Photo Shoot Tips For Lake Tahoe

Some people’s heaven looks like an endless spaghetti buffet or the home decoration section in Target. Located in the sierra nevada mountains, lies the beautiful Lake Tahoe. That’s my heaven. I lived in south lake tahoe for 365 days and I’ve shot dozens and dozens of photo shoots. Even when your shooting in a stunning place like Lake Tahoe mistakes are bound to happen. Here is my top photo shoot tips, things I wished that someone had told me before every single shoot. 

The first tip is if your shooting during the winter months bring extra camera batteries and gloves! Coming from Hawaii I never had to shoot in weather colder than 75 degrees. But when  it’s 35 degrees and snowing in the woods that’s another story. The cold effects electronics like iphone and camera batteries, it’s so frustrating when you set up the perfect shot and the camera dies. So pack some extras! Also when shooting, my hands would get so cold and numb that it would be hard pressing buttons. That was pretty painful so I learned fast a packed gloves every time after that. 

 My second tip is to skip the crowds and wake up early. Personally I love sleeping in until 8am then getting to the location at 9am, but so does everyone else. Traffic is terrible, parking is a nightmare and someone’s grandpa is photo bombing your picture. So wake up at 5:45am, get your makeup on and get to the location at 6:30am to get the most stunning pictures. Yes, it’s painful but so worth it. After your shoot grab a coffee at Starbucks and watch the tourist flood the streets. 

 My third tip is bring mosquito spray when your shooting outdoors. You will thank me later. I’m not sure why but the mosquito’s are 4 times bigger than normal in tahoe. So spray every inch of your body, even your fingers. They are bloodthirsty little basterds. Rivers, ponds and puddles are hot spots for breeding too. Just be ready so you can enjoy your photo shoot in peace. 

 My fourth and final tip for taking wildflowers photos is to mark your calendar to catch the peak in the season. To late or to early and your photos won’t turn out. Check Instagram and see what other people’s photos look like, that way you can tell what the location looks like. Another way is to look at the weather or snowfall. The longer the winter the longer it will take to melt off and turn into flowers. Talk to the locals too, they might have some secret spots. 

Well those were my best tips for taking photo shoots in Lake Tahoe. Just be careful and respect the environment, don’t stray from the trail and obviously don’t litter. Lot’s of tourist trash the beaches during holidays and leave to go home. Places like Lake Tahoe won’t stay beautiful unless everyone respects the location. Have fun taking photos!