Winter Beach Photo Session Tips in New England.

What to wear and what to expect for cold-weather coastal photos.


I love outdoor photography and the one thing that can be a challenge where I live is the weather! In New Hampshire, my outdoor sessions happen mostly in 7 months out of the year. But being a photographer who loves to shoot outdoors, doesnt mean I put the camera down for 5 months! I love the ocean and I love photography, and as long as we are not having a winter storm and it is not icy.....I am down for all winter sessions! (Safety first always)

So if you are brave like me and dont mind a little cold (and dont want to wait til the summer to breathe in that New England ocean air) then here are some tips to help make your photo session the most comfortable and pleasant!


  1. Layer Intentionally  - Cozy knits, jackets, scarves, and beautiful textures photograph beautifully.                   
  2. Stick to neutral winter tones - Avoid bright white. Choose instead creams, oatmeal, camel, soft grays , muted blues and olive.
  3. Wind=Texture +Movement - Structured coats and soft fabrics work best. Remember wind adds drama not distraction, just relax and go with it!
  4. Relax and Stay Connected - Make sure to walk, laugh, move. Emotion always comes first.
  5. Choose comfort - Movement matters so make sure you can actually move. (we all know the famous movie with the layers of winter gear - or I am dating myself LOL)
  6. Soft Winter Light - Winter skies are softer and more diffused, less squinting and more glowing skin tones.
  7. ALWAYS bring a change of socks and shoes and dont wear your thousand dollar heels. The ocean will get messy, but messy is movement, is comfort, is fun, and is REAL. We wont be jumping in the water but you may get some ocean mist or sand on your shoes - I always have a spare in my car just in case for when I drive home.