Blue Collar

Had a recent shoot with Tom Lehmann of Blue Collar. Tom is one of the founders and Art Director of the new agency here in the NW. He is without doubt a very bizarre individual. My favorite kind of peeps. Will post up a few more portraits of this crew in the weeks to come. One fun shoot in a retro garage with beer and bourbon while Johnny Cash rocked in the background.

Lives Of The Artists: Xavier De Le Rue

One of my favorite snowboarders and people to photograph Xavier comes through here with a beautiful segment in the new film Lives of the Artists. A experienced mountaineer Xavier is humble in his expression of himself, truely the anti-hero of mainstream snowboard culture.

I had the fortune to travel with Xavier through the Alps, hiking and heli-boarding through 4 countries. We solved the worlds problems late one night in La Grave. I'm ashamed I can't recall the exact formula we worked up... but it was all based on the simplicity of a turn.

All jest aside a profound experience to share the essence of Frenchman in one of the most revered mountain towns in the world.

Slingshot presents The Arcane

Slingshot just released this video of Tony Logosz shaping and discussing his latest creation the Arcane. I filmed the shaping segments here in the Gorge in Tony's shaping room... the rest of the film was shot in Florida by the Alliance guys. Fun to be doing video work again. Looking forward to doing more.

With over 30 years of shaping experience Tony Logosz presents "the Arcane" by Slingshot. Don't call it a "boatsurfer," this is a surfboard made for the boat. Get the icy hot ready because this board will have your thighs begging for forgiveness! Made in the USA.


Available in stores mid January.

video by: Alliance Visual Experiences

Buffalo Battle Documentary

Just wanted to alert the wildlife/environmental supporters of a project I've been working with in conjunction with Patagonia called The Buffalo Field Campaign. The group has been working round the clock to protect and preserve the last free herd of buffalo in the United States against an ancient and failed wildlife management policy driven by the cattle industry (at a taxpayer cost of 2.8 million dollars a year).

Where once the buffalo's population numbered between 30 and 60 million nationwide they last herd now numbers less than 3,500. Over 1,600 bison were killed during 2006/2007. Once a proud figure of freedom in the west it now is a species fighting for it's survival (very much like the spirit of ourselves really).

There will be an hour show this Saturday on Planet Green at 10pm Eastern (7pm Pacific) about the effort to save these guys. Definitely one of the most rewarding projects I have ever been apart of.

Who knows you may even see me hiding in the woods avoiding federal agents, getting buzzed by helicopters or running amongst a herd of stampeding buffalo. Though the focus of the piece is really on the characters who have dedicated themselves completely to the project year round.




Buffalo Battle: About the Show
Don't miss this groundbreaking series.

A battle is raging on the great American plains. At the center of this conflict is the last herd of free roaming buffalo in the United States, located in the Yellowstone National Park. When the herd wanders outside of park boundaries following natural grazing instincts, it comes into contact with local cattle ranches and the troubles begin. Accused of infecting local livestock with a devastating disease called brucellosis, the embattled animals have a lone advocate—The Buffalo Field Campaign.

This diverse group of volunteers, led by founder Mike Mease, comes from all walks of life. From a candle maker to a survival skills instructor to a car salesman, they are ordinary people who make up for their lack of wilderness experience with passion and determination. Working day and night, they patrol the Yellowstone border by ski and snowshoe in extreme conditions, coming face to face with danger at every turn, from temperamental buffalo to angry ranchers, and government officials to jail time.

They will risk everything, including their lives, to protect these animals from certain destruction for doing what they are have done for hundreds of years: roaming freely.

Check the Planet Green schedule for local listings.

spawning salmon

The salmon were spawning in the Columbia Gorge this fall, I brought my Canon 5dmk2 and intended on shooting stills, somehow I made a video. Still a rough cut I was just pretty much blown away with how amazing the creatures are.

To return from the ocean to the exact creek you were born to lay egg and die is incredible. I did some swimming with the fellas. I will never forget that, one of the most amazing things I've witnessed... very humbling.

As far as the fish I helped in the movie, that wasn't planned. I had been following his progression up the creek. He was HUGE and pressing ahead despite the very low water levels. Alot of the fish were in varying stages of decay and death as they do not eat the entire journey. This guy was fit without any noticeable signs of wear. I thought he needed alittle help to get him back along his way. Got a nice slap to the face for it. So amazing to touch them, you truly feel the wildness. Their singular purpose and call- get home, reproduce and die.

I didn't know the camera was rolling but was happy to see it had.

