The winter months aren’t typically when families think to book a family shoot - the obvious times that come to mind for most are spring for beautiful florals and autumn for colourful foliage. But here are a few reasons why the winter months can be the best time of year for your family shoot.

A family of three in front of the iconic Fletcher Moss trees on an early morning family shoot in Didsbury

Winter Shoots = something to look forward to….

I know a lot of people struggle with January and February with not much to look forward to - Christmas is over, it’s cold and miserable, it feels like ages until Spring. But this can be the best time of the year for a cosy family shoot. You’ve got something exciting in the diary to look forward to post-Christmas. There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting your family gallery back. I know this after my recent shoot in Didsbury for our family film with Emily Brown. Viewing our family film with our daughter and sharing it with our family has brought us (and our family) so much joy! It is a very particular and special feeling - we’ve had it before with previous family shoots too. A feeling I’d love to bottle up!

2. Winter Shoots = the cosiest time of the year…

Do you love cosying up as a family when it’s drizzly / blustery outdoors? The whole family snuggled up under a blanket and reading together / watching a movie / chatting. Or playing games on the rug / around the dining table. Or how about baking / decorating some cookies - this can make for an especially fun shoot!

It is a great time for a shoot in your favourite space at home. Where the children can play freely, you can totally relax, and you can be your most authentic selves. I’ve had lots of shoots before where the family are about to move from the house they brought their children home from the hospital to - where all their first memories as a family are. Your home is so special and houses so many memories - so a shoot at home can really capture that.

And if you feel like this sounds great but you’d miss having the outdoor shots - we can split the shoot and head out for a cosy wintery walk near to your home too! Best of both worlds.

3. Winter Shoots can be so atmospheric!

The days are shorter so we can make the most of the later sunrises and earlier sunsets. I love meeting early doors for a winter shoot, making the most of the beautiful, soft morning light and the mist that sits through the trees / across the fields. When you can see your breath through the air, and your coffee steam adds to the effect! These shoots have been amongst my favourite ever - they are so atmospheric and beautiful. I am sharing some of my favourite shots from a family shoot in Fletcher Moss park in Didsbury last year below.

Keep reading for more below…

a family of three cuddles up outdoors and smiling on their family shoot in Didsbury

4. Winter Shoots = more cuddles!

With the air being so chilly, it is a great excuse for more cuddles. Even from those little ones who normally swerve a big hug! As you’ll be able to see from my work, I am a huge fan of capturing the love between a family - whole families snuggled up together for a big cuddle. And a winter shoot will get everyone on board with this!

5. Winter Shoots = more muted colours.

Of course, the summer trees and other greenery is beautiful, but it is also super vibrant - especially in the summer sun. Bare winter trees have a different type of beauty, and together with the other winter nature, this provides a more muted, tonal backdrop for your shoot. Something I really love! Fletcher Moss in Didsbury is such a great location for a family shoot this winter with the mix of the bare winter trees and the open frosty fields.

6. Winter Shoots = the possibility of snow…

There is always the chance that we’ll get snow for that extra magic! What is better and more magical than a snowy walk?! Your feet crunching through the fresh snow, leaving big and little footprints behind you, kids scooping up handfuls of powdery snowflakes to make a snowman, everyone lying down to make snow fairies, the soft winter sunlight reflecting off the white surfaces. It just makes everything beautiful, magical and is so exciting!

If you’re still not convinced that this is one of the best times ever for a family shoot, check out some photos from a beautiful family shoot in Didsbury last winter.

If you’d love to book a winter shoot this coming January / February, just click the button below to find your date and book in your shoot online! It couldn’t be easier. I’d love to see you for a gorgeous winter shoot in the new year!

Book Your Winter Shoot here

Thanks so much,

Laura

Didsbury Family Photographer