An important thing to remember no matter where or what you're shooting: lighting is everything. While in Tahoe, pay attention to where the sun rises and sets as it will dramatically affect your photography. Shooting sunrise up at Donner Summit will forever be one of my favorite things in the world to capture, but it's pretty blah to shoot for sunset. No matter where you shoot in Tahoe this winter, you will likely run into overcast weather so keep that in mind while planning your composition. If the light is too dull your photos will look flat, but usually just the right amount of cloud coverage offers ideal lighting for shooting!
Find Unique Shapes + Textures
Icicles are aplenty this time of year, and there are impressive specimens all over Truckee right now. Just go explore and get inspired! Walk through downtown Truckee, shoot down at Truckee River, strap on some snowshoes and just head into the woods. If you're lucky you'll run into a bobcat or bald eagle!
Capture Ski Culture
I can still remember the very first time I stepped foot into the Village at Northstar California Resort several years ago. It was my first impression of "ski culture" and I still love observing Village life today. Grab a coffee and walk around for some of the best (and cutest) people watching ever!
Go Cabin Hunting
Take a drive up Old Highway 40 to Donner Summit and down to Soda Springs — aside from the gorgeous views, you’ll find Instagrammable cabins aplenty. Another great neighborhood is Tahoe Donner, which is fun to get lost in. Park at the top and snowshoe or cross country ski up to Hawk's Peak for a great view of the entire Truckee basin!
Dress The Part
Dialing your mountain look is key — if you're like me you don't want to be cold but you still want to look fashionable. The trick is layers. Invest in a good long insulated puffy jacket (shop Patagonia or The North Face in the Northstar Village if you forgot your jacket at home) and a colorful beanie. I love my Sorel's, the perfect mountain boot!
Snowshoe Donner Lake
An easy "hike" with incredible vantage points of the lake, snowshoeing around Donner is one of the easiest ways to access the Tahoe basin. With no elevation gain, don't think of this as a form of exercise but more-so a great way to just simply be outside and enjoy Mother Nature!
Enjoy your Tahoe adventure, and make sure to tag me in your photos so I can take a peek!
Please note: I am a paid ambassador with Northstar California Resort this winter season. All opinions expressed are my own.