5 reasons to get outside and how to enjoy a winter photo shoot
Getting outside is always a good idea, but this year there are even more reasons to get outside . Winter shoots are gorgeous and being outdoors has many benefits especially nowadays.
1) Calgary weather!
I actually don’t think Calgary weather is that great with the constant up and downs, but in the winter the Chinooks bring a much welcomed break from the -20 weather. So far this November has been warmer than usual and it’s going to well above zero for the next ten days! We have to take advantage because eventually the extreme cold will find us.
2) The pandemic
So far, most of the studies on how Covid-19 spreads show the virus spreads most easily indoors, from respiratory particles that are released simply from talking, singing, coughing etc. There are also studies showing we are wasting a lot of time cleaning surfaces.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/18/world/asia/covid-cleaning.html
Therefore, being outside isn’t just good fun anymore it’s also a great way to meet up with friends, family, AND of course, do a photo shoot!
3) Beautiful sunsets
What else comes with Chinooks? Super cool clouds at sunset that give great dimension to the sky and give your photos a magical feel. You can’t replicate this indoors!
4. Lots of fun winter activities
There are lots of things to do outdoors in the winter.
Ice skating, tobogganing, snow shoeing, bike riding, skiing, and of course…..doing a photo shoot!
5. It’s good for your health
Some people fret the cold weather because they think it will make them sick. People do get sicker in the winter but cold and flu season even exists in the winter in countries that are still warm during the winter months. In Canada people get sicker in the winter because they spend more time indoors. This is true even in coutries where it’s still 20 above in the winter because they find that temperature colder than normal, and the winter season brings a lot of rain which also results in more people sharing germs inside.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/sick-in-rainy-weather-reasons
How to enjoy an outdoor winter photo shoot
1) Dress warm
This seems like common sense but it is sometimes hard to find cute clothes that are also warm. Dress in many layers, so if you want photos without jackets you can toss them aside for a shot and then put them back on. Or you can keep your jackets on for the whole shoot. Tuques and mittens can be very cute in photos especially if you all match. Dressing a bit too warm is better than finding yourself wishing you brought those mitties.
2) Bring an activity
Bring your ice skates, a sled, or something to keep you moving. It’s fun, keeps you warmer and also results in nice candid photos. I’ve always wanted to do a photo shoot of a family roasting marshmallows outside in a fire pit!
3) Bring hot chocolate
Stop at McDonalds or Starbucks and get some hot chocolate. You can have it waiting in the car for when you’re done the shoot. It will still be warm, and will help you all get toasty after the session. It’s also a great little bribe for kids who may not be happy to have their photos taken.
4) Pick a spot you love
I do my outdoor Christmas sessions at Fish Creek Park, which most people like as there’s many different spots within the park to suit everyone’s taste. Bow Valley Ranch has the red barn, restaurant and some Christmas trees with lights. Glenfield Meadows has lots of trails, and the creek is easily accessible and shallow to take photos near. Mallard point, and other areas near Sikome have the Bow River beauty rushing by. West locations like Shannon Terrace have a forest like ambiance with huge trees and fire pits. However, if Fish Creek is not for you we can do the shoot elsewhere. I do charge an extra fee for travel and time, inquire for further details.
5. Keep it short
In the summer we can take our time walking around to different spots. We can still do this in the winter too on a warm day, but if you really aren’t a winter person we can get just as many photos in a shorter time frame by picking one spot and doing all the photos there. Time is irrelevant in photography, as I can take just as many photos in 30 min as I can in one hour. The only exception is large group photos with more than 5 people which take more time to complete.
As you can all see, I am really pushing outdoor shoots right now! With the new Covid restrictions I cannot do indoor shoots anymore and with the rising numbers I am personally glad to do outdoor sessions which are just as beautiful and also safe for all!