22 Creative Winter Photoshoot Ideas - Whimsical Winter Photography Guide

I love playing around with photography and lately I’ve gotten a lot of joy out of creating seasonal themes on my instagram feed.

After spending the last few weeks playing in the snow and creating tons of fun winter content, I thought why not put it into a winter photography guide for you?

If you’re looking for some ideas to help create the winter feed of your dreams I hope this guide of 22 creative winter photoshoot ideas helps!

I shoot all of my photos with the Nikon Zfc. It’s an amazing camera that’s much smaller and more portable than DSLR’s which makes it great for travel.

I’ve been using it for years now!

Looking for some ideas to help you create the winter instagram feed of your dreams? This guide on 22 creative winter photoshoot ideas is here to help! From poses to props, locations ideas, to using snow in fun ways and more. Click for the full list!

OH – and if you’re looking for more photography inspiration and photoshoot guides you might want to check out these posts:

Now onto the list of fun and creative winter photoshoot ideas!

Winter Photoshoot Ideas – Playing with Snow

Of course I had to start off this guide with the number 1 thing that makes winter what it is – snow!

Tip: Capturing falling snow on camera can be pretty tricky, especially with the risk of your photography equipment getting wet if it’s snowing hard. I like to add falling snow into my photos using the lens distortions app.

1. Make a Snow Heart

The “snow heart” trend has been circulating on instagram for quite a few years, and every winter it reappears. There’s no denying that adding a snow heart to your photos really does make them that much cuter. This is a super easy winter photoshoot idea that anyone can recreate.

2. Draw a heart in the snow

I love this winter photoshoot idea from @kjp’s instagram page. It will take a little bit of photoshop action to get rid of your footprints but the end result is so beautiful don’t you think?

3. Hold a handful of snow

Winter photos are all about being playful and having fun. Grab a handful of snow and get shooting for a a simple but cute winter photoshoot idea.

4. Throw snow in the air

Take your last photo up a notch by throwing the snow up in the air. This one definitely takes a few outtakes to get right but is such a cute winter photoshoot idea. I’ll admit, as you can see from the above photo I haven’t quite perfected it yet… but I’ve tried!

5. Catch snowflakes on your tongue

With your winter photos you really want to capture the essence of winter, and what reminds you more of winter when you were young than catching snowflakes on your tongue?

Catching snowflakes on your tongue like @margusha___ looks so cute in photos don’t you think?

Winter Photoshoot Ideas – Fun Poses

The way you pose can literally make or break your photo. When shooting, try to always add a ton of dynamic poses to give your photos variety. Here’s some ideas to try during your winter photoshoots.

6. Sit in the snow

Not that we normally sit in the snow, but it does make for a cute pose for your winter photoshoots don’t you think?

7. Lie down in the snow

Another not necessarily practical pose to do in the snow but it looks super cute and makes the photo more interesting than if @gerdalewis had just been standing there. Sometimes the most unnatural poses make for the best photos!

8. Kick the snow

I don’t know why I love the kicking pose so much but it honestly makes your photos look that much more fun and dynamic. Play around while shooting by kicking the snow around and see what you get out of it!

9. Shoot through a tree

I just love these creative portrait shots by @carokarmann and @lulouisaa. They make for such beautiful winter photoshoot ideas don’t you think?

I’ve been dying to try this winter photoshoot idea out and I’m hoping I will get the chance to this winter. Fingers crossed!

Winter Photoshoot Ideas – Using Props

Props can add a fun element to your photos and even just adding something small can help to make your photo more dynamic and interesting. Try some of these props to add a little bit of spice to your winter photoshoot ideas.

10. Hang out of your car window

A car certainly isn’t a small prop but it makes for a great accessory for your winter photoshoot. Drive out to somewhere snowy and have fun shooting photos hanging out of your car window! It makes for a cute winter road trip vibe.

I had so much fun shooting these photos but it was definitely a challenge. I shot them myself using my tripod!

