Not everyone is keen to schedule family photos in winter, but it is one of the best times of the year to make memories with those you love.

With the right clothing, photographer, and general tips, a winter family photoshoot can be a lot of fun and produce some truly memorable shots.

Here are a few tips to help you survive family pictures during the colder months.

-        Choose your photographer carefully. You can tell so much about a photographer simply by browsing their social media pages or website. Find a photographer in your area with experience with winter photo sessions. Pay attention to the style of their photos to decide whether they are a good match. It’s also important to feel comfortable with a photographer so set up a brief meeting or have a chat with them over the phone before you schedule a session.

-        Buy some toe and hand warmers. You would be surprised at the difference these warmers make when you’re trudging through snow or have to pose in cold weather. Put the warmers in your gloves and socks before you head out the door for a more enjoyable experience outside. Allow the toe warmers to warm up and oxygenate before you put your shoes on though.

-        Wear layers. Layers will serve you well during a winter photo session. Load up with layers that are easy to take off as it gets warmer during your shoot. Don’t forget the extras such as beanies, gloves, tights, socks, and scarves. You could even bring along a few cute blankets for some of your shots.

-        Scotchgard your shoes. If you want to stop snow from seeping through your shoes and into your socks, get everyone to Scotchgard their shoes before they head out the door. It won’t keep your shoes waterproof for hours on end, but at least long enough to see you through your photo session.

-        Have a toilet backup plan. If your photo session includes small children, opt for some pull-up diapers. There’s nothing worse than just starting your photo session only for your child to need a bathroom. It’s important to get your children to use the bathroom before you leave the house, but it always helps to have a backup plan.

Sticking to these basics is all you need to have an enjoyable winter family photo session. If your photographer feels you need to know or do anything else, they will let you know ahead of time.