I spent my career as an advertising and lifestyle photographer — Healthcare, Energy, Adventure, Retail, and Corporate — shooting from San Francisco, Austin, Denver, and New York. My style has always centered on natural-looking light, working collaboratively, and the creation and capture of true human moments.(example)
“People are still the most interesting part of the picture. Their ability to change fascinates me even more.”
These days, I divide my time between working as a PSIA-certified ski instructor at Vail and Beaver Creek and graduate school in Boulder, Colorado, studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. You could call it a third act, though I might just not be finished with the first one. I'm open to the right project, if one comes along.
A short collection of photographs that have stayed with me. Some because of the people, some because of the experience, and some simply because I still love the images.
Behind the scenes of an Invisible Fence shoot where the dogs stole every scene and the humans mostly held the leashes.
Started with stills. Grew into film. Produced with a larger creative team for a client willing to let the story lead.
No script. I drew out the message Healthcare Consultants wanted to share, set up the interviews, asked the questions, and cut it together myself: one photographer, one assistant, no crew, no pre-production. Just a clear message and a plan for finding it on camera.
A behind-the-scenes look at the work behind making a shoot feel effortless: the setup, the direction, and the moments before the moment.
“Sanford took every challenge we threw at him and made it work. With a limited timeline and a steadily growing shot list Sanford was still able to over deliver. I’d hire him again and again.”
“He listens, is inventive, creative and collaborative. He has built brands from his images and even years later people ask for them.”
“A total team player, Sanford is a photographer/videographer with a unique point of view who enables us to increase the value we provide to our clients.”
“Not only is Sanford a technically great photographer, he is very conceptual. It’s hard to find someone with that balance.”
“Sanford is a true professional, does what it takes to make his clients happy and provides solutions to complicated problems. He delivers images on time and I can always count on him.”
“Sanford gives above and beyond. He has a great work ethic and creative eye. He handled a difficult, multi-image shoot with a lot of client input with patience, and elevated the quality and creativity of the images on the fly.”
sanford@sanfordphoto.com · LetsGO@skiwithsanford.com
www.skiwithsanford.com · © 2026 Sanford Schulwolf Photographer
Last updated July 31, 2026 · Back to top ↑