2010 Patagonia Expedition Race
This week marks the start of the annual Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race in Southern Chile. Without a doubt it is one the most amazing adventures and awesome displays of athleticism I have witnessed. It’s location in the heart of Patagonia at the Southern tip of South America is hard to beat as well. For the past two years I’ve had the privilege of covering the race. Sadly, conflicting projects/schedules will not allow me to return this season. Although I will not physically be a part of this year’s event, there is a huge part of me that will be there in spirit. Make sure to check out the race website for updates on this year’s event and keep an eye out for fresh images from my good buddies, Michael Clark and Tony Hoare, who will be covering this year’s race. You can also read more about my past experiences in Patagonia here and here.
A Little Perspective
Transform by Atlanta-based music photographer Zack Arias was one of the most talked about video posts in the photo community in 2009 for good reason. It’s deeply honest, heart filled and inspirational. Anyone in a creative field can relate which is likely what made it so popular. It spread like wildfire in the photo community and beyond. Although the video came out almost a year ago, I’ve sent the link to numerous people this week and thought it was worth bringing back into the spotlight. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. Zack does an incredible job of putting things into perspective.
Also worth mentioning are the follow-up posts by Zack on his blog and the responses from his readers almost 6 months after Transform hit the web. If you enjoyed the video above and haven’t done so already, I would highly encourage you to check his related posts here (1st) and here (2nd). Make sure to read the comments as well. Powerful stuff for all.
Park & Pipe
In my opinion Park City Mountain Resort has the best halfpipe and parks in Utah. Not only are they well groomed but the staff at the resort is phenomenal as well. The images above are from a recent action/lifestyle shoot at the resort with freeskier Ty Peterson. Ty is a killer park and pipe rider who is on the current Winter Dew Tour. Make sure to root him on this weekend (Feb. 4-7) as he competes in the Toyota Championships at Mt. Snow.
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.
Mike Tittel Photography
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