Location Spotlight: The Lake
It’s been two years since I attempted a lake portrait. The last time I went, the bugs were bad enough I swore “Never again!” However, after giving it a chance again this May, I have totally changed my tune about lake sessions.
Before I talk about the lake, though, let’s chat about the IPPA. If you don’t know what those letters stand for, the textbook answer is Intermountain Professional Photographers Association. But the real acronym should be the TTFWGYB (The True Friends Who Got Your Back.) I’ve been a member since 2001, and the friends I have made through that organization will remain with me for my whole life. Photographers who aren’t members ask me why they should join, what are the benefits? The simple answer is that you will have a family of professionals, on whom you can rely when the crap hits the fan. For example, I got a call from my dear friend, Emily Laga, who was under the weather, and in good conscience couldn’t risk exposing her long-time client and friend, who is enduring a risky pregnancy, during a pandemic. Thankfully Emily is fine - nothing scary - but I think it speaks volumes of how much she cares that she would decline a job right now in protection of everyone’s health. Anyway, because we are both pros, and we have similar styles and education, Emily was totally comfortable arranging a back-up in me. And this has happened many times before with my IPPA friends. This is what membership in IPPA does for me - it gives me my wing-men and wing-women that I know are there when the figurative or literal plague starts raining down. I love my photographer friends - man - I just love them!
Anyhow, back to the lake: like I said earlier, I swore by the bugs that I’d never go back, but Alyssa wanted something pastel and bright for her maternity session, so she talked me into trying the location again. Wait - let me tell you a little story about a hero called Alyssa. She is the radiant mother of 8 children from two families, expecting her ninth this month. It takes some legit skills and patience to blend a family, as I’ve heard from a few of my friends currently doing just that. I suspect it’s not always easy, and I can think of no better tribute to her strength than a maternity portrait session commemorating what she says is her last pregnancy. Her equally heroic and make-you-laugh-easily husband, and her still-the-baby-for-now joined us. We had a clothing consultation over the phone, and she nailed those bright lake colors!
We happened to be shooting the day after it snowed, and I think that really made all the difference. There were hardly any bugs at all. The water was pleasant and clear, the sky was brilliant, and the temperatures were mild. It really was the perfect day at the beach!
Then the sunset arrived, and good gravy, it just doesn’t get any better than this.
So after I got home, wiping the salty sand off of my light stand and tripod, I was on a huge creative high, and I thought, “MAN! I gotta shoot there again soon!” So I called Liz - who is another of my IPPA besties - to ask about some techy stuff, and she volunteered to pose for me, like three days later. I don’t know if you’ve ever thrown together a portrait session in three days, but it’s not easy. Liz totally delivered, though, with her swimsuit and beach dress combo. Oh and she brought her husband with his quarantine beard along too… the perfect accessory! (Jordan you totally know I’m kidding - the beard is the perfect accessory.)
Liz has been one of my most valued resources when I need answers to tough questions like how to talk to my kids about physical intimacy; women’s rights and oppression in history; and how to keep my marriage in that “newly-wed” phase for the rest of my life. She lives what she preaches - and every few years, she does a couple’s portrait session to celebrate who she and her husband are - as they are - in that moment in time.
One of my main goals in this model session was to work with a handful of lighting patterns and sources - specifically the direct sunlight, which I don’t use very often. I was blown away by how much variety we were able to achieve just by changing the lighting.
Check out the blue of the lake - seriously! It was clear and warm, and we all really enjoyed wading around in it. Which is really weird, because I’ve lived in Salt Lake County my whole life, and I’ve never enjoyed the water of the Great Salt Lake before.
And then the sun went down and it was that sweet, sweet, portrait light that I adore, all over the place.
And of course, another awe-inspiring sunset. I’ve been told they met at track practice in high school. I love that he’s still chasing her!
So after having two phenomenal experiences at the lake, I’m putting it back on my list for portrait session locations. Here’s the run-down of what I’ve learned about this location:
PROS:
This location is an explosion of color. In every hue of the rainbow - except maybe green. It is simplistic in terrain and landscape because of the lack of plants, and all the jazz comes from your faces, wardrobe - and from the sky vs. water ultimate show-down.
The best month I’ve found for Great Salt Lake sessions is May by mile. I know as I post this, we’ve missed that window of prime opportunity, but I also think any time we get a cool-down, the bugs go into hibernation, and it’s a great time to try it. For example, this week we have unusually low temps, and I’m willing to bet Thursday will be pretty nice out there. Also, I’m thinking late September will be that next cool-down opportunity so plan ahead for that.
That huge, long beach makes it really easy to keep our distance from other photographic parties. Both of these sessions had many visitors on the beach, but you’d never know it.
WHAT TO WEAR:
The change in lighting makes the lake a fantastic location for a double-outfit session. Before sunset, the colors are tan and blue, with pink accents. As the sun gets closer to the horizon, the color pallet changes to warm orange, red, and yellow, with accents in royal purple and black. Make sure whatever shoes you bring to walk out there are sturdy, and you don’t mind if they are covered in sand and salt when you take them home. Bare feet are the best once at the water, but sandals in natural colors work too. I love how Miriam planned out her lake session a few years ago with outfits to compliment both pallets:
CAUTIONS:
Bugs. I’m serious, people. I don’t even know what those flying beasties are specifically called, but they can swarm to biblical proportions. The snow-fall the winter before, the current temperatures, and all sorts of variables can affect how many of them are out there on a given day. The best preparation is to check it out in person a day or two in advance (which I will do for you as part of the portrait experience service) and to have a backup location in case things are creepy. And bring lots of insect repellent.
It is no secret that the Great Salt Lake has a very distinct and unique smell. It was hardly noticeable at either of these sessions in May, but in the hot summer months, it can be quite pungent. Again, I recommend the cooler months.
The walk to the water is about a 15-minute trek through salty sand. It’s not for anyone who has problems walking, or with unsteady feet. Also, there are occasional dead birds on the sand. Just keeping it real, people. Something about the salt content kills them, and they are easily avoidable, but some kids can be caught off guard and disturbed, if not prepared.
Other than that, I have a new respect for its beauty and tranquility. I would love to give it a try this fall - or even in the hot months to compare bug data.