This is a question I get a lot. I think it is best to coordinate your outfits. Pick a color scheme and go with that. I like to tell mom to pick out an outfit that she loves first and then coordinate everyone else around that.
However, do consider your winter shoot can be pretty cold!! I mostly shoot in the afternoons when it is warmest, but I have had shoots where it was 12 degrees outside!!!! If you have little kids, this might mean doing shoots with your kid in their winter coat and hat. Check the forecast and be prepared.
Summer:
Even though it is summer, it CAN be chilly in Summit County in the evening! So be prepared for that. Jean jackets, etc,, I’ve had sessions range from 50s-70s. So prepare for those temperatures.
Also think about your shoes. Your shoes will show in the pictures. So avoid bright colored tennis shoes, etc…If you can stick to neutral colored shoes that would be great!
Winter:
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS bring coats, gloves, hats, etc.. Even if you don’t want them in the pictures. You can use them if there is a short walk or if we are shooting different groups of people and you want to warm up. I cannot stress this enough!!! Bring the coats, gloves, hats, etc.. Once kids are cold there is no coming back from that! It’s better to do pictures with coats on than to have crying kids.
If it is really cold or windy, consider doing your shoot in winter gear. If you own “cute” winter coats, besides your ski coats…bring them! Consider putting thermals underneath your clothes. If it is a windy day you may want to consider hats/beanies.
Handwarmers…bring those too and open them before your shoot so they are nice and warm. Sometimes I have them with me if there are little kids.
Those little knit gloves they sell at target, etc.. they may not be the warmest, but they will help to keep hands warmer and still cute in pictures. They have started selling some knit mittens too which are warmer.
Sometimes I have shoots scheduled on very cold days, if this happens consider a shoot playing in the snow. Running around, throwing snow in the air, snow angels, maybe sledding. This will help keep kids having fun instead of focused on the cold weather. We could plan your shoot around an activity. Maybe go ice skating, if you would prefer to be indoors? Or an outdoor ice skating rink, sledding, sleigh ride, etc….
I own some plain white mugs that I have used for “Hot Cocoa” pictures. If you are interested in doing that, let me know.
