Picture Perfect – Any Time of Year

By Shana Karn, Owner of Shots By Shana Photography, 129 North St. Dryden

While most people prefer spring, summer and fall photo shoots, there is much to be said about the magical way a subject “pops” against the neutral, muted colors of a Central New York winter.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am not a fan of winter but I am a fan of the awesome opportunity winter allows for stunning photos!

When planning for a winter photo session, don’t let cold weather stop you from choosing an outdoor shoot. Not only does our winter weather offer a one-of-a-kind color palette, but also the cold air, frost, ice and snow offer me great patterns and textures for capturing excellent outdoor shots.

In the winter, bright, bold colors are a great contrast to the pure white snow, gloomy skies and bare trees. Accessories such as hats, mittens, scarves, earmuffs and headbands are inexpensive, fun and easily coordinated with other subjects in the photo! Seasonal “props” such as sleds, snowmen, and snowballs are a great way to lend creative, captivating composition to shots.

We’ve each seen dozens of pictures posted on Facebook that feature words in sand; writing in snow is just as fun and we can get really creative with it!

I tell my subjects not to hold back when it comes to other ideas for winter shoots—get really creative and have fun with your winter wear and cold weather props; don’t be afraid to mix and match ideas (falling snow, bare trees, snowy landscapes, frozen pond, ice skating, frozen lakes and waterfalls).

Often a winter shoot means that I have to allot some extra time to allow for warm-ups. I keep my vehicle running with the heat up high; pack a thermos of hot cocoa and have extra blankets, gloves, hats, and mittens in my trunk. I don’t let anyone stay out in the cold air for long periods to avoid cold toes and frozen fingers (AND RED NOSES!).

Maybe you need a little more convincing? Book a photo shoot between now and March 2015 for just $99 and receive a complimentary soft-cover book featuring your session shots and ten edited images on DVD with a print release.  *This is for outdoor, natural light sessions only. To book your session, you can call me at The Second Knob (607) 844-5662 or email: shana@thesecondknob.com.

Happy Winter!