowy scenery behind them. Doorways, greenhouses, and covered porches can create beautiful in-between moments where you still get that wintery vibe without braving the full chill.
8. Have Fun and Let the Magic Happen!
Winter photoshoots are all about embracing the season and making the most of its natural beauty. Whether it’s a romantic couple’s session, a family snowball fight, or a cozy fireside moment, let your clients enjoy the experience—and that joy will shine through in every photo.
Winter photography isn’t just about capturing what it looks like—it’s about capturing what it feels like. The crisp air, the golden glow, the laughter, the coziness. So bundle up, grab your camera, and get out there—there’s a whole world of winter magic waiting to be captured!
Have questions about shooting in winter light? I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment below or reach out—I’m always happy to chat photography!
XO Paulina 🌺
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