soaring sands
MAY 30 & 31
Step onto the dunes
Join us for an aerial photoshoot experience set against the stark beauty of Little Sahara the evenings of May 30th and May 31st.
— $200 total | $100 retainer due upon booking to reserve spot
— 15 minute time slot
— 15 professionally retouched photos of your choosing
Choose from a black-taped 40" lyra, low stretch blush silk, light blue hammock, or teal aerial straps/loops.
Depending on apparatus demand, aerialists will rotate with others sharing the same apparatus in 5 minute increments.
To enter the state park a $18 fee applies to each car (I recommend bringing cash and carpool with your friends).
Please give our FAQs and tips and tricks listed below a read before registering. Once the form is sent, availability will be confirmed, and a contract and payment link will follow to secure your spot.
Spots are limited—don't miss your moment on the sand.
FAQs
The fit of a costume can make or break your photos. I highly recommend wearing your costume to an open gym to make sure it's flattering and functional in all of your desired shapes. We're shooting in public so we're adhering to public decency laws. If you like to "live on the edge", its time to invest in fashion tape. Better safe than sorry, yeah?
We don't believe in color policing around these parts, but if you're looking for some gentle direction, we recommend dressing in colors that can be found in nature to be in harmony with the landscape or on the opposite end of the spectrum, something that contrasts to make you stand out. I'm more than happy to sent my desert Pinterest board and consult on any costuming questions; please reach out!
Apparatuses will be photographed in the following order: lyra, hammock, straps / loops, and silks. The first group will start in the afternoon and end at sundown. Time slots will be assigned once registration has closed and a schedule has been finalized.
Yes, if you're wanting to be photographed on multiple apparatuses from what is listed above, we ask that you book two sessions. A 20% off code will be provided that will apply to your second booking, simply fill out the registration form twice. A single session's time cannot be split between two apparatuses.
Please do! In fact, I recommend it. Having another person in your corner who can help read off your move list if you forget and join in on hyping you up can be a great addition. Just a reminder though that only registered participants will be in front of the lens.
Early please. I recommend making a day of this. Once you have your time slot has been assigned, please plan to be early enough to be fully warm, stretched, and changed before your time slot begins. On top of that, please plan for locating somewhere you've never been and additional time for locating the rig. The dunes are constantly changing and we will be setting up the rig within a quarter mile of the provided pin. If you're late or worse miss your time slot completely, there will unfortunately be no reimbursement or squeezing you in as the schedule is tight. So please be early and hang out with us!
It's fun having some variety! Just know that your 15 minutes does not pause for outfit changes or adjustments. If you're a quick changer and don't mind the time loss, go right on ahead! If the wind is low we will have a changing tent, but it doesn't hurt to have a friend with a blanket on standby. A great way to optimize your time and options is for you and some friends to sign up for the same apparatus and rotate in 5 minute increments. While another aerialist is in the air you can change with little to no shooting time lost. So rope in your pals to optimize your experience!
An album with the proofs (unedited photos) will be sent your way through an emailed link within 72 hours of the shoot to make your selection. Want us to make the selection? No worries. If no selection has been made after 7 days we will make a selection for you. Having a hard time narrowing them down? No problem, additional edits are available for purchase at the cost of $10 per photograph. Also just a reminder that RAW files or unedited images are not distributed under any circumstance as they are not representative of our final product, standards, and branding.
These dunes have a handful of campsites with restrooms surrounding them. The dunes are ever changing so we can but up to a quarter mile away from them, so please take care of any business before the shoot (another reason to arrive early). Please note there is no electricity, WI-FI, and possibly no cell service so please plan accordingly. WI-FI can be found at The Little Sahara visitor center.
Please do! The rig is stationary so I hope you take advantage of other views in this unique landscape. As stated in the contract, all DSLR and mirrorless cameras are allowed on your person packed away in a bag but must not be out near or be shot in the direction of the rig. This also applies to any guest accompanying you. Polaroid photos and cell phone photos and videos are more than welcome.
Of course! From here we would schedule a private shoot on a different date and private shoot pricing would apply. You're more than welcome to split time and expenses with friends as you see fit and apparatus changes are unlimited.
What to bring
Must haves:
- Water
- Quick access footwear (sandals for example)
Highly recommended:
- Yoga mat (Don’t have one? We’ll have one you’re welcome to borrow for stretching.)
