You are dreaming of the beautiful Lapland landscapes, covered with a thick layer of snow, the ultimate winter wonderland. But beyond the dream... How should you dress for a photoshoot when temperatures drop below -20°C?! No panic, Marion to the rescue! Here are some tricks to fight the cold.
1. The Onion technic :
You've probably already heard it, to fight the cold, the onion technic is the best! The trick is to favor several thin but warm layers, rather than one thick layer. This applies to ALL parts of your body.
2. Thermal layers :
The first layer is the most important. Especially for your photoshoot, since this layer allows you to wear pretty clothes on top. Your first layer must be skin tight, with a thin and warm material. Merino wool is wonderful. Your thermal underwear must include:
A long sleeve thermal tee-shirt
A thermal legging (underpants)
A pair of socks
3. The mid-layer or "photo layer" :
This layer is the least important, so you can wear pretty clothes over the thermal layer for your photoshoot. I advise:
Pants or jeans. If you're feeling extra fancy, a skirt or dress with warm tights.
A nice sweater.
A beanie or headband to protect your head from the cold. If temperatures drop below -20°C on the day of your photos, you can wear a choker (scarf) or layer a thin beanie under your hat.
Wool gloves for photos, and mittens for the in-betweens. Sports mittens are not very pretty, so for photos, nice gloves or wool mittens are great. If you don't have nice gloves, you can borrow some from me for the photoshoot.
Wool socks over your first pair of socks. (I insist on these wool socks, it's essential!) The best wool socks are those knitted. This is why Finns knit a lot...
Water-repellent shoes, with a warm material and one size above yours. It's important that your foot is not tight in your shoes, even with your two pairs of socks. If your foot is tight, you will sweat, which must absolutely be avoided to fight the cold. I advise the shoe brands Sorel or Luhta.
4. The outdoor layer :
You will put on and off this layer many times during your photoshoot. Often ski clothes have fluorescent colors. The photographer's worst nightmare! It's really not flattering and very difficult to edit. Some fluorescent details are not a problem since they can be retouched on Photoshop. The whole garment shouldn't be fluorescent. If you have nice ski clothes, then it's perfect!
5. What about children?
Adults are more tolerant to the cold. If an adult is cold, with some courage, it should be fine. On the other hand, a cold child is a crying child, and that's quite normal!
The same onion tactic applies to children. It's important for them to have a waterproof protective layer, they will play in the snow during the photoshoot.
If you want some family photos with fancy outfits, dress your children with several under layers before putting on a sweaters. We will be quick to remove the coats and take the photos, and then put them back on real quick.
Create a game out of the situation : If children are getting cold, it's time to move! Penguin dance, race to the fastest, snowball battle, slides, everything is good to keep children active.
6. Take warm breaks :
On this point, a big congrats to my couples who came to say yes in Lapland! If you want to wear an outfit unsuitable for the cold, keep the car close with the heat on. Do not hesitate to tell me if you are cold, we will find a solution. (The car, a building, a campfire...) For more tips about wedding outfits, check this blog post : https://www.lefevremarionphotography.com/post/winter-wedding-photoshoot-outfit-guide
7. Hand & feet warmers :
The best little object to carry around. These warmers will save your feet and hands. You can find them here in Lapland, in supermarkets and pharmacies. You can also prepare a stock in your suitcase. Place them inside your gloves and shoes before the photoshoot.
To keep the Christmas spirit intact, be mindful and throw them in a trash once used.
8. Lapland with a baby?
Although possible, I do not recommend this trip with a baby. Most Safari providers do not accept babies. However, if you decide to travel to Lapland with your baby, plan a hooded jumpsuit.
When temperatures drop below -15°C, the baby mustn't have one centimeter of skin exposed. Getting burned by the cold is real! The best way to keep baby warm is to wear him/her against you, in a baby carrier under your coat.
If you'd like some outfits ideas for your photoshoot in Lapland, I invite you to look at this Pinterest board filled with good ideas :
With all of these tips you should be ready for the freezing cold. See you soon for a photoshoot in Santa's country! 🤍
Marion