wind snow water

Slingshot Wake ad

2012-01-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

New Ad out by Slingshot featurning Mike Ennen. This came from photo work we did this fall up in Bellingham and Mt Baker Washington. Besides being a rad wakeboarder Mike is an artist and snowboarder, he did all the art work for Slingshot Wakeboards as well as for Jeremy Jones Snowboards. Super sweet stuff.

New Slingshot Ad

2011-12-12T17:57:00.001-08:00

New ad hitting newsstands across the world of Eric Reinstra. Was pretty excited the way the shoot came together. Not too common to have winds that are useable when you have clouds like that. Somehow Eric and I always come up with some bangers. He is one of the hardest working kiters I've shot.

Gotta say I'm pretty stoked on the clean art direction Slingshot Gary Huck has been taking the brand towards. Bravo Gary.

film screening tonight

2011-12-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

Two months since an update? Whoa. Lots going on. I need to get posting some work.

Tonight I am hosting a film screening of the Native short films we produced in conjunction with director Manny Marquez and the agency Motive. All the shorts were produced in Hood River. Super excited on how they came out.

Will post them up here as things get released. Sneak peek tonight if you can make it.

Fall Preview

2011-09-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

Seems I got the cover of Kiteboarding magazine, a full page ad in Outside as well as a full page ad in Skiing magazine thanks to Native.

Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of Native Eyewear's campaign soon. A crazy week shooting here in August with great people. The stuff should be dynamite.

Jet Lag

2011-09-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Just returned from 3 weeks in Nepal. What an amazing trip. So much to share... I shot 30 rolls on my Mayima of 120 film. Stoked to get that developed... as well as to take a peek into the 5,000 Digital pics taken.

Gotta say thanks to TREW Gear, ArcTeryx, Patagonia, Osprey Packs and High Tec for supplying us with gear. Look for images to come in the next week.

Namaste

Nepal Bound

2011-09-05T23:09:00.001-07:00

12 hour layover in Hong Kong, enroute to Katmandu. Took the opportunity to do some exploring... What a trip. Saw some street fish for filleted with hearts gills still moving. A cage of live frogs for snacks. Dried lizards on a stick. Meat of all kind hanging in weird places. Cockroaches as big as my thumbs. Massive skyscrapers and miles and miles of blocks under constriction.

Looking forward to the Himalayas!

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Native Eyewear Wrap

2011-08-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the edit of a week long shoot for Native Eyewear's "Tales from the Hood" ad campaign. I've got to say it's probably one of the most fun experiences I've had in recent memory. Sure there were long days (and even longer nights) but it really was hard to call it work. The crew, the locations, the whole vibe was so good I think everyone was alittle sad to see it end. It is rare to experience moments like these... I was honored to be a part of it.

Here's a peek into the 10,000 images we took. Super stoked to work with Motive agency outta Denver and the fine peeps of Native. I can't forget the total locals (or is it locos) who all really make this place what it is. Everyone of them contributed their color and style, so many fantastic people, so many extraordinary stories. An inspiration everyone of them.

August Moonlight Shred

2011-08-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Took a snowcat from Timberline lodge to the top of the Palmer chairlift yesterday at 4pm. Our rag tag group skinned from there 1,500 feet to to top of Illumination Rock. There we saw an incredible sunset, drank some whisky... ate some cheese, and watched a full moon rise.

It was an incredible experience to ski 4,000 vertical under the glow of the August moon. An experience I won't forget soon.

claire lutz

2011-07-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

This girl has gotten so much better. Always great to see the progression of a rider for me.

The overall level of women in fact has gone through the roof this last year. Fourteen women competed in the Slider Project's RoSham Event, where as only 4 did 2 years ago. That event is defining the direction of kiting's wakestyle progression like no other. Great to see the ladies charging with style!

Native Crew Selected

2011-07-28T07:10:00.001-07:00

I've been selected as part of a local team to tell the story of Hood River for an upcoming ad campaign for Native Eyewear. I have to say a big thanks to everyone who voiced their support of me to Native and their agency ThinkMotive. I am super excited to participate in the sharing of this amazing place and the incredible people here.

I am also stoked to work with a diverse and talented group of writers, specifically Temira Wagonfeld and Phineas England.

