It’s still totally a novelty for my South African soul to say I photographed a session in FULL snow blizzard mode. I felt a little badass braving the weather and the roads out to Valens Lake for this session a couple of weeks ago I won’t lie! But it was totally worth it to document this exciting time for Lauren & Chris (and of course, fur baby George) while they await their arrival of their sweet baby girl in the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye on the blog for her newborn session because these guys booked in for a package collection and I’m just a little bit excited to continue their story soon.

For now, say hello to March, snuggle up in this fresh winter storm and soak up this sweet session on the blog this evening. Thinking of booking a last minute winter session this season? Scroll through for some of my top tips for braving the snow for your portrait session.

Top tip 1. Pack your sense of humour.

We had the biggest laugh at Chris’s “frosted tips” hairstyle and we’re pretty convinced it’s going to make it’s way back into fashion, watch this space!

2. Bring along some help for any fur friends included in the session.

Lauren’s mum kept George warm and dry in the car until we were ready for some shots with him, and also had a towel handy for him once we were done.

3. Dress for the weather from the feet up.

There was no way we were going to make Lauren trek through this terrain or this storm in anything but boots, but we made her casual look a little more soft and feminine with the help of a couple of beautiful throws and hair and makeup that stood the test of a very wet snow storm!

4. Make a call.

We cut this session a little short so we could all get back on the roads safely. Sometimes I’ll extend a session because we’re getting great shots and everyone is relaxed and having fun. While this session was adventurous and fun, we also got right to it with the shot list I had in mind so we could wrap up and head back indoors.

5. Decide on your editing approach.

I joked with Lauren and Chris that people pay good money to edit on these snow overlays we were spoilt with for their session. Yes, a couple of snowflakes were sprinkled here and there in a distracting manner, so they got removed. But on the whole? I LOVE the rawness of the winter landscape and the weather and these two snuggling in the storm so we kept the images of snow piled on top of heads and funny walking through mounds of snow shots. Because I’m all about the real and these two embraced the whole thing, wet hair and messy pups and all.

Lauren & Chris, thank you for an afternoon of adventures and laughs. I can’t wait to help you celebrate your new addition in the coming weeks.