Winter in Colorado is pure magic, especially when you’re capturing the people you love most — fur babies included! As the snowy season quickly approaches, there’s no better time to gather your loved ones together for family photos that celebrate your bonds and create lasting memories. This stunning winter family photo session with their beloved dog Kona in Golden, Colorado is the perfect example of why we love photographing families during the coldest months of the year. Sessions like this are the ones that keep us grateful for the people and pets we love! The snow-covered landscapes, cozy winter outfits, and genuine laughter create images that feel warm despite the chilly temperatures.
Christina and Taren brought their 11-year-old mixed breed mutt, Kona, along with them for their winter adventure in Golden. Kona’s serious expression in photos doesn’t reflect his truly sweet and loving demeanor. During the session, he had difficulty standing still due to his eagerness to explore the wonders of a snow-covered Golden History Park. But that’s what made these photos so authentic and joyful — capturing the family exactly as they are: playful, energetic, and deeply connected to one another and their furry family member.
Why Winter Is Perfect for Family Photos in Colorado
Winter photography in Colorado offers unique opportunities that other seasons simply can’t match. The fresh snow creates a pristine, clean backdrop that makes subjects pop visually while keeping the focus exactly where it should be — on your family. Unlike busy green landscapes or autumn foliage that can compete for attention, snowy winter scenes provide a soft, cohesive canvas that unifies your family’s story.
Beyond aesthetics, there’s something about the winter season that brings families closer together. The colder temperatures encourage families to huddle closer, creating naturally intimate and affectionate poses. Winter also means fewer crowds at popular photography locations like Golden History Park, giving you more privacy and flexibility during your session. You can move freely, try different poses, and really focus on capturing genuine moments without worrying about tourists walking through your shots.
Additionally, Colorado’s winter light is absolutely stunning. The sun sits lower on the horizon, creating a softer, more flattering light that’s perfect for portraits. Even on cloudy days, the snow reflects light beautifully, eliminating harsh shadows and providing even, diffused illumination across faces. This is why many professional photographers consider winter their favorite season for family portraits.
Including Your Dog in Family Photos
For pet owners, family photos aren’t complete without including your furry family members. Dogs add so much personality, warmth, and authenticity to family portraits. Whether your dog is calm and cooperative or energetic and playful, their presence tells part of your family’s unique story. Kona’s enthusiastic nature during this session actually resulted in some of the most genuine, joyful moments captured throughout the day.
When photographing families with dogs, experienced photographers understand that not every shot will be perfectly posed. And that’s okay! Some of the most meaningful family photos are those candid moments where the dog is jumping, the kids are laughing, and everyone is genuinely interacting. These authentic moments far outweigh technically perfect but stiff poses where no one’s natural personality shines through.
Winter actually works wonderfully for dog photography. Many dogs’ coats look fuller and more luxurious in the colder months. Plus, dogs often enjoy the cooler temperatures, making them more comfortable and less likely to overheat during your outdoor session. The snowy landscape also provides excellent contrast to bring out your dog’s features and coloring in photographs.
Golden History Park — A Location with Meaning
Christina and Taren didn’t choose Golden History Park randomly for their winter family photo session. This location holds special significance in their love story — it’s where they got engaged! Choosing a meaningful location for your family portraits creates a deeper emotional connection to your photographs. Every time you look at these images, you’ll be transported back not just to that specific day, but to the memories and emotions tied to that place.
Golden History Park is an absolutely gorgeous photography location, particularly in winter. The historic structures, wooden fences, and natural landscape provide multiple backdrops without needing to travel to different areas. The park offers wonderful variety — from intimate settings near historic buildings to open snow-covered fields with mountain views in the distance. This versatility allows your photographer to capture different styles of images within a single session, from close-up family shots to wider environmental portraits.
Getting photos for your holiday cards seems like the perfect excuse to revisit a meaningful location and create new memories there with your whole family — including your four-legged loved ones. These images will serve as beautiful reminders of this chapter of your family’s life, and years from now, you’ll treasure them as records of a specific moment in time.
What to Wear for Winter Family Photos
One of the most common questions families ask when planning winter photo sessions is “What should we wear?” The answer is: dress in layers and choose colors and styles that make everyone feel comfortable and confident.
For winter photos in Colorado, neutral earth tones, jewel tones, and classic colors like cream, gray, navy, and burgundy work beautifully against snowy backdrops. Avoid neon or overly bright colors that can feel jarring in winter landscapes. Consider having family members wear complementary colors rather than matching outfits — perhaps one person in cream, another in gray, and another in a burgundy sweater. This creates visual harmony while allowing each person’s personality to shine through.