In the next few weeks we'll be asking the locals to assist in the effort by helping identify places of interest, incredible local businesses, the special hangouts and adventure zones deserving recognition. It wouldn't be totally fair to just do it ourselves. This project is about involving the community too.

We'll be seeking local top athletes in all sports to profile (bike, ski, windsurf, skate, kite, climb, kayak), as well as looking for the unsung local who breathes Hood River in their daily lifestyle. Artists, musicians, surfboard shapers, brewmasters, who ever they may be.

I'll also be seeking input for any local events between the shoot dates of August 18-21 worthy of recognition (like Post and Pint), and especially the local organizations that are working to make the community better (such as The Slider Project, Gorge Freeride Association, Columbia River Keepers).

But most importantly I'll need feedback regarding the stories and tales of the Hood. The unique the bizarre, the legendary stuff of Hood River's past. That lore deserves to be documented and shared.

We all know this place is special. I want to hear why it is from you. You can do this by emailing me directly (lance@ionimagery.com), calling me (503.544.6387) or just stopping me on the street.

You can also do it by clicking this link and posting your suggestion on the Tales from the Hood Facebook page. There the Native peeps will be giving away sunglasses. I think it's a weekly give away, I also think the more you post the better your chances to win are.

Thanks again everyone for the support.

Rest in Peace- Aaron Robinson

2011-07-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Aaron was a rising star on the international snowboarding extreme scene and a great person. I had the opportunity to shoot with him the last couple years in Snowbird. He will be sorely missed by many.

Below are a few images from my work with him on The North Face Masters extreme tour.
-lk

From First Tracks
El Colorado, Chile -Snowboarder Aaron Robinson, a two-time winner of The North Face Masters of Snowboarding, has perished in a fall in Chile.

Robinson, 24, was riding in a popular backcountry area known as Santa Teresita, adjacent to the El Colorado ski area, on Tuesday when he fell and hit his head on exposed rocks. It’s accessible via one of the resort’s lifts and delivers skiers to the resort’s access road, where a quick thumb or a spotted car provides return to the ski area.

Robinson, of Whitefish, Mont., was a team rider for K2 Snowboarding, Volcom and Airblaster.

Gitty Up

2011-07-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Another sneak look at the Slingshot Team shoot. Here Alex Fox get's his cowboy on.

Sneak Peek- Slingshot 2012 shoot

2011-07-14T07:07:00.001-07:00

Triple 14 hour days- the Slingshot shoot going on right now is a brutal one. I am so stoked on the results however... the talent, locations, personalities make doing my job a total dream.

We had some pretty cool clouds late into the evening our first day... the results were pretty dramatic. In this shot Eric Reinstra rips a fat railey in far eastern gorge secret spot.

Support your native photographer

2011-07-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Native Eyewear is on the hunt for a photographer to document the unique, the bizarre... and I could use your help to be a part of it. "Tales from the Hood" is an online event seeking to find the perfect photographer/writer combo to capture the essence of the Hood River community.

To document the personalities and characters would be an honor. But beware Hood River locals- if selected I will come a calling to capture your story.

So click the LINK and like Native and like me.

Thanks for the support!

Slingshot Peek- SUP

2011-06-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

A sneak peak at the new ad and line of Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) developed by Slingshot Sports. The ad will be featured this month in Standup Journal, and marks their official launch into the market.

Slingshot creative director Gary Huck really wanted something edgier than the traditional SUP photograph to set the stage for the company's move. Their brand has long strived to be an innovator in kite, wake, and surfboard design. There is no doubt they will change the way SUP's are perceived, built and used.

A big part of that comes from the fact they are bringing their development and manufacturing back to the United States.

Taking a fresh look at the status quo and aiming to do something different is always a tremendous personal motivator. I was stoked to be asked to be apart of it and am looking forward to developing their image further.

Cranking

2011-06-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

Too much work going on for updates! I am sorry about that- there is so much to share.

Been pressing the shutter for some of the biggest commercial projects I have ever done, with some incredible agencies and creative people. Stay tuned!

adidas originals

2011-05-23T10:41:00.001-07:00

Packing gear and headed to Portland for a couple days where I'll be on location shooting for adidas originals. Their retro line blurs 70's-80's designs with a urban soulful vibe. I totally dig it... they've worked hard to craft their brand with texture 'n grit, and it totally shows.

They've been great clients to work with in the past. A lot of fun.