It is truly our responsibility to insure that future generations have the ability to spawn and return home as they have since the beginning. To see them in their struggle in the cycle of life was humbling. To witness their death in creating life was an honor.

For more on what you can do to help, check out the fine folks at Columbia Riverkeeper.

New Greenpeace director and mission- save the people

Photographer’s Self Portrait: Lance Koudele

The fall issue of SBC Kiteboard magazine published a feature on my photo work. Thought I'd be a dork and work 2 sticks of Strawberry Bubbalicious and sun glasses into the editor requested self portrait. Somehow the anonymity of being behind the lens is carried through on the image even though I'm in front. I never wanted photography to be about the "me". I think it takes the mystery away from the images somehow.

The article-
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"I never got bound up in the technicalities of what was right and wrong. I was free to focus on what interested me in my own way." —Lance Koudele


I kinda fell into photography by accident. I was studying film at the Art Institute Of Portland and took some photography classes on the side from a teacher I really respected—he was definitely a mentor in many aspects. After graduation I kept shooting and slowly doors kept opening and I found I actually enjoyed it more than film.

I was educated in digital media at the Art Institute of Portland. That was definitely helpful. From the technical side to the more demanding realm of actually running a business, all aspects were covered. The good part was that as I focused more on film, it let me not take photography so seriously so I never got bound up in the technicalities of what was right and wrong. I was free to focus on what interested me in my own way.


I got into shooting kiteboarding when I moved to the gorge in 2002. I blew my ACL that summer—I was wrecked from kiting but managed to stay a part of it and be stoked by taking photos. After completely rebuilding both knees, a shoulder, and a number of other injuries I knew it was time to move on from the competitive side of sports and into the realm of creatively capturing the essence of why we do it.



My first published shot was of Dave Tyburski doing a S-Bend at the sandbar. I remember donating the paycheque to Outside In, a group dedicated to helping street youth in Portland. I wanted my photography to be about creating positive change straight from the start. I used the term Ion Imagery to describe my work—an ion being the molecular foundation of change. I wanted my media to inspire and challenge the status quo, to reconnect people with the spirit of the elements.


I kinda just spent time on the beach shooting and kiting as much as possible. As opposed to breaking into a scene I’d say I melded with it and in some ways supported what existed. Locals Joby Cook and Dylan Thompson have been doing what they’ve been doing ever since I’ve know them. It’s great that they and wakestyle are now getting the respect they deserve.


I think people would be surprised to know that being a good photographer means you’re a good problem-solver more than anything. From gear issues to personality or travel conflicts, the good shot comes from someone who can work through anything with a stoke to share. People skills are a must—pushing the shutter button is probably less than 10 per cent of what I do.



Most top-level pros get there because they are inspirational people besides being talented athletes. It is a totally awesome experience to meet kiters from around the globe and find that connection that binds. From Ben Wilson, Ruben Lenten, Youri Zoon to Joby, and Dylan. Each person expresses themselves with a unique style. Although I still get the most stoke from the newbie on the water who just learned to stay upwind, or the old local still out past sunset having an epic soul session. They are probably more important to keeping me grounded and stoked as a kiter.


There have been a number of wayward travels over the years. Usually those are only funny after it’s over, but I love how crazy shit happens on the road. Maybe the one that stands out is the time I caught dengue fever in Puerto Rico and the Center for Disease Control didn’t know what it was—there hadn’t been a case of Dengue in like 20 years. The time I was heliboarding with Jeremy Jones in Switzerland and I rode down the wrong side of the peak is another fond one... I was walking through fields with horned cows and bells forever, trying to find some clue as to where I was. I was, by the way, in a completely different country.


In many ways the Internet is making it easier for voice of truth to be heard. People who have a unique style and vision are now able to get their imagery out to the world quicker and for less money. On the downside it definitely clouds the market with a million more photographers who just picked up the latest DSLR and want to be called professional. It’s becoming harder to make a living doing it for sure.


I can see the disappearance of print completely for news-related media. I think there will always be room for quality writing and photography, however, in some form, there is something very satisfying about physically holding some media in the hands and turning pages that the Web can’t match.


My goals personally for the coming year are to travel and to kite/surf as much as possible. Professionally I want to push creative kite imagery further—I would rather fail trying to shoot something with a unique view than get the same tried and tired image. Ultimately I want to inspire others to get out and experience for themselves the power of being in nature. There is a spiritual side to the elements that really keeps me grounded. I think a lot of people today could really use a strong dose of it.

See the rest of the article here.

Signatures

The Drifter

While waiting for the snow to fall I've found myself spending time watching films, even trailers for films. This one caught my eye.

