What to Wear for Your Winter Family Photos | Snowy & Timeless Styling

Winter family photos are often overlooked — but they’re incredibly elegant. The crisp air and soft light create a unique atmosphere that can turn any family gathering into a stunning visual memory. Imagine the laughter of children playing in the snow, their cheeks rosy from the cold. Capturing these moments can result in timeless photographs that your family will cherish for generations. These photos serve not only as beautiful decor for your home but also as a way to celebrate the season and your family’s togetherness.

Planning a winter family photo session means creating an opportunity to bond and enjoy quality time together while also capturing the essence of the season. Each photograph tells a story, from the playful interactions in the snow to the warm embraces shared against a winter backdrop. Embracing this season’s beauty can yield breathtaking images that reflect your family’s spirit and love for one another.

Snow creates a clean, minimal backdrop that feels timeless. Unlike other seasons with colorful foliage or vibrant flowers, winter offers a tranquil white canvas that enhances the subject in the frame. This simplicity allows for a focus on your family’s expressions and interactions, which are often the heart of every good photograph. For those who prefer a more rustic feel, the contrast of snow with wooden fences or the bare branches of trees can add depth and interest to the images.

Consider the textures present in winter—frosted branches, the glistening of snowflakes, and the cozy appearance of bundled-up family members all contribute to a rich visual narrative that can set your winter family photos apart from typical seasonal pictures.

What to Wear for Winter Family Photos

Neutrals are everything in winter. They not only complement the snowy landscape but also create a harmonious look for your family. When choosing outfits, think about how each piece will contribute to the overall aesthetic. Layering is key; not only does it keep everyone warm, but it also adds texture and can create visual interest in the photos.

Pairing different shades of beige, cream, and gray can create a sophisticated look that is both modern and classic. Additionally, incorporating various fabrics such as wool, cashmere, or flannel can enhance the cozy feel of your attire while still appearing chic. This consideration of fabric can help distinguish your winter family photos by adding depth to the visual composition.

Best Winter Colors: The colors you choose can dramatically affect the mood of your photos. For a softer look, consider pastels that blend with the winter scenery. Dusty hues can offer a subtle and romantic feel, while darker tones can provide a striking contrast against the snow. Shades of burgundy, forest green, and navy can stand out beautifully against a snowy backdrop, creating a dramatic yet elegant appearance. Incorporating small pops of color through accessories can also add personality without overwhelming the visual balance. For example, a vibrant scarf or a pair of colorful mittens can be delightful focal points that bring warmth to the overall look.

• Cream

  When considering the best winter colors, remember to select hues that resonate with your family’s personality. If your family enjoys outdoor activities, consider outfits that reflect those interests, like plaid shirts or cozy knit caps. These can add an element of fun and authenticity to your winter family photos, showcasing not just how you look, but who you are as a family.

• Soft gray

• Camel

• Winter white

  Layer intentionally: Layering not only keeps you warm but also provides a chance to express your family’s style in creative ways. Start with basic pieces like thermal tops or turtlenecks and build from there. For instance, a light sweater under a heavier jacket allows for versatility in looks and warmth. This method also provides the opportunity to mix and match colors and textures for a more dynamic visual impact.Accessories also play a crucial role in layering; think about adding scarves, hats, and even fun footwear like boots. All these elements combined contribute to making your winter family photos genuinely unique.

• Dusty blue

• Soft plaid

Layer intentionally:

• Wool coats

• Knit sweaters

• Scarves

• Gloves (neutral tones)

Avoid bright ski jackets unless that’s the vibe you want.

Best Winter Locations

• Mountain areas for snow

• Salt Lake foothills after fresh snowfall

• Southern Utah for snow-free winter warmth

Winter in St. George looks completely different from Park City. Southern Utah often has mild weather with red rock backdrops instead of snow.

How to Prepare for Winter Photos

How to Prepare for Winter Photos: Preparation is essential for a successful winter photo session. Ensure that your family is dressed appropriately for the weather, which may require checking the forecast beforehand. Bring along extra layers to keep everyone comfortable, especially if you have small children. If possible, scout the location before the shoot to find the best spots for beautiful backdrops and to gauge lighting conditions. Planning activities or poses can help keep everyone engaged and smiling, leading to more natural expressions in the photos.

Preparation is essential for a successful winter photo session. Ensure that your family is dressed appropriately for the weather, which may require checking the forecast beforehand. Bring along extra layers to keep everyone comfortable, especially if you have small children. If possible, scout the location before the shoot to find the best spots for beautiful backdrops and to gauge lighting conditions.

Planning activities or poses can help keep everyone engaged and smiling, leading to more natural expressions in the photos. Engage in fun activities to create authentic moments for your winter family photos; whether it’s a snowball fight or simply enjoying hot cocoa together, capturing these candid interactions will result in more heartfelt images.

• Keep sessions shorter.

• Use hand warmers.

• Dress in layers.

• Bring boots for walking.

Winter sessions are about closeness — snuggling naturally keeps everyone warm and creates beautiful connections. Encourage playful interactions, such as building snowmen or having a snowball fight. These candid moments often result in genuine expressions that resonate with the warmth and love of your family. Consider bringing fun props like sleds or even a thermos of hot cocoa to share between shots, which not only adds warmth but also enhances the storytelling aspect of your winter family photos.

Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of your family in this beautiful season, so let the laughter and joy shine through.

Another great option for winter family photos is to pick a beautiful light-filled studio. I love a good studio family session, too. They provide a clean, timeless, and beautiful setting for capturing your family. In a studio, you can also experiment with different lighting techniques that highlight your family’s features and clothing choices beautifully.

Usually, when families book a studio session with me, I like to include some updated headshots for the adults as well, which allows you to update your LinkedIn profile photo without having to pay for an extra photoshoot for headshots. A studio session can perfectly encapsulate the essence of your family in a controlled environment, and the resulting images can be just as stunning as those taken outdoors in the winter landscape.

I would love to help you plan your winter family photos this year. With careful preparation and a clear vision of what you want to achieve, your winter family photo session can become a joyful experience filled with laughter and beautiful memories. Let’s capture the magic of winter together and create family keepsakes you’ll cherish forever.