I love photographing in downtown Columbia. The variety of architectural elements, textures, and colors create such dynamic backdrops that every session feels unique. From vintage storefronts to brick walls to those gorgeous neon signs, there’s always something interesting to work with.

This session is a perfect example of something I hear from clients all the time: “Can we even do photos in winter?” or “What if it’s overcast?” The short answer? Absolutely yes to both.

We originally had this session scheduled for the previous week when temperatures were supposed to be in the thirties. I did reschedule because I want my clients to be comfortable, not miserable. But when we met up this time with temps in the mid-forties, it was totally manageable. With the right underlayers, cooler days are actually great for photos. Honestly, I’ll take a crisp December afternoon over a sweltering July session where everyone’s sweating any day.

As for the overcast skies? I actually love what overcast light does for images. The colors are rich and saturated, skin tones are beautiful and even, and there’s a moody, cinematic quality that I’m drawn to. Sure, there are no sun flares or dramatic backlighting, but paired with the interesting architecture and vibrant colors of downtown Columbia, who needs it? The setting itself provides all the visual interest.

We explored so many great spots during this session, and the even light let us move freely without worrying about harsh shadows or squinting. Those blue hour shots at the end? Worth every minute of the cooler temperatures.

So if you’ve been putting off booking your session because you’re worried about the weather or the season, don’t. Some of my favorite images happen on days that don’t look “perfect” on paper. Winter sessions have their own character, and overcast days create a look I genuinely love. Trust the process, bring some layers, and let’s create something beautiful together.

Ready to schedule your session? Let’s make it happen.