Commercial Photography in Salida: Alpine Park for Century 21

I recently finished a commercial photography project for Century 21 in Salida, Colorado, creating a collection of 52 images across Salida and its sister city to the north, Buena Vista. The goal was to highlight the landmarks, community spaces, and everyday character of these mountain towns for use in the brand’s long-term marketing.

To kick things off, I’m featuring Alpine Park in downtown Salida. Since these images were created for commercial use, it was important to capture the vibrancy of the space without showing any identifiable faces. My drone gave me the perfect solution — allowing me to frame the park from a distance while still keeping people present in the scene.

And sometimes, the best moments can’t be planned. On this morning, a group of kids happened to be in the park before school. Boys were playing on the basketball court and girls were swinging, both right in the pocket of morning light. Their presence brings energy and life to the photo. Without them, it’s just a pretty scene, but with them, it becomes a story.