Maddie & Adam Ski Engagement Session at Afton Alps

Maddie and Adam both grew up skiing with their families. Every winter, they travel to Colorado to enjoy the big mountains. But for their engagement session, they picked something closer: Afton Ski & Snowboard, right in the Twin Cities area.

A typical Minnesota Romantic Session, not a sports session

When they first asked me to photograph them on skis, I thought of my younger brother, who snowboards in extreme conditions, jumps and all. Would they do backflip? I was skeptical about how to showcase their love on a slope.

Then I thought back to my own younger years. Sharing an activity with someone you’re in love with is actually pretty great.

So don’t expect wide-angle sport pictures. Expect complicity between couple!
Actually sharing an activity together is one of the key success to have unposed photos.

Maddie & Adam session

We started at the beginning. That awkward moment in the parking lot, putting snow boots on side by side next to the car. I liked how Adam was a gentlemen and helped Maddie with her boots.

After a portrait in front of the Renting building, we went on the slopes. Six or seven runs, most of the trails. I had them play together, take off their skis, and just enjoy the landscape.

We took photos on the chairlift while it was riding (so it was bit challenging for your photographer to deal with the ski material + the camera, in a short amount of time).

Of course, we used the view on the the Landscape, and simple couple photos with pine trees.

I also had Adam pretending to teach Maddie how to ski (very much like to ski teacher to young kids).

Mid-session we took a break at the ski center, which was an opportunity for a few photos inside. Here the ski center was crowded and pretty modern, so we didn’t stay long, just use a window and the stairs.

A second outfit

Maddie and Adam, despite being serious people (both engineers), can be quite goofy. So they changed into a second outfit: a suit for him, a light long pink/purple dress for her, with a kind of sheep shawl, and of course, sunglasses to be chic. On a ski slope. In February…Afff Minnesotan People! 😀

Tips for your own session

Skill level. Not for complete beginners. You need enough basics to not fall every ten seconds. We won’t go fast, but some comfort on skis makes everything more natural.

Timing. Start early afternoon. Not only do ticket lines and gear rental take time, but ski stations typically face north and don’t get much direct sun. Sunset at the base? Unlikely, except maybe at the very top.

Morning sessions. Tempting for the fresh pristine groomed snow. Plus it’s a good way to bit the crowd. But it’s colder. Treat it as a forecast decision.

Gloves. Keep them on while skiing. For close-ups and ring shots I may ask you to take them off briefly. Hand warmers help.

Helmet. As you feel. Depending on your skill level and how icy it gets. We won’t be going fast. And if you have long hair, you might prefer not to mess-up your hair.

What to wear. Coordinate your colors without matching. Warm tones work beautifully against white snow. Avoid flash colors: that bright red ski instructor jacket is not what we’re going for.

Sunscreen, matte. Snow reflects UV hard. I once got a sunburn on a shoot. Apply before you leave. Korean sunscreens are excellent for this. La Roche-Posay too. Matte formulas avoid shine in photos.

Second outfit. Gives your gallery a completely different chapter. Doesn’t have to be a suit and a dress. Just has to feel like you.

Tissues. Running noses. Wet hands from playing in the snow. You will need them. Pack a few.

Wind. Be aware that it can be windy. Which means pay attention to your hairs if you have long hair. You don’t want them in your face.

Locations. The right Ski station has lot of pine tree and a nice view on the valley. Here Maddie and Adam used the Afton Alps, but there are other ski locations around the Twin Cities.

More than ski photos

Think of it as a session theme, not a sports shoot. The skis are just the backdrop for who you are together. And if ski engagement session works great, it’s because it keeps your brains busy, so you don’t have to look at the camera and smile all the time. It’s a natural un-posed activity!

Minnesota doesn’t have Colorado mountains, but it has ski hills, and they’re closer than you think. And if downhill isn’t your thing, cross-country skiing is huge here and could be a beautiful alternative.

One last thing: Maddie and Adam loved skiing so much that when they got married (in summer), they chose a ski resort for their wedding too, at Welsh Village!

Ready to plan your session? Get in touch. We’ll find the right hill for you.