Tis the season for winter weddings, meaning comfort-food favors, festive florals and outdoor scenic photos. Carrie Patterson of Carrie Patterson Photography in snowy Wyoming provides some tips and tricks for taking outdoor shots so you avoid looking washed out in the wintry weather.

1. Find a Contrasting Backdrop
“No matter the lighting situation, placing a bride in a white dress against a blank white canvas will cause the dress to blend in and you’ll lose all the pretty details,” Patterson says. She advises scouting locations like a rustic barn, large woodpile, rock façade or pine forest so the bride and groom stand out.

2. Dress Warmly
You don’t want to shiver through your photoshoot! Wear a fur wrap or cardigan during outdoor shoots and have your groom don a warm wool jacket. “It looks sharp and keeps the chill off,” she says.

3. Head Indoors
In addition to outdoor shots, Patterson likes to shoot black-and-white photos of couples in front of a large window to keep the scenery but change the setting up a bit.

4. Be Mindful of Daylight
“Schedule a ceremony that offers plenty of time for pictures,” Patterson recommends. Keep in mind in winter the sun sets as early as 4:45 so be sure to get shots before dark. “This is even more critical if you don’t want to see each other before the ceremony,” she adds.

5. Accessorize with Color– or a Tan!
“You can easily add warmth and color to your look by wearing a pretty fur wrap or wool peacoat,” Patterson advises. Another option? “A professional spray tan never hurts…” she says.

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