Black and white dog stands majestically against a tree in the snow during his winter photo session — *Photo by* ***Marie Wulfram Photography***

Winter is a magical season for pet photography. The crisp air, snow-dusted landscapes, and cozy gear make for super cozy and beautiful portraits. But as magical as winter sessions are, they come with unique considerations to ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your dog.

Whether we enjoy a winter beach session or head for snow-capped mountains, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your winter pet photo session and make the experience enjoyable, safe, and unforgettable.

Weather and Temperature Guidelines

Your pet’s safety and comfort are always the top priority, which means keeping a close eye on the weather. For winter sessions:

The Minimum Temperature: We’ll only shoot when the temperature is 35°F or higher, but ideally, we aim for 40°F and above to keep everyone comfortable.
Wind Chill Matters: The "feels like" temperature must also stay above 35°F. Wind chill can make even a mild day feel unbearably cold, especially for smaller pets or those with short fur. This is especially important if we head to wide open spaces like the beach.
Adjusting as Needed: If the forecast shows extreme cold, high winds, or any other concerning conditions, we’ll reschedule the session to a safer day.

Keeping your pet warm and safe ensures they can enjoy the session and showcase their personality without discomfort or worry.

Dog mom kneeling in the snow while senior german shepherd licks her nose during their winter photo session — *Photo by* ***Marie Wulfram Photography***

Location Safety

The beauty of snowy winter landscapes often comes with its own set of risks. When choosing a location, one very important aspect we consider is high-risk avalanche areas. These should be avoiding in general, but especially when working with pets as any potential barking or high pitched noises (such as squeaky toys) could pose a very dangerous risk. It’s just not worth it for a pretty photo.

Proper Gear for Your Dog

Winter pet sessions call for thoughtful preparation to protect your furry friend from the elements.

While we can bring out the cozy winter boots, dogs rely on their paw pads to keep them safe. And much like we want to protect them from hot pavement, we also want to take care of their feet in the cold, too. Before heading out, apply paw balm to shield their pads from cold surfaces, snow, and ice. It also helps prevent cracking or irritation from salted sidewalks.

For snowy sessions, a blanket can not only be great for getting cozy, cuddly shots in the snow but also to help warm up from time to time. Along the same lines, a towel is another great item to bring along to dry off wet paws or fur between shots and avoid the fur collecting snowballs.

Depending on your pet’s breed and tolerance for the cold, a jacket or sweater may be necessary. Dogs with short coats or small frames benefit greatly from added layers to keep them cozy. Booties can also provide extra protection for their paws, especially in icy conditions. If you’re concerned about having these in the photos, we can also remove them for brief moments to get photos and bundle them back up in between shots or when hiking to different spots. But also consider how adorable it would be to have matching jackets!

Lastly, if you’re dog tolerates it, goggles like Rex Specs can be a great addition to your packing list for both bright white snow or potentially windy beach settings.

LGBTQ+ Lesbian couple cuddled in the snow holding a small dog while their spaniel runs around with a frisbee in the snow — *Photo by* ***Marie Wulfram Photography***

Preparing Yourself for the Session

While your pet’s comfort is essential, don’t forget to take care of yourself! You’ll want to feel warm and comfortable throughout the session:

When choosing outfits, opt for multiple layers, including thermal undergarments, so you can adjust your outfit to match the conditions.

Hand and toe warmers are a must in really cold conditions! Or heated gloves, which I’ve only recently heard were a thing!

Fun fact: When it’s really cold, I’ll attach toe warmers to my camera to keep my hands warm and help prevent the battery from draining too quickly.

Speaking of toes, you want to be sure to choose footwear to match the location. If we’ll be hiking in snow or ice, be sure to select boots that are sturdy, comfortable and have great grip. For the beach we can be a bit more flexible, depending on how adventurous you want to be.

Even in winter, the sun’s rays can be harsh. Use sunscreen on your face and lip balm with SPF to prevent chapping and sunburn.

When you’re warm and comfortable, it’s easier to relax and enjoy the session, which always translates to better photos!

The Importance of Preparation

A little extra preparation goes a long way toward making your winter dog photo session a success. By dressing your dog appropriately, choosing safe locations, and prioritizing comfort for both of you, we can create a stress-free environment that lets your dog’s personality shine without the worry of the cold.

Whether we’re capturing playful moments in the snow or quiet, soulful portraits against a frosty backdrop, the goal is to make this a magical experience for everyone involved.

Ready for Your Winter Session?

Winter pet photography offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to create stunning portraits that capture the beauty of the season and the love you share with your pet. With the right preparation and safety measures in place, your session will be as joyful and memorable as the photos themselves.

Have questions or need help planning your session? Reach out today—I’d love to help you prepare for this winter adventure! 🐾❄️📸

What You Should Know About A Winter Dog Photo Session