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Featured Photographer - Drew Stoecklein

J Dogg — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

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Posted March 31, 2006 by Holly Walker

Originally from Sun Valley, Idaho, this freeskier turned photographer turned actor is possibly one of the industry's most dynamic members. With Drew's busy schedule, it was difficult to pin him down for an interview at his own home in Salt Lake City, Utah. But we did it...

This past winter I lived at the mouth of Little Cotton Wood Canyon, at 'La Casa de la Shred Gnar,' a short drive from Snowbird and Alta. There were many many visitors (probably why the house is also referred to as 'The Hostel for Laggard Skiers') and several regulars, including freeskiers Billy Poole, Lindsey McIntyre, Brady Smedsrud, Cody Barnhill, Joey Smallwood, Rachel Burkes, Justin Modroo and none other than Drew Stoecklein.

Of my roommates, Drew Stoecklein was the scarcest; the first to leave in the morning and the last to come home at night. Between working, road tripping, killing it at freeskiing comps, shooting enormous road gaps, editing photos, keeping sponsors happy, acting for a Hollywood film and hanging out with the crew, Drew has had one busy winter. I finally got him to sit still for a couple minutes at 'La Casa de la Shred Gnar' to discover more about this young, dedicated and hardworking freeskier/photographer.

DREW STOECKLEIN INTERVIEW

Name: Drew Stoecklein

Sponsors: Alta Ski-Area, Columbia Sportswear, Platinum Performance-Energy bar, the Royal Shaft-Ski Poles, Smith Sport Optics, Spacecraft Hats, Swany-Gloves

Living: In SL,UT

Grew up skiing: Sun Valley Ski Team

Binoculars or magnifying glass? Magnifying Glass

Snowbird or Alta? Alta

Starlets or Cowgirls? Cowgirls

Q1: So Drew, you are both a big mountain ripper and aspiring photographer...do you spend more time in front or behind the lens?

A1: I have been trying to keep an equal balance between skiing and taking photos this year.

Q2. What influenced you in becoming a photographer?

A2: My dad influenced me to become a photographer 6 years ago when I shattered my tibia and fibula skiing.

Q3. Sounds like you've been making trips with buddies around Utah, Colorado and Idaho, what have you got up your sleeve?

A3: Well as it stands plan B would be to giv'er.

Q4. What's this "Levitation Project" thing you've been working on?

A4: The Levitation Project is a two year film project/movement (film, still pictures & a clothing company that includes freehealers, Snowboarders, and skiers). The movie comes out in fall of '07. On April 1st the three still photographers for the Levitation Project (Bob Plum, Will Wissman, and I) are having a slideshow at the Depo downtown Salt Lake City. We will be displaying our best shots that we have taken this year. At the end we are going to have a raffle and hand out a bunch of ski/snowboard gear.

Q5. Rumor has it you killed it and came 4th in Snowbird at the U.S. Freeskiing Championships, tell us what happened? How long have you been competing?

A5: At Snowbird this year I decided to ski a ripping line with airs that I knew that I could stomp in between my turns, it worked out pretty well for me. I started competing three years ago.

Q6. You're currently ranked 7th on the IFSA World Tour, are you planning to compete more this season? Kirkwood?

A6: Right now I can't make it to the last competitions because of 'Deep Winter' a Ski and Snowboard film that I'm working for. I'm working on it to make money to go to Alaska.

Q7. Stunt double! How did you land that gig?

A7: My friend Nico the Team manager of the Levitation Project got a phone call when we where on top of a peak in the Utah backcountry. I happened to meet the criteria to be a stunt double for the movie.

Q8. Name three differences between Hollywood stars and ski bums.

A8: Gaper Gaps, Girls, and Goggle Tans

Q9. Any other plans this season? You mentioned Alaska?

A9: I plan on going to Alaska for two weeks in April.

Q10: Any shout outs? Homies in the 801?

I would like to give a shout out to The Casa de la Shred Gnar and the LCCC (Little Cottonwood Canyon Crew).

Q11: Word.

Author Holly Walker is sponsored by Dynastar/Look/Lange, Icebreaker, Smith, Giro, Gordini, www.SouthAmericaSki.com. She enjoys working on her goggle tan on the Snowbird tram deck while dreaming of exotic destinations.