- Wet wipes - we're outdoors but the less dirty feet appear the better
- Grip aid - it's summer and sweat can be a menace
- Backup costume (this sport is rough on costumes, best to have something else incase of a rip or tear)
Optional:
- Snacks
- Electrolyte drink
- Grip Aid
- Bug spray
- Entertainment, books or games
- Lawn chair or other device to sit on
- Jacket, blanket, sweats, or coat (Utah mountain weather can change in an instant, doesn’t hurt to have something warm even if it just stays in your car. Be prepared for high winds.)
- Touch up cosmetics and hair maintenance tools (If you intend to wear your hair down (for those with long hair), have a backup plan for quickly styling it into an updo if the weather turns excessively windy.)
- Portable Charging Block (All the cool behind the scene videos you’ll take can drain that phone battery pretty quick.)
- Deodorant
- Change of clothes for adventuring or the ride home
- Sunscreen
skills
Skills, moves, tricks, poses, whatever you call them, they're not all made equal when it comes to still photography. Here are a few questions to ask yourself concerning your move set.
- Can I hold this skill for 10 seconds or longer?
- Is this a familiar skill I've executed well numerous times?
- Have I recorded myself in this skill and find it flattering on me when I play it back and pause?
- Will this skill work with and flatter the costume I'm wearing? (*cough* going upside down in skirts *cough*)
- Am I demonstrating clean lines in this skill?
- Is this skill at least one level below my current training level?
- Is this pose time efficient to get in and out of?
- Is my face relaxed in this skill (no popping forehead vein)? Is the fear behind my eyes concealed?
If your answer to any of these was "no", consider scrapping it. I see it over and over again: an aerialist spends so much of their shoot time attempting to execute a new or complex skill. They get their proofs back and end up wishing they invested more time into simple wraps where they could have rested and demonstrated clean lines. Additionally, drops and spins are typically better suited for video.
Even the most experienced aerialists can forget a skill they prepared once they get in the air. This is why I highly recommend making a physical list of your favorite moves for a friend to read off if needed. Literally write them down (this will help you remember as well); nothing is worse than losing your endurance in the air while yelling your iPhone password to whoever is on the ground.
Tips and tricks
Whether this is your first shoot or you're a photoshoot veteran, here are a few tips to get the most out of our time together.
1. Stay in Your Best Light.
Good lighting makes all the difference. Think of the key light like a showerhead—your face should always be in the "water" for the best glow. Not sure where to be? We’ll guide you. If a pose takes you out of the "golden zone", no worries—just come down, and we’ll make small adjustments to get it right.
2. Self-Care.
Set yourself up for success—get a full night’s sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Taking care of your body will help you look and feel your best.
3. Warm Up First.
A proper warm-up prevents injury and helps you show off your full flexibility and control. Take the time to prepare before stepping into the spotlight.
4. Bring a List.
Sometimes when we’re caught up in the shoot we can forget our next skill. Write out your favorite combos, ranking them in order of preference so we can prioritize your favorite skills first. Having a physical list behind the scenes to refer to can help keep you on track.
5. Exhale through the Lips.
A good smile is a timeless classic but if you're looking for some variety a slightly parted mouth can add a natural touch to your photos. If you have difficulty relaxing your mouth or lips, try gently exhaling through them. Also, remember to breathe regularly during your session to avoid holding tension in your body and face, as it shows on camera.
6. Simplify.
The camera favors simplicity. Instead of complex combos I’d personally opt for tried and true basics you know you can hold for longer periods of time with clean lines.
7. Familiar Skills.
Photo day isn’t the best time to experiment with new tricks. Learning on set takes up valuable time, and any uncertainty will show in your expression. Choose skills you feel confident in to ensure clean lines and a polished look.
8. Mind Your Hands and Feet.
Beautiful lines don’t stop at your body—engage your fingers and toes! Avoid "dead hands" or flexed feet unless it's an intentional artistic choice.
9. Details.
If you’re one to wear nail polish, I’d recommend a fresh manicure. Nails are one of those small details that can really pull the eye if not uniform.
Check your wrists! I'm talking about hair-ties and watches. Again, small details that can draw the eye. We can have one nearby but let’s avoid having it in the shot.
Sock lines - you don't like seeing them and I equally don't love editing them. Make sure you don't sleep in socks the night before and give your skin some time to breath while you warm up.
10. Have Fun!
Aerial and circus arts are passions worth celebrating, and all your hard work deserves to be captured. Relax, enjoy the moment, and soak it all in. Can't wait to shoot with you!
Have any other questions? I'm happy to help. Send me a social media DM or drop me an email at nat@refoxphoto.co and let's chat.
