Snowy Family Photos in Chicagoland: 4 Tips for a Successful Winter Session

Everyone knows I’m a summer girl, but, man. There’s something undeniably stunning about snowy family photos. The soft light and clean white backdrop create a magic you just can’t replicate any other season. Here in Chicagoland, it’s early December and not even “winter” yet, but we have been graced with record-breaking snow already. To take advantage of it, I photographed a snowy family session in Lombard this week, and it was the perfect reminder that family photos in the snow can be just as fun as they are beautiful.

If you’ve ever worried about the cold, logistics, or wondered how winter family photos actually work in the Chicago suburbs, these tips will help you feel confident going into your session.

1. Dress Smart: Thermal Layers Are the Secret Weapon

When it comes to winter family photos, staying warm starts with what’s underneath your outfits. Thermal tops, fleece-lined leggings, and wool socks make a huge difference—and the best part is, no one will ever see them.

For this Lombard session, Danny and Lexi layered up themselves and the boys under their clothes, which meant less tears and shivering. It’s totally possible to look polished on the outside while staying cozy on the inside. That’s a win-win for snowy family photos! (Granted: on this particular day, we were battling 17 degree weather, which is not always the case but just goes to show you can still get amazing results when you have a photographer who can make it easy for you!)

2. Bring Weighted or Wool Blankets for In-Between Moments

One of my favorite cold-weather tricks? Blankets. Thick, weighted, or wool blankets are perfect to throw over shoulders in between shots. They warm you up fast and help kids reset when the chill starts creeping in. PLUS can also look really cute in the photos themselves (see example below).

This is especially helpful during family photos in the snow, where we’re often working in short bursts. We shoot, warm up, repeat. Strategic and cozy.

3. Bring Warm Drinks & Park Nearby to Make Winter Photo Sessions Easier

Hot cocoa, coffee, or tea in insulated mugs can instantly boost morale (for kids and parents). I always recommend bringing something warm to sip between sets.

Another underrated tip: park as close as possible to our location. For this Lombard session, having the car nearby in the parking lot meant we could pop in for heat breaks whenever needed. It’s one of the reasons snowy family photos are totally doable—even on colder Midwest days.

This is exactly one of the reasons I always have consultations (aka meet-and-greets) with my clients before we ever shoot. It’s so important to me that my families know that I’ve thought about all the details beforehand, and that I help set us all up for success. If you’re curious about the family portrait experience, you can learn more here.

4. Style with Soft and Coordinated Colors for an Elevated Look

Winter clothing doesn’t have to feel bulky or boring. For snowy family photos, I recommend soft, neutral tones—think creams, warm grays, muted blues, soft greens, and subtle plaids. I also love when there’s a pop of color, too!

Coordinating (not matching) outfits keeps things looking intentional and classy. Clean lines, textured fabrics, and simple layers photograph beautifully against the snow and help your images feel timeless rather than heavy.

As a Naperville family photographer serving the Chicago suburbs, styling guidance is always part of the experience—especially for winter sessions. I have Amazon recommendations, Pinterest boards, and always have text available to chat with you about styling your fam!

Snowy Family Portraits Are Worth It

This winter family session in Lombard put together last minute, and also was shot very quickly because of the extreme cold. But the results made it seem like it was effortless. With a little preparation and help from a photographer who cares about the details, winter family photos can be some of the most meaningful images you’ll ever have.

If you’ve been on the fence about snowy family photos in Chicagoland, consider this your sign. The snow doesn’t take away from the experience—it adds to it!

Explore more family sessions from all seasons on the blog, or send me a message to chat about planning your own photos.