Will post up some images as the shoot progresses if things are a manageable chaos. Somehow things always work a little better for me when the unknown shows up in a shoot. I wouldn't want to be a part of something completely controlled and sterile as there's nothing real about that.

Chaos ultimately rules anyways... submitting to it is very liberating experience. My mantra- hold on for the ride.

A peek at the streets of adidas originals.

Patagonia Catalog

2011-05-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

An honor and lifelong dream for me to find my work included in the Summer 2011 Patagonia catalog. Jane, Suz, Jenning, and Andrew at Patagonia have made their seasonal mailer something everyone looks forward to no matter what aspect of nature or sport they are into.

Through their hard work sourcing imagery, stories and the pertinent environmental issues of the hour, their edit and resulting catalogs are much more than a consumer purchasing resource. It is a uplifting and positive look at what drives the passion behind Patagonia and the reason they exist.

caption information-
Australian Dano See smacks a September lip on the Central Oregon Coast. The first winter swell of the season had everyone scrambling as clean wind and massive waves rolled into the south jetty of Newport.

Taking a break between kite sessions I saw a helicopter buzz over the beach. A couple phone calls later I found myself strapping in to a cockpit with an old timer named Wally who was absent mindedly preparing to pilot our toy of a helicopter out over the pacific ocean in winds gusting over 40 mph.

I've flown in helicopters in Valdez and the Alps persuing mountains, but never hanging out with my feet on the skid shooting friends smack double overhead swell. Still wet and salty from my session in the waves, the change of perspective from being to seeing rider and kite in motion- working together, has never before been more evident.

This shot is representative of an epiphany. There is so much more at work than just the body, board, wave relationship in kiting. A true kiter moves the kite as an extension of them self. The wave a canvas... a perfect moment shared with the elements of nature.

Spooky Slot

2011-05-20T11:12:00.001-07:00

Hole in the Rock road in Escalante will rattle the fillings out of your teeth in 20 minutes. This area is one of my favorites in Utah and indeed we had our side view mirrors rattle off on the exodus. Over the years we have seen more and more people access the canyons, yet Spooky and Peek a Boo slots remain a favorite squeeze.

Top of the World

2011-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Outside of Moab is a bike trail that climbs relentlessly up Waring Mesa to this stunning view of Fisher Valley 7,000 feet below, and the La Sal Mountains off in the distance.

Desert Bloom

2011-05-16T10:35:00.001-07:00

The Poison Spider Mt Bike trail is very unforgiving yet incredibly beautiful. A delicate desert bloom, tentatively roots itself in soil of wind buffed sand.

The memory still makes me smile.

Dirt

2011-05-13T13:32:00.001-07:00

The San Rafael Swell is raw and gritty. The dust penetrates everything, my camera gear and brain included.

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Southern Utah

2011-05-01T08:05:00.001-07:00

Working in lizard land catching some slick rock mt biking. Most amazing place in the world.

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Kjus Summer Line is now live

2011-04-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

A quick look at some of the work I did a year ago with KJUS. Seems like a decade ago already. All images come from Bandon Dunes golf resort.

Colter J Hinchliffe

2011-04-11T08:16:00.001-07:00

A couple shots from our recent work in JH.

Teton Pass

2011-04-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

Been spending alittle time back in my old home of Jackson lately- It's been almost 11 years since I've been back. Unreal how incredible it is here, I had forgotten how special it truly is.

The shot is a late sunset bloom from a Wilson cabin I was staying at. No saturation of the colors... all nature.

Selkirk Mountains

2011-03-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

A fantastic trip, still decompressing from being deep in the mountains without civilized contact for a week. A strange sensation after becoming so hardwired for information and contact via smart phones and the internet. Lots more images to comb through. Got my work cut out for me on pairing this edit down.

A few more shots can be viewed here.

Fairy Meadows Hut

2011-03-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

I am off to the Selkirk mountains in British Columbia and the Fairy Meadow Hut. We'll be heli dropped off for 10 days of self supported backcountry splitboarding/skiing. It looks pretty spectacular, with a quaint hut with no electricity or running water.

Take a peek at someone elses trip here.

Going to be a blast if we don't die. Will be shooting for Clean Snipe, Trewgear.com, K2 Telemark, Volie, Osprey Packs, and a couple other last minute additions.

