Winter can be long and freezing in Edmonton. But some babies are simply born in this season, and their early days are just as important to capture. While winter is often a slower season for newborn photographers, it doesn’t mean you should miss the opportunity to document your baby’s first moments.
If you’re wondering whether winter is a good time for newborn photography in Edmonton, the answer is yes, with the right preparation. Here’s what parents should know to make winter newborn sessions smooth, safe, and beautiful.
Is it safe to do newborn photography in winter in Edmonton?
From many health organizations I’ve read, including sources like Riley Children’s, it is safe for babies to go outside in winter as long as they are properly protected from the cold and wind.
I completely understand that parents, especially new parents are cautious about going out in winter. Some may feel that babies should stay indoors until they are stronger. While newborns are more sensitive to cold compared to adults, they don’t need to stay in a constant temperature at all times.
Short exposure to temperature changes is generally safe as long as your baby is well prepared and protected.
Keeping Your Baby Warm During Winter Sessions
Newborn photographers like me always heat the studio to a warm and comfortable temperature, especially for poses where the baby is not fully clothed. Even during the coldest days in Edmonton, the indoor environment is fully controlled.
The main concern for parents is usually the trip to the studio.
As a newborn photographer in Edmonton, I allow clients to park inside my garage. This helps avoid direct contact with cold air and also saves parents from dealing with snow after the session.
I also recommend placing a heavy blanket over your baby’s car seat. This helps trap warm air inside and is usually enough for the short transition from your car to the studio.
I don’t recommend adding too many layers. Overheating in the car can be a concern, and removing layers in the studio may wake your baby. The goal is to keep your baby warm, but not overheated. When possible, less layering helps keep your baby comfortable and asleep.
Why Studio Newborn Photography Works Better in Winter
Many parents wonder if it’s better to have a photographer come to their home during winter.
As a photographer who has worked in both studio and in-home “studio-style” sessions for many years, I can say that full newborn setups are difficult to move.
For a typical session, I need at least a mini van just to transport props, wraps, and lighting equipment. Setting everything up and packing it down can take several hours. Because of this, most fully prepared studio newborn photographers don’t offer full studio-style sessions at home.
In-home lifestyle sessions are an option and can be a great choice for a more documentary style. However, lighting and setup can be limiting. For parents who want detailed portraits and those tiny newborn features captured, a studio session is usually the better choice, especially in winter.
Why Studio Lighting Matters in Winter
Natural light in Edmonton winters can be very inconsistent. Most days are cloudy, and there isn’t enough strong light to create the contrast typically desired in newborn photography.
While cloudy light can be beautiful for outdoor portraits, indoor newborn sessions can appear flat without proper lighting. If you are doing an in-home session, placing your baby near a window can help. But in general, studio lighting provides the most reliable and consistent results.
From my experience, I have never had to reschedule a session due to poor lighting, and that reliability matters during such a short and important stage.
Can I Take My Newborn Outside in Winter?
According to sources like The Bump, which references multiple doctors, newborns can go outside as long as parents feel comfortable and prepared.
However, since a newborn’s immune system is still developing, it’s important to avoid crowded places and unnecessary exposure.
For photography sessions, the time spent outside is very minimal, and with proper preparation, it is generally safe.
Choosing a Clean and Safe Studio Environment
Winter is also flu season, which makes hygiene especially important.
In my studio, I require my entire team to wear masks during sessions and maintain constant hand sanitization. We also sanitize all surfaces, including floors, chairs, and props, using alcohol-based cleaning.
While no environment can be 100% risk-free, these steps help ensure your baby is as safe as possible. All outfits and wraps are washed after every session. For props that cannot be washed—such as wool blankets, wooden props, or artificial flowers—we use disinfectant spray.
Before each session, I open the windows for fresh air and then heat the studio back to a comfortable temperature.
Adding Winter Elements to Your Newborn Session
Even if winter isn’t your favourite season, it’s still the season your baby is born into, and it can be beautifully incorporated into your session.
Many parents choose to include soft, cozy, winter-inspired elements. Neutral tones, textured fabrics, sweaters, and bonnets all work well and add a seasonal touch without overwhelming the image.
These small details help make your baby’s first photos feel personal and meaningful.
What to Wear for Family Photos in Winter
All of my newborn sessions include family, whether it’s just parents or siblings as well.
Even in winter, I usually recommend wearing soft and light clothing. If you enjoy the cozy look of a sweater, that’s perfectly fine. However, I like to show some of the parents’ hands and arms, as it creates a strong visual contrast with how small the baby is.
When you look back at these photos in a few months, you’ll notice how quickly your baby has grown. That contrast becomes even more meaningful over time.
I generally don’t recommend hoodies with hats, as they can make the photos feel less timeless.
For siblings, I often suggest outfits that feel more like spring or summer. This helps highlight the size difference, especially when there is a larger age gap. It’s meaningful to see how a tiny newborn grows into someone closer in size to their siblings over time.
Why Winter Can Still Be a Beautiful Time for Newborn Photos
While winter in Edmonton can feel long and challenging, newborn sessions during this season can be especially calm and intimate.
With a warm studio, controlled lighting, and thoughtful preparation, winter newborn photography can be just as beautiful—if not more—than any other time of year.
Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Edmonton?
If you’re planning a winter newborn session and want a safe, comfortable, and fully prepared studio experience, you can learn more about my newborn photography sessions in Edmonton.
Capturing your baby’s early days is something that can’t be delayed, and winter should never be the reason to miss it.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photography, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. As an awarded newborn photographer, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
