The great salt lake
The experience
Join us for an unforgettable evening creating aerial art in one of Utah's most surreal landscapes. The Great Salt Lake offers an otherworldly backdrop unlike anywhere else. Depending on conditions, the water may take on a soft pink tint, and if we're lucky enough to have little to no wind, we may also have the opportunity to capture stunning reflections across the water's surface.
Because of the unique logistics involved, this is a concept we may not offer again for a long time—or ever.
Session details
-Saturday evening, August 8
-$200 per aerialist
-15 professionally retouched images
- Limited to 4-6 aerialists
-5:30pm call time
Apparatuses provided:
- 36" black taped lyra
- Light pink aerial silks with short tails
Please plan to be on location for approximately four hours. While the actual photography will total about two hours, divided as evenly as possible between all participating aerialists, the additional time is necessary for setup, teardown, and allowing the water to settle between sets for the possibility of reflections.
Working together
At Red Fox Photo, we typically have everything set up before clients arrive so you can simply enjoy your session. This photoshoot is a little different.
To keep the aerial rig and equipment safely out of the water, we'll need everyone's help during setup and teardown. Working together is what makes this unique experience possible, and we greatly appreciate everyone's willingness to pitch in.
Planning your skills
The shallow water makes this an incredible location for low, artistic movement. Plan skills and poses that stay close to the water or salt surface—creating the illusion that you're almost touching it.
The silks will feature short tails to help minimize the amount of fabric entering the lake. While this limits some skills, it allows us to preserve the beauty of the fabric throughout the evening.
wardrobe
We recommend:
- Black
- White
- Pastels
If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to wear those dreamy pastel costumes, this is it. Public decency laws apply.
What to bring
The Great Salt Lake is absolutely beautiful—but we'd also like to be transparent about the experience.
You'll encounter:
- A noticeable sulfur smell.
- Plenty of bugs, especially around sunset.
- Sharp salt beneath your feet.
We recommend bringing:
- BUG SPRAY
- Waterproof boots for walking in the lake during setup and teardown.
- Flip-flops or sandals to change into before and after your time on the rig.
- Plenty of fresh water to rinse off at the end of the evening. Like jugs of water. Gallons.
There is a restroom nearby, but no running water, so bringing your own rinse water is essential.
getting there
This location is about an hour away from SLC. The final stretch to the lake is approximately 8 miles of dirt road. A high-clearance vehicle is required to safely reach the location.
final notes
This is more than a photoshoot—it's an adventure. It takes a little extra effort from everyone involved, but the opportunity to create aerial images in one of Utah's most extraordinary landscapes is well worth it.
I'm excited to create something truly unique with a small group and can't wait to see what we make together.
FAQs
How are photos chosen?
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 of 15 photos to be professionally retouched. Want us to make the selection? No worries. If no selection has been made after 7 days we will curate a selection for you.
How many poses should I have prepared?
Each portrait session is approximately 15-20 minutes, allowing you ample time to perform at your best while keeping the evening running seamlessly for everyone.
We recommend preparing at least five favorite skills or poses before your session. There's no downside to practicing additional options as well—having a variety gives us flexibility if you'd like to try different angles or compositions.
We suggest beginning with the skills that are most important to you or those that require the greatest amount of strength and endurance. Capturing your priority poses while you're fresh helps ensure a refined collection of images you'll treasure. If time allows, we'll continue exploring additional skills to create an even more diverse gallery.
Can I do a costume change?
It's fun having some variety! If wind are low we'll have a changing tent available but if not the site's restroom won't be far.
Can I bring a friend with me?
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.
How about taking my own photos not on the rig?
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 anytime and anywhere.
Is the smell really that bad?
Yes girl. Don't say I didn't warn you.
I am unable to utilize bug repellant. Could i get by without it?
I don't recommend it. If you look closely, there are small black dots on the water. That's not image grain or a dirty lens, those are bugs. Dead bugs, but bugs never the less. Your experience will be far more enjoyable with repellant.
