Scouting and coordinating shoots with fashion magazines are projects unlike any other. When Vogue sets out to photograph a rising icon like Quannah Chasinghorse, we knew they wanted a location just as unforgettable as their subject. In August 2021, we led them to one of Colorado’s most visually stunning and surreal backdrops: the Paint Mines Interpretive Park.
Photographed by the brilliant Jackie Nickerson, renowned for her striking, socially conscious portraiture, this shoot captured the raw beauty of both Chasinghorse and the ancient land beneath her feet. The result? A powerful visual story about identity, resilience, and connection to the Earth.
The Paint Mines: Colorado’s Hidden Cinematic Gem
Tucked away near Calhan, just outside Colorado Springs, the Paint Mines are a geological wonder. Colorful hoodoos, clay formations, and eroded sandstone towers emerge in soft hues of pink, orange, and white… creating a landscape that feels otherworldly. It’s a place steeped in natural mystique and provided a powerful setting for a story centered on Indigenous identity and activism.
As a Colorado-based production company, Movie Mogul knows just how rare and cinematic this location is. But filming at the Paint Mines comes with its own challenges, especially in the peak heat of August.
Shooting in the Heat of August: Beauty Meets Brutality
Temperatures at the Paint Mines can easily soar into the 90s during summer. Add intense sun, little shade, and a remote setting, and you’ve got a demanding environment for both crew and talent.
On shoots like this one, hydration plans, shade setups, and early-morning call times become essential. Keeping gear cool and batteries stable in extreme heat requires just as much planning as finding the perfect shot.
Despite the conditions, Nickerson’s lens captured Chasinghorse in a way that was both grounded and transcendent, elevating the natural textures of the landscape while honoring its cultural resonance.
Quannah Chasinghorse: A New Kind of Vogue Star
As documented in Vogue’s profile, Chasinghorse is not your typical fashion muse. She’s an activist, model, and member of the Hän Gwich’in and Oglala Lakota Nations—making her presence in a major fashion spread deeply meaningful. Dressed in bold pieces that reflected both strength and tradition, she brought the landscape to life in a way no one else could.
The shoot didn’t just capture beauty… it told a story of belonging, resistance, and the land’s enduring spirit. And that’s what great production is all about.
Colorado Locations With Meaning
At Movie Mogul, we specialize in location-driven storytelling. From fashion editorials to documentaries and commercials, we help production teams uncover Colorado’s most cinematic landscapes. The Vogue shoot at the Paint Mines is a perfect example of how a meaningful location can elevate a story, especially when paired with a subject as powerful as Chasinghorse.
Looking to shoot your next project in Colorado? We know where the light hits just right.