5 Observations in Shooting footwear on athletes in cold weather

Cold weather photography presents a unique set of challenges, especially when working on a footwear brand shoot. As much as possible, I’ve learned try to avoid shooting in cold weather. It complicates everything—gear handling, model comfort, and even the creative process. If there’s a way to capture a “cold” aesthetic without actually being in the cold, I’ll take that option every time. For instance, a gloomy, rainy day can often achieve the desired look without the additional hurdles.

That said, there are times when cold weather is unavoidable, like when snow or frost is integral to the concept. In those cases, preparation is key. Below, I’ll walk you through some of the difficulties and strategies I use to manage shoots in cold weather.

1 windchill sucks

One of the biggest culprits for making a shoot miserable is wind chill. Unless you’re deliberately incorporating wind for an artistic effect, it’s best to avoid it altogether. Wind not only makes everyone colder but also complicates the logistics—models get uncomfortable, and setting up equipment becomes more tedious. Weather.gov has an interesting wind chill chart that helps to see how it affects “feels like” temperatures. Look for under 10mph and areas that are highly exposed to wind.

Wind chill chart from weather.gov

2 Keeping Models as comfortable as possible

Models are often dressed for the look, not the weather, which can be tricky in cold conditions. For instance, runners typically wear minimal layers because they heat up as they move. But on a shoot, the model isn’t moving constantly, so they’ll get cold quickly. To address this:

1. Take Frequent Breaks

I prioritize locations that offer opportunities for models to warm up, like a nearby car or a space heater. Between takes, models can jump into a warm car, grab a sip of water, and reset.

2. Layer Strategically

I recommend thin, hidden layers like thermal underwear for the upper body. These are less noticeable under clothing and help models stay warmer without altering the look. For legs, it’s tougher because any added layer under running tights is usually visible, but for static shots (like close-ups of footwear), layers can work.

3. Use Warm-Up Coats

A coat that models can quickly throw on between takes is a lifesaver. A warm, happy model equals a much smoother and more efficient shoot. Plus, if the model is comfortable, I’m less likely to feel rushed, which leads to better photos.

3 Managing facial expresssions and natural movement

Cold weather affects how people move and express themselves. For example:

• Models might show discomfort on their faces, like a tense jaw or “pain” look that doesn’t convey performance or athleticism.

• Runny noses and heavy mouth breathing are considerations.

• Less sweaty looks, more red noses and points on the face.

I keep an eye on these details during shoots, but managing the right amount of takes and frequent breaks help minimize these issues.

We didn’t need a ton of takes to get this shot luckily because Regan was still feeling natural. She doesn’t have a grimaced look.

After a few takes, Regan was visible uncomfortable so we had to take a break and try to get her warm again. Strained/concerned look, wider mouth to breath because of runny nose, etc.

4 Adapting lighting and gear for the cold

Cold weather often comes with overcast skies, which can provide excellent natural diffusion for lighting. This allows me to simplify the setup—using fewer diffusers and gear that can catch wind and slow us down. However, setting up and breaking down equipment with cold hands takes longer, so I try to keep the setup needs minimal.

We had a small fill that we were using for some of the shoes closeups but not a whole lot of modifiers due to the overcast skies.

5 Making sure the team is prepared

A common mistake is underestimating how cold it will feel after standing around for hours. I emphasize to my team—whether it’s the stylist, assistant, or model—that we need to stay ahead of the cold. This means:

• Dressing in layers from the start.

• Bringing gloves, hats, and other essentials.

• Communicating any discomfort early so adjustments can be made before it becomes a problem.

I also try to dress similarly to the model so I can gauge how they’re feeling. If I’m cold, they’re likely cold too. This awareness helps me keep everyone comfortable and the shoot moving smoothly.

I still get people acting tough and trying to push through and it’s so frustrating to me because it’s not just how they feel but it affects the details leading up to final images.

Tip - Assign someone to keep an eye on shifting layers. They tend to sneak out from under jackets especially during movement in a shoot.

Anthony is wearing several layers under his jacket. One of them snuck out on his long arms after running. We didn’t notice right away so have to fix in post or be okay with it.

Fixed layers so they don’t show from under his jacket.

Cold weather shoots are rarely easy, but they’re manageable with proper planning and communication and rewarding. The key is to keep everyone comfortable so you can focus on capturing the best images possible. Whether it’s taking breaks, adjusting wardrobe, or modifying your gear and lighting setup, these small steps make a big difference.