Perfect winter family portraits

Rose asked me for a session of family photos in the snow. She wanted to capture the blue skies after a fresh snowfall and so contacted me early on in the winter. This gave us plenty of flexibility in when we scheduled the pictures. It was also helpful that they live just around the corner. The main aim was to document the family’s life in Switzerland and to have some pictures taken in and around their home, with its stunning views. They chose a files collection with downloads that they could print at home and send to family abroad.

Snowy family pictures in the Alps

There are winter days in Switzerland when it feels like you live in a dream. The sky is blue and the snow lies piled up on the ground, trees bowing under the weight of their branches. Rose and I were in touch, both watching the weather and trying to make sure everyone would be available for the next forecast of fresh snow. We had tentatively suggested a day in the week and when I opened the curtains I knew this would be the one. After a quick exchange of messages, I packed up my gear, wrapped up warm and headed down the hill.

As Evie was under one, we didn’t want to spend too long in the cold but the sunshine was just warm enough to venture into their garden for a couple of different poses and locations. When there is an incredible view, I also like to try to take time to get some portraits that just focus on the people. We arranged a bench so that the family were backlit and the snowy trees blended into a soft background full of ambiance. Snuggling up in some furry blankets, I just asked them to talk to Evie and play together for some natural family shots. We then added the spectacular backdrop of Les Chaux, the Solalex valley and Les Diablerets, before heading inside for some tea and stories.

Planning your family photos in the snow

With some forward planning and flexibility it can be easy to capture perfect family photos in the snow. Mixing indoor and outdoor locations is a great way to get snowy family portraits with young children. To get the family photos in the snow you want this winter, make sure to plan ahead, try to be flexible if you want to wait for perfect conditions and ask for suggestions on how to combine an outdoor snowy shoot with indoor portraits.

I offer a wide range of different family photography collections in Switzerland. Whether you would like prints, canvases, albums, cards or downloadable high resolution files I can help you find the perfect gift for your family. If you would like to book a family photo shoot, please get in touch for collection pricing and availability.

This post is an updated version of Family photos in the snow.