Hi! I am Michele and I am a local photographer in Breckenridge, Colorado. I actually live in Blue River at 10,000 feet! So lots of snow and moose in our yard. 

I have lived in Colorado for over 10 years now. We love it here and never plan on leaving. My family has a love for the mountains so we moved to Summit County in 2019 after living in Denver. We made our dream come true. We feel very fortunate to call Summit County our home. 

I love to run, bike, hike, ski, snowshoe, and cross country ski. I am also a travel freak. I love to travel, especially internationally. My husband and I have been fortunate enough to travel through most of Europe, Costa Rica, and Thailand. I have loved all of our travels, but Iceland has a special place in my heart. 

I decided in 2012 to focus on kids and family photography. Michele Schanker Photography focuses on getting the more traditional pictures looking at the camera as well as the candid pictures of families interacting or kids playing. I consider myself as a "true color" photographer.  To get a true idea of how a session with me looks, check out my blog. 

Whether you are a summit county local or here on vacation please feel free to contact me to discuss your photography desires. I will help come up with suggestions on the best locations for you based on the background that you desire. 

If you are looking for micro weddings, elopements, etc...I do offer them on a very occasional basis. I just don't take on large weddings. Contact me if you would like to discuss further. michele@micheleschankerphotography.com. Think an elopment with close family at an a rental or gorgeous mountain backdrop. 

Michele Schanker Photography believes in offering both short and long sessions for off slope photography sessions! I have found that lots of families are fine with short sessions on their vacations. I get it! It's vacation, and people want to be off having fun and adventures.

All short sessions take places in Breckenridge or Blue River. We will work with you to help determine a good location based on what you desire for your portrait background. All sessions include a print release. 
 

Short sessions are 30 minutes long and are for individual families. These can not be accomplished for extended families. There just is not enough time to get all the groupings in. 

Short session packages are as follows

1. 30 minute session with 10 digital images is $210

2. 30 minute session with 20 digital images is $325

3. 30 minute session with the entire gallery is $460

Long Sessions are an hour long. These are designed for families that want a longer session or extended families. 

Long session packages are as follows:

1. 1 hour session with 15 digital images is $350

2. 1 hour session with 30 digital images is $495

3. 1 hour sessions with the entire gallery and a 20 page photobook is $675

Hot Cocoa Sessions

These sessions are great if you just want a few pictures of your kids in the snow. I have some white mugs I can bring with me and we will put marshmallows in them to look like hot cooca. If you don't feel comfortable with me providing the mugs or marshmallows, then bring your own. These are very short and simple sessions. If you are wanting pictures of your kids in the snow but not wanting to do a family session, this is perfect! Time estimate is about 10 minutes for no more than 2 kids. If you have more then 2 kids then it may take longer, feel free to contact me for more information. 

Cost is $99 and you will get 5 digital images

Hiking Sessions

Does your family enjoy hiking? I am familiar with some very short hikes in the Blue River/ Breckenridge area. These hikes are about 1-1.5 miles long. We can take some time to hike out, capture some pictures on the way and then do a family session at our final destination. If this is something you are interested in please contact me at michele@micheleschankerphotography.com

These sessions start at $425. 

On Slope Skiing Sessions

New for this year, I want to start offering some on mountain skiing sessions. I have epic pass and an Arapahoe Basin pass. So I can meet you at Breckenridge, Keystone, or A Basin to capture some on mountain skiing/boarding pictures. These sessions will last 60-90 minutes. We will take a few runs, in which I will capture some actions shots, some top of the mountain shots, and on the lift shots! Maybe we can even capture some hot cocoa pictures by the fire if time allows. Yes I can also do Vail and Beaver Creek (but due to distance and parking, I do have to add on a travel fee). 

These sessions will start at $425. Please email us for packages for on slope sessions michele@micheleschankerphotography.com

Weddings/Engagements/Elopements

I get asked sometimes if I do weddings, engagements or elopements. I do have experience with weddings and engagements. However, years ago I decided to focus on families and kids.  I am open to doing some micro weddings, elopements, and engagements.  So if you fall into this category then please email me for further pricing information. michele@micheleschankerphotography.com