Another close call

2011-03-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

Jumped into a 45 degree chute in the backcountry this weekend. The new snow covered up a rock I tagged at the entrance... toma hawked down into a dead tree. Hit so hard it knocked off my glove. Coulda been much worse... loving the souvenir. Jebuz.

Photo LA: inspiration + team building

2011-02-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

Had the opportunity to head down to Photo LA recently with the fine photographers from the Straub Collaborative.

Taken from the Straub BLOG:

In January 2011, Straub Collaborative’s team of photographers took a trip down south for Photo LA, a multi-day Fine Art photography event with 100 + galleries and over 500 photographers represented. It was an opportunity for the team to take in a worldwide scope of photographers’ work, offering a full spectrum of styles, skills and subject matter for an infusion of inspiration + team building.

We had a chat with them to find out about their adventure; Straub Collaborative clients past, present and future should be pleased as to what they brought back with them to base camp.

Elizabeth: “There was so much to see, so many different styles from one gallery to the next…it was like walking through Communication Arts Magazine.”

Lance: “It was a great opportunity to remind ourselves that photography is not restricted to the commercial realm. Working with so many clients at the Collaborative producing consumer goods, it’s important to have a mental recess to recharge the mind, and remember that photography can be so much more.”

Each day, the Straub shooters arrived at the show as a united front, but once they hit the event space, everyone went their own direction, going their own pace and taking notes in anticipation of commiserating each evening.

What work evoked the most response from the team?

The subject of China was a focal subject for a number of photographers. One captured old world China images, while Yang Yi did a series about the Three Gorges Dam project with “A City Underwater” as the theme. The images themselves were beautiful while the subject matter controversial and disturbing at turns.
Claudio Napolitano from Brazil’s provocative images got the team buzzing about content and execution with his surreal portraits of children in richly-textured, theatric sets and costuming – young faces wrought with world-weary expressions.
A gallery of work shot by legally blind photographers captured the team’s imagination with beautiful, distorted images with deeply saturated color.
How did work at the 2011 event compare to prior years?
Elizabeth: “On our last trip to the event, darkness was predominant, both in subject matter and execution with color and lighting. This time, everything seemed lighter, brighter. I am guessing that the choices were happier because there may be a sense that that’s what people are looking for right now – seeking more up-beat images. We saw a work this time that was totally whimsical: it was made up of miniatures skiing down slopes of food. I’m sure you would not have seen that at the last Photo LA.”

I can see how Photo LA provided inspiration, but how is it a team-building activity if you spend the days on your own?
Team: “Looking at and critiquing other people’s work gave us, as a team that works together constantly, a neutral ground to talk extensively about what each of us looks for and values without putting one another’s work on the spot.
One of the things that we enjoyed was the fact that all of us have very distinctive, individual tastes, styles and interests, so you could almost guarantee that we would all like or dislike a single piece for completely different reasons.”

Jenn is drawn to the work of photographers who have strong advertising backgrounds whose skills shine through in their Fine Art photography. The artists who know their form and are applying it to high concept, more difficult subjects are who she finds most intriguing: “I was looking for ‘what’s next’ – Fine Arts is a place to explore, challenge the viewer, make commentary and focus on concept. I want to see where the medium is going to go.”

Scott was pulled in by the technical components: “I was drawn to the evolution of the physical frames on the photos… examples of fusing the image to Plexiglas. The surface itself becomes another dimension of the artwork – you can alter the shape and texture, allowing the frame to become part of the story.”

Lance likes documentary-style imagery: “I was pretty surprised at how much work was heavily stylized and photo-manipulated. I have to say that I like the work that comes straight from the outside world, with minimal direction. Mitch Dobrower and his infra-red storm pictures are a great example: framed, wide open plains with hauntingly apocalyptic cloudscapes placing the scale of man so small compared to the natural world -very powerful.”

Elizabeth is eternally haunted by lighting (it makes her wave her hands in excitement as she describes what she witnessed): “We saw pieces that actually didn’t execute as well as they should, and that was actually as educational as things where the photographer succeeded. There was one piece that was lit TERRIBLY! Bad printing! Under exposed! Flat! It could have been SO much better!”
“A lot of the artists in this show work primarily as commercial photographers but Fine Art is really a completely other part of your brain – it gives you room to stretch. We all need to do more of it to have a continued influx of creativity and not get caught in trammels. This trip gave me a renewal of my love for photography. Seeing other people’s non-commercial work helps one branch out, inspiring us to bring fresh ideas to our daily work.”

