Bev reached out to me wanting just a few family photos. Nothing crazy. Just a handful of pictures to use for Christmas cards. Simple, quick, done and done.

Of course, that turned into one of the coldest days of the year.

I’m pretty sure the high that day was around 8 degrees, and that’s being generous. We originally planned on heading down to Lagoon Park, but a lot of the parks around town were closed at the time. So we switched gears and found another spot—and honestly, I’m so glad we did.

The light coming through the trees was absolutely freaking gorgeous. Like one of those moments where you just stop and go, okay yeah, this is why I love what I do.

I used off-camera flash for this session, and yes—before anyone asks—you can light up an entire family with one light. That said, it was so cold my flash didn’t always want to cooperate. Batteries were not impressed. But the images that didn’t use flash? I edited those to perfection, and they turned out just as beautiful.

We laughed a lot. Everyone froze their asses off. Hands were shoved into pockets between shots. It was one of those sessions where you’re cold but still having fun, and that honestly makes for the best memories.

Most importantly, Bev was happy. She absolutely loved the photos, and that’s always the goal.

Cold weather, glowing light, good laughs, and a family willing to brave Minnesota winter temps for photos—it was totally worth it.

A group walks together in a snowy winter landscape with bare trees in the background.
A large family group poses together on a snowy tree-lined path in black and white photography.
A large group poses together on a snowy winter path surrounded by bare trees in a park setting.
Multiple people stand together in winter coats on a snow-covered walkway with trees in the background.
Group of people standing together in a snowy winter landscape with bare trees in the background.
Extended family gathered for a winter portrait on a snow-covered walkway surrounded by bare trees.
A large family group poses together on a snowy path surrounded by bare winter trees.
Multi-generational family standing together on a wintry path with snow and leafless trees in background.
A large family group poses together on a snowy winter path surrounded by bare trees.
A group of people walking together on a snowy path lined with bare winter trees.
Group of people walking together in a snowy winter park landscape.
Black and white photo of extended family standing together in a winter park setting.
A group of people standing together in a snowy winter landscape during a photo session.
Family group gathered outdoors in winter clothing on a snow-dusted path with leafless trees.
A large family group poses together on a snowy winter path lined with bare trees.
A group of people walking together on a snowy path lined with bare winter trees.
Black and white portrait of a small family group standing together in a snowy winter landscape.
Black and white photo of people arranged together on a snowy winter path with bare trees.
Large family gathering outdoors in a snow-covered park with winter trees creating a natural backdrop.
Group portrait in warm clothing standing on a snow-covered path with winter trees in the background.
A group poses together outdoors on a snowy winter day with bare trees in the background.
A black and white portrait of a group standing together in a snowy winter landscape.
A family group poses together on a snow-covered path with bare trees in the background.
A small family group stands together in black and white on a snow-covered path with trees.
A family group poses together on a snowy winter path with bare trees in the background.
Black and white image of a family group standing close together in a wintry park setting.
A couple stands together on a snow-covered path wearing winter attire and denim.
A couple stands together on a snowy path in winter wearing casual sweaters and jeans in black and white.
Two people wearing winter clothing smile together outdoors in a snowy setting with trees in the background.
A couple shares a warm moment together outdoors in black and white photography.
A couple shares a joyful moment together outdoors on a snowy winter day, with one wearing a bright red scarf.
A loving couple gazes at each other in an intimate black and white portrait outdoors.
A couple shares an affectionate moment outdoors in winter with one wearing a bright red scarf.
A tender black and white portrait of a couple sharing an affectionate moment outdoors.
A small family group poses together on a snowy path with bare winter trees in the background.
A family of five poses together on a snow-covered path surrounded by bare winter trees in black and white.
A family of five poses together on a snow-covered path with winter trees behind them.
Black and white photo of people gathered outdoors in winter setting.
Extended family posing together on a snowy winter day with leafless trees in the background.
People enjoying a casual winter gathering outdoors in a snow-covered park setting.
Group sharing laughs and candid moments while standing together in the snow.
Five people share a candid laughing moment together during a winter photo session.