Short access locations for your photoshoot

Intro

I'm thrilled at the opportunity to plan your session. I can't wait to bring your vision to life! Choosing a location for your shoot is so important. I recommend to look into these locations, picture the colors with your outfits, how they will look printed on your walls and fit within your style and vision.

This guide will help you find the right location for your session, and if you need more help like planning a timeline or vendors, I'm ready to get those for you too!

Locations around Kananaskis

Barrier Lake

Very accessible by vehicle, and is not far off of highway 1 down highway 40. There is a lot of shoreline here too, and it is a popular spot for water sports such as canoeing and paddle boarding. However, if you walk further down the shore, you can find some quieter spots for your photoshoot or ceremony. It can be windy, so be prepared!

Pros:

1. The area around Barrier Lake offers a variety of settings for different types of photos, from lakeside shots to forested areas, allowing for diverse and unique compositions.
2. Compared to more popular tourist spots like Banff or Lake Louise, Barrier Lake tends to be less crowded, providing more privacy and space for your photoshoot.

Cons:

1. Barrier Lake is located in a more remote area, so amenities like restrooms or food options may be limited, requiring proper planning and preparation.

Spray Lakes

There are many spots to stop, and lots of unique scenery and viewpoints. One of my favorite ways to use Spray Lakes for an elopement ceremony is after a sunrise hike. Some clients like to have photos taken on the summit for sunrise, and then come down and have an intimate ceremony with family on the shore of Spray Lakes. The many viewpoints along the road are great for this!

Pros:

1. Spray Lakes offers jaw-dropping mountain vistas and endless beaches, setting the stage for stunning photos that capture the essence of the Canadian Rockies.
2. Unlike more touristy spots, Spray Lakes is peaceful and quiet, creating a relaxed atmosphere for your photoshoot without the hustle and bustle of crowds.

Cons:

1. Being in the mountains means weather can change unexpectedly. Prepare for possible shifts in lighting and conditions during your shoot.
2. Spray Lakes is tucked away, so plan for transportation and pack essentials like snacks and drinks since amenities are very limited nearby.

Upper Kananaskis Lake

It's easily accessible for everyone, including elderly folks like grandparents. You can drive right up and take a short walk to the shore. Depending on the season, you can hike to the island for unique photos. If the main area is busy, just walk further down the shoreline. The stunning lake color and mountain backdrop are perfect for portraits, though it can get crowded on weekends or hot summer days.

Pros:

1. Upper Kananaskis Lake offers a distinct Rocky Mountain backdrop, showcasing rugged peaks and alpine scenery that's perfect for capturing the essence of the region.
2. The area around Upper Kananaskis Lake is known for wildlife sightings, offering potential opportunities to incorporate nature and wildlife into your photoshoot.

Cons:

1. Access to Upper Kananaskis Lake may be limited during certain seasons due to road closures or park regulations, so plan your shoot accordingly.
2. Being in the mountains, weather at Upper Kananaskis Lake can change rapidly. Prepare for potential weather shifts impacting your shoot.

Locations around Banff

Lake Minnewanka

You can reach the lakeshore in just a 2-minute walk from the parking lot! Although many visitors stay close to this area, there are plenty of uncrowded trails and shorelines waiting to be explored. Whether the lake is vibrant blue in summer or frozen in winter, Lake Minnewanka offers stunning views with its backdrop of Canadian Rockies' mountains.

Pros:

1. Easy accessibility, especially if you’re getting married in Banff and wish for a photo location with a big impact.
2. Suitable for individuals of all abilities. The landscape is gradual, and you can access many locations without needing to go off-road or hike steep terrain.
3. Lake Minnewanka has significantly fewer tourists during the winter season, allowing for more intimate and secluded photoshoots.

Cons:

1. Lake Minnewanka experiences high levels of congestion during the summer months, resulting in busy surroundings and potential delays/parking lot closures. Weekend dates during warm weather months at Lake Minnewanka require much planning and strategy.
2. Wind gusts can come across the lake are a usual occurrence, which can make styling/hair/posing a challenge, as well as make it very chilly.

Two Jack Lake

Just 15 minutes from Banff, Two Jack Lake is perfect for portraits with no hiking needed. Ideal year-round, it's great for winter ice skating photos. Surrounded by lush forest, it offers diverse views both lakeside and from the road above.

Pros:

1. Versatile throughout the seasons – this location is perfect for winter or summer weather.
2. Convenient location – accessed easily off the main road. No hiking is necessary.

Cons:

1. As any popular location easily accessed in Banff National Park, be prepared to potentially navigate other tourists and traffic.
2. Cold wind blowing across the frozen lake in winter months can bring extra chill, so wear layers!

Locations around Lake Louise

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is perfect for couple photos, with its stunning green and aqua-blue waters and peaceful atmosphere. It's less crowded than Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, and a quick 5-minute walk leads to a secluded spot for intimate portraits. Nearby, the Natural Bridge offers more scenic views and fewer tourists. Plus, renting a canoe here is easier than at other lakes. It's our top pick in Banff!

