As a wedding photographer based in Sudbury, I’ve captured countless engagement sessions over the years. But there’s something truly magical about photographing couples gliding hand-in-hand across a frozen pond or rink, their laughter creating little clouds in the crisp winter air. Today, I want to share everything you need to know about planning and preparing for an ice skating engagement session that will result in romantic, unique photos you’ll treasure forever.

Why Choose an Ice Skating Engagement Session?

Winter engagement sessions already have a special charm, but adding ice skating takes the romance factor to a whole new level. First, it’s incredibly unique – while everyone has seen photos of couples walking through fall leaves or standing on beaches, ice skating photos stand out in your social media feed and wedding website. Plus, the activity itself creates such natural moments of joy, support, and connection between couples.

The best part? You don’t need to be Olympic-level skaters to get amazing photos. In fact, some of my favorite shots have come from couples who were a bit wobbly on their skates, holding onto each other for support and laughing together as they navigate the ice.

Location Options

Indoor Rinks

While outdoor locations have their charm, don’t discount indoor rinks as an option. They offer several advantages:

• Consistent lighting conditions
• No weather concerns
• Smooth, well-maintained ice
• Warmth for outfit changes
• Available rental skates
• Guaranteed availability

Outdoor Locations

If you’re dreaming of a more natural setting, consider these options:

• Local frozen ponds (safety first – we’ll discuss this below)
• Outdoor community rinks
• Pop-up winter skating trails
• Resort rinks with scenic backgrounds

Safety Considerations

Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s talk safety. As your photographer, my primary concern is ensuring everyone stays safe during the session. Here’s what I require:

1. For outdoor locations, we’ll need to verify ice thickness and safety. I work with local authorities or skating venues to confirm conditions.
2. We’ll always have a backup indoor location in case outdoor conditions aren’t ideal.
3. I recommend wearing helmets during actual skating portions – we can remove them for static poses.
4. I’ll bring ice clamps for myself to ensure stable shooting positions.

What to Wear

Dressing for an ice skating engagement session requires careful planning. You want to look romantic and coordinated while staying warm and comfortable. Here are my tried-and-true tips:

Base Layer

• Wear thin, warm base layers that won’t add bulk
• Choose moisture-wicking materials to stay comfortable
• Consider flesh-toned base layers that won’t show in photos

Main Outfit

• Layer with style in mind – think cozy sweaters, elegant coats, and scarves
• Choose complementary colors rather than matching exactly
• Avoid extremely puffy coats that can make you look bulky
• Consider bringing a dress or skirt option for static poses
• Remember you’ll be moving a lot – ensure everything stays in place

Accessories

• Bring both skating and regular boots for different shots
• Pack hand warmers
• Bring extra socks
• Consider cute mittens or gloves that coordinate with your outfits
• Don’t forget lip balm and lotion for dry winter skin

Timeline and Planning

A successful ice skating engagement session requires more planning than a typical shoot. Here’s how I structure these sessions:

Pre-Session (1-2 Weeks Before)

• Location scouting and safety checks
• Detailed weather monitoring
• Outfit consultation
• Backup location confirmation

Day-Of Timeline (2-Hour Session)

• 15 minutes: Arrival and changing into skates
• 30 minutes: Warming up on ice, casual candid shots
• 30 minutes: Guided poses and skating shots
• 15 minutes: Outfit change
• 30 minutes: Static poses and romantic moments

Poses and Shot List

While I always capture candid moments, having a few planned poses helps ensure we get all the shots you’re dreaming of. Here are some of my favorites:

Moving Shots

• Skating hand in hand
• One partner pulling the other
• Spinning together
• Teaching moments (great for couples with different skill levels)

Static Poses

• Standing close together on the ice
• Sitting on the boards
• Kiss while holding onto each other for balance
• Looking at each other while holding hands

Tips for Success

After photographing numerous ice skating engagement sessions, I’ve gathered some key tips to ensure success:

1. Practice skating before the session if you’re rusty
2. Arrive early to get comfortable on the ice
3. Bring water and snacks – skating is more tiring than you might expect
4. Consider scheduling your session during “golden hour” for magical lighting
5. Have a warm place nearby for breaks and outfit changes
6. Don’t forget chapstick and lotion for wind-chapped skin
7. Bring extra socks in case yours get wet

The Magic in the Imperfect Moments

Some of my absolute favorite shots have come from unplanned moments – a stumble that turns into a laugh, an impromptu twirl, or a sweet moment of one partner helping the other stay steady. Remember, these sessions aren’t about perfect skating – they’re about capturing your love story in a unique and memorable way.

Ready to Book Your Ice Skating Session?

If you’re interested in creating your own magical winter engagement photos, let’s chat! The best times for ice skating sessions are typically from December through February, but indoor rinks allow for year-round possibilities. Reach out early to secure your preferred date, as these unique sessions tend to book up quickly during peak winter months.

Remember, whether you’re skilled skaters or complete beginners, we can create beautiful, romantic photos that perfectly capture your relationship. The key is to relax, have fun, and trust in the process. I’ll be there every step (or glide) of the way to guide you through this unique and memorable experience.