Featured Photographer - Jordan Manley

J Dogg — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0400

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Posted Oct 19, 2005

Name: Jordan Manley

Place you call home: Deep Cove, North Vancouver, BC

Place you want to call home: A North Van - Whistler Partnership is ideal. Never want to leave.

Favourite Colour: I was on the green team in elementary school, but secretly I wanted to be with blue.

Favourite waffle topping: Don't dig the Belgium delight too much, but strawberries and whip cream.

Fish Tacos or taco'd wheels: Both sound like a bad ending to any adventure.

First Camera: My Dad's pentax spotmatic.

So Jordan, I've seen some pretty sweet images come out of your camera. Is this a hobby or your main gig?

Well, over the last couple years I've developed a fierce love and commitment of photography. This past year I quit my job, and have been mainly supporting myselff off of photography.

What is it that gets you so stoked on photography? We're guessing it's not for the mad chicks and huge cash-grabs, care to enlighten us?

Since a kid I've always enjoyed the arts: drawing, painting etc. But, in reality, photography developed out of the sports I participate in, namely, biking and skiing, and an outdoor lifestyle. At first a camera was just a documentation tool, to capture my friends riding bikes and skis. More and more though I've tried to merge art and photojournalism. I love being able to bring out what might be missed- sometimes the magic only lasts for a split second. I love having the power to shape an image through perspective, capturing something on film that might not be seen by someone watching.

Do you do any video work as well, or is that for chumps?

No it's cool. Actually, video used to be my main thing. I did a big epic video shoot yesterday in fact! But, I've never shot much skiing, it's always been mountain biking for some reason. I've shot a few segments for MTB films- 'Rise', 'Halfway to Nowhere', and an upcoming movie 'My Backyard'. I have aspirations of a life of cinematography mixed with photography. It's pretty hard to compare the two mediums, but there are things that I love about operating both still and motion picture cams.

We've been on ski trips with you, but you have plenty of cultural/travel/bike photos as well. What's your main passion? Don't worry, we won't laugh at you if you don't say skiing. Well, maybe.

Ski photography is my main passion. Two reasons: One, I have a love affair with skiing- two, ski images are very strong, and clean. I love the simplicity of the alpine snowscape. Within skiing, my passion is always shooting powder- theres nothing better than skiing deep blower, and theres nothing better than getting that moment on film. I'm never as stoked as when I know the skier has done their job, and I've done mine.

Any exciting photography plans coming up for the fall or winter?

This fall, I'll be shooting mountain biking on the shore on foggy days, and hopefully some epics in the chilcotins on the sunny ones. I'm going back to college after a year off so that will hinder photo-operations slightly in the fall. This winter I'll be calling Whistler home base. I'm sure I'll be back down to Utah and out to the kootenays again like last season. My brother Les, and I, are thinking about a trip to ski some ancient biblical terrain (hint hint), but that's still in the preliminary planning stages. Other than that, we'll see where the storms take me.

You're stuck choosing one of two professions for the rest of eternity, which do you choose?... Shooting Vegas weddings or shooting catalogue photos for Zellers. Remember, Zellers sells lingerie.

Zellers for sure. You know I hate big box stores, but I hate vegas even more!

Your brother is up 'n coming pro skier Les Manley. That must be a pretty good match for ski photography eh?

For sure. We make a good team- he knows what's going to look good, and has the ability to make it happen. We try to do as much as we can together, but we're in different places a lot of the time. He went to France this year so we missed out shooting together throughout the winter a lot. Next year we'll get some great stuff on film though.

We have to ask this. If you could sneak a spy camera into any venue/location/event in space and time, where and when would you choose? You're on your own, so watch out for big dinosaur teeth. They might like Canadian bacon.

Wow. What a question. There are so many moments in the evolutionary history of the planet that would be amazing to see, including the big dinosaurs. This might be cliche but THE BIG BANG would be it. It's what started it all. Would there be skiing without the Big Bang? Nope.

Any thanks?

My Dad, for teaching me how to take pictures and letting me use all his equipment for a long time. Both my parents, for their support. All my friends/athletes who put up with my constant requests of "Can you hike up there? It's gonna be a sick shot!!!" followed by, "Okay, one more, can you hike it again!"

Click Here to See More of Jordan's Work

Featured Photographer - Francois Marseille

J Dogg — Mon, 27 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

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Posted June 27, 2005

Name: Francois Marseille

From: Thetford Mines QC

Currently calling home: Miller's place its in the north yards of Squampton

Fondue or Photos: photos

Mars girls or french fries: French girls with gravy

First camera:
Canon FTB

So you seem to run with some the sea to sky's infamous french connection, what can you tell us about your gang?