Pros:

1. A breathtaking aqua-blue lake with a stunning mountain backdrop.
2. Portraits here pair very well, logistically, when staying at Emerald Lake Lodge.
3. Even during the peak season, approximately 90% of the trail encircling the lake remains unoccupied and available for your photo session.

Cons:

1. The area surrounding the main bridge can become overwhelmingly crowded.
2. It is located ~half an hour further west of Lake Louise, and the road conditions during winter can be somewhat unpredictable. (Especially when considering a round trip back on the same day.)
3. The parking lot is much smaller than Lake Minnewanka and tends to experience higher volumes of visitors during the summer months, so you may be walking a little further to the trailhead.

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake, with its stunning turquoise waters and towering peaks, is a natural wonder perfect for portraits. Its breathtaking scenery, especially in summer, offers an unrivaled backdrop. Due to its popularity, access is limited to pre-booked shuttles and lodge guests, so plan your visit well in advance.

Pros:

1. Undoubtedly the most awe-inspiring, iconic location for photography is within the Banff National Park.
2. All photography vistas and viewpoints are located within close proximity of each other.

Cons:

1. Moraine Lake attracts a large number of international visitors, so be prepared for onlookers.
2. Due to limited space for parking, you must shuttle up to Moraine Lake (unless you’re a lodge guest!). The shuttle schedules don’t work well with the best session time windows for light/sunset.
3. Mobility is required to hike up to the most well-known, iconic viewpoint. It’s not a long hike but requires some effort.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a top spot for stunning portraits, with its emerald-green lake and snow-capped mountains creating a postcard-perfect backdrop. However, it can be crowded year-round, so discuss logistics with your photographer to navigate the tourists. Parking is often full early, so plan to shuttle in from a nearby lot.

Pros:

1. The scenery is breathtaking year-round, whether it’s the vibrant summer landscape or the magical winter wonderland. In the winter, you can walk out on the frozen lake and enjoy ice sculptures on display from Chateau Lake Louise. In the summer, you can book a classic red canoe to incorporate into your portraits.
2. The proximity of the hotel offers convenient access for warming up following your photo session, or for post-session drinks and cuisine. While currently under construction, Chateau Lake Louise will also offer an upgraded spa experience, to make a relaxing weekend of your session or wedding.

Cons:

1. Lake Louise experiences high levels of congestion all year round. To avoid crowds, it’s advisable to arrive very early or late. Alternatively, you can explore different areas around the lake, where the number of visitors decreases significantly.
2. The parking lot fills up quickly in the summer, making it challenging to find a parking spot directly at Lake Louise. The alternate option of using a shuttle bus may not be ideal for a wedding or portrait session.
3. Lighting for portraits can be a challenge at Lake Louise. In the morning, the glacier tends to be well-lit while the rest of the lake remains in shade. The weather at Lake Louise is also notoriously unpredictable, and clouds often obscure the glacier at the back, affecting the overall ambiance.

Locations on the Icefield Parkway

Bow Lake

Bow Lake offers stunning turquoise waters and panoramic mountain views. It's a great spot for couples seeking a less crowded location. Except for the main shoreline, it's usually secluded—just be ready for unpredictable gusts of wind.

Pros:

1. The landscape at Bow Lake is absolutely stunning, providing a picturesque backdrop for your photos. If you’re hoping to print large-scale portraits from your session, this view is a timeless classic one.
2. The proximity of the lake to the road makes it easily accessible, even when wearing a wedding dress and heels. In addition, unlike some of the more popular tourist spots closer to Banff, Bow Lake tends to be quieter and less crowded in general.

Cons:

1. It’s important to watch your step as the grass around the lake can be boggy in certain areas.
2. The weather at Bow Lake can be unpredictable, and it can be disappointing to travel a long way only to encounter unfavorable conditions. (ie. wind)
3. Winter shots from this location may lack the vibrant blue color of the lake because of snow coverage on ice, resulting in a slightly subdued atmosphere.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is a stunning turquoise gem in Banff National Park, perfect for sunset photos. Its unique position often results in unexpected breaks in the weather, making it worth a visit even if conditions seem rough. The lake is easy to access, with varying levels of hikes to different viewpoints.

Pros:

1. Fewer visitors venture this far, resulting in a more intimate experience with fewer photo bombers.
2. By hiking a little further on smaller trails, you can reach secluded spots away from tourist crowds.

Cons:

1. If the weather isn’t great, it can be disheartening to drive the long distance.
2. In winter months, you should be prepared for any/all weather and hiking situations.
3. The wind at Peyto Lake can be piercingly cold, so be sure to dress in layers to keep warm between shots.

So stoked!

All of these locations are great, they are not listed in order of greatness!! You cannot go wrong at all! If non of these spots feel right, we can search some more, don't worry.

Next steps

1. Pick your favorite spot!
2. Let me know if you need other recommendations for vendors or things to do in the area.
3. Let me know if you want sunrise or sunset, and I'll get a timeline created :)

Can't wait to chat soon!

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