This past fall I got an assignment from Bike magazine to shoot close ups of gear for their Bible issue. I spent a couple days by myself on the trail tinkering about mounting cameras on different places on the bike shooting brakes, wheels, forks, tires, and cranks. Stoked to see they put the self portrait fork shot on the cover!
There are some days that make me think I just might have the best job in the world. Yesterday was one of those days. For the last stop on our Skier assignment (see last post, below), Dan and I went up to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, then took a water taxi back across towards the mainland through Desolation Sound, up into spectacular Toba Inlet. In Brem Bay we met Kevin Fogolin, an avalanche consultant who contracts out to forestry and hydro firms operating in the area. It is steep, complex, wild, and stunning terrain. After meeting Kevin, we hopped in the heli with 5 x 25kg bags of prepped anfo explosives and did some heli bombing! It was one of the most exhilarating things I’ve done in a while and I felt really lucky to get to not only fly into such a spectacular zone, but also to gain a unique view into a Kevin’s world (thanks Kevin!). We closed the day with a sunset flight across Desolation Sound to Campbell River. I’ve sailed up in there a few times, but to gain an elevated view with such nice light was something special. What a day…
I was really in and amongst it here in the machine, cuddling 125kg’s of explosives.
Kevin’s office. No big deal. Peak # who knows.
Last week I was shooting for an SBC Skier magazine article following a few different veteran avalanche professionals in British Columbia through their day-to-day duties. Accompanied by writer Dan K., I spent some time skiing and looking at snow with Eric Dafoe who works for Parks Canada controlling the Rogers Pass section of the Trans Canada highway between Revelstoke and Golden. We spent some time ski touring and digging pits, as well as getting up close and personal with their Canadian Army partnership firing the Howitzer 105 at some avi paths above the road. The percussion blast is so strong it made my camera smack me in the forehead when I was shooting. No biggy.
Avalanche Road, On Assignment from Jordan Manley Photography on Vimeo.
Next, we spent some time closer to home on the Duffey Lake Road with Scott Aitken and Doug Tuck ski touring and digging pits once again. These guys have been working the road for 25yrs now. I had a lot of fun with them, and I learned a lot. Thanks!
Spring touring season is here. Blower pow up high.
Adventures getting out of drainages down low.
Andre Charland wondering if he should be biking on this ski out, had it not been for the amazing snow up high in the North facing trees.
Finally I’ve got it online, here is my slideshow from last April’s Pro Photographer Showdown in Whistler.
2009 Pro Photographer Showdown Slideshow from Jordan Manley Photography on Vimeo.