There’s something magical about the sight of kids sledding on a snowy day—the laughter, the rosy cheeks, and the sheer joy of racing down a hill. As a photographer, this simple winter activity offers endless opportunities to capture storytelling images that are full of energy, connection, and fun. Whether you’re a professional or a parent with a camera in hand, here’s how to approach photographing your kids sledding with a focus on storytelling.

1. Start with the Bigger Picture: Set the Scene Every good story has a beginning, and your sledding adventure is no exception. Start by capturing wide-angle shots that establish the setting. Show the snow-covered hill, the trees in the background, or the group of bundled-up kids gathered at the top. Ideas for Scene-Setting Shots: • The sledding hill from a distance, with your kids walking toward it. • A line of sledders waiting their turn. • The snowy surroundings, like footprints in the snow or sleds scattered around. These shots give context and set the stage for the story you’re about to tell.

For example, in the above photo, my daughter was determine to go up the hill and down by herself. In contrast, there is a group of older boys high-fiving in the background that serves to emphasis her solitary determination.

2. Document the Journey Up the Hill The climb up the hill is just as much a part of the sledding story as the ride down. Photograph the effort and anticipation as your kids pull their sleds, struggle through the snow, or exchange excited chatter with siblings or friends.

Pro Tip: Get down low to capture their determination or playful interactions. Look for candid moments like a child looking back with a grin or siblings helping each other with their sled.

3. Capture the Action of the Ride The thrill of sledding is the highlight of the story. Position yourself strategically to capture your kids’ expressions as they race down the hill. Their faces will likely be filled with pure joy (or a little fear!), which makes for dynamic, storytelling images.

Tips for Action Shots: • Position at the Bottom of the Hill: Lie or crouch at the end of the sledding path to capture their expressions head-on as they approach. • Pan with the Movement: Follow the sled with your camera as it moves downhill to create a sense of motion. • Experiment with Angles: Try different perspectives—shoot from the side to show the speed or from above for a bird’s-eye view of the ride.

4. Highlight the Small Details The beauty of storytelling photography is in the details. While the big action shots are exciting, don’t forget to focus on the little moments that bring the story to life. Ideas for Detail Shots: • Gloved hands gripping the sled’s handle. • Boots crunching in the snow or slipping as they climb. • Snowflakes on rosy cheeks or tangled hair under a hat. • A sled dusted with snow resting at the top of the hill. These small details enrich the narrative and create a sense of intimacy in your photos.

5. Capture the Emotions Sledding is an activity that brings out a range of emotions—from excitement to laughter to moments of frustration when the sled flips over. Embrace all of it. Sometimes, a pouty face or a giggle-filled snowball fight between runs can make for the most memorable photos. Pro Tip: Encourage interaction between siblings or friends. The playful connections they share will naturally enhance the story.

6. Use Light to Enhance the Story Winter light can be incredibly soft and flattering, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Look for ways to use light creatively to add mood and depth to your photos. Tips for Lighting: • Golden Hour Glow: If the sun is low, capture the golden light illuminating the snow and your kids. • Backlighting: Position the sun behind your kids to create a magical glow around them. • Snow Reflections: Snow acts as a natural reflector, bouncing light onto faces and brightening the scene. If it’s a cloudy day, don’t worry—soft, diffused light can make colors pop and reduce harsh shadows.

7. Don’t Forget the Aftermath The story doesn’t end when the sledding stops. Capture the moments after the action—the exhaustion, the laughter, and the pride in a day well spent.

Ideas for Aftermath Shots: • Kids lying in the snow, catching their breath. • Sleds stacked or abandoned at the bottom of the hill. • Snow-covered faces and clothes as they head home. • Hot chocolate moments after the adventure, with marshmallow-filled smiles. These moments wrap up the narrative and show the full arc of the day.

8. Keep the Story Natural Remember, the beauty of storytelling photography lies in its authenticity. Avoid overly staged poses and let the moments unfold naturally. Your kids’ personalities and the spontaneity of the day will shine through when you allow them to simply be themselves.

9. Use Creative Composition Experiment with your framing to make your sledding story visually compelling. Look for leading lines (like sled tracks) that guide the viewer’s eye, frame your kids using trees or sleds, and use negative space to emphasize the snowy landscape.

10. Edit for a Wintery Feel When editing your sledding photos, focus on enhancing the snowy atmosphere. Adjust the exposure to brighten the scene and emphasize the crisp whites of the snow. Boost contrast slightly to define the texture of the snow and bring out your kids’ expressions. For a cozy touch, add a hint of warmth to the overall tones.

Final Thoughts Sledding is one of those timeless winter activities that brings out the kid in all of us. By focusing on the story—from the climb up the hill to the wild rides down to the quiet moments after—you’ll create a collection of photos that not only document the day but also evoke the joy and adventure of a snowy outing. So, grab your camera, bundle up, and hit the hill with your kids. These are the moments they’ll remember—and you’ll love having them captured forever.

What’s your favorite way to photograph winter adventures with your kids? Share your tips or stories in the comments!