Textures and fabrics also matter. Cozy knit sweaters, wool coats, scarves, and hats add warmth and visual interest to your photographs. Don’t shy away from winter accessories — they’re part of the season! A warm hat or scarf can become a beautiful compositional element in your photos. Layer your clothing so you can stay warm and comfortable throughout your session. You don’t want teeth chattering or discomfort showing in your family’s faces.
Footwear is crucial for winter sessions. Wear waterproof, insulated boots with good traction to keep your feet warm and dry in snow. Avoid slippery dress shoes that won’t provide stability. Boots also add to the overall aesthetic of winter family photos, making them functional style elements rather than distractions.
Tips for a Successful Winter Photo Session with Kids and Pets
Photographing families with children and dogs requires patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. Here are our best tips for making your winter family photo session successful and enjoyable for everyone — human family members and furry friends alike.
Plan shorter sessions: Young children and dogs have limited attention spans. A 30 to 45-minute session is ideal for capturing the images you need without everyone becoming frustrated or fatigued. Quality matters more than quantity.
Have realistic expectations: Perfect, posed shots are wonderful, but candid moments are often the most meaningful. Be prepared for movement, silly expressions, and unexpected interactions. Sometimes the best family photos happen when no one is trying — they’re just being themselves.
Bring high-value treats: For dogs, high-value treats are essential. Pack special treats that your dog only gets during photo sessions — something that will hold their attention and keep them motivated to look in the camera’s direction.
Schedule strategically: Choose a time of day when your dog and kids are typically in good moods and have energy. Mid-morning or early afternoon often works better than late afternoon when everyone is tired and grumpy.
Dress appropriately: Make sure everyone — including your dog — is dressed for the temperature. A cold, uncomfortable dog won’t cooperate well, and shivering kids can’t smile naturally. Bring extra blankets or wraps to bundle up between shots.
Work with an experienced photographer: Hiring a photographer who has experience with families and pets is absolutely worth the investment. They’ll know how to work with kids and dogs, what poses work best, and how to guide everyone toward creating beautiful, authentic images.
About Christina and Taren
Christina and Taren got married just over two years ago. Though, they say it feels like it was yesterday after the events of 2020. Christina is a lawyer in the Indigenous Peoples space, and Taren is a flight instructor. The two of them are avid indoor cyclers who love staying active together. Taren likes to clean and organize, while Christina is a passionate reader. Both originally from Florida, they’ve fallen in love with Colorado and consider it home. Their bond is evident in every frame — the way they look at each other, laugh together, and include their beloved dog Kona in their family portrait. This session was as much about celebrating their relationship as it was about capturing beautiful holiday card photos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Family Photos with Pets
How do I keep my dog calm during a winter photo session?
Keep your dog on a regular schedule before the session, ensuring they’ve had exercise and bathroom breaks. Bring high-value treats to reward cooperation and calm behavior. Work with a photographer experienced in pet photography who knows how to manage animals during shoots. Keep the session short — 30 to 45 minutes maximum — to prevent your dog from becoming overstimulated or tired.
What’s the best time of day for winter family photos in Colorado?
Mid-morning (10am-12pm) or early afternoon (2pm-4pm) typically provide the best winter light. The sun sits lower on the horizon during these times, creating that soft, flattering illumination perfect for family portraits. Avoid harsh midday sun and late afternoon when light becomes too warm and shadows become long and unflattering. Schedule your session on a clear day when possible for the best lighting and cloud-free blue skies.
How should I prepare my dog for a winter photo session?
Schedule a good grooming session 3-5 days before your shoot so your dog’s coat is clean and fluffy without being freshly groomed (which can make them look a bit too neat). Take your dog for a walk or play session to burn off excess energy before the shoot. Ensure your dog is wearing a comfortable collar or harness that won’t restrict movement. Have your dog microchipped and wearing current ID tags in case they wander off during the session. Most importantly, bring your dog’s favorite treats and be patient — a happy dog makes for the best photos!
Ready to Create Your Winter Family Memories?
Winter family photo sessions with your dog create treasured memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you need holiday card photos, want to celebrate a special milestone, or simply want to document this chapter of your family’s life, professional winter family photography captures the warmth, love, and joy that defines your family — snow and all.
Contact From the Hip Photo today to schedule your winter family photo session in Golden, Colorado. Let us capture your family’s story in a way that’s authentic, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
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