The newest Adventure Park addition, Skywalk Challenge High Ropes. Photo: Kianna Sunshine.

Capturing the Magic of Blue

By Cara Williams | Photography by Kirsten Schollig and Kianna Sunshine

For photographers, Blue Mountain’s action-packed moments offer endless inspiration—each shot a chance to preserve the energy and adventure of every season.

When creative minds converge, something special happens. At Blue Mountain, the resort’s scenic trails, seasonal shifts, and vibrant village create an everchanging canvas that inspires a wide array of artists, from painters and writers to photographers and videographers. Whether capturing the stillness of a forest path, the hues of a sunset, or the energy of the Village, these creators find endless opportunities to tell a story.

Creators Kianna Sunshine, Brian Hunt, and Alexandra Ervin don’t just shoot at Blue Mountain—they bring it to life. Through their lenses, the resort’s shifting landscapes transform into cinematic scenes. Blue, after all, is more than a destination; it’s a playground for creativity. Kianna remembers her first assignment with a clear, vivid joy. “The marketing team is fantastic to work with—they bring such an upbeat, adventurous energy to every project. No two shoots are ever the same, and that sense of excitement keeps me coming back,” she says. For her, every task is a new adventure, a fresh challenge to capture the resort’s essence.

Brian, a veteran videographer at Blue Mountain since 2008, speaks to the thrill of working amidst nature’s raw beauty. “As somebody that loves outdoor adventure—snowboarding, biking, hiking—Blue is an amazing place to do work and capture things that I love,” he explains. His years at the resort have given him an intuitive understanding of its rhythm, and a knack for catching the perfect light.

Beachside campers at the Blue Mountain Private Beach. Photo: Kianna Sunshine.

Alexandra, who began working as production lead for photo and video shoots at Blue in June 2022, thrives on the everevolving scenery. “Things are always changing here at Blue, and I love getting to feature the same landscape with different elements every year,” she notes. Each season adds layers to the Resort’s portfolio, from a fresh, green hiking trail to a newly installed art piece. Her approach is reflective and personal, shaped by her daily connection to the Escarpment.

Of course, each photographer has their own “sweet spots”—those places that never fail to deliver the magic. For Kianna, it’s the iconic Blue sign framed by summer’s lush greenery or the postcard-perfect view from the pond, where the hill rises behind the charming village. Alexandra gravitates toward hidden gems like the Blue Mountain Beach, where summer afternoons involve paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and laid-back relaxation. Meanwhile, Brian enjoys the challenge of reaching those harder-to-access viewpoints: the stunning lookouts just off the gondola, where a steep hike rewards you with a breathtaking vista.

But even the most picturesque locations come with hurdles. The professionals all point to one formidable foe: the weather. “Weather is my biggest challenge,” Alexandra admits. “Checking the forecast is almost my full-time job now. Rain dates can be tough to navigate, and temperature and wind also factor in.”Brian echoes the sentiment: “Sometimes the lighting is perfect, and then a storm rolls in.” Still, they’ve learned to adapt. That need to think on their feet (or skis) often leads to the most unexpected and striking images.

Preparation is everything. Before the shutter clicks, a flurry of behind-the-scenes work ensures the shoot runs smoothly. “Photoshoot days are always a blast, but they’re a team effort,” Alexandra explains. Coordinating with resort staff, securing access to locations, and setting up models are just a few steps in the intricate process. In one memorable session, she climbed the Lumber Lanes Climbing wall to position herself for the perfect shot, hanging suspended for minutes at a time. The result? A dynamic campaign image that made every muscle-burning second worth it.

The Columbia lookout on the Sticks & Stones hiking trail. Photo: Kirsten Schollig.

Capturing action—whether it’s a family atop the Canopy Climb nets, or a couple laughing on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster—requires not only technical skill but also a deep connection to the subject. “It’s all about anticipation,” Kianna says. “I focus on the energy of the moment.” Brian finds that working closely with athletes helps him nail the timing, while Alexandra prioritizes emotion. “Without showing the feeling of that activity, it’s just another action shot,” she explains.

Each photographer brings their own artistic vision. Kianna’s style is authentic and vibrant, marked by natural colours and a sense of adventure. Alexandra leans into Blue Mountain’s brand identity— “Amplified Nostalgia”—to evoke fun, friendliness, and uniqueness. “I want them to feel nostalgia, excitement, and wonder,” Kianna says, summing up the emotional connection she hopes to create.

Looking ahead, the trio remains inspired by Blue Mountain’s infinite potential. Kianna dreams of the ultimate summer adventure shot, while Brian envisions a sunrise drone photo capturing paddleboarders in motion. Alexandra, ever the romantic, has a dream shot she calls the “fireworks in a child’s eyes,” a dazzling moment over the mountain that captures the magic of Blue.

At its core, their work reflects the spirit of Blue Mountain: a place of endless exploration, where the seasons bring new stories and the possibilities are as boundless as their creativity. E