Photographing a winter engagement session in the PNW can be so romantic. Rainy days, umbrellas, cozy sweaters and cool weather vibes. When planning your wintertime session though, here are a few tips to help you capture those feels. 

1. Golden hour, if it happens, is much earlier than you would think.

Plan for your session to start between 1-3pm depending on your location choice in the winter months. If your somewhere darker (like a forest on an overcast or raining day) starting on the earlier side allows you to have more options before that winter light can get very heavy feeling. Starting on the earlier side is also more likely to deliver that light and bright style if that's what you are going for. 

2. Plan that winter wardrobe, head to toe. 

Leather (or Pleather) coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, jeans, sweaters, so many great wardrobe options. Fall and winter textures look great in photos, esp sweaters, so have some fun speaking with your photographer about what colors are going to look best with the background you've chosen together. It's also good to talk about what you and your hunny are planning on wearing. Building some contrast between your sweaters or jackets can enhance the dynamics of the pictures. If your going for more of dressy look, do yourself a favor by bringing along a big coat to throw over your dress in between takes. Looking blue in your pics is just not a great look on anyone. 

3. Have fun with your location, but plan accordingly.

I love adventure sessions, and winter is often an adventure unto itself, but plan your footwear accordingly. Ground is often saturated and mushy and cold fingers look less attractive in ring shots, so if your determined to wear those red heels or dress shoes, plan on bringing them along in a small bag and wear some uggs with tread or something else easy to kick on and off between takes. Also do bring gloves for the same reason. If the temp is looking to be below 45 degrees, much cozier to hold hands in the pics because your feeling playful and close to each other, not a desperate need for warmth, lol.

 4. Bring those cozy props!

A vintage thermos filled with hot chocolate and cute mugs, funny or chic hats, luxurious scarves (I'm such a sucker for a man in a nice scarf), a woolen blanket to sit on or cuddle together in, a wooden sled for a snow session, candycanes, all great props that will only elevate your winter portrait session and add a sense of style or play. 

Hope these tips for a winter engagement portrait session were of help, and if I can create that perfect cozy engagement session for you, please say hi...