Well I am fortunate to have friends who rip as good as any pro... but the thing is they do it for the love of the sport.. they don't care about the fame because for the most part they are just a bunch of old farts and are professionals in their own world.

Who's your favorite athlete to work with?

Mike Laidman he is the smoothest most talented skier I've ever met. Everything just look easy with him. Les Manley is also a good call as well as Miller and Dominik Balik.

How long have you called this part of the world home?

I moved to Nelson in 1997...then hitchhike to the sea to sky area one day and never went back.

We've heard rumors of incredible 3 course fondue feasts that you prepare... is cooking an equal passion to photography?

Well like Miller would say "I make honey out of shit" when I cook apparently... So to me photography is like a big recipe you have to mix up all the available ingredients and come up with something that wont make your guests piuke!

What's latest in trend in ski photography that readers should be getting ready for?

I don't spend much time reading ski magazines. To me its all about finding a different point of view... special camera mounts (pole,helmet or even boot mount) film manipulation such as cross processing is very interesting.

Front Country or Back Country?

Front country?...where the fuck is that?....let's go for a walk!

Did the crummy season in Whistler this year lead to any cool trips elsewhere? Or did you make do with what you found?

Well I was on a bender much of the winter but managed to make it up to Gari a few times... especially on new years eve. Skiing was awesome but the hike up at night was epic!!!

Now that summer is here, and global warming is kicking our butts, any tropical water plans?

This summer I'm working hard so next winter I can swim in warm waters no matter what! My next skiing destination will be Quebec... home sweet home.

Any thanks?

Dave Heath, the north yards mobile home association, The Code Blue, Le Jaune and my family, and Miller estie.

Mike Laidman going big in Rogers Pass

Featured Photographer - Court Leve

J Dogg — Sat, 07 May 2005 00:00:00 -0400

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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...

Featured Photographer - Jon Faulknor

J Dogg — Wed, 26 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0500

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Posted Jan 26, 2005

Name: Jon Faulknor

From: Onterrible...I mean Ontario..

Currently calling home: A hide out in Nordic. Whistler B.C.

Spoon or fork: Spork..

Mars bars or bar stars: Mars bars on the bar stars...

First camera: Pentax K1000.

So Jon, you've got a hefty stack of awesome nature shots here, is that your main photography gig?

Well it started out to be , but now being in whistler it has started to slow down with the Nature and leaning more towards the Skiing action shots.

Does photography bring home the bacon, or what else do you do to support the habit?

I wish Photography was my main cash Pig.. Right now supporting the habit is teaching ski school..It used to be cooking but I'd rather be outdoors.

Rumour has it you double as a gourmet chef, does that mean Kraft Dinner with special sauce, or are you pretty into it?

Well I can cook a pretty mean gourmet meal when needed...Kraft Dinner is not on my list of gourmet meals, Although I have had a friend cook it many different ways for me....For the nutritional side add broccoli and mix..YUMMY. Oh yeah Ketchup is always a must..

You said you had some plans to travel the globe a bit this year, but ended up back in Whistler for some pow hunting? Where were you headed? And now that the only white powder in Whistler is in the bakery, might you head out again?

Well I was in Scotland for October and a part of November. I was going to go for a year but decided to come back and ski the pow that we are lacking...I will head back there some day again. But for now I will be here in Whistler for a while..I may head to Vancouver for the summer depending on the job situation or even look towards a cruise ship job.

Have you ever been in trouble for bringing a camera somewhere?

No...But I must say I have sneaked it into event's that require a media pass..No security can keep me and my camera out. I would tell you what event's I get into but then there would be posters plastered all over with my face on it.

Tell us about these cool glacier shots. Looks like the product of Whistler's so-called 'special' season this year. Hot summer and dry winter providing a unique opportunity to explore the mountains, um, under belly...

Yeah...that was a great day.. We went up one day and got some shot's of the guy's hucking off the roof and landing almost inside the lip of the cave. Then we had this awesome idea of building an in-run through the cave and build a step up jump...It took 3 days of building it and keeping it a secret so no one else would get the shot we wanted. It's one of those opportunity's that probably will never happen again as this was the first time I had ever seen the Ice caves, due to lack of snow. After the shoot we destroyed the jump so no one else would have the shot.

