Posted May 7, 2005 by Holly Walker

This past March, I headed down to California in search of powder and dreams. They were both found in the mountains around a big lake known as Tahoe. Stay tuned for the full trip story. But until then here is my interview with one of Tahoe's most talented photographers: Court Leve.

Court is a professional photographer who works for the newspaper Tahoe World. When he is not busy working, he is up in the mountains shooting pictures of friends skiing. It is in the hills of Tahoe that I got the chance to catch up with this casual character and ask him a few questions about himself.

INTERVIEW WITH COURT LEVE from Gravityhook Productions

1. So Court how did you become an action sports photographer?

These things sometimes just sort of happen. I was fortunate in the fact that people around me, friends and locals are all into action sports. You talk with friends about going out shooting the next pow day. When it happens it's rare but almost always worth it. Sooner or later you just meet someone higher up on the food chain.

2. Besides skiing, what other sports do you photograph? Cricket? Speed knitting?

I haven't shot much speed knitting but I bet it's tough to really capture the moment. Skiing/riding images are as much fun to get as they are to have. Outside of that I shoot rock climbers, water skiers and wakeboarders. Dogs hucking their meat. I haven't done much hiking images because hiking is slow and mountain biking would be fun but I like to ride more than shoot.

3. Do you have any role models, i.e. Jimmy Olson?

Roll models are for wusses.

4. I hear you work for the Tahoe World. What is it and what do you do for them?

The Tahoe World is Tahoe City's weekly newspaper. Its coverage area is more or less from Squaw Valley toState Line, NV. I have the best job in the outfit. I shoot photos, period.

5. Before making it big, you must have had some crappy ski bum jobs. What was the worst?

Working for a local newspaper. Kidding of course. Dominos Pizza, Jackson Hole Chamber of commerce ormaking t-shirts, take your pick. And for your information Jackson Hole, WY doesn't actually have a hole, elk don't turn into moose and that truly is snow on the top of those mountains, even in the summer.

6. So who is paying the bills for you these days??

I make most of my money by agreeing to these types of interviews. When that doesn't pan out I rely on my six figure income that rolls in from the newspaper. And when THAT doesn't work out I pimp out my photographic services and photos. If that doesn't work out it's back to driving a cab.

7. If you were to look into a crystal ball, how would you see yourself in five years?

37 years old.

8. On another note, tell us about your dog Owen. I hear he can huck bigger than you?

The rumors are true, he goes large. He's jumped off fifteen footers and he's also jumped at a dock jumping contest over 19 feet. The top dogs do like 26. I bet none of them go high though.

9. So I heard you had mono. That sucks! How old was she?

I don't know, never asked. By the way Holly, how old are you?

10. Where can people go to check out more of your pictures??

Folks can go to www.gravityhook.com or drop me a line at court@gravityhook.com

11. Any shout outs/special thanks?

To all that have helped me along the way-a sincere thank you from me to you.

Owen going big. The amazing powers of doglotion finally put to the test...