Why Lone Pine State Park Is a Stunning Backdrop for Winter Photos
When Caroline & Grady reached out about a couples session in the snow, I was so excited! We had just gotten a big snowstorm in northwest Montana and were blanketed in white powder, making the perfect backdrop for photos. Caroline was a bit hesitant at first to commit, with reservations about it snowing so much and the cold, but she quickly changed her mind and stated it was the best decision to go forward with photos!
We chose a location close to town, Lone Pine State Park, for the session, and honestly, we took photos mostly in the parking lot... had you fooled, right? There was so much snow you couldn't tell where we were, the perk of a good snow year. They even brought their two dogs with them for the session, I had a laugh cause I thought they were going to blend right in with the snow, but Caroline put them into doggy sweaters so they would stand out a little more; it was pretty cute. Lone Pine State Park is a great location for a photo session due to its accessibility, views, and various backdrops. There are lots of mature trees, views if you're near the cliff's edge and overlook, and has multiple areas that are wheelchair accessible.
If you're a professional photographer conducting business in the State Park, don't forget to get your commercial use permit for the year. Commercial use permits help support the park and keep it well-managed. You can apply for your commercial permit annually at the beginning of the year, for a small fee of $50. If you have a larger crowd or a multiple-person photography crew, you may have additional fees, do you part to research this in your process of applying. So when you're planning your next session, don't overlook Lone Pine State Park!
Snow Photo Ideas for Couples: Fun & Romantic Poses to Try
Planning a winter photoshoot and stuck on ideas for how to make it fun? Look no further, I'm happy to share some fun and romantic ideas to incorporate into your session (photographer or client). Winter can be a chilly time to take photos, but I love to keep my clients moving with fun prompts and activities throughout the session. Read below to hear some more snow photo ideas that you can use during your upcoming session.
- Piggyback rides or twirling in the snow- Doing either of these typically elicits natural joy and laughter from the couple; who doesn't love a playful prompt to get your heart racing and giggling from excitement.
- Throwing snow into the air or kicking snow (at the photographer)- Have your couple scoop snow into their hands and toss it into the air or ask them to run at you while kicking snow toward you. This really works best for light, fluffy, and "dry" snow, since it will disperse in the air better.
- Snowy forehead touch or kiss- This is a classic go-to for me. I ask my clients to face each other and touch foreheads or give a quick kiss. It's swoon-worthy when it's lightly snowing too!
- Walking hand in hand- A great way to capture some candid moments between your couple. I like to ask them to switch it up and have one lead, then the other. I also like to have them "slingshot" each other while holding hands and walking/running toward me.
- Cozy up in a blanket- You can have the couple bring a cozy blanket (I love Pendleton throws) and take some cute pictures of them wrapped up in the blanket, having them steal some romantic kisses and smiling at each other.
Hopefully, you find some of these posing ideas helpful in planning your snowy couples session. You can always do a variation of the above ideas and make it your own. The idea options are endless; sometimes asking the couple for their input is a fun way to incorporate them into the planning.
How to Make the Most of Your Winter Couples Session
If you've never done a photosession in the winter time, it can feel a little daunting, all that white snow... will everything go as planned? I am here to reassure you that with the right amount of planning and preparation, your session will go smoothly and be something enjoyable for all involved. I've curated a list of some things to consider in your planning that will help the session go as planned.
- Dress warm and stylish- I try to tell couples that it's ok to dress for the occasion. It would look weird to be out in the snow in a summer dress, even if it is cute. I recommend layers, you'll both be more comfy and enjoy your time together if you're not shivering the whole time. It's ok to wear mittens, a hat, and your coordinated winter jacket! Neutral and earthy tones look best when photographing in the snow.
- Stash handwarmers in your pockets- If you opt to for-go mittens, have some handwarmers in your pockets; that way you can keep your hands warm between poses. You'll be more comfortable and able to relax more for the session if you're warmer!
- Move to stay warm- Be prepared to move to keep your body warm. Walking, running in the snow, and cuddling up together will help keep your blood flowing! Movement also helps your session feel more cinematic.
- Aim for the best lighting hours- When it's actively snowing, overcast, and coudy, the sky will be darker than on a sunny day. I typically plan these sessions an hour earlier than usual, if not during the middle of the day. You'll have natural light diffusion from the cloud cover, giving an even light for the entire session, my personal favorite!
- Embrace the snowy weather- Unlike a rainstorm, photographing while it's actively snowing can be a magical thing. Snowfall makes things dreamy and whimsical, that added element to make things perfect!
- Trust the process and have fun- I like to encourage my couples to be in the moment, laugh, and enjoy the moment! The best photos happen when you let go of expectations and have fun with each other!
Being prepared is the best way to make these sessions feel effortless in the moment. With time and experience, snowy winter sessions feel less daunting and become something of excitement, where you can't wait to run outside and capture photos after a fresh snowfall!
If you're local to the Kalispell area or traveling to visit Glacier National Park and are interested in booking a fun winter session, I'd love to be a part of your experience and document something magical for you! Please reach out via the contact form on my website, and we can start planning your session. I assist couples with outfit planning and choosing the right location for the session, providing a full detailed location guide to pick the ideal location. If you'd like to see more galleries from couples sessions, check out the links below!
Tented Love: An Adventure-Filled Glacier Engagement Session
