Have you ever tried buttoning a winter coat on a toddler while they’re mid-snap about their mitten falling off? Or asked your partner to please just smile once while everyone’s nose is turning red? If so, you might already be wondering… “Is a winter photo session even worth it?”
Let me tell you, yes, it absolutely is. Whether you’re dreaming of a magical snow-filled background or staying cozy inside in your favorite reading nook, winter can be an incredible time for family photos. The key? Choosing the right setting for you and your crew.
I’ve shot in snowstorms, inside messy living rooms, and warm greenhouses, and let me just say, each has its own kind of magic.
Let’s walk through what I’ve learned (the hard way and the hilarious way) about choosing the best winter session style for your family.
The Struggle is Real: But You Have Options
The biggest hurdle for winter photos here in Michigan? The weather. Cold, unpredictable, and sometimes downright wild.
I’ve had sessions where it’s sleeted sideways… and others where the snow was falling softly and set the whole scene aglow. One of my favorite winter sessions ever was during a surprise snowstorm on the streets of downtown Ann Arbor. It was nighttime and hushed, with sparkling flakes swirling through the city lights. I brought hand warmers, my couple brought style (smart outerwear choices for the win), and together we made winter magic.
But not every family wants to brave 20 degree days… and that’s totally okay.
Here’s how I help folks figure out where their best memories will happen.
How to Choose: Indoor or Outdoor Winter Session?
1. Start with Your People
Every family is different, and that’s the best part. If your kiddos (or you!) are 100% over the idea of standing in the snow just to get a couple of pics, lean into that. Indoor sessions can be just as beautiful, honest, and memory-filled.
Think about:
- How your kids typically feel about cold weather
- Whether being outside together feels fun or like a battle
- If your home feels like a cozy backdrop for your family life (hint: a little mess is never a problem with me)
If you’ve got little ones that enjoy snowball fights and winter walks? We can absolutely create a playful, outdoor session with movement and fun.
2. Consider Alternative Settings
If you want that outdoor feel but not the full frozen experience, two of my favorite options are:
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens Conservatory (Ann Arbor)
- Belle Isle Conservatory (Detroit)
These locations let you toss off your coat, step into lush greenery, and feel like you’ve escaped winter for a minute. Just keep in mind, these are public spots, so we might share space with other plant lovers, and timing around events is something we plan!
3. Dress Smart, Not Fancy
If we’re heading outdoors:
- Layer up: double socks, tights under clothes, base layers
- Toe warmers need to go in shoes early (yes, they exist!)
- Hats, scarves, and gloves all count (and bring extras)
- Choose outerwear that photographs well (neutrals like tans are magic) or lean into the chaos with those bright pink snow suits. Trust me, you’ll want to remember them.
I always bring hand warmers and start them before we head out, they’re little pockets of love in freezing temps.
And don’t forget the mindset. Your energy sets the tone. If you’re cold and cranky, chances are your littles will be too. Bring snacks, hot cocoa, or even plan a warm-up stop halfway through. It’s all part of the experience.
In fact, I have an entire blog post I wrote about how to stay warm outside during your photo session, you can read it here!
4. Indoor Doesn’t Mean Boring
In-home sessions are some of my absolute favorites, especially in winter. Your family is warm, relaxed, and already surrounded by things that tell your story.
We can:
- Bake cookies in the kitchen
- Snuggle up for storytime
- Build pillow forts or play board games
- Just hang out and let the love show up naturally
And no, your house does NOT need to be Pinterest-perfect. In fact, please don’t stress about that. (That pile of laundry in the corner? It’s part of the chapter you’re living. Let’s celebrate it.)
I’m a pro at working with natural light in homes. Windows, shadows, all of it. And I know how to make even the darkest January feel bright in your images.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Your family is not going to look the same next winter. Your toddler’s wild energy might turn into a kinder, quieter curiosity. Your teenager might be off to college the following year. Even your partnerships shift and grow in ways worth remembering.
Whether we do a snow-dusted walk in the woods or capture the real-life joy of hot cocoa on the couch, these seasons are fleeting.
And you deserve to remember what it felt like, not just what it looked like.
Let’s Make Winter Magic Happen
So whether you’re ready to bundle up and chase snowflakes or stay snug with cocoa and couch cuddles, I’ve got you.
At Emmy & Ollie Photography, I offer in-home family photo sessions throughout the Ann Arbor area and beyond, and I’m always flexible when it comes to weather. If you’re dreaming of a specific kind of winter wonderland (even if it’s inside your living room), we’ll plan it together.
Ready to get cozy or embrace the cold? Let’s pick your perfect session. Contact me here and we’ll get planning!
Whatever you choose, I promise we’ll laugh, keep the vibes relaxed, and capture memories worth framing, even if someone ends up with snow down their back (hopefully not me, but it wouldn’t be the first time).
