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.
Yoga
A few images shot at Centered City Yoga earlier this week here in Salt Lake City with yoga instructor Kim Warren. Kim offers incredible yoga retreats in Costa Rica, Mexico and here in the US. If you are into yoga check out her website or consider taking one of her classes.
Regret
Recently there has been a great deal of discussion between my wife and I about moving to a new part of the country. Where and whether or not we end up moving is irrelevant to this post, but our talks have made me think about living in Salt Lake City for the last several years and the potential for regret that is staring me in the face. One of the things that initially drew me to the city was it’s proximity to world class skiing and great access to the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. The countless other opportunities within a half day’s drive were also a huge perk. Living here, there is rarely a week that goes by when I don’t get some sort of vision or idea for a new image or project.
The problem, though, is that when you live in an area long enough it is common to take it and the opportunities that exist locally for granted. Getting caught up in day-to-day life and the other aspects of running a business, it’s easy to put things off and direct energy elsewhere. Regardless of whether or not my wife and I move, our discussions are challenging me to cross more of those locally-shot ideas off my “to-do” list before those opportunities pass me by. After all, little in life is more painful than regret.
To quote fellow adventure photographer Dan Patitucci, “For many reasons we often dread going, but never dread having gone.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. The challenge is to get out there and grab the opportunities that exist in life right now. To stop putting them off and making excuses. I can let life pass me by because I’m too distracted to make my ideas happen, too bored with where I am at, and too focused on the future. Or, as they say, “seize the day” and take advantage of what lies before me. I choose the later. Today is that day to push myself to new limits. That day to try a new idea. That day to take a risk.
I will regret the opportunities I don’t take. Will you?
What Matters Now – Insight from 70 Big Thinkers
I am a huge fan of Seth Godin, a forward-thinking, best-selling author and self proclaimed “agent of change”. His daily blog is extremely thought provoking, and I cannot recommend his books enough, especially Tribes, The Dip, and Small is the New Big. This week Seth announced a free e-book he organized with wisdom from over 70 big thinkers. It’s truly insightful, and I recommend it for all who are inspired by a different way of thinking. Check it out (download here). It’s free, inspiring and well worth reading. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
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.
Mike Tittel Photography
Twitter
Facebook Fan Page
Linked In Profile