How to keep my camera safe when snow is falling?

I shoot with a Nikon D5100 with a 18-55mm lens. I just got my camera about two weeks ago and took it outside to shoot in the snow for the first time today. I set it up on a tripod (I'm a self portrait artist) and wrapped a scarf around the camera body and lens. However, I was constantly worried about snow/water getting in or on the camera and damaging it. I ended up cutting the session short and going inside with inadequate photos and an unfinished shoot. Disappointing. Does anyone have any tips for shooting in snow or how I can stop worrying and just enjoy my shoot?

Added (1). Oh no no no, you misunderstand. I don't do basic sit-and-smile portraits - I do conceptual work combined with manipulation. I enjoy shooting and editing, it is what I hope to pursue as a career. It is what I enjoy, and it is my form of expression. If I DID do basic portraits, then yes, I'd hire a professional.

Get those waterproof lens covers.

Simple solution: Hire a Professional Photographer.

Buy rain sleeves. If you want cheaper options you can wrap your camera with a ziplock bag and cut a hole for your lens front element. Secure the hole tight onto your lens by fixing a rubber band on it or you can secure it with a lens hood. The lens hood will keep less snow resting on the front element.

One more thing Id like to remind you is to keep the camera in a bag. Rapid temp changes can induce condensation on your gear so keep it in a bag. When going outside let the camera be in your bag for about 5-10 minutes before letting it out into the cold. Do the same when getting into warm rooms. Let it rest for a few minutes first before taking it out from the bag in the warm environment.

One more tip is to bring spare batteries. In cold temperatures the batteries becomes cold and the camera thinks it ran out of juice. But actually it still have some life in it. Bring another one and keep the other warm in your jacket. When the onw on your camera dies just slot the warm one into your camera and keep the cold one into your pocket. Use them in turns. Good luck!

Oh your camera tries to expose everything in middle gray. Snow looks best when you purposely overexpose the image by +2/3 stops. Don't forget to wear your gloves and keep shootin'!

I remember trying to shoot in a windstorm in Antelope Canyon a few years ago. I used a plastic bag to wrap around my camera. I found sand in every crevice of my camera. I've tried this also in rainy situations wrapping my camera with plastic and rubber bands. Still seems a bit iffy.
I found a device online that covers the body and lens of the camera called a Storm Jacket
Details from site:
"Storm Jackets are a one-piece camera and lens cover made of a flexible and waterproof nylon fabric. Setting up the Storm Jacket is a quick and easy task. The front cover features an adjustable bungee drawstring, allowing you to cinch the cover to the front of your lens."
Here's the link to their site: http://www.stormjacket.com/SJ1.html
It looks like it could be a great option for keeping your camera both functioning and safe!

All the best,
Kimberly

Zipper storage bags. You have two potential problems:

1. Wet camera while shooting. I put the camera in a bag with the lens peeping out the opening, lenshood and filter keep snow off the lens. You can poke a small hole in the bottom of the bag to accommodate the tripod screw. If the weather takes a really nasty turn, just zip the camera into it's "raincoat".

2. Condensation when you bring the cold camera back into the warm. Just zip up the bag and let the camera warm up to room temp before removing the camera from the bag.

I use one gallon heavy duty freezer bags for this and always have some in my camera bag.