8 Tips for a Winter Engagement Photoshoot

A winter engagement photoshoot can be truly special. The cozy sweaters, snow, and crisp winter air can bring a certain magical element to your photos. Here are eight tips for a winter engagement photoshoot.

1. Be Smart About Layers

Winter weather can range from crisp, cool air to snow and icy cold air. To be well prepared for your engagement photoshoot, dress in layers. Start with a thermal shirt as your base, and build from there. Add a button-up shirt, a sweater, and a stylish winter coat. If the air doesn’t feel exceptionally cold, you can lose the winter coat and keep the sweater. Layers are all about ensuring you are stylish yet still comfortable.

2. Coordinate With Your Partner, But Don’t Match

Try to coordinate your outfit with your partner without looking like you picked the same outfit. For example, if your partner has a red sweater, you don’t want to pick a red sweater as well. You can choose a red scarf or beanie that incorporates red in a more subtle way. The beauty of coordinating is that you get to connect with your partner while maintaining your individual style. These details can make your engagement photoshoot more interesting.

3. Choose Your Accessories Well

Accessories, such as beanies, gloves, and scarves, are often necessary in winter. However, accessories that are vastly different in style and color can be distracting, too. Let your accessories complement your outfit. A scarf, for example, can add a pop of color, while a stylish hat or beanie can give you a classic or more outdoorsy look. Add a piece of your favorite everyday jewelry to enhance your personal style. Image credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/couples-engagement-photo-winter-edition-2511837275

4. Dress in Seasonal Colors

Pick seasonal colors like dark greens, navy blues, and charcoal grays. Besides being beautiful seasonal colors, these colors look great on camera. Avoid a stark white outfit or piece of clothing. Plain white can be problematic for two reasons. White reflects light and can appear too vivid, and a white coat or sweater against white snow may make you disappear into the background. If you want a lighter hue, think about cream or light beige instead.

5. Keep in Mind That Shoes Matter

If your winter photoshoot is outdoors, avoid sneakers. Water from melting snow can easily leak into your shoes and wet your socks. Stick with leather or suede boots that provide protection. Whether you are going for an outdoorsy, casual, or more polished look, there are boots that can rise to the occasion. Boots also provide excellent traction if you need to walk on ice, snow, or wet surfaces. Your boots should also complement your outfit. Dark boots — black, gray, or brown — work well with many outfits.

6. Highlight the Engagement Ring

Engagement rings for women are simply gorgeous, so don’t shy away from making the engagement ring the center of your photoshoot. If you want the ring to be more noticeable, have your partner wear a dark-hued top to make the ring stand out. If you plan to wear additional jewelry, like a watch or cufflinks, keep it simple. Avoid stealing the limelight from the beauty that’s around your partner’s finger. Additional jewelry may get lost under layers of sweaters, winter coats, and scarves, so it may not be worth putting on necklaces or bracelets.
Image credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-engaged-couple-holds-hands-shows-2233505091

7. Dress for the Weather

While layering smartly is one way to prepare for the weather, it’s not the only way. A brisk winter day may easily turn into a cold, uncomfortable one. Bring a couple of extra blankets in between photo setups to keep you and your partner warm. You can even consider bringing a thermos with hot tea, hot coffee, or hot chocolate. Having a warm drink during a cold photoshoot can do wonders for your body and your mood. Also, try to select outfits that won’t look terrible if they get a little moisture on them. Light snow can seep through some fabrics, making them slightly less appealing.

8. Give an Extra Thought to Textures

Textures can look different on camera, so if you haven’t considered textures, now is the time to give them a little extra thought. Mixing different textures, like wool and leather, can add a layer of depth to your outfit, making the final photo dynamic and interesting. Fabrics that have texture can also do a good job of breaking up the monopoly of all solid colors. Finally, different textures add to the winter mood, embracing the cozy nature of the winter season.

Stay True to Your Style

Now that you have chosen the perfect engagement ring from a selection of rings for women, you’re ready for your winter engagement photoshoot. Whatever you do to prepare, though, the most important tip is to stay true to your style. By choosing an outfit that reflects who you are, you’ll feel confident and happy. And that will shine through in your engagement photos.