Any thanks?

I would like to thank all the athletes who come out and shoot with me (and are shown above)... Tyler, Alex, Marty, Chad and Bobby. Also my parent's for having me.... See you all on the slopes

Featured Photographer - Tim O'Kane

J Dogg — Sat, 11 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0500

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Posted Dec 11, 2004

Name: Tim O'Kane

From: Tiverton, Ontario

Current Home: Whistler; in a small pile of dirt I call my own.

Favorite Cheese: I don't like cheese. Cheese is a conspiracy created by the Portuguese government. (note from interviewer: everyone likes cheese, don't trust those who don't eat it.)

Facial Hair: none, I'm unable to grow it as of yet.

Dream Camera Setup: nothing digital, and fully clothed respectable ladies to hold my slaves.

Tim, most photographers are a little bit eccentric, weird, and bitter at the world, yet you seem quite normal. How is this possible and do you think you'll eventually mold into the above mentioned image?

I like to swim upstream, this is my charter. To go against the grain, that is much harder.

You're a very diverse photographer shooting a wide range of action sports along with nature and portrait shots. Are you planning to zero in on one genre or keep the diversity alive?

I would rather not limit myself to one subject. Diversity is the basil of life.

So you don't dream about shooting food menus for a living?

Negatory.

A couple of years ago you only shot snowboarding, but I see skiers now appearing in front of your lens. How did you end up shooting skiing?

I was abducted one day by a couple of professional skiers who forced me at gunpoint to use my precious film for their own personal glorification.

Weren't these guys jumping off some stupid buildings in the rain onto a little pile of snow, and if this is the case what in the world made you want to point a camera at these characters?

Well it was actually a roof over a mailbox complex, and it was a twelve gauge shotgun that was pointed at my head.

Well it's a good thing that you met these guys because now the ski world has a great photographer coming their way?

I try to do my part for the underprivileged and bring a ray of hope to this bleak world. Spread the sunshine that is my life.

So tell me a funny story from the mountain last year?

I fractured my right clavicle twice. Both times while sliding a rail.

Well I guess that shows why you're a photographer and not a pro snowboarder. Now tell me a funny story involving a burrito, a sunflower, and a 40oz bottle.

Well I could tell you but after I would have to kill you and hide you in a burrito.

How many millions of girls do you score because you're a photographer?

I try to keep that area of my life secret.

Tim, no one will ever know if you tell me your secrets, the Internet is rarely used nowadays.

Well then, eventually I would like to break into the extravagant world of paparazzi photography because that is where all the hotties are.

Do you like to pressure athletes into sketchy situations for a photo or do you just laugh under your breath when they back out like little babies?

I like to put pressure onto the athletes so in my own little way I can push the limits of the sporting world.

So basically you live vicariously through others?

Sh*t I guess your right I was wondering if having a messy room helps with artistic inspiration?

Or is there some other reason there's so much junk on your floor?

Well I believe you can make a picture out of anything and draw your inspiration from anywhere.

Snow's pretty cold, eh?

Not if you warm it up.

Any Thanks?

Shaun-o & Dave at FSI for hooking me up with film and beer. My family for kicking ass, anyone who puts themselves in front of my lens, my friends f*%king rule, Jamie & Blair at Doglotion.com, and anyone that's not on this list, there's a reason for that.

Featured Photographer - Bruce Rowles

J Dogg — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0400

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Posted Oct 21, 2005

All photos by Bruce Rowles

Name: Bruce Rowles

Hometown: Whistler BC

Favourite cartoon character: The Silver Surfer

Breakfast of champions or devour champions for breakfast: Don't usually eat breakfast.

First camera: Canon TLB I think.

So Bruce, we bumped into you at the World Premiere of Jib Culture's first film - "Disturbing the Piste". I guess you worked on the film with videographer Paul Cotton, what was your role?

Shooting stills and artistic direction.

And we've seen you and Paul 'Goldilocks' Cotton partner up before, for that killer slide media presentation - "Images From a Disturbed Mind". That was a pretty unique show, can you give us the lowdown?

I won the first Pro Photographer Search at the WSSF, and since then, I had wanted to do a show that moved, and was going to hold a viewer's eyes to the screen from beginning to end. The improvements to computer software have opened up so many possibilities, that I could take what I had in my mind, and build it in the computer. All I was missing was the computer expertise to put it together properly, and that's where Paul came in. Paul is very good on the computer, he was easy to work with, and we put in long days to get it done. I was very happy with it, but if I did it all over today, it would be much better. The next one we do will blow people away.

