Mom Guest: Tips for Snow Pics

Hello My Crazy Adoption Blog Readers! My name is Chelsey; I am a mother of soon-to-be three who has been passionate about all things photography for as long as I can remember. You can find out more about our adoption story here: http://ethiopianalaskanfamily.blogspot.com/ and more about the business side of this mama here: http://machcphotography.com/
I am the owner & photographer of MachC Photography and today I am bringing you tips on photographing your children in the snow! Now, in case you have yet to click on those links, we reside in Fairbanks, Alaska. Yes, ALASKA.  So if there is one thing we know, it’s snow! *wink, wink*

Grab a cup of coffee – or hot chocolate – sit back & read up on some tips for photographing your children in the snow. No matter where you live, letting them play in the snow – and capturing those moments ‘on film‘ is a part of childhood that none of us can afford to miss!

I received a question in recent weeks that asked, “how do you get more interesting photos of your kids in the snow? I put my point and shoot camera in my pocket and go out with the kids and the only thing that seems to change from year to year is their snowsuits. I just see a whole lot of white snow!”

It’s true isn’t it! Many years, we spend up to 6 months or more in the snow! (I know our Southern friends are cringing right about now ha!) We usually get snow that sticks sometime early October and then well, it’s often ‘here‘ until sometime in April. So taking advantage of snow opportunities with your little ones is an important way to document their life. It’s a part of our everyday world.

Here I’ve compiled some tips & tricks for getting better shots of your kids this snow season. Enjoy!

1. It may seem like a simple starter but dress appropriately! That means you too mom. When I went out to capture my kids in the snow for these examples, I dressed just as they did & wore snow pants, a good winter coat, gloves, a hat and boots (these ones good for up to -30 below). Yes, it will be more cumbersome to run around & take snapshots with all your winter gear on, but it means you will be warmer & happier – which is an important element to the kids having fun as well. Happy mama = happy kids = happy shots!

2. Keep in mind that snow is very reflective. Even on overcast days, you may find yourself squinting when it’s too bright. For the professional photographers among us, snow can reflect up to 80-90% or more when it’s fresh (and wet!). Be mindful of this when you are photographing your children – give them sunglasses or (for more fun & interesting pictures!) snowboarding goggles – if you aren’t sure how or where to move them to a spot where they aren’t squinting, this is the next best thing!

3. Speaking of squinting! Pay attention to where the sun is, if your child can’t keep their eyes open because it’s too bright, move them to the shady side of the house or yard. Even behind a tree will work. If you can’t look at your kiddo without squinting, they aren’t going to be able to look at you without squinting!

4. Don’t forget to let them run & play! The best expressions come from genuine enjoyment. (Hint: choose the ‘Sports’ mode on your point & shoot to try & freeze that action shot!)

5. Think about adding in other elements. Birch trees are abundant up here – so why not plop your kids down on a fallen branch or sit next to one for perspective. Trees are great for that! Imagine if you took a picture of your child each winter, in front of that same tree – year after year you’ll see changes in both the tree & your child … some that may be so subtle you won’t even notice until they are both 18!

6. On the flip side of the coin, I do love me some wide open spaces to give the right perspective too! Nothing is better for showing ‘how little they once were’ than a snapshot that takes in the whole scene.

7. While we went out & shot these close to the noon hour, shooting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon will work more in your favor. Make sure to pack lots of snacks (I sure did!) and take time to go inside & warm up, if need be.

8. Cold kids are cranky kids & we can’t have that! (For us, we were near a local ski spot that had an indoor ‘warm up’ room – so naturally, we took a break to use it!)

9. Think about perspective while you’re out there – shoot high, shoot low; stand on a tree stump or the bumper of your truck – it gives a whole new perspective AND often gets your kid’s attention because they are watching you do something you don’t normally do – climb on things!

10. If your own backyard is too small or too cluttered, think about taking your kids to another location where they can safely explore & enjoy the great outdoors. The key is to let them have fun, being themselves. Whether that’s playing & laughing or exploring & digging for dinosaur bones only you know what your child loves best … let them explore their passions outside in the snow too! The most enjoyable memories you’ll ever have with them are the ones you capture in your heart, while having fun.

*To see more images from this original post, please click on the link here: http://machcphotography.com/2010/11/tips-for-photographing-your-children-in-the-snow/

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Chelsey Burglin Mach
MachC Photography | Owner, Photographer
907.388.2259 |  http://machcphotography.com/
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