Colorado Ski Engagment
Colorado Winter Engagement Photos at Winter Park Ski Resort, with some Winter Photography Tips!
“Yay!!! I absolutely LOVE them!! Thank you so much! I can't stop looking at them !!
We had the absolute best time with you, thank you so much for making this happen :)”
I get pretty excited when my awesome clients ask me to do things out of the “ordinary”. Now, it’s not like Skiing in Colorado is exactly unordinary, but not many brave peeps chose to do Skiing Engagement Photos! In general this day was fantastic on all fronts— bluebird Colorado day, amazing company, sunshine…but most of all I have to say that I was most proud of the fact that I carried out this whole session without falling on my skis and all my camera gear 😂💪.
Seeing as Winter Park (https://www.winterparkresort.com/) was the resort that these two enjoyed together often, it was the perfect location! Once we had that dialed in, I went into hyper-planning mode with which runs we’d do, how’d I’d carry my gear, which lifts had best views from the ground, and on and on. I love to be constantly challenged and like to be a problem solver— so I actually enjoy this part of my job! There is a TON more that goes into Photography (especially outdoor Adventure locations and sessions!) than most may realize!
As you will see, we had a wonderful day on the Colorado Ski slopes, and I’m so thankful that this is what I get to call my job!!
Are you looking to do something different and unique for your Colorado Engagement session? Are you interested in doing a Ski Engagement session? I got you!! I want to hear your thoughts— let’s make it happen! 👉 Contact me!
For Photographers: I felt it noteworthy to maybe mention what set up I used— as it was a bit different form a normal shoot! Typically I use a Dual Spider Holster with a Peak Design Capture Lens Kit flippy-thing for my extra lens or two. This would not work for skiing for a number of reasons (too low to ground, snow flying all over, lifts, etc….). So, I decided to use ONE camera body, and stuck to two lenses pretty much— 70-200, and 16-30. I pretty much used the 70-200 majority of time though. for my harness, I actually used a Cotton Carrier Skout Harness (you wear on your chest as opposed to hips), and then I just used a camera sling or small backpack (I can’t remember lol!) for my other lens and backup lens/body and batteries, etc. I of course wanted a bag with a Zipper (no yard sales!) and easy access for when I was on lift, etc. If I did happen to fall, I hoped that most things would be fine in the bag…and if I fell forward right onto my camera— cross my fingers it was ok— and if not, then I had a backup body and insurance ;). Oh— and LOTS of dry lens cloths and wipes…and I put on lens cap when skiing only (not shooting). I’m sure there other amazing set ups— but this worked pretty well for me!
There you have it!
Some tips and thoughts on high mountain Colorado Winter Engagement Photography Sessions:
Winter is an incredibly beautiful time in Colorado, and can yield some truly amazing and stark images…***HONESTY ALERT***but it is not what I could call “easy” usually- and I encourage you to consider the following things before making the decision to do a Winter Photo session!
Unpredictability. This word is pretty synonymous with Colorado weather in general (IYKYK)….but Winter of course has many more challenges when weather acts up! So, I often try to be as flexible as possible with dates and timing with clients— but you should have this in your mind a bit too— and understand that for Safety (among other things), sometimes sessions have to be rescheduled.
Road conditions and ski traffic. ‘Nuff said. (Always check www.cotrip.com for conditions and road cameras, etc! Really anytime of year!)
Many well known high mountain locations with stellar views are not accessible in the Winter. There are a handful of roads in Colorado that actually close in the Winter— ones that yield some of those fantastic views— so places like Trail Ridge Road, and Mt. Evans, and other Passes….are simply not an option.
Now, with a bit of Adventurous spirit and willingness to get knee-deep in snow— there are of course still phenomenal locations!! It’s Colorado after all lol. But being spontaneous and willing to get a bit dirty and cold— will be a necessity! ;). (OR go SKIING! Get those high mountain views with a Chairlift access!) ;)
If you just get easily cold— maybe re-think it— Just sayin’! Now, this is somewhat ME! Honestly, I get cold pretty easy— but I prep— and I am pretty used to the winters and what to expect— and when I am working I stay warmer— AND I am NOT being photographed 😂…so I can look cold and ridiculous to stay warm. However, if you are just really uncomfortable in the Cold and snow….I suggest considering a different season. Even the “simplest” mountain locations in the Winter are still going to have the potential of being deep snow and cold. Once you get cold it’s hard to really warm back up and enjoy yourself!
Snowy weather and cold in the Mountains lasts through May! While Denver and Front Range areas warm up considerably in April….the higher elevations hang onto that snow a bit longer! Even at lower elevations….we tend to get our BIGGEST snow storms in March-early May!! So, if you wanting a non-Winter session— look past June IMO.
Handwarmers. Seriously. Put them in your shoes too.
You will need to think a bit more about your wardrobe— wear you can stay warm enough, without feeling like the Marshmallow man ;). Please just ensure you wear appropriate shoe attire…..pretty please. We are in the snow….if not, it will be Ice, or muddy snow-ice….or melted snow….so nothing that typically works wonderfully with anything other than a form of boots or sturdy shoes.
Consider your hairstyle where you can also wear a Beanie or Ear warmer.
Wind is typically worse in the Winter too. This one can be harder with longer hairstyles (also read: staying warm….)….so again, dress warm enough, and have Hairstyle options (Bobbie Pins, Beanies, etc).
In general, you may work a bit more for your photos in the Winter logistically;). However….they will 10000% be worth it— and if you truly love the Snow and Winter— you will have a BLAST and remember your adventure forever!!
Ok Loves! I’m out! As always, I’m just a clikc a
xoxo
