5 Tips to Stay Warm During a Winter Photoshoot
Hey photographer, if there’s anyone experienced enough to write a post like this, it’s gotta be me.
Season after season, I've braced the harsh New York City winters and delivered exceptional client experiences regardless of the brittle cold. I know that the winter chill is daunting, but your clients are not going to stop booking you just because of the weather. With that in mind, I thought I’d share exactly what I do to prepare my clients for the cold, as well as how I keep them comfortable while on location. Here are my 5 tips to stay warm during a winter photoshoot.
1. Preparation is key.
First and foremost, you want to make sure that your client knows what they're getting themselves into by booking an outdoor shoot in the middle of February.
This involves making sure they are properly dressed and prepared. You might think that bringing a jacket and boots should go without saying, but you would be surprised that sometimes clients forget or don't fully realize how cold it's going to be— they're just excited to shoot! So, it's your responsibility as their photographer to prepare them for the cold by reminding them to bring a down jacket, some boots, and maybe even a blanket, as well as making them aware of a modified timeline. This timeline will include scheduled breaks to warm up and escape from the chill, which brings me to my next tip...
2. Take lots of breaks.
Whether this involves warming up in your car or in a coffee shop, taking breaks throughout the shoot is key.
You want to make sure that you are allotting the appropriate amount of time for them to warm up. Some clients might be able to power through, unaffected by the cold, but others might not be able to operate in such harsh conditions.
You have to consider both partners. For instance, maybe one of your clients is fine with the weather but their partner is annoyed, cold, and wants to end the shoot. Giving them breaks in between is going to be crucial for keeping them warm. I would also encourage you, in the preparation for the elements, to suggest for them to bring some snacks, some water, and maybe even treat them to some hot coffee during one of the breaks. With that all being said, you want to make sure your breaks are timed and regulated because your client will lose the motivation to go out and finish the shoot.
3. Save your indoor location for last.
It's so much easier to go from a cold location to a warm one versus from a cold location, to a warm location, and back to a cold location.
Chances are, your client is going to lose motivation once they get inside somewhere warm which in theory, would be totally fine. If they want to end the shoot, they're the client, so it’s no problem. However, they might regret it later and we don't want a difficult situation to arise such as that they didn't get all the images they were promised or were expecting because of their decision to end early. So, it's important for you as a photographer to plan your timeline accordingly by saving the warmer location for the very end. This is different than taking breaks because, with breaks, you're only inside for five, maybe ten minutes. When you have your client taking off all their layers and settling in inside after you've been shooting for quite a while, it's a completely different feel.
4. Encourage your client to wear as many layers as they can.
Not only should you encourage your client to arrive at the shoot layered up, but try and motivate them to wear as many layers as they can during the session, as long as it doesn't affect the overall appearance of their outfit.
For example, if they're wearing a long skirt or dress, they could put warm thermal leggings underneath. Even if they have to pull it up above the ankle due to their shoes showing, they will be a lot more comfortable. If they have a blouse, they could put a camisole and even a crewneck underneath. Preparing your client to plan ahead for the full scope of the outfit, including what they're going to be wearing underneath, can keep them comfortable and warmer throughout the duration of the session. This, in turn, creates a happier client overall.
5. Make sure that you, as the photographer, are dressed appropriately.
My last tip applies to you, the photographer. Make sure that you are dressed suitably. This includes wearing gloves, a hat, a scarf, as well as the appropriate shoes and socks.
During winters in New York City, I'm wearing leggings, plus jeans, plus crew socks, plus wool socks, my boots, three different shirts, a big sweater, and I'm still able to look professional, all while being appropriately dressed for the weather. I would rather have you breaking a sweat because you don’t need that extra layer than freezing cold. When you’re warm, you’ll be able to focus on providing an excellent customer experience with your client. If you’re cold, this could lead you to not being able to do your job to the best of your ability or even wanting to cut the shoot short. It can happen, especially when it's cold, windy, getting darker outside, and I get it— BUT, it's so important that we prepare ourselves, as well as our client so that the shoot can run as smoothly as possible.
One more thing: When your client is taking a break, I want you to take a break as well, even if it means you need to step away to use the restroom to warm up. Make sure that you bring some kind of granola bar snack and water. It's easy to get really tired when you're super cold, so fueling up with nutritious food is going to be really important as well.
I hope this guide to shooting in cold weather provided practical advice for your next winter shoot. Let me know which one you are going to implement as well as if you have anything to add down in the comments!
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