Why Winter is my favourite time for outdoor family sessions in Cornwall

I say Winter, but I mean the cooler months from October until February.

If you’ve ever thought about having your family life and memories captured by a photographer, you may have toyed with having some fun, natural shots outdoors rather than in a photo studio. I don’t blame you - I love those too!

I bet you’d be imagining beach holiday-type photos - sunshine, summer dresses, shorts and flip-flops, sunglasses, maybe having a go with the buckets and spades or a little splash in the waves. How idyllic and delightful! I certainly used to think so! And it sure is, for a day out a Cornish beach - what more could you hope for!

I get this all time time. People say they’re going to wait for summer to book their family session, or suggesting the brightest time of day so that I have enough light.

What could be wrong with that, I hear you ask? Why would anyone want an outdoor session in Winter?? Are you NUTS?

Hear me out!

When I first started out as a photographer and was beginning to learn about light, I didn’t realise that it mattered particularly what time of day I met my clients outside for their sessions. Mid summer at the beach? Awesome! How’s about lunch time? Yeah!

I had some fun sessions and the families loved it, but when I got home and got them onto my computer, I was having to spend ages looking for usable photos. Editing was a nightmare and also took forever. A lot of wasted time and effort for very mediocre results.

These are the main reasons I love shooting outdoors during the colder months:

1) The light

It’s soft. Luminous. That glowing side light. My number one favourite type of light. Only achievable before 7am or after 8pm in the summer but around for most of the day once the clocks have changed.

One huge challenge in Summer is getting families with small children out after 6pm or before 8am. These are the absolute latest/earliest times I’ll shoot at a beach in Summer.

The trouble at the beach in summer is, when the sun is overhead, the brights are bright and shaded areas are very dark. You have to be really skilled at reading light to be able to get good results in such harsh light. For example, it is really hard to avoid big panda shadows around the eyes. That does not look good on anybody!

Camera don’t have the sophisticated adjustments that our eyes do to compensate for that range of contrast. Either brights are very bright (often over-exposed) or shadows are very dark (and underexposed). This means faces can be deep in shadow and the background sky, beach and sea totally blown out (as an extreme example). The shadows are harsh anyway, making hard lines around features which aren’t flattering. You have to really know what you’re doing.

The gorgeous glow of golden hour is there most of the day during winter, and in October you can have a sunset session at 4pm and get that stunning soft light.

Later in the day beach session - soft light and shadows

2) It’s quiet

Think about it! In winter you get the whole beach to yourself sometimes! Often it’s just a handful of dog walkers, especially if you get down fairly early. Even on beautiful days! I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to be frolicking around in front of a camera I don’t want a bunch of onlookers there while I’m doing it!

3) Textures and colours

Winter and autumn have the most incredible colours which I adore. No awkward green colour casts from the foliage of summer - just browns, beiges, rusts, ambers and muted natural tones which I love. Also there is so much texture - bracken, bare twigs, dried grasses. It’s just different to Summer and I am a sucker for those types of tones and colours.

4) Cosy cuddles

There is something extra comforting about thick knits and cuddling up when it’s cold. During a family session, we want those cuddles to be happening and when it’s a bit chilly there’s all the more reason to snuggle in close!

Huddle up tight, with some tickles thrown in :)

5) Christmas pressies!

You can have a family photo session between October and December, and use some of the photos as Christmas gifts! They’ll be up to date, and the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.

Get a new favourite family portrait framed for Nan’s Christmas present! She’ll absolutely love it!

6) Mood booster

If you’re having a session after December, don’t fret! If you’re anything like me (and I’m pretty sure most folks will relate), January to March are the longest bleakest months. A photo shoot will not only cheer you right up, but it’s something to look forward to AND a very motivating reason to avoid piling on too many Christmas pounds. Everyone wins!

At the end of the day, a family session can happen any time and the most important thing is that you’re having your precious memories captured. But if you’re waiting especially for Summer, there’s no need. The chilly months are fantastic for outdoor sessions and I’d love more people to know that!

In Cornwall, it doesn’t get that cold until January, and even then I’ve had sessions in minus temperatures and had to throw off my coat from all the running around - the cold isn’t that bad, honestly! Some cosy knitted jumpers and woolly hats, and everyone will be fine!

So don’t be like everyone else! Book a winter outdoor session and have everyone marvelling at the gorgeousness that results! :)

Get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more about a family photo shoot with Curious Creatures Photography - 07880867149/ michelle@curiouscreaturesphotography.co.uk or via the contact form.