How to Stay Warm During a Cold Weather Photoshoot in Colorado (Without Freezing Your A** Off)

Let's be honest. Colorado is absolutely gorgeous in the winter. Snow-covered mountains, frosted pine trees, cozy sweaters, and dreamy golden light make for some of the most beautiful photos imaginable. Whether you're planning a Colorado winter family photo session, engagement photos in the snow, or a winter elopement in the Rocky Mountains, there's just one little problem:

It's freaking cold.

And while stunning winter portraits are worth it, I never want you looking back at your photos thinking, "Wow, these are beautiful... too bad I couldn't feel my face and little Timmy was having a meltdown over his frozen fingers."

My goal as your photographer is to create an experience that is fun, comfortable, and stress-free. Because the truth is, your memories of the session matter almost as much as the images themselves. If everyone is miserable, cold, and questioning every life decision that led them to booking a winter photoshoot, that's not exactly the vibe we're going for.

So, after years of photographing families, couples, seniors, and adventurous elopements throughout Colorado, I've picked up a few tricks for surviving cold weather sessions. This isn't medical advice. This isn't survival training. This is simply a collection of things I've seen work exceptionally well.

At the end of the day, you do you, boo.

How to Stay Warm During a Colorado Winter Photoshoot: The Survival Guide

Head: Keep That Noggin Warm

We're going to start at the top.

If you've got short hair, thin hair, or no hair, your head can lose heat fast. And trust me, there's nothing that screams "I'm freezing" quite like watery eyes, bright red ears, and the thousand-yard stare of someone questioning their choices.

A stylish beanie can be your best friend during a winter photoshoot.

Not only do beanies fit perfectly into snowy Colorado scenery, but they also help keep your ears warm and your face looking relaxed. Bonus: they photograph beautifully.

I'd generally skip baseball caps when possible since they cast shadows over your eyes and make photographing your face more difficult. Instead, think:

• Knit beanies
• Pom-pom hats
• Chunky winter hats
• Neutral-colored wool caps
• Children's knit hats

Your ears, photographer, and future self will thank you.

Shop Beanies

Adults: Beanie 1 Beanie 2 Beanie 3 Beanie 4 Beanie 5

Kids: Kids' beanie 1 Kids' beanie 2 Kids' beanie 3 Kids' beanie 4

Shoulders: Layer Up Without Looking Puffy

One of the biggest misconceptions about winter photos is that you have to suffer for fashion.

False.

Some of my favorite images include cozy accessories that actually make photos look more inviting.

• Scarves
• Shawls
• Ponchos
• Blanket wraps
• Cowl-neck sweaters
• Chunky knit blankets

These pieces add texture, warmth, and visual interest while helping you stay comfortable. They also create opportunities for natural interaction. Snuggling under a blanket with your family? Adorable. Wrapping up with your partner? Instant cozy romance novel vibes.

A beautiful knit blanket can also double as a prop and a portable heater. That's what I call multitasking.

Pro Tip: Choose neutral colors like cream, camel, oatmeal, rust, muted green, and gray to complement Colorado's winter scenery.

Shop Cozy Layers

Shawls and ponchos: Shawl or poncho 1 Shawl or poncho 2 Shawl or poncho 3

Scarves: Scarf 1 Scarf 2 Scarf 3

Kids' scarves: Kids' scarf 1 Kids' scarf 2 Kids' scarf 3

Blankets: Cozy blanket 1 Cozy blanket 2 Cozy blanket 3

Knees: Or More Accurately... Your Entire Lower Half

Let's talk about an often-overlooked secret to surviving a cold weather photoshoot.

Nobody knows what's underneath your outfit.

If you're wearing a dress or skirt, consider:

• Fleece-lined tights
• Thermal leggings
• Skin-tone fleece stockings
• Hidden base layers

If nobody can see it, nobody has to know.

Dudes, you're not off the hook either. Long johns, thermal leggings, and warm base layers work wonders.

The key is layering without visible bulk. Choose a base layer that fits comfortably under your outfit and doesn't restrict movement.

Shop Base Layers

Leggings and fleece stockings: Leggings or stockings 1 Leggings or stockings 2

Men's base layers: Men's base layer 1 Men's base layer 2

Women's base layers: Women's base layer 1

Kids' base layers: Kids' base layer 1 Kids' base layer 2

Kids' stockings: Kids' stockings 1

Hot Chillys: Shop Hot Chillys base layers

Toes: Because Frozen Feet Ruin Everything

I cannot stress this enough.

Your feet matter.

Maybe more than anything else.

Once your toes are cold, it's game over.

• Wear wool socks
• Use toe warmers according to the package directions
• Wear insulated boots
• Bring warm boots and change into dress shoes at the location
• Make sure your boots have enough room for warm socks without squeezing your toes

And for my favorite weird-but-effective trick:

Put on a sock, then a doggie poop bag, then another sock.

