It happened. You waited a little too long and now your pictures are happening well into fall. In Chicago, that could mean a freak 90 degree day, or the Arctic Tundra with the forecast flip flopping between the two for several days leading up to your session. Alas, I've got some tips to help you get through it.
1. Schedule early. You know the time-frame you think is scheduling early? Schedule earlier than that. Fall is prime season for photographers, so plan to book months in advance so you can secure a time you're comfortable with and fits your needs best. Waiting until September/October is generally going to lead to no openings or scheduling later into the year than you'd like. Let's avoid that and schedule super early!
2. Dress for the weather. I know that super cute top is what you had your heart set on wearing, but it's sheer and the temperatures are averaging in the 40's. My best suggestion is dressing in layers. A little too warm? You can take one off. Too cold? You can add another one. It's Chicago and we've got the best weather - just kidding! Save yourself the torture and keep yourself dressed for the temperature. Bonus, layers can hide anything we don't want to accentuate. Sometimes a single layer is clingy in all the wrong spots and we end up not liking the photos because of it.
3. Blankets. I know it may sound silly, but between photos when you need a minute to warm yourself up or the kids, wrapping up in a blanket is so much faster and easier than messing with coats and gloves. These quick cuddles between photos actually end up being super cute photos too, so don't skip this one!
4. Hidden warmth. Have you ever tried hand and feet warmers? They're like magic! Slip them in your pockets and shoes and they'll help keep you warm without killing your style. If you end up with cold hands or feet, forget it, the rest of your body is going to be cold.
5. Hot beverage. Pick your poison. Coffee. Tea. Latte. Hot chocolate, extra marshmallows. Whatever you choose, it's a great way to keep your hands warm between photos and warm your insides. I'm never without a hot beverage at a cold shoot, and recommend you have one too!
6. Plan to have a good time. I know taking pictures aren't your favorite thing. I'm not even offended! If you come in with a bad attitude toward the photos, you're going to have a bad time and the weather is only going to make it seem worse. Come in with a positive attitude and know we're going to laugh and move quicker than we ever have before and you'll have a great story behind this year's photos.
Living in the Chicagoland area is pretty awesome, until it's not. Frigid temperatures. Sleet. Wind. Blah blah blah. But hey, it doesn't need to be sunny and 70 degrees for beautiful pictures. We can't change the weather, but we can adjust accordingly. These tips will help make a cold situation a little warmer.
Any other suggestions? Share them in the comments!
Questions? Email info@lchristinephotography.com for more information.