What are the Benefits of a Winter Session?

I’d have to say that fall is most definitely the busiest season for portraits – mostly because many people only consider a portrait when planning to send their holiday cards (in my opinion, a HUGE mistake – read here to see why family portraits are one of the very best gifts that you can give yourself). In Charleston, though, we are so fortunate to live in a place where outdoor, on-location sessions can be had all year long! If you haven’t considered a winter session, read on to see why it’s an AMAZING time for a portrait session!

Embrace Winter Accessories

Winter in Charleston is not really that cold: the average daytime temperature ranges from the mid-40’s to the mid-60’s. This means that, while there may be a little nip in the air, it’s generally quite comfortable outside. And while it’s true that you may not have your golden summer glow, a winter session is the perfect time to select cozy wardrobe items that you can showcase without sweating your buns off: fuzzy sweaters, scarves, boots, hats, coats, and leather jackets.

Charleston in the Winter

If you live here, then you know: it’s hot, humid, and we have lots of bugs. Selecting a winter session virtually eliminates all of these annoyances! Your makeup won’t melt off, your hair won’t frizz, and you won’t be eaten alive by mosquitos or no-see-ums.

Another plus? Tourist season slows down considerably in the winter months, which means that the popular downtown and park locations won’t be nearly as crowded. Honestly, wouldn’t it be nicer to have a location all to yourself than worrying about the 12 other people waiting for that popular landmark?

Try an Indoor Session

If the low humidity and lack of bugs isn’t enough to tempt you outdoors in January (trust me, this South Florida girl gets it – my blood is thin!), this is a fabulous time of year to consider a winter session indoors. While I generally shoot most sessions on-location, I love to plan customized in-studio sessions for my teens and seniors!

A lot of times these in-studio sessions cater specifically to an interest or activity or sport. Collaborating on a creative in-studio session is one of my very favorite things to do, and it allows you to have the most unique and personalized portraits around.

Muted Natural Tones

Living in the South, we miss a lot of the beautiful golden foliage and color change that fall brings in other parts of the country. On the plus side, we have gorgeous greenery all year long. The colors merely fade a little bit and allow the subject to truly shine. The oaks and Spanish moss provide the most beautiful green backdrops. The grasses fade to muted golds. The sun is low in the sky, and the humidity is also lowest this time of year, providing uniquely clear skies in the winter time.

If you’re dying for winter color, have no fear! The cassias bloom a vibrant yellow and the camellias (from white to pink to red and every shade in between) can be found all over Charleston from November through March.

Perfect Timing

The slower winter season allows for greater scheduling flexibility since, typically, schedules aren’t as crazy as they can be in the fall and spring. Additionally, college acceptances are starting to roll in, which gives you the option to incorporate some collegiate wardrobe and props into your session. Also, it’s a super time to showcase winter athletes (basketball, wrestling, cheer)!

Overall, winter is really a fantastic time to schedule a session. Whatever season you choose for your senior portraits, I promise that you will have an AMAZING experience!