Collapse

The people of Hood River were among some of the first to screen the new film Collapse by Chris Smith. Documenting the thoughts of Michael Ruppert on the current economic crisis as it relates to peak oil production and the ponzi pyramid scheme that defines the American economy. Ruppert speaks of an impending collapse as our society comes into direct conflict with the planet's limited energy resources.

It is the most shocking and captivating film I have seen in quite some time, possibly of all time.An Inconvenient Truth was powerful. However as one critic put it- "right or wrong, prophecy or paranoia-(the film) takes up residence in your mind."

The trailer has a distinct Armageddon feel. There is however a powerful message of hope in the end. I urge everyone to ask for a screening of this film in their home town.

Grease Not Gas

Over the past 6 years, instead of just talking about “going green” Mike Parziale has been doing it. With his company, Grease Not Gas, Mike has helped many people convert their diesel vehicles to run on waste vegetable oil. He’s toured with bands like Piebald, embarked on adventures with Snowboarder Magazine, driven HCSC campers to and from the hill, and toured promoting sustainable energy for brands such as Cliff Bar. His latest venture is the Grease Bus, which takes people from Portland to Mt. Hood Meadows for $10 round trip all winter long.

For more info check out greasenotgas.com and greasebus.com

-reposted from YOBEAT.com

A Work in Progress- Part 1

Nate Appel's latest release. Great stuff from Eric Reinstra and Ian Daley. Funny looking guy with the camera is me.

Below the video is the still photo taken at 1:53. One of the cooler 1-2 punches in media I've been a part of. Nice job Nate!





To see some of the photo's from this shoot check out this.

winter coming

Feeling the change of seasons as my window to Mt Adams shows a snow capped peak where once was a big rock. Some random shots from last season at snowbird an the alta backcountry with the Trew Crew.

More Ben Wilson Shots

A few off the hard drive from the shoot here on the Oregon coast. Damn shame the conditions on the north coast didn't match the macking swell and wind on the south coast.

Reflection of Southern Utah

Since I'll not be going to the Sahara I thought I'd post some journal notes and images from a 2007 trip to Southern Utah. Interesting perspective looking back.
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Heidi and I pulled into Goblin Valley in the San Rafael Swell around 11pm to clear skies, a ripe moon and complete silence. Traveling down dusty roads in the dark we snaked onto an arroyo and proceeded up to the base of an anonymous sandstone canyon guarded by the silhouette of a large Hoodoo.


Exiting the truck we wandered about in the moonlight and open spaces- now so much clearer without the artificial light. We marveled at the stillness, the emptiness of the land... the lack of human evidence in this world or any reference to it's existence was invigorating. Each breath of dry desert air brought the cleansing scent of sage. It had been 5 years since being here last. The time away had been far too long.

Setting up our tent we laughed at the thought of putting up the rain fly or even using stakes. In the course of a hour however we would be happy we did. A gentle wind picked up as we climbed into our bags. A new storm front moved the air above us on the sandstone cliffs into a howl. Down the canyon we heard the wind come.

The tent went from a gentle shutter to complete quake. I imagined as I lay drifting in uneasy slumber the winds were the goblins/Hoodoo's come to life. With long claws they scratched the tent fabric, teasingly next to my head. Often they grew angry with human arrogance, bringing the wind and dust to pancake the tent against the ground. I was amazed time and time again the tent would rebound and regain shape against the onslaught.

By morning the winds had not let up. The light of day however allowed us to see what the night had brought. Sand. Lots of it. In everything- tent, pillow, clothing, hair, teeth, eyes... ears. We had a new companion for the rest of the trip. Dust devils swirled around us as we scrambled to break camp- stinging eyes, nostrils. Mocking us they chased while gusts nearly knocked us over.

Thus was the start. I thought it overkill to bring my -20 degree bag. I welcomed every degree of it's warmth. It was a great way to give in to nature. The elements were indifferent to our presence. The goblins demanded us to submit. We weren't angry- we were humbled.

Before our exodus from San Rafael we ran two slot canyons in a 8 mile loop with our 2 year old german shepherd Osa. Winds pelted us along the way as we squeezed through slots barely 2 feet wide. Our pooch had a blast exploring the nooks and crannies with us.

In an attempt to get the reptile warmth we sought we had to pass some of my favorite desert locals due to their high elevation- Escalante and Hole in the Rock Road, Capital Reef, Bryce Canyon. We ran south seeking refuge from the wind and cold to Springdale and the huge sandstone cliffs of Zion, pausing only for short stays on the way in Bryce and Tory. Each of the spots easily offer a lifetime of exploration. So unique in their queer rock formations and colors- united in their silence.

