Powder
As we slowly creep our way toward the darkness that is the winter solstice, the early setting sun starts to wreck havoc with my evening motivation. Luckily the lifts are spinning and just enough snow has fallen to offer some consolation to the dire lack of sunshine. Another form of consolation of late has been my good fortune to have a few images run in the past 2 issues of Powder Magazine.
In the October issue a shot of Jared Allen making an epic pow turn at Snowbasin served as their representation for the “Best Lifts in North America” feature. I’m really excited to be back at Snowbasin this winter after a few years absence as part of a pilot photographer / athlete program which was non-existent up until now. It took a few years of grinding away and being patient, but we already have some big things lined up for the season so stay tuned. Sadly, the other image on the page is a shot of Jamie Pierre doing what he did best at Snowbird. We lost Jamie last week in a tragic early season avalanche that has left a pretty big void in the Wasatch community. RIP JP.
The November issue arrived with even more love. An image of Tanner Hall that I shot at Retallack last winter serves as the visual aide to the “Life of Symms” column, marking my 2nd appearance in this slot. It was one of many pre / post skiing portraits that I’m really proud of from that trip. There’s something magical about the parking lot at the lodge. I think it really boils down to great light and really happy and relaxed people making great subjects. I really need to find a similar location a bit closer to home.
The second image in the Nov issue is really an honor. Derek Taylor’s feature “Valley BCC” documenting the riches of Big Cottonwood Canyon is chock full of epic images from the likes of Adam Clark, Steve Lloyd and Lee Cohen. To have been deemed worthy of having an image slotted in amongst those giants is truly special to me. The shot is from the opening day for the Summit Chair at Solitude last year, a day that won’t soon be forgotten as I was romping about in 40″ of untouched snow with the Provo Bros. and Tanner Hall in what would turn out to be a teaser for the final 6 weeks of my season working with them up in BC on the making of Retallack: The Movie. I just happened to have a few minutes gaping about at the bottom of the chair when the light, clouds and snowflakes sparkling in the intermittent sun offered up this magic moment. Click.
Finally, yet another version of the Dakine Tanner Hall Collection campaign ad is also running in the Nov issue. So, as we slide into the Thanksgiving Holiday and reach the true launch of the ski season in most parts, it’s clear to me that I have much to be thankful for. Hopefully you get to make some turns with friends and family soon and if ya see me in a lift line, be sure to say hello.