11. Make a take me to winter wonderland sign

Such a simple prop but adding a sign like I made using cardboard and markers sure makes for a cute photo. I had a sort of “hitchiker” idea in mind and I love how they turned out! These ended up being one of my favourite winter photoshoot ideas.

12. Grab a map

Photography is all about creating a story through images and even just adding a prop as simple as a map can help to build that. I love how the addition of a map to your photo adds a sort of “lost in a winter wonderland” element. Props to both @lenajosefineb and @sophieklex

13. Grab your portrait lens

A portrait lens is not necessarily a prop per say, but winter is really and truly the best time to play around with portrait photography. Head out to a winter wonderland and play around with a portrait lens to see what you can come up with.

This is the 45mm portrait lens I use for my Olympus pen. I love it!

Winter Photoshoot Ideas – Location Based

Beyond use poses and props another important element to consider in your winter photography is the location. Here are some great ideas for your winter photoshoots:

14. Find a pretty snowy road to take photos on

Nothing quite beats an empty road lined with trees and covered with snow! It gives the ultimate winter wonderland vibes and makes for the perfect spot for a winter photoshoot.

15. Head on walk in the forest

I don’t particularly love the idea of going out just for the purpose of photos so I love throwing shoots into my every day activities. A walk in the forest when it’s snowing can make for the perfect winter photoshoot idea. The more snow the better!

16. Go skiing

Not only is skiing a fun winter activity, but it makes for a great winter photoshoot opportunity too! I especially love how colorful the buildings are at some of the ski resorts in Kelowna. This one was taken at Silverstar Ski Resort! Don’t you think skiing makes for a fun winter photoshoot idea?

17. Go skating

Another fun activity that makes for a great winter photoshoot idea is to go skating! I love the above photo by @lenajosefineb.

Winter Photoshoot Ideas – Clothes

The outfit you wear can totally change up the look and feel of your photos. Whether you’re going for a glitzy gown or a cozy winter outfit here’s some ideas on how to used your clothes to create unique winter photoshoot ideas.

18. Try a Flying Scarf Photo

Movement always makes photos more interesting and I just love the way a “flying” scarf looks in winter photos. This is such a fun and creative winter photoshoot idea that that will add a fun element to your winter feed.

To create a flying scarf photo have your photographer hold your scarf to the left side of the camera while flapping it around while shooting. You’ll end with a lot of outtakes on this one but when you get the shot it’s gold!

19. Get cozy in your turtleneck

Add a cute and cozy element to your winter portrait photography by cozying up in a chunk knit. By hiding your mouth in the turtleneck it’s drawing attention to the eyes making them stand out – even more so with the snowy white backdrop! @vera_mga nailed this winter photoshoot concept.

20. Put on a gown

Although it might not be the most practical on the list, a gown or long skirt in the snow can be a real showstopper! This is one of my favourite winter photoshoot ideas and I’ve played around with the concept a few times,

Tip: Make sure you have lots of layers close by to keep warm between shots.

21. Show off your coziest winter outfits

Winter is all about everything cozy and soft so it’s time to take advantage of that. This time of year people just love seeing all the cute and cozy winter accessories so show off your best, beanies, scarfs, plush coats, earmuffs, mittens and everything in between.

Creative Winter Photoshoot Ideas

This super creative winter photoshoot idea didn’t quite fit into any of the prior categories so I had to give it it’s own!

Frame your photo with an icy heart

I love the idea of framing your photo with an icy heart frame. It will take a bit of photoshop to complete this look but if you have the skills it will definitely be a winner on your winter instagram feed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this guide on fun & creative winter photoshoot ideas! I’ve been having so much fun this winter playing around with getting creative in the snow and I hope I’ve inspired you to do the same.

If you’re looking for more photography inspiration and photoshoot guides you might want to check out these posts too:

Which winter photoshoot idea are you most looking forward to trying out?