The Ultimate Guide to Winter Engagement Photos in Chicago
A local Chicago wedding photographer shares tips to take beautiful winter engagement photos during the coldest season of the year.
Ashley Biess is the owner and lead photographer of Artistrie Co, a wedding & portrait photography boutique in Chicago, Illinois. She has been photographing couples for over 15 years and shoots in a hybrid candid, editorial style to capture your life's moments in a personable, artful way.
MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER
My favorite part about winter engagement photo sessions is the fashion. From cozy knitwear to chic coats, boots and beyond, the options are limitless in creating a tailored, polished wardrobe.
If you are taking photos in the winter, absolutely dress for the weather. Coordinate your coats and outerwear and treat them like the main character, not something you are just throwing on in between photos. I guarantee you’ll want to feel warm and comfortable while taking photos. If conditions are favorable (or if you are feeling brave!) you can always toss off your coat. However, in my opinion, it’s better to bring a coat you’ll like to be photographed in.
A few other suggested items to stay fashionably warm:
— Boots or closed toed shoes
— Tights or long dresses, skirts or trousers
— Warm wool socks to keep your feet warm
— Hand warmers in your pockets
— Thermoses filled with hot coffee or hot cocoa (maybe spiked with a little something special)
— Cozy sweaters
— Fleece-lined leggings
— Snow boots
— Ear muffs to wear in between photos
— Makeup touch up items to tone down any bright red noses
— Scarves, hats and gloves (to be worn in photos or just in between)
Don’t be afraid to dream big with your attire and have fun with it! You can be as casual, chic or glamorous as you’d like.
What to Wear for Winter Engagement Photos
While it’s not every Chicagoan’s favorite season, there are many perks to taking photos in the winter. For starters, there will be fewer crowds this time of year. Instead of waiting your turn for certain locations, it may feel like you have the whole city to yourselves.
The sunsets and sunrises during the winter are truly something special — honestly the best of the year. Because of the mix of clearer air, colder temperatures and the angle of the sun, the colors in the sky appear bolder and more vivid, translating into epicly beautiful photos.
Winter is also a great time of year to think about heading indoors and being more creative with your location choices. I love shooting editorial styled engagement sessions that feel like a day-in-the-life. Consider heading to your favorite cafe, museum or conservatory and think of your photos as an opportunity to capture the two of you on a cozy, romantic winter outing.
Pros of a Winter Engagement Session
The obvious con of taking engagement photos in the winter is the cold and sometimes unpredictable weather here in Chicago. If you are planning a shoot during the winter, please be patient and plan around the forecast. It’s absolutely worth it to wait for the perfect snow fall and ideal conditions that will help bring your vision to life.
Some locations in Chicago may be closed or inaccessible during the winter, so be flexible with your vision.
And while it’s doable (but certainly not pleasant), I generally suggest avoiding the lakefront during the winter months. The arctic wind along Lake Michigan often feels 10-20 degrees colder than west of Lake Shore Drive. At times, there can also be icy walkways, choppy waves and dangerous conditions.
Have I shot at the Chicago lakefront in winter? Yes, but we are always very quick, strategic and make safety our number one priority. Most of my clients can only last 5-10 minutes maximum in the cold, for reference.
Cons of a Winter Engagement Session
If you are planning an engagement photo session in Chicago this winter, here are a few tips for a successful and fun experience!
Winter Engagement Photo Tips
Planning winter engagement photos oftentimes means needing to be flexible and keeping a close eye on the forecast. Avoid taking photos in dangerously cold conditions. Trust me, it’s not worth feeling uncomfortable the entire time. You want to have fun and enjoy yourself!
No. 1: Plan Around the Forecast
While winter in the city can be beautiful, oftentimes you have to time the snowfall just right or else the crisp fresh fallen white snow turns to brown slush in an instant. If you want snow to be a main character in your photos, consider locations like Montrose Harbor or Northerly Island, which almost feel like mini nature preserves in the city. Or, if possible, time your session during the snowfall. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
No. 2: Find a Winter Wonderland
Embrace the season by incorporating winter coats and fashions into your wardrobe. From sophisticated neutrals to brilliant jewel tones, anything goes this season. Think about colors and styles that make you feel like a million bucks. Consider boots and closed toed shoes (with extra warm socks!) and winter accessories that are fashionable AND will keep you warm.
No. 3: Dress for the Weather
This is the perfect time of year to embrace indoor locations throughout the city. I love editorial-inspired engagement photos that tell a story, so think about places the two of you love to visit in your day-to-day lives. Consider a cozy cafe in your neighborhood, your go-to date night restaurant or a favorite museum like the Art Institute of Chicago.
You can always keep the shoot entirely indoors or a mix of indoor and outdoor scenery. Please note it’s always courteous to call ahead and make sure photos are allowed. Oftentimes, restaurants and cafes are fine with it as long as their service and customers aren’t disrupted. Other locations may require a permit or paid admission.
No. 4: Head Indoors
The sunsets and sunrises during the winter are truly one of a kind. Nearly all of my favorite sunset engagement sessions have happened in the winter. The skies can be so vividly pink, it’s unreal. There’s no filter that can replicate that look.
No. 5: Capture Sunsets & Sunrises
If you have a question about working together this winter for your engagement photos in Chicago or throughout the midwest, please complete my contact form or email me directly. I'd love to hear from you!
Have a question?
Artistrie Co. is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer serving Chicago, Illinois, Michigan and beyond.
