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