What to Wear Winter Edition | Family Photography Lincoln NE

What to Wear to your outdoor family photography Lincoln NE – Winter Edition

When it comes to family photography, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “What should we wear?” And in the winter, this question becomes even more pressing! (I want to first assure you that if you book with me this question is non existent since you will have access to my studio wardrobe!). But the colder months can add a layer of complexity to outfit planning, but don’t worry. As your trusted Lincoln family photographer, I’m here to guide you through what to wear to ensure your family photos look stunning, even when the temperatures drop.

One of my very favorite family photos (seen below) of my own family was during a winter ice/fog storm. We threw everyone in the car, drove down the street and took some pictures on the side of the road. Though these outfits don’t reflect what you see in my studio wardrobe, it’s still such a cherished image of mine. Winter remains my favorite season and it’s SO magical when the snow and ice do their thing.

image showing the potential for a winter photography session in Lincoln NE

Here’s your winter edition guide to outdoor family photography in Lincoln, NE.

1. Embrace the Winter Landscape

Winter offers a beautiful, serene backdrop for your family photos. Whether you’re aiming for snowy scenes, a winter sunset, or a frosty woodland, the key is to choose clothing that complements the chilly atmosphere. For winter shoots in Lincoln, you’ll want to select outfits that not only look great but also keep you cozy.

Keep it simple: No need for bright crazy colors. The snowy backdrop is the only time of year the outside reflects my studio style! Keep those colors neutral and soft!
Textured fabrics: Think cozy wool, knit sweaters, and soft cashmere. These fabrics add texture to your photos and feel luxurious and warm.
Layering is key: It’s cold outside, so layering is essential. Bring a stylish coat, jacket, or vest to keep you warm, and don’t forget about hats, gloves, and scarves to add some texture and personality to your family portraits.

A little planning with your wardrobe can help you embrace the magic of winter while staying comfortable throughout the shoot.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

One of the biggest mistakes families make when planning their winter outfits is thinking they need to match perfectly. Winter is all about serene and warm feelings, so instead of choosing identical outfits, aim for coordination. Here are a few simple strategies for coordinating outfits that still let everyone’s personality shine:

Start with neutrals: Begin with base colors like charcoal gray, navy, or cream. These colors are timeless and can be layered in a variety of ways.
Add accent colors: vintage small florals and some light patterns can help bring interest without being too distracting.
Mix textures: Winter is all about cozy, layered looks, so mix fabrics for added depth—think knit sweaters, denim, wool, and corduroy. Textured clothing looks amazing in winter photos and helps break up the visual monotony.

Remember, it’s about creating a cohesive look that feels effortless, not a forced “matchy-match” look.

3. Stay Comfortable and Warm

While looking good in your photos is important, feeling comfortable during your winter family photo session is equally essential. This is especially true when you’re outside in chilly temperatures, which can cause little ones to become fussy if they’re uncomfortable in their outfits.

Opt for cozy layers: Consider wearing the dress you were going to wear for warmer weather but add a chunky sweater and some cozy leggings hidden underneath.
Don’t skimp on outerwear: Winter coats don’t have to be bulky to be stylish. A tailored wool coat or down jacket can look chic while still keeping you warm. Plus, they’ll add an extra layer of visual interest to your photos.
Comfortable shoes: If you’re walking in snow, boots are a must! Opt for stylish, waterproof boots that will keep your feet warm and dry while adding a bit of flair to your outfit. I love a classic brown leather boot for the whole family.

Comfort is key—especially in winter. If your family isn’t fussing with too-tight clothing or freezing in the cold, the entire session will feel more relaxed and natural.

4. Accessories That Add Style

Accessories in winter can be more than just a practical way to stay warm—they can also elevate your family photos. Think scarves, hats, and gloves that not only help keep the cold at bay but also add texture, color, and visual interest.

Hats & Beanies: A cute beanie or a wool fedora can be the perfect finishing touch for your winter look.
Scarves & Shawls: Consider a soft, chunky scarf or a stylish shawl to add warmth and texture.
Gloves: Leather or knit gloves can complete the look, and they’re perfect for when you’re not actively holding hands or hugging in the photo. Knit mittens on little ones is just so cute too.

Accessories can help tell your family’s story while enhancing the visual appeal of your photos, so don’t be afraid to have fun with them!

5. Need Help with Wardrobe? I’ve Got You Covered!

I know that putting together the perfect outfits for a winter family photo session can be tricky—especially when you’re balancing comfort and style. That’s why, when you book your family photography in Lincoln, NE, with me, you don’t have to stress about what to wear. I provide a wardrobe for the entire family, ensuring everyone is dressed in a way that matches the season, location, and vibe of your shoot.

From beautiful dresses and sweaters to hair accessories for your little girl, I’ll help you look your best without any of the hassle. Just show up, and I’ll take care of the rest!

6. Final Thoughts

Winter is one of the most magical times for an outdoor family photography session, but it also comes with unique challenges when it comes to wardrobe planning. By choosing a color palette that complements the season, layering for warmth, and coordinating your outfits with texture and depth, you can ensure your photos turn out beautifully. And if you’d rather skip the stress of figuring out what to wear, remember that when you book with me as your Lincoln family photographer, I provide a wardrobe for the whole family, so you can focus on enjoying the moment instead of stressing over outfits.

Winter family photos are a chance to capture the warmth, love, and connection you share—even in the coldest months of the year. Happy photo planning!

I find it an absolute joy to photograph families during some of their most precious memories. Getting to do Family Photography near Lincoln NE allows me to see the most wonderful families at the very beginning of their parenting journey. This sweet family chose me to document this special time because of the value that tangible memories provide. Images were never intended to be lost on a hardrive. Studies have been done to show that when your children walk by their images proudly displayed in your home, their self esteem will increase just by the presence of these incredible images. And the better the images, the better their self esteem.

Family Photography Lincoln NE

If you are thinking about hiring a family photography professional near Lincoln NE I would absolutely love to have a chat with you about an experience with me. I am so very passionate about not only getting your memories printed for your home but also serving you. You have enough on your plate right now. Lets not let those images sit unseen on a USB drive, but lets also not add another thing to your to-do list. From the details of picking outfits to designing to delivery, I will handle it all so you don’t have to. In order to give my clients this luxury service, I only take a limited number of clients per month so contact me as soon as possible to get on my calendar.

If you are looking for a Family Photography in Lincoln NE you might also be interested in reading these helpful blog posts:

Virginia Schultz is a published Omaha newborn photographer specializing in motherhood storytelling and custom heirloom artwork for busy and stylish moms in the Omaha & Lincoln metro. From handmade albums to exquisite, museum-worthy frames, her passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations. Your memories deserve to be seen.

Currently serving Sarpy, Douglas, Cass, Landcaster, Saunders, Mills, Pottawattamie & Washington Counties including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna, Elkhorn, Boys Town, Bennington, Council Bluffs and surrounding areas.

You can see my work featured on the cover of the August 2022 magazine and the September 2022 magazine.