Let’s talk about sports photography! Are you as excited for the Winter Olympics as I am? Every few years we’re introduced to the greatest athletes in the world. We watch in awe of their talent and learn the stories of triumph and tragedy that lead to that Olympic moment—moments that are gone in a heart beat, but captured forever on film.

Now, if there’s one thing to know about me, it’s this: I am genuinely fascinated by people. I find such beauty in human connection and the stories that people share. It’s why I became a photographer! The opportunity to use my artistic talent to document stories of love, family, and celebration is a dream come true. And while I get to capture you and your story, it’s also important that you feel comfortable with the face behind the lens. So let me tell you some of MY story… and shed some light on my Olympic excitement and passion for sports photography.

I’ve been fortunate enough to live in some awesome places.

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. First I went east, attending college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, before heading west in Colorado Springs, where I now live with my husband, Mike, and our dog, Cooper. Mike is a University of Michigan alum (Go Blue!) who is serving our country in the U.S. Air Force. I couldn’t be more proud! Together we love to spend time with family and friends, have regular game nights, and cook amazing cuisine. (Let’s not kid ourselves, Mike does much more of the cooking than me.) Then there’s Cooper, the adorable addition to our family. He’s a sweet little shepherd/Lab rescue, who hates toys but loves to sing.

Beyond that, it’d be hard to introduce myself without talking about the sport that helped shape me: figure skating. Skating was my first love (sorry, Mike). I started when I was four years old, and five years later, discovered synchronized skating. Synchronized skating is a beautiful, elegant, and complex sport with 16-20 skaters moving in unison across the ice, creating different shapes and forms with remarkable speed and complex turns. Thirteen seasons later, I had fulfilled many lifelong dreams being a part of an extraordinary and unique sport. I loved the spotlight and having my photo taken, but I really loved the feeling I got from being a part of a team and a community.

Here’s where my two passions work in perfect harmony:

Photography and figure skating… All the facets of my heart working together to create a knowledgeable skillset in sports photography. As a former competitive skater, I know how to work with tough lighting. I can anticipate which highlights are coming next, and find the perfect angles to capture your technique. And much like the athletes we’re all gearing up to cheer on, you can let my artistry and experience help tell YOUR unique story.

I can even lace up my skates and get on the ice to capture both action and portrait photos. I can come with ideas, but recommend that athletes think of the things they want photographed in advance (since everyone’s abilities are different).

If teams are looking for an all-encompassing package of both individual and team portraits, we can make it a full media day. I’ll spend the time with your team to capture action shots and portraits, both of the team and individuals. Adding a sports photography component is a perfect addition for showcases, boot camp weekends, exhibitions or any other event your organization would like to capture. (Who knows, maybe these images will even flash across our televisions as the broadcasters tell your story one day!) 

Believe me, I get it. There’s so much about booking a photo session that can feel daunting, from finding the right photographer to feeling awkward in front of the camera. There’s a lot to think about! I’m here to make it easy and comfortable. I come from Wisconsin, where we value hard work, connection, and trust. I’ll work hard for you—not only in beautifully documenting your story, but also in making sure that you have a great experience, be it commemorating your graduation, celebrating your engagement, capturing your wedding or working together in sports photography.

My goal is to arrive on site feeling like old friends. We’ll spend time getting to know each other before your shoot so we arrive on site feeling like old friends. I’ll come armed with prompts and strategies to make you feel so comfortable, you’ll forget I’m even there! And, I’ll cut back on any post-shoot anxieties with a guaranteed photo preview within 24-48 hours after your shoot.

You can check out information on my figure skating photography packages, including team media days, portrait sessions and custom photo books here, and follow my sports photography account on Instagram @FigureSkatingPhotographer. Whatever your Olympic moment looks like, let’s capture the journey together!

It takes some location scouting and time to adjust to a new city before you really know the most scenic places. I moved to town in August 2015, and since then, I’ve continued to seek out the best places for graduate, family, couple, and wedding photography. For engagement sessions, locations that have highlight a beautiful sunrise or sunset, and space to move are desired. Family photo sessions typically go well when I’ve researched a spot that has a parking lot in close proximity to our photo destination. It saves us time on the commute and reduces the risk of kids running or tripping and getting their clothes dirty. 

From mountain views, canyons, ridges and rock formations, Colorado Springs views offer a unique type of scenery you just don’t see everywhere. Here are my top five favorite photographic locations in Colorado, Springs!

1.     Garden of the Gods

While it may be a touristy spot, it’s one of the best — and for good reason. The unique rock formations that are close to the mountains provide a classic Colorado Springs look. I’ve photographed many new families here, as well as visitors. One of the great things about photographing in Garden of the Gods is that the park is so big and offers a variety of locations. The longer I have lived here, the more I’ve change up where I like to go in the park. Some spots allow you to park and walk right out to a gorgeous view, whereas others require a 10–15-minute walk from the main parking lot to a specific destination within the park.

Tip: Always make sure you have the appropriate footwear for your photo session, especially if it includes walking. Read my tips for selecting the perfect photoshoot outfit.

2.     The Broadmoor

First, the hotel is absolutely gorgeous! Due to the property being only for guests, it’s important to check in first to see if you need a permit. If you can get onto the golf course for photos, the landscape is pristine. The Broadmoor is great for families or couples who are looking for a different type of view than mountains. 

3.     Palmer Park

I discovered this place when I started taking my dog, Cooper, to one of the best off-leash dog trails in the city. Palmer Park is a little quieter than Garden of the Gods, but still boasts amazing mountain views. If you’re looking for that dusty road, but more greens and blue than reds, this is the place for you. There are pockets within this large park that you can tuck away from the bikers, walkers, and runners, too!

4.     Cheyenne Mountain State Park

While this park does require a $7 parking admissions fee, the views are stunning, and it’s not too crowded. It’s important to note that some trails do not allow dogs, so for a city that is incredibly dog-friendly, be sure to check out the map so you know where you can take your furry friend. The views at Cheyenne Mountain State Park are the same mountains you get at Garden of the Gods, but the landscape tones are more blues and greens than reds. There are several pull-off spots within the park, so if you’re looking for a bit of variety within one location, this is the place to go!

 5.     Ute Valley Park

Ute Valley is a very popular places for family photo sessions. The parking is so close to the entrance of the park, making it an easy and accessible location. I’d describe the views to also be more greens and blue, but also cream-colored rocks. The good news is this park is so big as well. One of my latest couples took me to a “secret” spot that was just stunning! It was a five-minute walk from the parking lot and was a secluded spot where nobody was at. I encourage photographers to venture around and find those pockets that are less crowded, yet still special and beautiful, to take your clients. 

It’s hard to go wrong with any photographic locations in Colorado Springs. There is so much variety at each location that it’s hard to get bored with the scenery. If you are unfamiliar with the area, it’s always a good idea to location scout first. You’ll want to know the best places to park and where to possibly avoid foot traffic. And don’t be afraid of the weather! I’ve photographed at all of these locations, which are also wheelchair accessible, in sunshine, overcast, snow, and rain — it can surprise you how well the photos can turn out with some help from Mother Nature!

 Sarah Arnold of SArnold Photo is a portrait, engagement and wedding photographer located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.