Warmth and Wonder: A Winter Family Farm Session
A baby in a bear hat, alpacas in the snow, and two parents who could not stop laughing. That’s how this winter family farm session near Plover started, and honestly, it only got better from there. We drove out to a small alpaca farm on the outskirts of town where the snow-covered fields, wooden fences, and a little A-frame cabin gave us a backdrop that felt like something out of a children’s book.
Alpacas, Snow, and the Best Kind of Chaos
Let’s talk about the animals. We’ve photographed families at parks, arboretums, downtown streets, and studio setups. But standing next to alpacas while snow falls? That was a first for us. The animals were calm and curious, and the baby was absolutely fascinated. We pulled in close for those reactions because you can’t manufacture that kind of wonder.
The light that afternoon was something special. Winter golden hour in Wisconsin is short, but the snow reflected warmth back up into every frame, filling shadows and giving us this soft, even glow. It’s one of the reasons we actively encourage family sessions in the colder months. Most people assume you need green grass and warm temps for good portraits. You don’t. You need good light and people who are having fun, and this family gave us both.
That little A-frame cabin in the back of the property ended up being one of our favorite spots. Snow on the roof, warm wood tones, the whole family framed against it. We shot wide to capture the full scene, then came in tight for the candid stuff: Dad lifting the baby, Mom cracking up, and the baby grinning at all of it. These are the frames that end up on the wall. Not because the composition is perfect, but because they feel like real life.
If you’ve been thinking about a winter session but weren’t sure it would work, let this one convince you. Bundle up, find a location with character, and let your kids be kids. The photos will take care of themselves. And if you happen to know a farm with alpacas near Plover, we will absolutely say yes.
Can you do a family photo session in Wisconsin during winter?
Absolutely. Winter light in Wisconsin is some of the best we work with all year. Snow acts as a natural reflector, creating soft, even light that flatters everyone. We plan around golden hour and keep sessions moving so nobody gets too cold.
How do I book a family portrait session with Twig & Olive?
Head over to our contact page and tell us a little about your family, your preferred season, and any locations you have in mind. We’ll handle the rest from there.
