Ski Photography in the Midwest: Capturing Action and Beauty on the Slopes
Skiing in the Midwest may not have the towering peaks of the Rockies, but the region offers its own unique charm for photographers who love the combination of adventure and nature. From local resorts to hidden gems, the Midwest’s ski slopes are perfect for capturing stunning moments on the mountain. This year, I had the opportunity to ski and photograph at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin and Afton Alps in Minnesota. Whether you're hitting the slopes yourself or capturing the action from the sidelines, there are plenty of opportunities for dynamic ski photos. Here's how you can take incredible photos while skiing in the Midwest.
The Midwest Ski Scene: A Different Kind of Beauty
The Midwest may not have the grand alpine landscapes of other ski destinations, but it makes up for it with a charming, accessible experience. Ski resorts in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota offer beautiful views, dense forests, and long runs that create a unique winter landscape. These slopes might be smaller in scale, but they provide fantastic settings for capturing both action shots and scenic beauty.
Whether you're photographing a friend carving through powder or a wide shot of the ski hill, the clean, crisp winter air and snow-covered trees offer a distinct aesthetic. The midwestern mountains may lack the jagged peaks of other regions, but they are filled with subtle beauty, perfect for creating images that evoke the quiet majesty of winter.
Tips for Ski Photography in the Midwest
Use Fast Shutter Speeds for Action Shots
Capturing action shots while skiing requires a quick shutter speed. Skiers are constantly in motion, so using a shutter speed of 1/1000 to 1/2000 seconds ensures that you can freeze the fast-moving action. This is especially important for photos of skiers jumping, carving, or speeding down the slopes. A fast shutter speed also helps you capture sharp details, from snowflakes flying to the skier’s expression as they navigate the mountain.
If you’re photographing someone doing tricks, like jumps or flips, a faster shutter speed (1/2000 or faster) will allow you to freeze the motion and ensure crisp, clear shots.
Capture the Landscape as Well as the Action
Skiing in the Midwest provides you with a unique opportunity to capture both the action and the winter landscape. The rolling hills, snow-covered trees, and often less-crowded slopes make for beautiful scenery. Don’t just focus on the skiers—step back and take wide-angle shots to show the surrounding environment. The stillness of the trees covered in snow contrasts beautifully with the dynamic action on the slopes.
Wide-angle lenses work best for capturing sweeping landscape shots, especially when you want to show the full scale of a mountain resort. To create more dramatic shots, try shooting during the golden hour—either at sunrise or sunset.
Experiment with Motion Blur for Dynamic Effects
Sometimes, showing motion can be as powerful as freezing it. If you’re aiming for a more artistic shot, try experimenting with slower shutter speeds (around 1/500 or 1/250 seconds). This will allow the skier’s movement to blur slightly, conveying the speed and fluidity of skiing while maintaining some sharpness in the surrounding landscape.
To get this effect, track the skier as they move through the frame, keeping them in focus while the background blurs. This technique can create a sense of motion, making the image feel more alive.
Shoot with a Low Angle for Impact
To capture the scale and action of skiing, try shooting from a lower angle. This can make the skier appear larger and more dynamic in the frame. Shooting from the ground level also emphasizes the snow spray that flies up when skiers carve turns. It adds an element of excitement and movement to the shot.
Additionally, shooting from a low angle allows you to capture the expansive sky or the mountain’s silhouette in the background, giving a sense of place. The clear blue skies or cloudy winter skies provide a contrasting backdrop for the skier’s action.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
One of the best things about skiing in the Midwest is the abundant natural light. The snow reflects light, brightening up the entire scene. Always be mindful of the time of day—early morning and late afternoon offer the most flattering light, with softer tones and warmer hues. Avoid shooting directly into the sun, which can create harsh shadows and overexposed highlights. Instead, shoot with the sun at your back or at a 45-degree angle for the most even lighting.
On cloudy days, use the soft, diffused light to capture more details in the snow and surrounding environment. Cloudy skies can also add a moody or dramatic effect to your ski photos.
Safety First: Gear Protection
When photographing on the slopes, it's important to keep your camera gear protected from the elements. Snow and moisture can damage your camera if you're not careful. Use weatherproof camera bags or protective covers to keep your gear safe while skiing. If you’re shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, make sure to carry a lens cloth to wipe away any snowflakes that land on your lens.
If you’re skiing and taking photos simultaneously, consider using a GoPro or other action camera, as they are durable and built for snowy conditions.
Creating a Video from Your Ski Photography
One of the best ways to showcase your ski photography is by compiling your shots into a photo video. This format allows you to highlight not just the action on the slopes, but also the broader scenic views, transitions between day and night, and the excitement of skiing itself. After capturing your still images, you can create a dynamic slideshow or time-lapse video that highlights the speed and movement of skiing, combined with the still beauty of the landscape. Adding in background music, sound effects, or even ambient ski resort noises can elevate the video, making it feel more immersive. A photo video is an excellent way to share the full experience of your ski day, whether you're showcasing your work on social media or putting together a personal highlight reel.
Ski the Midwest
Ski photography in the Midwest offers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of winter sports in a setting that’s both beautiful and accessible. Whether you’re capturing the excitement of a skier carving through snow or the peaceful quiet of the snow-covered slopes, there’s always a moment waiting to be captured. Experiment with different techniques—fast shutter speeds for action shots, wide-angle shots for landscapes, and slower shutter speeds for artistic motion effects—and you’ll walk away with a diverse portfolio of stunning winter imagery.
So, next time you’re out skiing in the Midwest, don’t forget to bring your camera. There are plenty of beautiful moments to capture, and with the right gear and settings, you’ll come away with some incredible shots to remember the experience by.
