Snow, Soft Light, and Sunrises: Why Winter is My Favorite Season for Dog Photos

I find that winter is an awesome time of year for taking photographs of dogs. Not only are locations quieter and the light softer, but also you have time to really see your dog come to life. Winter photo shoots are, for me, the perfect time to capture your dog's personality and the special relationship you share.

So why do I love winter dog photography?

1.Quieter locations

From the Rocky Mountains to Red Rocks, Colorado has many striking landscapes that can serve as a backdrop for your photoshoot. Tourists and locals alike fill these areas during the warmer months; trailhead parking is full and trails are often crowded.

Wintertime means quieter parks and opens spaces, which means a more relaxing experience for your and your dog.

2. Later sunrises

Nothing beats a Colorado sunrise with its characteristic pink and blues. Later sunrises mean we can start our sunrise sessions better rested and a little warmer. Those Colorado sunrises are difficult to beat, and they can happen quickly, which is why we want to make sure that we take advantage of all the early morning sunlight that we can.

3. Softer light

The soft light of winter comes with many advantages. The sun is a little further away, so the light is not as intense as it is in summer. This means less glare and harsh light.

Softer light also makes for better photographs. The sun is lower in the sky which means that shadows are less stark than they are in summer, and the light is also warmer as the sun's light comes through the atmosphere at an angle. This softer light helps make the transition from light to shadow smoother.

4. Action Shots in Fresh snow

Taking photographs in fresh snow is like taking them on a pristine background.. Distraction free backgrounds help focus your eyes on your dog so that when you see the photograph, your eye isn't drawn to something in the background.

Fresh snow also highlights movement which is perfect for those action shots. The faint trails of snow that fly through the air as your dog runs and jump catch the light and emphasize movement and speed. A little frosting on their nose also helps add an extra touch of cuteness.