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