Are you thinking about booking a photo session, but feeling unsure about doing it during winter?

Although many families avoid winter photo shoots, there are numerous advantages that may sway your opinion. Winter provides gorgeous natural lighting, breathtaking sunsets, and rich autumn hues, making it an ideal time for capturing family memories. I strongly believe that winter family photos should be more widely embraced. Here are 8 awesome reasons to book that photo session in Winter.

1. EARLIER SHOOT TIMES

Perhaps you already know that outdoor portrait photography is ideally done during sunset, as it provides the most stunning and favourable light. Given that the sun sets sooner during winter, it becomes an excellent time for photo sessions with families that have young children who require early sleep. I typically schedule my winter photo sessions between 4 to 5.15 pm, taking advantage of the picturesque winter evenings without having to keep the kids up until 9 pm. (which you will have to in summer taking into account your drive home and dinner).

2. LESS RAINY DAYS

In summer we always have to keep in mind for rainy days are out of nowhere afternoon thunder showers. Winter we have next to almost no storms. Which allows us to plan a bit better.

3. MAGICAL LIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS

As photographers, we are lovers of beautiful light! And the soft winter afternoon light is definitely one of the best. It illuminates the surrounding in gentle warm tones and totally beats the harsh summer light. The sunsets are also pretty amazing. Beautiful light means gorgeous skin tones and stunning complexion in your portraits. Of course the sunshine isn’t always guaranteed and overcast days are just as beautiful.

4. AVOID THE HEAT & SWEAT

Who wants to be hot and sweaty for their photoshoots? Not me! South African summers can be very dry and hot where as winter afternoons are pleasant helping everyone not look too “shiny”. And lets not forget those gorgeous warm family cuddles during your session.

5. ADD TEXTURE & LAYERS

Textures & Layers add visual interest to your photos and in winters it is so easy to do. Adding scarves and beanies is lovely for that cute extra. You can also bring a blanket and rug up together and snuggle for some warm and cozy family pictures.

6. CREEPY CRAWLIES TAKE THE WINTER OFF

When shooting outdoors, we need to be aware of mosquitos, flies and spiders. They are less active in winters which is another reason why I love winter family photoshoots.

7. MORE PRIVACY

Popular photography locations are less crowded in winters (especially sunset) so you can enjoy your session without onlookers and photo bombers.

8. IT IS USUALLY EASIER TO BOOK YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHER FOR A WINTER SESSION

Us South Africans like to “hibernate” during winter with the promise of warmer and sunnier weather. All plans are automatically delayed for summer and spring. This means that your favourite photographer is more likely to have a free spot for your family pictures and you may be able to book a few weeks in advance.