Winter has landed in Erie. (Or a couple of winters all at once, to be more accurate.) And it’s, of course, not going anywhere for some time, so why not dive in and have fun with some of these winter portrait shoot ideas?

Family portraits don’t just have to be a group of people standing or seated together doing…nothing. Getting outside and using the weather as our guide and inspiration can create a lot of fun memories besides great shots.

Remember, too, not to limit family portraits to just your nuclear family.There are countless reasons to do intergenerational photo shoots.

Before we get to actual winter portrait shoot ideas, let’s take a look at some practicalities.

Dressing for a winter photo shoot

Colors

Take a look around and see the color palate of winter itself. Beyond the white of the snow. There are beautiful browns and deep greens and the sky in winter can be the most intense and deep blue of the entire year. But you could also play against all of that and really pop with your colors. Bright jewel tones could be really fun. (Though black and white photos in winter are ah-mazing… just sayin’…)

Layers

Make sure to wear layers. And bring blankets. And think of all the different accessories like hats and scarves and gloves and mittens and oh! Leg warmers look fun peaking out of short boots.

Footwear

Waterproof boots with thick socks are a no brainer in this weather, right? Especially during a winter photo shoot when you might be outside for an extended period of time. But you could also consider snow shoes, cross country skis, and ice skates. Think playful!

Warming

Besides dressing smart, there are some warming helpers you could make sure to have. You could look at hand held warmers. They’re now rechargeable! And then, of course, you could bring along an actual portable outdoor heater if you have family members who tend toward very cold. (Something like this.)

Also be sure to have warming beverages.

Now that we have the basics covered, onward to the ideas!

Winter Portrait Shoot Ideas

Beverages around a fire

Speaking of warming beverages, you could even incorporate them into your family photo shoot! You could have cookies! Mmmm… just sitting around a fire, eating and sipping yummy things and telling stories and laughing together. You’ll barely notice your photographer. (But be sure to feed him said cookies, please.)

Beloved activities

This one really depends on how much your family likes to be active outdoors. If you’re a family of skiers, then why not use that for a photo shoot? Or ice skating. Or sledding. This one might take a bit more planning with your photographer but we can figure it out together!

Hiking

This is active but a bit more low-key. Just pick a favorite spot. There are so many in Erie. This could be as simple as the peninsula or Frontier Park or you could head out toward Behrend and the Gorge. What is your favorite place to hike in the snow?

Baking, wrapping, and decorating

If you want to keep things warm and cozy but still have that winter vibe, baking cookies makes for great action shots. You could build a total gingerbread house with all the little candy decorations. And does anyone make Christmas candy anymore?

Wrapping presents is a great activity. Especially with animals around. (Joking and not joking.) And decorating the tree. Or putting up the outdoor lights (Unless of course, someone has issues around hanging lights. HA! Like this.)

Playing in the snow

Again, find your favorite spot and get out there. Building snow people inevitably leads to snowball fights and who doesn’t love a good snowball fight like this classic one? You could also build a fort. We certainly have had the snow for it. And finally, don’t forget to make snow angels. (But leave that for last because, well, cold.)

Movie inspiration

Speaking of movies, do you have a family favorite that you watch year after year? Dressing up like characters from that movie could make for some really silly and delightful family portraits.

City Lights

You could also take a walk downtown under the night sky. Or perhaps your neighborhood really does big lights. Just walking around and looking at lights is fun and then the photos will be pretty magical.

Sunsets over water

Sunsets are classic but then add in the beach and snow!? Classic Erie, of course.

Time at a cabin

Perhaps your family has a winter cabin tradition. This environment is simply full of winter family photo shoot ideas. It is a photo shoot idea in and of itself!

The benefits of winter family photo shoots

• The light in winter is amazing. Some of the absolute best.
• Sunsets are early. So you can get home and have your normal evening routines.
• People, including kids, tend to be, shall we say, more focused in the cold. Everyone wants to get this finished and get back into their warm homes.
• The peace and quiet of normally crowded places. The beach in the winter is not full of other people getting in your shots.
• Photographers tend not to be as busy in the winter so there’s easier booking.