Yes, I'm serious.

No, I'm not joking.

It can help block moisture, but don't use this if it makes your feet sweaty, slippery, or uncomfortable. A proper waterproof shoe or boot is the better option for longer outings.

Please, for the love of all things good and holy, do not wear open-toed shoes in the snow. If you're eloping and absolutely must wear your pretty shoes, at least hike in wearing warm boots and switch once we arrive.

Shop Warm Socks

Wool or winter sock 1 Wool or winter sock 2 Wool or winter sock 3

The Secret Weapon: Hand Warmers

If you've never experienced the magic of hand warmers, let me introduce you to one of humanity's greatest achievements.

HotHands will save your butt.

Open them in the car before the session starts so they're ready to use when you arrive. Keep them in pockets or mittens and follow the package directions. Avoid placing disposable warmers directly against bare skin or using them in a way that could cause burns.

Personally, I love the body warmers and often use them over a layer of clothing during especially cold Rocky Mountain sessions. Judge me all you want. I'm warm.

Shop Hand and Body Warmers

HotHands: Shop HotHands hand, toe, and body warmers

Hand warmers: Hand warmer 1

How to Keep Kids Happy During a Winter Photoshoot

Parents, listen up.

Most kids don't start crying because they hate photos.

They start crying because they're cold.

Usually it's one of three things:

• Cold hands
• Cold ears
• Cold toes

Build excitement before your session. Tell them it's an adventure. Tell them they're helping find the coolest photo location. Tell them they're going exploring.

Excited kids tolerate cold much longer than unhappy kids.

And yes, bribes are absolutely acceptable.

• Movie night
• Extra marshmallows in the hot cocoa
• M&M's
• A small toy
• $10 for teenagers

I said what I said.

The more kids laugh, move, and play, the warmer they stay and the more genuine their photos become. Keep an eye on little ones, take breaks when they need them, and bring an extra dry layer in case clothes get damp.

What to Wear for Winter Family Photos in Colorado

When planning winter family photo outfits, think warm, coordinated, and comfortable rather than perfectly matching. Layers also add beautiful texture to your images.

• Start with a color palette: Cream, camel, rust, brown, forest green, navy, and soft gray photograph beautifully against winter scenery.
• Mix textures: Knit sweaters, corduroy, wool coats, fleece, and scarves add dimension without requiring everyone to wear the same outfit.
• Dress for the location: Snowy mountain locations call for warmer footwear and more insulation than a quick session in a sheltered park.
• Layer underneath: Thermal shirts, leggings, and warm socks can stay hidden beneath your outfits.
• Bring backup clothing: Keep extra mittens, socks, and a warm coat in the car for quick changes and breaks.

What Happens If It's REALLY Cold?

Colorado weather likes to keep us humble.

If temperatures become dangerously cold, windy, or just plain miserable and we can't reschedule, we'll adjust our game plan. If conditions aren't safe or comfortable, rescheduling is always worth discussing.

• Work efficiently
• Prioritize key shots first
• Take warming breaks when needed
• Keep everyone moving comfortably
• Create lots of variety quickly
• Use the car as a warm-up spot between sets when practical

The good news? I've photographed plenty of Colorado winter sessions in challenging conditions and can still deliver a beautiful gallery without keeping you outside forever.

Final Thoughts: Winter Photos Are Worth It

Some of my all-time favorite images have been captured during winter in Colorado.

The snow, mountain views, cozy clothing, and unique atmosphere create something truly magical.

With a little preparation, some strategic layering, and enough hand warmers to supply a small army, you can stay comfortable and actually enjoy your session.

So bundle up, embrace the adventure, and remember:

Temporary cold lasts an hour.
Beautiful photos last forever.

And if all else fails... bring more HotHands.

Looking for a Colorado Winter Photographer?

If you're searching for a Colorado Springs photographer, Colorado winter family photographer, Rocky Mountain engagement photographer, Colorado elopement photographer, winter maternity photographer, or winter senior photographer, I'd love to help create a fun, stress-free experience while keeping everyone as warm as possible.

At Heather Ann Photography, I photograph families, couples, maternity sessions, and elopements throughout Colorado. Take a look at my Colorado family photography, couples and engagement photography, and maternity photography. If you're dreaming of winter portraits with snowy mountains, evergreen forests, or the beautiful red rocks around Colorado Springs, let's make it happen.

Planning an intimate winter wedding? Explore my Colorado elopement photography work and let's talk about your plans.

Ready to plan your own Colorado winter photoshoot? Contact Heather Ann Photography and tell me what you're dreaming up. I'd love to help you create beautiful images and a fun, comfortable experience.

If you have additional cold-weather hacks that have worked for your family, leave them in the comments below. I'd love to hear them!