Lets face it, the best place to get great powder photos, is in the backcountry. The further away from the crowds, the better the snow. However, getting there with a big pack full of camera and backcountry gear, is sometimes easier said than done.
Photo credit: Bo LandbergerI’m a huge fan of going as light as possible. It breaks down something like this: The less crap I carry, the more fun I have. The more fun I have, the more fun the athletes have. The more fun we all have, the better the photos. I hear stories of photographers yelling at their athletes in the mountains. I simply don’t understand this and won’t bore you with my opinions here. However, I’m a firm believer that if everyone is having a good time (we are in the mountains, after all), good photos will follow.
Anyways, safety is of course the number one concern when shooting in the backcountry. Knowing the avalanche conditions and having the right avy gear (transceiver, shovel and probe) is first and foremost. After that, a solid ski touring set up with some extra food, water and clothing. Last but not least, is the camera gear. If I’m riding lifts to access the backcountry or not hiking too far, I’ll bring a Canon 1DX with an 28-300mm lens and 8-15mm Fisheye lens. Or, if I’m going out for a long day, I’ll bring a Canon 7D with an 18-200mm lens and 8-15mm Fisheye lens. All of the above, fits perfectly in Clik Elite’s Contrejour 35 pack, which is built for exactly this; shooting skiing in the backcountry. After the gear, the rules are the same as anywhere else; good light, good snow, good skier, motor drive… poof… good photos!
I’m only just an amateur skier. But the one thing that I really love other than the sheer exhilaration I get from skiing, is ski photography. The natural beauty of the mountains and the snow itself makes for a great canvas and taking pics of skiing is something that gives a thrill as well as joy. I’m not quite good at skiing yet. But I’m practicing more now. Recently took a backcountry skiing course nearby in Alberta. So getting better. As Jason said in the other post Why we ski and snowboard, “I ride because it’s true freedom. It’s just you and the mountain.”. Hopefully, soon I’d have some pictures to share myself.
There is some really great photos here. you really know how to capture the great shot in the moment.
It is really better if you have someone with you to take pictures of your precious ski moments. In fact, skiing is better if you have your loved ones with you, laughing and enjoying every activity you do during winter, may it be skiing, snowboarding, etc.