Business Details
7 Years
experience
Family & Adventure Photography in Breckenridge, CO
Michele Schanker Photography was founded by Michele Schanker, a former aerospace engineer turned professional photographer, who brings over 14 years of Colorado residency and intimate knowledge of Summit County's landscapes to her work. Transitioning from a technical career in space sciences, Michele established her photography business to specialize in capturing authentic family moments, children's milestones, and adventurous outdoor sessions. Her expertise extends to creating both posed and candid imagery that reflects the dynamic lifestyles of her clients, with a distinct 'true color' editing style that emphasizes natural tones.The business caters to both local residents and vacationers seeking professional photography in Colorado's high country, offering tailored location recommendations based on seasonal conditions and client preferences. Michele's background as an avid outdoor enthusiast informs her ability to navigate and photograph in challenging mountain environments, while her experience as a mother enhances her skill in engaging with children during sessions. The company maintains a strong focus on customer service, providing flexible session options, detailed preparation guidance, and post-session support to ensure client satisfaction.
Services
Family Portraits
Children's Photography
Adventure Sessions
Mountain Weddings
Proposal Coverage
Seasonal Mini Sessions
Location Guidance
Traveler Sessions
Outdoor Storytelling
Custom Albums
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- We offer 14 years of Colorado mountain photography expertise with local location knowledge
- Our 'true color' editing style preserves natural tones in all lighting conditions
- Specialized experience photographing children and managing outdoor challenges
- Flexible session options accommodate varying family sizes and time constraints
- Comprehensive preparation guidance for seasonal mountain photography success
Services
Family Portraits
Custom outdoor photography sessions for families in Summit County's scenic locations. Offering 30-minute and 60-minute options with flexible scheduling for vacationers and locals. Sessions include professional guidance for posing, location selection, and seasonal preparation to ensure optimal results in Colorado's mountain environment.
Adventure Sessions
Specialized outdoor photography for active families and individuals. Includes on-mountain skiing/snowboarding sessions, hiking photography, and other adventure-based shoots. Requires special equipment and expertise to capture dynamic action in challenging mountain conditions while maintaining image quality and safety.
Mini Sessions
Short-duration photography options for specific needs. Winter micro sessions (15 minutes) and hot cocoa sessions focus on quick family portraits with limited group sizes. Summer hiking sessions combine short hikes with photography at scenic destinations, ideal for active families.
Proposal Coverage
Discreet photography services for marriage proposals. Options include single-location sessions or multi-location shoots with creative storytelling elements. Includes planning assistance and strategic positioning to capture authentic emotional moments without interfering with the proposal experience.
Custom Albums
Professional-quality photo albums created from session images. Designed using premium materials through specialized photolabs, offering superior quality compared to consumer-grade printing services. Available as an add-on option with select session packages.
People
Michele Schanker
Photographer & Owner
Former aerospace engineer turned professional photographer with 14 years Colorado experience. Specializes in outdoor family photography, leveraging mountain expertise and technical background to create authentic images in challenging environments.
Questions
What outdoor photography locations do you recommend in Summit County?
I provide curated location lists for both winter and summer sessions, prioritizing scenic spots near Breckenridge while avoiding crowded areas like Sapphire Point parking lot.
How do you handle challenging mountain weather conditions?
I monitor weather forecasts closely and will contact clients to reschedule if necessary, offering flexible timing options to accommodate sudden weather changes.
What's your photography style and editing approach?
My style combines candid action shots with traditional posed portraits, using a 'true color' editing approach that maintains natural tones without dramatic filters.
Do you offer session packages for visiting vacationers?
Yes, I offer 30-minute and 60-minute session packages specifically designed for vacationers, with location recommendations based on your desired mountain backdrops.
How should families prepare for winter photography sessions?
I provide detailed preparation guides including clothing recommendations, layering strategies, and equipment suggestions like heated socks to ensure comfort during cold-weather sessions.
Can you accommodate large family groups?
For groups larger than 5-6 people, I recommend 60-minute sessions to allow sufficient time for multiple group combinations and location variations.
