Perfect winter family portraits in Villars-sur-Ollon and Gryon

Rose contacted me early in the winter to plan a snowy family shoot in Villars-sur-Ollon. She wanted crisp blue skies, fresh snowfall, and relaxed family portraits that documented their life in Switzerland. Because we planned ahead, we could stay flexible and choose the perfect day. Living close by in Gryon also helped, as it allowed us to move quickly when the forecast delivered ideal conditions.

The goal was simple and meaningful: capture natural family photos at home, surrounded by alpine views, and create images they could easily share with relatives abroad. They chose a digital file collection, which made it easy to print at home and send to family worldwide.

Snowy family photos in the Alps

Some winter days in Switzerland feel unreal. The sky turns a deep blue, while fresh snow blankets the ground and weighs gently on the trees. During the week, Rose and I kept a close eye on the weather. We had a tentative date in mind, and when I opened the curtains that morning, I knew it was time. After a quick message exchange, I packed my gear, layered up, and headed down the hill for their snowy family shoot near Villars-sur-Ollon.

Because Evie was under one, we kept the outdoor portion short and comfortable. Fortunately, the sunshine warmed the garden just enough for a few different setups. First, we made the most of the incredible view. Then, to balance the images, I focused on simple portraits that highlighted connection rather than scenery.

I positioned a bench so the family was softly backlit, allowing the snow-covered trees to blur into a calm, atmospheric background. Wrapped in cosy blankets, they chatted to Evie and played together, which created natural, emotive family photographs. After that, we added the dramatic alpine backdrop of Les Chaux, the Solalex valley, and Les Diablerets. Finally, we headed indoors for tea, warmth, and a few quieter moments.