With all these multi media projects on the go, is this your new gig or is classic still photography your main passion?

It's all connected for me. It's all art, and it's constantly evolving.

Any exciting projects on the go right now? If you told us would you have to kill us?

There's always something on the go, but I'd rather wait until I know it's going to work before talking about it.

I've seen loads of awesome ski pics of yours (cause I'm a skier and mindlessly only look at ski photos) but do you dabble in lots of other photography or is skiing your mainstay?

I take pictures of anything I find interesting. A lot of my favorite shots are of bugs, lifestyle, people, etc., but no one gets to see many of those, as I'm not in the right market to sell those sort of shots. Once my website is finished and is up and running, I will be able to show people some of my other photos, plus the computer art I've been doing. It's www.brucerowles.com, coming soon.

If you found a digital camera in the gondola and weren't able to return it to lost-and-found until the end of the day, what would you do with it in the meantime?

That would depend on the mood I was in. I'd probably review the memory card, and see if the owner had a sense of humour, and take it from there.

And the question I just can't get enough of... If you could smuggle a camera into any event/ location/ scenario on the planet, where or what would it be?

I can think of a few places, but none of them that I'm very likely to get out alive after.

Any thanks...

My family, my friends, the companies, magazines and individuals that purchase my images, and this fragile blue marble we live on.

For more of Bruce's photos and photo art, visit his brand spankin' new website that's COMING SOON-- It should be out later in October. www.brucerowles.com

Featured Photographer - Kurt Hunziker

J Dogg — Fri, 21 May 2004 00:00:00 -0400

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Name: Kurt Hunziker

Hometown: Bogota, Columbia

Astrological sign: Gemini

First camera: Nikon FE

Sports photography or class photos and weddings: Classy sports weddings

Would you rather go egging with the devil or eat devilled eggs: egging with the devil Sledding or people dodging: Sledding

DL: So Kurt, last I checked you weren't a professional photographer. How do you support your expensive habit?

KH: I still have lots of family in Bogota. We have a successful import/export business. And by the way, I'm as professional as most the pro skiers and snowboarders I've been working with over the years. We all work in restaurants and stores. You new ladies to town got that? I'm a PRO. I got stickers and T-shirts and all that stuff.

DL: Ever plan to do it as a living, or just live doing it? And no, I don't mean 'doing it' for a living, but I bet you could make a good living taking pictures of stuff like that. eh, eh?

KH: Why can't I be 'doing it' for a living? I bet I can make a better living 'doing it' than taking pictures of stuff like that but if it comes down to it I'll take the pictures but really I plan to just be 'doing it'.

DL: How'd you get into photography in the first place?

KH: I was sittin' around smokin' when I was like, "dude, did you see that?" and nobody saw it so I thought it wasn't real and so I smoked some more and saw it again and at that moment I was like,"dude, I gotta get a camera."

DL: What kinda photography gets you goin' these days? Action? tree hugging? Running with the bulls and travelling?

KH: Tree hugging action with travelling bulls on the run.

DL: I always have to ask this question... If you could smuggle a camera into any event/location/predicament/scenario on the planet, where or what would it be?

KH: Well under the Clinton administration the oval office probably had some interesting goings on but I don't think much of anything goes on there anymore. What are all of Georges Enron buddies up to these days? I'm sure they got some interesting dealings on the go.

DL: Any thanks?

KH: Mom, Dad, Bombardier, My Friends, B.C. agriculture, The 49th parallel, The U.N., The red cross, Amnesty International and the hard working people of developing nations

DL: How about NO THANKS?

KH: Republicans, Brigham Young, Republicans, Clean White SUV's, Republicans, Bush (we all know what kind of bush I'm talking here don't we?) Republicans

Featured Photographer - Tyler Garnham

J Dogg — Mon, 16 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0500

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Name: Tyler Garnham

Hometown: Ladner BC

Camera of choice: F5

Nature photos or action superstars: Nature has less attitude but i'll shoot both.

Nature vs. Nurture: I try to always mix bi'ness with pleasure.

Big trucks or shooting ducks: Big trucks with gun racks for hockey sticks, just in case a game of shinny on the lake pops up.

