If you dress warm enough the battle is already won. That's how you take gorgeous pictures in winter! 

• Layers, layers, and more layers. 
• Vests, knitted chunky sweaters, hats, scarfs, everything helps. These accessories are a great opportunity to add texture to the family wardrobe! 
• Chances are that jackets will be ON during SOME portraits. That means that the color of the jackets matters. Make sure you LOVE the jackets, if your kids are TOO cold and you're battling to get the coats OFF, it will go downhill. Plan for jackets ON and if it gets warm enough for kids to take them off, even better!
• Boots. It's totally OK if you want everyone wearing leather boots (I understand! I'm the same way, shoes do show up in the photo), yet bring the SNOW boots with you. If the walk is long to the final location, have everyone make the expedition with warm feet. You can change them when the photoshoot is about to begin. OR if your tribe is full of happy winter troopers, leave the snow boots/extra pair of shoes in the car and change them as soon as the kids get back in the car, chances are their feet will be very cold by then.
• Gloves are key. Bring them with you, even if they're neon pink! Everyone can take them off quickly and put them in a pocket just in time for pictures. But it will be key to get those minutes of warm hands in between, they give the boost of warmth needed to go on happily.
• Sweaters are your best friends. Find one that you KNOW it's very warm and build your outfit around it. With a VERY warm sweater, you can go for a skirt or even a dress.
• You're not tied to jeans/pants for winter family photos. Why? because you can wear medium weight pants/tights under your long skirt. If you're wearing boots no one will tell :)
• Moms have a magic power. Do you know what that is? ADRENALINE! Even the moms who are known to always be cold don't need to be bundled up as you would imagine for a winter photoshoot. We keep moving, walking, playing, and before you know it you take your jacket off and don't look back.
  

As you can see from the photos I shared, winter is a gorgeous season for family, couples, engagement  and even maternity photoshoots outdoor! Go for it!
The absolute best part of winter family photos outdoors is.... the cuddles and snuggles!!! Be ready to receive love and give love like never before. Kids love the snow, some love it even more than the sand.

Bundle up buttercup and enjoy precious moments with your family. There are so many reasons to celebrate winter with epic family pictures, don't let the cold weather intimidate you. With the right clothes and the right mindset, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience. If you've done Fall family pictures before, try Winter and you'll see how different the portraits will feel. The winter magic is unstoppable, the light is gorgeous and so soft, this is probably the biggest hidden secret!  ​

​Once again, with the gentle snow falling, this wintery wonderland of a backdrop led to some outstanding family photos for the Buchan family. And the kids were great braving the not too bad cold weather. Winter can be very pretty! 

Some of the best and most fun photo sessions are outside in the winter. The white backdrop and playful feel of the season makes for some laughing and happy children. This family was no exception. They all enjoyed a goofy romp in the snow and a impromptu snowball fight afterwards.

​Getting to meet people and working with their pets is one of the best things about being a photographer. And, having photo sessions on our private property means that dogs can run free and I can capture them in a more natural environment. Just look at Emma & Morgan's two fur babies! They were perfect for their shoot. It's so special being a dog parent and winter is a great time to capture some winter fun!

It's a new year and we have an exciting NEW VENTURE! We are so excited to announce we are now offering ELOPEMENTS here on our property on a small island on our pond! What could be more gorgeous?
As many of you know, we love nature and enjoy the outdoors so much. We have teamed up with a great Officiant to bring you a personalized intimate elopement.
Our theme is very natural, simplistic and back to nature for those that aren't into a large weddings.
We provide photography, an officiant, a beautiful property with lots of trees, a pond, and a bridge. After your photos, enjoy a canoe paddle on the pond, or use our paddle boat. Add-on packages are available as well such as a small wedding cake for two (or four if you have witnesses) and additional photos, among others.
Our website is now up and running! Check it out. www.pondarosaelopements.com