| Every year folks from around the world head up to | | | | altogether and not zooming around the mountain. It |
| ski resorts for their winter vacation. Many of them | | | | can be a challenge getting folks to slow down long |
| will have their photos taken by the on-mountain | | | | enough for a photo shoot. Try setting up at the |
| professional photographer at the scenic overlook at | | | | on-mountain lodge (if it has a good view), particularly |
| the top of the mountain. The prints that they | | | | during the busy periods, like the holidays and spring |
| purchase will be taken home, framed and cherished | | | | break. Try to set up in view of the outdoor eating |
| as their most valuable possessions.One of the most | | | | area, so everyone sees you working, interested |
| important factors, is being in the right place at the | | | | groups will come over to you. If it slows down, |
| right time. There are many variables to consider, such | | | | youcan go over and work the crowd.At large ski |
| as deciding where to set up your photography shop | | | | areas where skiers only ride a particular lift once in |
| on the mountain. Lets take a look at some.The | | | | the morning, just to get to the upper lifts. You can |
| weather is a big factor in determining where the best | | | | be busy in the morning, then really slows down when |
| zone is to photograph clients. Because the weather | | | | everybody's up there skiing, so move.Shadows and |
| can change minute by minute, shooting zone flexibility | | | | lighting change throughout the day and some |
| is the key. If your zone becomes fogged in, MOVE, it | | | | locations can become completely unshootable in the |
| could be that 1000' down the mountain the view is | | | | afternoon. A zone thats |
| great.The "hot zone" on a blue sky day is typically | | | | hot at 2pm may not be by 3pm, as it gets |
| the best view from the top of the ski hill. When the | | | | swallowed up by the long afternoon shadows from |
| weather is good you will capture the most pictures | | | | the tall Mountains. Move to a spot with better light, |
| from the best scenic overlook on the mountain. | | | | people are getting tired and now they will slow down |
| Families, couples, singles and groups will ski right up | | | | long enough for a quick shot.If you work for a |
| and even wait in line on these picture perfect days. | | | | company that assigns you a specific zone to shoot |
| Harvest the hay while the sun is shining. Do a good | | | | and you have to shoot it hot or not, and at the |
| job with your groups, squeeze as much as you can | | | | moment it's not. Cover your zone the best you can, |
| out of each one by doing your breakdowns. By | | | | stay enthusiastic and energetic you will get |
| breakdowns I mean a group shot, then just the kids, | | | | something, and it could be the best money group of |
| then mom-n-dad, then individual photos of each kid. | | | | the day!If you cover your zone, hot or not, your |
| Work it, when they go to buy their pictures, the | | | | manager will be more likely to give you a hot zone |
| more you shoot the more they buy.The hot zone on | | | | on future assignments. Hone your photography skills |
| a snowy day is typically the most wind protected | | | | and be dependable. You'll start getting the best |
| area of the mountain. Another important factor when | | | | location.I have been a top professional photographer |
| the weather is inclement is your backdrop, so if | | | | at several western ski resorts including Vail and |
| possibe pick a spot with beautiful trees for the | | | | Breckenridge Colorado, Brighton Utah, Grand Targhee |
| background. The prettier the trees are, the better. | | | | Wyoming and Heavenly California. The season starts |
| People will definitely buy photos taken while it is | | | | Thanksgiving and ends in April. I have exceeded |
| snowing, especially if they have snow laden branches | | | | $100,000 in sales in one season, a few times. Now I |
| or are from areas like Florida where it doesn't | | | | live in South Lake Tahoe, California and have been a |
| snow.The time of the day may effect your zone | | | | photographer at Heavenly Resort for the last couple |
| choice too. If there is a good view from the deck | | | | of seasons. Check out some of my portrait and |
| where everyone meets for lunch, it's a great | | | | action pictures at then click on "Main Gallery" in the |
| opportunity to get everyone while they are | | | | side bar. |