So Tyler, how'd you first get into this photography thing?

I had a crazy teacher in high school who made me do weird photo projects that got me out of my "real" classes. That's good enough for any teenager.

These days you're making a living off photography. Is it 'all that and a bag of chips' as the saying goes? Money, fame, women, or something like that?

Yes of course, just like the movies...

What's your favourite sport to shoot? You don't have to say skiing, but readers everywhere will think you're a loser if you don't. Or maybe not? No pressure...

Skiing is a close second to lawn bowling because you are out there with all the other challenges that nature offers, not stuck in an arena with lights and crowds. Travel photography will be my future favorite though.

What are you hoping to catch in front of your lense this winter?

Well, this is my last full time year in Whistler so i need to take advantage of this great area and shoot ,shoot,shoot. I really want to shoot a full on red neck rodeo sometime soon, Does that count?

I notice you have a pretty sweet travel section on your website, www.tylergarnham.com. Any killer trips lined up for '04?

Yes, After moving to the big smoke i will be heading to Zimbabwe for some travel shooting and to follow some big animals around.

And what about that shot in the 'people' section of your website, with 9 girls and daffodils around you? Do you have some kinda job on the side you aren't telling us about?

On occasion i do get a chance to work with the beautiful people.

I always have to ask this question... If you could smuggle a camera into any event/location/predicament/scenario on the planet, where or what would it be?

I would love to smuggle my camera onto a shoot for National Geo in some country that none of us has heard of before.

Any thanks?

I would like to say thanks to Coast Mountain for the experience and pay cheques for the last 5 years and to all the folks that have woke me up early for an epic day on the hills.

More of Tyler's work can be found at www.tylergarnham.com. Here's a sample...

Featured Photographer - Mike Berard

J Dogg — Sat, 01 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0500

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MIKE BERARD

Published February, 2003

Name: Mike Berard

Age: 24

Hometown: Ummm...Fernie?

Camera of choice: There's many I want but I shoot with a Canon Elan 7 now.

Sports or wedding portraits? Progressive wedding photography...I want to take wedding photography to a new level.

Stirring the pot or tossing the salad? I don't think I want to answer that!

So Mike, give us a little background on this photography kick of yours. Was it skiing that got you into it or just stoked on photography in general?

I've always loved photography so when I started skiing 6 years ago I obviously gravitated towards ski photography. After living in fernie for 3 winters and experiencing so many amazing days I decided to get off my ass and finally buy an SLR. After shooting about 100 rolls of film(badly, I might add) I started to get a hold of the craft and it took off from there.

I hear you just got a couple photos published, spill the beans:

I submitted to a lot of mags this past year and, thankfully, I got a shot in the second issue of SBC Skier. That took a lot of weight off me because it was a goal of mine and I had only given myself a certain amount of time to do it. Just recently, I got a double page spread in Ski Canada (SWEET) and a shot in Mountain Biking. I think there's more on the way but I don't want to say anything yet.

Right on, and where's this photography school fit into the picture? Do you have some new tricks up your sleeve or what?

I'm taking a Professional Photography program at Western Academy of Photography in Victoria. I've definitely learned a lot since September. School's teaching me all the things I never knew and would've taken me a long time to figure out otherwise. As for tricks up my sleeve...I'm working on it.

Is this a career you have brewing or just a terribly expensive hobby?

I think it could be more accurately described as a terribly expensive career. I'm working on making it a career but I expect to work a few more shit jobs before I can call it a "career". This damn school should put me behind in finances about 2 years. After that, I'll be able to afford film again!

You mentioned you're into BMX, snowboarding, and mountain biking too. Is skiing number one or do ya spread the lovin' between em all?

Skiing is #1 for sure but Mountain biking is quickly gaining ground, especially living on Vancouver Island for the winter. BMX is a tough sport to penetrate, mainly because I can't ride very well at all and BMXers don't have much of an affinity for mountain bikers. Ditto with snowboarders, I'd love to shoot more of it but a lot of snowboarders are still caught up in that whole "skiing is gay" movement. It's amazing how juvenile people can be....especially in such a gay sport like knuckle- dragging! HA!

Any other sports or genres you have your eyes on for future?

More snowboarding, I'd like to shoot some whitewater kayaking, a lot more nature landscapes and because school is immersing me in absolutely every facet of photography I find myself wanting shoot it all!

