Inspiration

One of the many things I love about photography as a profession is the many amazing people I’ve met over the years. An assignment I shot in May for Fitness Magazine introduced me to another amazing human being. At the age of 16, Hilary Hopkins was involved in a horrific car accident that killed her sister and left Hilary basically a paraplegic. Through hard work and positive attitude Hillary is now able to stand without support, lift weights, and even walk for 60 minutes with some assistance. I can’t even begin to imagine all that Hilary has been through but am thankful to have met someone so remarkable. Hearing her story made our photo shoot that much more inspiring. It was clear that her positive energy and strength have a huge effect on those around her. You can read her story on Fitness Magazine’s website and in the July issue.

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From the Archives – Sea Kayaking in Pacific Rim National Park

As I suited up, I was beginning to wonder if my camera was going to survive. The winds were easily blowing 40-50 knots, and torrential rain was coming down sideways. It was wet–REALLY wet–and in all honesty I had never shot in such extreme conditions. After all how well could a 2 gallon ziplock bag, jimmy-rigged with half a roll of duct tape really protect thousands of dollars worth of gear? It was early October in Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino, British Columbia, and the first storm of the season was bearing down.

On the inside I was elated. Extreme conditions were exactly what I was after since we were shooting sea kayaking related images for Sealline, whose products are designed to keep gear dry in less-than-ideal conditions. It’s these challenging shoots, when I don’t know the outcome, that are most rewarding . . . kind of like climbing a mountain for the first time. At the time you wonder why you are subjecting yourself to such challenges but in the end, the discoveries along the way and feelings of accomplishment when you get home make it all worth while.

Lessons Learned: Embrace challenges and don’t be afraid to improvise. In the end my camera survived, proving a little ingenuity and the right frame of mind go a long way in creating images. By using the wind to my advantage, I was able to almost fully protect my gear on the leeward side of my body allowing me to photograph my subjects as the weather impacted them and their gear.

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Wenger Advertising Shoot

Earlier this year I had the privilege of shooting a new campaign for Wenger, makers of the original Swiss Army Knife. In addition to shooting images in Southern Chile during the 2009 Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race, images were also shot in Switzerland, the birthplace of Wenger. Below are a just a few samples of the work I shot for them.

Brand Catalogue

Billboard

Print Ad

In addition to making some of the best knives and watches available, Wenger also makes other outdoor gear including footwear, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents and luggage. You can check out their gear here.

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Adventure Photography by Michael Clark

I recently found out my good friend Michael Clark’s new book Adventure Photography is now available through Amazon. As a small contributor to the book and a close friend of Michael’s, I had the privilege of getting a sneak peak at the book. It is packed full of information on shooting a variety of adventure sports and life as a freelance photographer. In addition it showcases loads of Michael’s award winning images making it ideal for both aspiring photographers or anyone with a passion for adventure sports.

Here is the book description from the publisher, Lark Books:

This beautifully produced guide by Michael Clark is the newest entry in the Digital Masters series, as well as the first book on a fast-growing photographic genre: shooting today’s popular extreme outdoor sports, from mountain biking and ice climbing to surfing, kayaking, and more.

Clark is one of the world’s most respected adventure photographers, and he offers sage advice—gained from years of hard-earned experience—on equipment, techniques, and the specific skills required to get in on the action. Learn to capture fast-moving subjects and deal with harsh conditions and horrible weather—even when you’re hanging from ropes and riggings in a squall. Of special interest is the Portraiture and Lifestyle chapter, which covers increasingly in-demand techniques.

The book can be ordered through Amazon here.

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Recent contributions to National Geographic Adventure

From the current issue of National Geographic Adventure. Shot while trekking near the base of the world renowned Cerro Torre in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. To read the full article pick up the December ’09/January ’10 issue.

From the August/September 2009 issue of National Geographic Adventure. Photographed in British Columbia’s Pacific Rim National Park — one of my all time favorite locations in the world. The entire article can be read on National Geographic’s website here.

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Runner’s World Rave Run

The Emerald City . . . oh how I love Seattle. It is by far one of my favorite places I have ever lived. Awesome culture, great food and groovy little neighborhoods like Freemont, the self-declared center of the universe. In the heart of Freemont, under the Aurora Bridge, lies one of the coolest pieces of urban art I think I have ever seen . . . a massive troll, complete with a full-sized VW bug being crushed in it’s grip. It was here that I shot the November Runner’s World “Rave Run”. Since I moved away from the city several years ago I have been wanting to return to this ubber cool location and shoot urban running. What a backdrop! The new issue of Runner’s World is on newsstands today. Check it out!

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