When is it ever not a fun time with Ellaa Bellaa? We’re a duo to be reckoned with—always on the move, always seeking the next great shot, and always finding a way to have fun. Our adventures are filled with jokes, attitude, and unforgettable moments. This time, we took our creative energy to Sequoia National Park, hoping to capture stunning imagery in the snow.

Chasing the Snow in Sequoia National Park

We started the day with a group of friends, exploring different spots and snapping photos, but something felt missing. We weren’t sure if we’d find the snow we were hoping for, and our first location was just okay. No one else in the group wanted to venture further, claiming it was too risky. But for us, that only meant one thing: we had to go for it.

Packing our gear, we hopped in the car and started the climb toward the mountains. The biggest concern? Park rangers turning us around for not having tire chains. Luckily, we found a spot early on, just as the sun was starting to dip below the horizon.

Braving the Cold for the Perfect Shot

Ellaa, as fearless as ever, stepped out of the car—nearly flashing passing cars with her voluptuous curves while battling the freezing temperatures. The icy wind hit immediately, and I worried she’d turn into a popsicle before we even got the shot. Her legs were turning red from the cold, but she didn’t hesitate—she owned the moment.

The sun was disappearing fast, the golden hour fading into blue, and we knew we had to work quickly. Every shot was worth it. The setting, the atmosphere, and Ellaa’s confidence made this impromptu snow adventure one of the most exhilarating shoots we’ve done yet.

The Takeaway: Just Go for It

Looking back, we have zero regrets. Sometimes, the best experiences come from pushing forward, despite hesitation or obstacles. This shoot wasn’t just about the photos; it was about the adventure, the risk, and the undeniable chemistry between photographer and model.

Working with bold, fearless models like Ellaa Bellaa always makes for an incredible experience. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned? When in doubt—just go for it.

Booking and Packages

Camera & Lenses Used

Camera: Canon EOS R
Lenses: Canon 24-70mm & Canon 70-200mm

Lighting Challenges & Adjustments

When you're in the mountains, the sun disappears fast—even faster than you expect. The mix of deep shadows and reflective snow can quickly cast a cold, blue tint over your images, making it tricky to maintain warmth. I had my white balance set for an evening feel, keeping it warm, but even then, I had to boost the warmth further in post-production after reviewing the shots on my monitor.

Shooting on the Fly – Working Without Big Lights

As I’ve said before, you can’t let an opportunity slip away just because you don’t have all your gear with you. Sometimes, you have to work with what’s available. While I love my studio lighting setups, setting them up in freezing conditions with a model in a revealing outfit wasn’t ideal. Instead, I leaned into my Canon 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses, both of which delivered sharp, crisp images while allowing me to shoot efficiently in natural light.

Focusing on Texture & Composition

One of my favorite things about this shoot—other than working with Ellaa Bellaa—was the silver texture of her outfit. It caught the light in a way that demanded attention. For once, I wasn’t just focused on my usual elements—I wanted those tiny silver straps to stand out. Every pose and angle was chosen to emphasize the outfit’s detail while still complementing Ellaa’s presence.

Cold Weather Shooting Tips

Shooting in the snow, especially if you’re not used to it, comes with its own unique challenges. The cold can take a toll on both the model and the equipment, which is why I made sure to give Ellaa breaks to warm up in the car. By the end, her legs were turning red from irritation, a clear reminder that timing is everything in extreme conditions.

If you're planning a snowy outdoor photoshoot, keep these tips in mind:
✅ Time Your Shoot Carefully – Expect to lose sunlight around 4 PM, so aim to start around 1 PM to maximize daylight. However, depending on which side of the mountain you're on, towering trees can block the light earlier than expected. Arrive early to scope out the location.
✅ White Balance Matters – Snow reflects blue tones, so adjust your white balance accordingly to keep your shots from looking too cold.
✅ Quick Setups are Key – If you don’t have time for big lights, make the most of natural light and fast lenses to capture the best results.

Shooting in the snow is always worth it—as long as you prepare for the elements.

Snow Adventure with the amazing Ellaa Bella - Sequoia National Park