Winter is Coming

Winter is Coming

Not in a GoT sense but in the very real reality that the cold snap of Winter will soon be upon us, here in Montana. The leaves are already starting to turn and fall, temperatures are dropping, store displays are now filled with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decor and people with arthritis (like myself) are starting to become keenly aware that snow will soon be falling from the sky.

Outdoor Sessions

Coming into Fall, many of my clients are wondering if they should change to a studio session instead of an outdoor session. I wish I could tell them which would be best, but I can’t. It’s so variable. As we all know, the weather can turn on a dime. It can be sunny, blue skies and 80 degrees one day and 45 degrees with blustery clouds the next. Any day now, we know it’s possible to even be besieged by that 4-letter “s word”…SNOW. Many people opt for the safety of planning a studio session instead of something outside. I will never say which way to go, as I don’t want any family to regret the setting their photos are taken in, so I leave it up to them. I just provide the options, pros and cons for both scenarios.

Studio or Outside

As we just touched on, outdoor sessions in the Billings area are risky. If it’s a maternity session, there’s the risk of injury from slippery surfaces, should the weather turn foul. There’s also the likelihood of winds that do unwanted things to hair and attire (nothing like a beautiful flowing couture gown photographing like a pantsuit, to ruin the day), lackluster skies, kids getting cold if there are littles to be included and, depending on the location chosen, even inaccessibility due to road blockages and closures are possible. However, alternatively, the weather in the Autumn time can be quite lovely. Blue skies and fluffy clouds could be had and the lovely earthy brown, orange, red and yellow tones that look amazing in photos are entirely possible. We just never know and can’t predict the weather (heck, neither can the weatherman, many times).

I do know that a studio session is a completely different kind of look and feel than a photo session done outside. I also know that weather doesn’t really effect the ability to do the session, as long as roads aren’t closed. The intensity of wind, cool temperatures, cloudy skies or even snow won’t change the quality of the photos. It’s all controlled by me, the photographer, in the studio set.

Decisions, Decisions

Personally, I love the look of both studio and outdoor maternity, newborn and family sessions (though I do recommend extreme measures to protect and provide comfort for newborns). I have no real preference to one over the other and will happily accommodate your wishes for the desired outcome…photos that you will love seeing on your walls, for decades to come. I’ll guide you through the decision-making process and be with you every step of the way. We can always have a “Plan A, Plan B”, too. At the end of the day, it’s my job to get you the photos you want. Photos that show love, beauty and connection and I can do that in either place. I would love to talk with you and guide you in the process toward your own maternity, newborn, child or family photos (including your pets, if you would like). Contact me HERE to allow me to see how I may serve you.