What To Wear At A Family Photo Shoot In Whistler
Wondering what to wear at your next Whistler family photo shoot? I can help with that, and it's actually easier than you think! Hint: it has to do with the season!
Understanding Whistler's Seasons
Before we dive into what to wear at your Whistler family photo shoot, let's talk real quick about what each season looks like. Whistler's seasons are pretty distinct, and knowing what to expect will help you plan the perfect outfit.
Winter = Winter Wonderland
Winter days are short and often overcast, which actually works in our favour! The soft light means we can shoot at almost any time of day without any squinting in photos.
What to expect: Snow on the trees, cold temps, and sometimes a bit stormy.
Spring = Wildflower Season
Wildflowers start blooming, and the valley gets covered in colour—it's gorgeous. The sun sets later, but we still lose light earlier than the actual sunset because of the mountains. Works well if you want golden light but you have some early bedtimes.
What to expect: Wildflowers, muddy/potentially snowy trails, and Mother Nature sometimes gives us a bit of everything in one day.
Summer =Lake life activated
Summer in Whistler is chef's kiss—lake life, sunny days, and all the good vibes. That said, it can get HOT. Like, mid-30s hot on a really scorching day. Because of this, evening shoots are usually preferred so no one overheats to get the views you want.
What to expect: Sunny skies, warm temps, and golden hour magic.
Fall = Peak Fall Colours
Yellows, oranges, and reds start showing up as early as October, and it's unreal. But fall also brings rain and drastic day-to-day temperature changes. If you're booking fall family photos, a bit of schedule flexibility is your bestie—that way we can either work around the weather or lean into the rainy vibes that make our little corner of BC so green.
What to expect: Fall colours, rain, and temps that fluctuate like crazy.
What To Wear At A Family Photo Shoot (By Season)
Now that you know what each season looks like, here's what to wear at a family photo shoot in Whistler so you're comfortable and photo-ready:
What To Wear At A Winter Family Photo Shoot
If there's snow on the ground, think warm layers for everyone—snow boots, toques, scarves, gloves, the whole deal. Try to match or colour-coordinate your outer layers (or keep them neutral) so everyone looks cohesive, even if you're all wearing different jackets.
Pro Tip: Neutral-coloured jackets (black, grey, navy, cream) photograph really well and keep the focus on your faces instead of a mishmash of bright colours.
What To Wear At A Spring Family Photo Shoot
Unpredictable weather means you need to plan ahead. Warm layers, waterproof footwear for muddy trails, and a Goretex jacket just in case. Layer in a way that lets you shed or add pieces depending on how the weather's behaving.
Unpredictable weather means you need to plan ahead. Warm layers, waterproof footwear for muddy trails, and a Goretex jacket just in case. Layer in a way that lets you shed or add pieces depending on how the weather's behaving. For more details on what to expect weather-wise in each season, Tourism Whistler's seasonal guide is super helpful.
For little ones, muddy buddies are welcome. make life way easier when the trails are wet + muddy and bring the focus to your kiddos in photos due to their brighter colours.
Pro Tip: Bring a tote bag with extra layers—spring weather can change fast.
What To Wear At A Summer Family Photo Shoot
Keep it light and comfy! Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and breathable fabrics. Stick to neutral tones or colours that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy.
Pro Tip: Skip the neon colours or super bold patterns that might distract from the natural beauty around you. Think soft whites, blues, greens, and earthy tones.
Keep it light and comfy! Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and breathable fabrics. Stick to neutral tones or colours that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy.
Pro Tip: Skip the neon colours or super bold patterns that might distract from the natural beauty around you. Think soft whites, blues, greens, and earthy tones.
What To Wear At A Fall Family Photo Shoot
Light layers are key—including at least one waterproof layer just in case the weather turns. Accessories like scarves, hats, and light jackets keep you warm and add visual interest to your photos.
Pro Tip: Cozy textures look amazing against the yellows and oranges of the season.
Ready To Book Your Whistler Family Photos?
Now that you know what to wear at a family photo shoot in Whistler, I'd love to photograph your family in this beautiful mountain town! Head over to my Whistler Family Photos page to learn what's included in each package and how to book your session.