Vail Couple's Shoot and Outfit Changes - Lionshead - Kaitlyn and Tyler

The conditions for Kaitlyn and Tyler's shoot in Lionshead couldn't have been more perfect.  Overcast lighting, snow on the ground, zero precipitation and temps that weren't ridiculously frigid!

One thing that lots of people ask me about is clothing changes throughout their shoot.  I'm happy to accommodate as many changes as clients want. However, I also remind them that we only have one hour, so more changes means less time shooting. 

I encourage clients to make sure that they have lots of layers.  If you want to wear a dressier jacket, make sure that you have a nice layer underneath.  That way, you have 2 different looks without doing an outfit change.  I also suggest that people use accessories to their advantage.  Scarves and hats change up an outfit easily and don't require you to strip down.  Bear in mind that changing outfits on the side of mountain can be a little tricky!

Kaitlyn and Tyler didn't change out their accessories, but they did a quick change with their outerwear so that we were able to get two looks during their shoot.   Here are some examples from their shoot

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Vail Family Photos - East Vail

There's a spot on the Vail Golf Course that has the most amazing views of The Gore Range.  It's one of the most popular spots to shoot in the valley and it's not uncommon for several photographers to be shooting there at the same time.  The biggest problem though, is that the spot only works well for photos early in the morning.  If you're shooting after 11am, you're guaranteed to get photos with squinting clients.

Thankfully, Jenna and Jeret were happy to meet me before the sun had come up over the mountains.  With a brand new frost on the ground, we headed out to the golf course to grab some photos.  Unfortunately, it was also freezing cold which obviously can be hard for little people.  We rushed through the mountain shots as quickly as possible and before we knew it, the sun was up and everyone was happy by the time we finished up.

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Vail Family Photos - East Vail - Fields Family

When you have three generations that come together for a photo shoot, the location you choose has to be able to cater to everyone.  When the Fields Family asked me to take some photos for them, they mentioned that the ages in the group ranged from 9 -80 years, so we decided on shooting along the Vail Bike Path in East Vail.  

The path runs parallel to the Gore Creek, which means there are plenty of idyllic spots on the water.  The mountain views from there also work great for family photos, and as a bonus, it's paved.  This wasn't such an issue for the Fields Family, but when you're pushing a stroller, this is key!

If you haven't been there yet, I highly recommend it.  Stay on the path long enough and you'll end up in Vail Village after taking in some of the best views in the valley.  

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Vail Family Photographer - Horn Family at Eagle's Nest and Lionshead

The ski season is officially over and what a busy season it's been!  The winter started out slow with our snowfall, but thankfully it picked up as the season went along.  The Horn Family was one of my first shoots for the winter. We decided to start the shoot up at Eagle's Nest to make the most of the snow and finish the session in Lionshead.  

If you look at the first photos in the series, you'll see the snow coverage that we had at the top of the mountain.  Look closely at the third photo and you'll see the grass sticking through!  Luckily, we only had to deal with these conditions for a couple of weeks and the photos still came out cute.

I loved their jewel toned color combo too.  Such a sweet family!

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Vail Winter Family Photos - Gore Creek Covered Bridge - Bounds

When the Bounds asked me to help them a snowy photo shoot, The Gore Creek Covered Bridge was my first choice for the location.  With two little boys, I knew the area would be perfect for letting the kids run around and explore.  Icicles, pine tree forests, a snow covered creek and stunning views of the Gore Range.  If you haven't visited this spot, I highly recommend it for families.

Given the new snow fall during the shoot, I knew we were on a limited timeline for shooting.  Little fingers and toes don't last too long in the icy temps.  Luckily, we were able to shoot fast and take advantage of the boys high energy before the sun dropped behind the mountain.  

Thank you to the Bounds Family for letting me capture a small part of their visit to Vail.  

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Vail Senior Photos - Vail Village - Elizabeth

When Elizabeth's Mom contacted me to schedule her High School Senior Photo shoot, she asked if we could shoot for 90 minutes instead of the usual 60 minutes, in order to take advantage of as many locations as we possibly could.  

I was happy to do so, and we were able to incorporate 3 outfit changes for the shoot.  We started at The Manor Vail Lodge.  If you haven't been by the hotel in the summer, it's an absolute must-do.  Their flowers are insanely gorgeous.  Just do a quick search on social media and you'll see how much people rave about them.  Also, the hotel sits right on the Gore Creek with access to an amazing covered bridge.  It's just as beautiful as THE Covered Bridge in the village, but you don't have to wrestle with the crowds.  

After a quick outfit change, we went down to the Gore Creek and Elizabeth was brave enough to go in!  If you're not familiar with our water temps, it's ice-cold year round.    Don't be fooled by the sunshine.

Our final location was on Vail Mountain at the end of Forest Road.  After dodging a few mountain bikers, we were able to get shots with the wildflowers, the aspens and of course, The Gore Range.

  We were able to get so many great shots during her shoot.  Here are a handful of my favorites.

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Vail Family Photos - Croll Family in Vail Village

When the Croll Family turned up for the photo session in Vail Village, Jackson was pretty quick to let me know that he was 4 years old.  As a mother of a 3 year old and 5 year old boy, I knew that Jackson was going to be right in my wheelhouse!  I'm not an expert on much, but I do know how to go on a fun adventure with a child in Vail Village.  I know I've written about it plenty, but if you can keep a child moving and exploring during their shoot, they're going to be much happier and the parents will be much happier with the resulting photos.

Shooting in the village in spring is fantastic because you don't have to contend with crowds in busy spots like the Covered Bridge.  However, it does mean you can fall prey to the 'four seasons in one day' phenomena that is all too common during spring in the Rockies.  Luckily, Kim and Cathy were really chill about the ever-changing conditions.  They met in Vail, so they really just wanted some fun family photos with Jackson in their former home town.  

Here are a few of my favorites from our adventure around Vail Village with the crazy weather!

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Vail Engagement Photos - Lucas and Leslie

My last post featured photos from Lucas' wedding proposal to Leslie.  He was so organized that he booked engagement photos for the following morning in Vail Village.  

We started at the Covered Bridge early in the morning, to be met by a small blizzard.  Not a big blustery mess, but just a small amount of snowfall that was perfect for some romantic engagement photos.  We took photos throughout the village, along the Gore Creek, in front of Golden Peak, Gondola 1 and an aspen grove at the base of the mountain.  

Here are a few of my favorite photos from their session.

Engagement photos in Vail Village along the Gore Creek

Engagement photos in Vail Village at the base of Golden Peak

Engagement Photos at the Covered Bridge, Vail Village

Engagement Photos at the Covered Bridge, Vail Village

Engagement Photos at the Covered Bridge, Vail Village

Engagement photos at the base of Vail Mountain beside Gondola 1

Engagement photos in Vail Village

Engagement photos in Vail Village

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