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