Studio VS Outdoor Winter Photos | Whitney Beth Photography
Now that the cold weather is here photo season is starting to slow down. But that doesn’t mean I don’t shoot during the winter. When it comes to winter photos, we have two options; studio or outdoor.
So which is the better option? Honestly there is no right/wrong answer – that is something you’re going to have to decide. But lucky you, I’ve made a pros and cons list!
OUTDOOR – PROS
- Snow – although literally freezing, snow can make some of the most magical images. The way it sparkles in the sunlight, and bounces light onto my subjects face is beautiful. It can add so much depth and dimension to an already striking backdrop. Not to mention, lends itself to plenty of candid and playful images.
- Color – In winter, the landscape is neutral and quiet. Which makes any and all colors you wear pop! The other side of the spectrum provides a neutral, timeless look that is so classic and monochromatic chic.
- Scenery – Utah has been nicknamed the best snow on Earth, and what better way to display it than having your favorite hikes and landscapes showcase the beauty of a Utah Winter.
- Diverse – What’s great about shooting outdoors is the diverse light you can get, which in turn can add variety to your gallery.
STUDIO – PROS
- Warm – def the biggest perk to studio portraiture is the temperature. No cold faces, or runny noses here! You don’t even need to incorporate your coat into your outfits.
- Stability – similar to warmth, when booking a studio session we are not at the mercy of mother nature and can shoot, regardless of the weather outside.
- Timeless – Studios have been around so long because the offer a timeless look.
- Consistent – the lighting a studio offers is full of consistency. You know exactly what you’re getting into, resulting in a cohesive gallery.
OUTDOOR – CONS
- Cold – if you are planning family pictures, it’s going to be cold. Cold weather results in red and running noses and sessions cut short
- Commuting – Getting to and from the location may prove difficult depending on the roads. Especially if you’re headed up the canyon with all the skiers of Utah.
- Unreliable – luckily the amount of winter shoots I’ve had to reschedule is pretty low, but you still never know. the weather can be unpredictable.
INDOOR – CONS
- Variety – While studios are great, they lack the variety that you can get from outdoors. There are no natural elements to incorporate into the images or play off of.
- Scheduling – unlike outdoors, when even the most crowded of locations, you can still shoot. You may have to be creative with posing of photoshop, but it’s doable. With studios, you are at the will of the calendar. There are a lot of photographers in Utah, and when the weather gets bad, we all start turning indoors. If your client has only one day/time that will work, it’s best to start scheduling a studio asap before they fill up.
- Space – If you have a large group, it can be hard to find a studio big enough to accommodate everyone. If you do manage to find one, it can be hectic and overstimulating for young kids to be in such a small space with that many people.
So what do you think? Does one option sway you more than the other? If you’re having a winter shoot, which option would you pick?
