Shooting & Shredding, Palisades Tahoe

While I was planning a trip with my wife to Palisades Tahoe, I knew I would be photographing while snowboarding. As a professional photographer, and a lover of snowboarding, I have learned to combine the two. I call this “shooting and shredding”. When I originally started bringing my professional camera gear to the ski resorts, I primarily photographed from the roadside. During my drives to and from the mountains, there were always photo ops. Mountain scenery is beautiful, particularly early in the morning and towards sunset. I got some very nice shots this way. When I arrived at the resorts however, I left my gear in the car and hit the slopes. Once I got on the mountain with my snowboard, the scenery and views were often jaw dropping. There were many times I wished I had my camera with me. So, I eventually started bringing it on the slopes.

Palisades Tahoe Photographing while Snowboarding

The first time I decided to risk my camera gear by bringing it on the mountain, I rode the gondola at Mammoth. I walked out to the vista, took a few shots and headed back down on the gondola. Afraid to ride with my camera strapped to my back, I returned to the truck, put my gear away and resumed snowboarding. 

Suddenly, all the beauty around me started looking like missed photo opportunities. I became more interested in shooting than shredding. When I used my iPhone, I had great success, but the images I captured could not be printed really large. I sell large scale prints on metal, and I decided I had to take the risk and bring my pro gear on the mountain. I have many spectacular iPhone images that simply cannot be sold. So, I started carrying my “real” gear in a backpack and began riding as a means of getting to the best spots. Rather than focus on shredding, I rode with caution and looked for shots.

When I got to Palisades Tahoe for several days of springtime snowboarding, I was well-prepared to shoot. I had recently taken mid-winter photographs for a client on the mountains in Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado. This helped me developed the confidence needed to take the camera with me while snowboarding. I had successfully navigating a hard-packed double black diamond mogul run with my camera on my back. So, I knew I could get out of a jam if required. I was ready for another session.

Best Photo Ops Palisades Tahoe

The warm weather and mostly clear skies in May 2024 made for easy shooting at Palisades Tahoe. Compared to the snowy Colorado winter, shooting and shredding in spring is a breeze. In Tahoe, I was able to remove my gloves and helmet, set my board down and walk around. I could see from the runs, chairlifts, gondola and aerial tram which areas held the most potential. Whenever I saw a subject or perspective I liked, I would ride there, remove my board and try to get the angle. There were also times when I was able to shoot from the lifts and gondolas.

The trees and rock formations at Palisades Tahoe commanded my attention. They define the character of this resort in my mind. While capturing their beauty under the best lighting conditions was a challenge, I made it my mission. Certain trees had an irresistible magnetic energy for me. Photographing them seemed like a worthy endeavor with a big payoff. Over my 4 days of shooting the slopes at Palisades Tahoe, I learned a lot. I learned to seize the moment whenever possible. Clouds can look amazing in photographs, but they also cast massive shadows. Creating the photos I wanted required more patience and perseverance than I expected. 

Best Photo Trip

Fortunately, it worked out very well. I got much of what I hoped for, gained more confidence and boosted my portfolio. When the light was unfavorable, I shifted my focus from shooting to shredding. Those were the moments when I dedicated my full attention to just having fun. I completely forgot that I had about $8,000 worth of camera gear on my back, as I carved my way down the slopes. Shooting and shredding is something I now look greatly forward to when I travel. It has become a genuine passion of mine.

CLICK HERE for additional info about the Lake Tahoe area. ETG recommends visiting the official Lake Tahoe website at https://visitlaketahoe.com