There is something so romantic about a winter engagement in New York City. Carly and James’s Soho winter engagement session was especially memorable because we were racing a winter snowstorm. Their portraits were scheduled just as the storm was beginning to move in. We went for it hoping to make the most of the time we had before the snow arrived. We managed to squeeze in a beautiful session outdoors and then found a few cozy spots around the neighborhood to warm up along the way. It was the perfect way to capture this season of their story in one of New York City’s most charming neighborhoods.
Exploring Soho in the Winter
Soho is one of my favorite places for engagement portraits because it offers so much variety within just a few blocks. Even in the colder months, I love taking couples outside to explore the neighborhood. Winter light can be beautiful, and the season gives the city a different atmosphere than you might find during the warmer months. Carly and James looked stylish in fitted winter jackets, which added texture to the photos.
We spent part of Carly and James’s session at 11 Howard, where the atmosphere offered a cozy change of pace from the streets of Soho. The spiral staircase was so fun to incorporate and I loved all the different angles we were able to capture! We also stopped at a local perfumerie, where they snuggled up close to each other and were able to warm up from the cold temps outside.
I always encourage incorporating little stops like this into a city engagement session. It provides couples something to do together, creates opportunities for natural interactions, and helps tell a story beyond simply walking around. A favorite neighborhood shop, a local cafe, or hotel can become a memorable part of your session.
Tips for Planning a Winter Engagement Session in NYC
Winter engagement portraits can be every bit as beautiful as sessions in the spring, summer, or fall. Here are a few tips for planning a winter engagement session in NYC.
1. Dress for the Weather
Since it is cold outside, the most important thing is to dress properly for the occasion! Choose outfits that are comfortable, warm, and photograph beautifully. A tailored coat or textured sweater, along with a scarf or cute hat, and stylish boots is a perfect winter look. Think about layers that complement one another, and don’t be afraid to incorporate winter accessories.
2. Plan a Mix of Indoor and Outdoor Locations
This is something I encourage for any engagement session, but especially in winter. Choose a neighborhood with plenty to explore outdoors, but also where there are a few indoor spots for you to warm up.
3. Keep Your Schedule Flexible
Winter weather in New York can be unpredictable. As Carly and James’s session reminded me, a forecast can change quickly! Thankfully, we were able to capture their gorgeous session before the epic snowstorm hit, but sometimes that’s not the case. In those instances, we may need to adjust the schedule or date.
4. Bring Comfortable Shoes
If we’re exploring the city, we’ll likely be walking quite a bit, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes for getting between locations, even if you plan to change into something different for portraits. Your feet will thank you!
5. Embrace the Season
Don’t let the temperature dictate how you feel about your session. Winter has its own kind of beauty. The coats, layers, cozy interiors, and quieter streets can create photographs that feel completely different from any other time of year. If there is snow on the ground or holiday decorations up, that can make for an even more magical session.
Planning Your NYC Engagement Portraits
Whether you’re planning an engagement session in Soho or exploring another NYC neighborhood, I’d love to help you create an experience that feels personal to the two of you. Reach out here, and we can chat all about how I can preserve your beautiful memories!