In Zion we caught up with my wife Heidi's younger cousins Brody and Jarred. Both expert climbers they have called Zion their home for the past 10 years. They have been putting up new wall routes in the park as well as creating many new covert sport climbs. Brothers only a 1 1/2 years apart they have a bond few know. Sharing the genetics of a passion for the wild, each watches the other's back in adventure, making sure however to laugh at the others expense at any given opportunity. It was an honor to share earth day in their presence and remember that there is another world of values entirely than the one shown on television and the commercials that define a consumer culture.

The shots attached mostly come from a secret area known as The Kung Fu Theater. As yet unknown to the the Rangers and any tourists of the area. The brothers each have great ladies that match their prowess on the rock that joined us. Rachel runs the local outdoor shop and Lisa works at one of the local guiding companies. It felt great getting in some climbing, a sport I have left since moving away from Jackson Hole. I was happy to see that despite the lack of strength I still have the ability to silence my mind and move across rock with calm focus.

Our plans for canyoneering and wall climbing were shelved due to the high water level in some canyons, low temperatures in others and the continuing high winds. This fall I desire to run the Behunin- a technical canyon over rock and water with 8 rappels, over 8.5 miles long- finishing with a 165 foot free rappel.

The highlight for me on this trip was pausing in the dark to take a wiz while brushing my teeth in preparation of sleep. I was thinking of the mystical nature of the desert and thankful for the spirits to allow me to experience the place again after many years away. Especially since I had felt doubt recently concerning the human race and it's overcoming it's relentless approach to destruction of themselves and the planet.

Mid-thought I felt something move across my bare feet in the darkness. I jumped back, seeing a figure scurrying in the sand. Initially I thought I had just missed the sting of a scorpion. Searching for a headlamp I found that my scorpion was actually a frog. Here in the desert of all places, the most unlikely fellow gave me hope that the impossible is possible. That change can happen, we as a species can overcome the issues that face our demise.

Encouraging to read later that in Native American Indian symbolism the frog is a symbol of good luck- it is a mediator and sign of the communicator. It is the voice of the people and represents innocence.

Of the 31 countries I have experience in my life, the southern Utah desert is by far my favorite. The energy and experiences I have shared with others have been the most rewarding and insightful. Never what you will think it to be, a trip there always surprises and enlightens in unusual ways.

Western Sahara= a no go

I just received word from the event organizers in Africa that my trip has been canceled due to "social movements." Not sure exactly what that means but cest' la vie. I'll get there another time.

next stop AFRICA

I just received an invitation to go to Morocco to cover the Dakhla Kiteboard World Cup. Coming up quick (Sept 27-Oct 3) the event will cover Waves, Freestyle, Course Racing and a Kiteloop contest. Really looking forward to seeing old friends compete (Jessie Richman, Erik Volpe) and meeting new ones as well.

The Western Sahara Coast has always been on my list of places to visit.

Check out the offical website here.

Photo courtesy of KPWT World Tour.

beach test shoot

Just wrapped up a couple days on the Oregon coast with some fantastic ladies doing a test shoot at the request of my Portland based studio- The Straub Collaborative. As luck would have it we actually had sunshine. Of course there was rain too, but it really inspiring to see the coast in so many ways. The weather, location, time of day, people- it all added up to a completely different experience in every way at every moment.

I have shot on the coast mostly for action, this trip was different though- the Collaborative challenges me to shoot beyond my normal genera of motion and adrenaline. It helps keep things fresh. Thanks go out to Tori, Jenna, Krista, Amy,Sarah, Lesley for your talents and creative input.

More shots to come soon.

Two trailers, two worlds

Two new movies coming out. One is comes from Michael Moore and the other from Woodshed Films. Good stuff for a rainy day to think about.

Fecal Creek

I recently went to the southern Oregon coast with the inept kite crew to do an editorial feature for Kiteboarding Magazine. We failed to find any wind but the guys did find a stagnate ditch with brown stinky water and the remains of what was once a bridge. It's funny what one can get excited about when the wind isn't blowing.

Dylan Thompson- Mellon grab Fecal Creek Oregon.

Pagan Chant

The stone hut Cabane De Mont Fort on the Haute Route had some interesting guardians. Heidi and I investigate.

Eric Reinstra

Eric spent a good portion of the summer in town. A good guy he is pushing the progression of freestyle kiting in his own way.







Here's alittle of Eric in action from Maui.