What do you wanna catch on film this winter? trips? comps? athletes? action? scenery?

Well, I grew up on Vancouver Island so I want to cover the Van Isle ski scene this winter. I'm curious if there is one. Anyone reading this who knows of rippers on the rock, let me know. I'd also like to shoot more with a couple buddies of mine who defected to Whistler from Fernie...whats up Al and Matt?! Overall though, I want to shoot more backcountry and more jibbing.

If you could smuggle a camera into any venue/vault/location/predicament of choice, where or what would it be? No holds barred.

That's a tough one. I don't think I want to get into anywhere but I can probably think of a location and predicament. Let's see, Tibetan backcountry with several heli's and all my best skiing buds. I guess my token celebrity ski model would have to be Shane McConkey.

Tips for other photographers trying to get that first shot published? You know, now that you're the guru and all that.

Buy a lightmeter, read the manual, get up early, ski every day with rippers, always have your camera, enjoy yourself, and be persistent. Do these things and I'm sure anyone will get published.

Special thanks?

I would really like to thank all the skiers/riders/people that have modeled for me, mainly Daryl Treadway, Yasha Berg, Neil Meier and Vinnie Spronken from Squarewheel Films. All these guys (and others) have busted their asses and a few bones for me and I can't say how much I appreciate it. I'd have to thank Blake Jorgenson and Sterling Lorence for inspiration, even though neither of them knows me. Henry Georgi for helping me get started. My family of course, and the person who deserves the most thanks would be Lisa, for putting up with playing second fiddle to a camera and for tolerating my ridiculous way of life for this long.

You can contact Mike at mikeberard@hotmail.com for more info on his photos.

Featured Photographer - Alain Denis

J Dogg — Thu, 14 Nov 2002 00:00:00 -0500

Rating

Published Fall 2002

Name: Alain Denis (Frenchy)

Home ski town: Whistler B.C.

Favourite camera: My Tank! (Nikon F5)

Action or scenery: Both equal, Scenery is nice for it's peacefulness. Action diffinetely good for it's adrenaline

Backcountry pow or slushy park: Pow Pow any day!

East coast or west coast: East coast in the fall, West coast overall

Fruit loops or Coco-puffs: Fruit Loops, better sugar rush

So Alain, how did you get into photography?

Went to a camera store in Vancouver one day and bought my first SLR, loaded with film and shot away. Went to the library and read some books on how to take Pics. I needed to find some way to make income while traveling and always loved to look at beautiful images in magazines so I thought it would be a great way to make a living from taking photographes and selling them.

You're big on the rockclimbing photos, is that your main gig or do you have more tricks up your sleeve?

I love Shooting climbers for the exposure. I find it just as exciting to hang a few hundred feet off the ground then climbing, also the warm climate. Tricks come with practice, I just love being behind the camera shooting whatever captures my eye. It`s all about being out there with my friends doing what we love doing,...skiing, climbing, mountainering. I also love working with people, traveling and shooting cultures in their enviroment.

You were just in South East Asia, did you get trigger happy with the camera or what?

That was my second trip to Asia. First time I wasn't into photography so this time I made sure I wouldn't miss a thing so I did shoot lots.

What do you plan on catching on film this season? Plans?

Shoot Shoot Shoot, burn lots of film. Go on some crazy missions and adventures with my friends and have fun. After the winter season I hope to travel to Australia to shoot some climbing. Not so much in terms of plans, just go with the flow and keep the camera around my neck! Never know where I could end up. Somewhere in the middle of the Pacific or on top of a mountain... It`s all good!

Any interest in video work, or ar you all about capturing the still?

Only wish I could afford buying one, but for now I'll stick with SLR.

What do you think of the digi-cam craze these days?

Crap!

If you had a spy camera the size of a dime, where's the first place you'd put it?

Its a spy camera... won`t tell you! Maybe in my pocket so I don`t loose it.

Special thanks?

Thanks to all my friends that put up with me in modelling when I need them. Also to Coast Mountain Photography in Whislter B.C. for introducing me to the world of photography. And Dave Humphreys who showed me an SLR camera for the first time... Thanks Dave!

Featured Photographer - Randy Lincks

J Dogg — Tue, 21 May 2002 00:00:00 -0400

Rating

Spring 2002

Randy Lincks is a renowned Whistler photographer who sent us some photos from just one heli day in the Whistler Backcountry. Check out more of his work at Randylincks.com.