Jenn: “Since I am new to the studio, it was so helpful to get to know everyone outside the studio – build respect for each other by hearing their perspectives on photography but also learning about their lives beyond photography. Having those additional touch points makes working in the studio that much more positive, creating greater connection between the team members with increased familiarity, trust and admiration.”

So was it all business?
Lance: “Relaxing back in our hotel with the other Straub photographers was almost like being back in a dorm room – tons of jokes and laughter.”

There was plenty of light-hearted camaraderie at the event, and they made sure that their down time was fun. For a bunch of sun-starved Oregonians, the sunshine, surf and palm trees were salve for their soggy winter spirits.
At the Santa Monica Pier Arcade there were friendly competitions over Skee-ball, Air Hockey, Pop-A –Shot; later, everyone enjoyed the spectacle of Jenn’s hair whipping about madly as she screamed and laughed in the Squirrel Cages (video to follow, if she doesn’t catch us).

The crew rode bikes along the beach path from Santa Monica, arriving at the circus that is Venice Beach for breakfast, after which they wandered amongst the muscled-and-oiled strongmen, glass-walking street performers, roller-disco superstars, capturing other-worldly images (photos=business!) and taking in the sights.

Thanks a ton David!
-lk

Trew Ad Campaign

2011-02-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

I've posted two of these ads before but never had access to the entire campaign. Reposted again here, these ads were featured in The Ski journal, Backcountry, Powder, Frequency, and Bombsnow Magazines,

Trew Catalog Shoot

2011-02-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

Recently produced by mastermind Nathan Hanna. This shoot was done this fall on a wet and dark stormy afternoon in the Pacific Northwest.

Sneak Peek- Slingshot

2011-02-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

There's a new creative mind over at Slingshot. Art Director Gary Huck is redefining the brand. I've seen several of the new comps coming out and they all are amazing.

Here's a peek at the next Ruben ad using photography we captured this past summer.

Dew Tour Snowboard Championships

2011-02-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

A tidbit I shot and wrote for Frequency Magazine.

Utah's best kept secret- Snowbasin, was host to the 2011 Dew Championships this last weekend. Under bluebird conditions 44,000 people attended the 4 day event- shattering all previous attendance records. With Saturday's mob surpassing 20,000, an Egyptian like frenzy made the air sticky in anticipation of the pipe thunderdome to come. Snowbasin also upped the ante by supersizing it's pipe walls from 18 to 22 feet specifically for the event.

Luke Mitrani took full advantage of the day coming from nowhere to pull the highest score ever awarded in a Dew tour pipe history at 97.0. His run included double michal chuck, front 9, back 5, front 18 and cab double 10. Greg Bretz placed second with 95 and old guy Steve Fisher (age 28) on the last hit of his final run pulled out a front ten double cork to finish 3rd with 92.

Contender Loui Vito had a disappointing day's performance finishing 7th, but ended up winning the over all Super pipe Dew Cup after snagging first in the Breckenridge and Killington tour stops.

Loui Vito

In the female realm Kelly Clark dominated. Repeatedly I heard people ask if she was a dood. Not normally a good thing, it was pure commentary on the hight and power of her riding. Kelly also pulled off a front side 1080, the second time it's been done in competition. Kaitlyn Farrington took 2nd and 38 year old Soko Yamaoka from the land of the rising sun third.

Soko Yamaoka

The scene that night continued on to dirty downtown Ogden, where Ice Cube showed he's still got game, performing to a rowdy crowd under Utah stars.

Next day was alittle fuzzy. I seemed to have missed the ladies slopestyle. Yes you can get a hangover on 3.2 beer.

Eric Willet of Breckenridge was the big winner of the day earning the highest Dew slopestyle score ever awarded with 97.25. Mark McMorris put in a good run for second, and in classic daytime tv drama last rider Torstein Horgmo dropped in to bounce former fellow DC team mate Chas Guldemond into 4th.

Torsteins finish also crowned him the overall Dew Cup Slopestyle Champion. In true viking fashion he was celebrating it up that night with grog and wenches on both arms.

The Viking Torstein Horgmo

Overall it was a pretty epic throwdown with high scores and good drama. one of the coolest things i overheard in the end was Eric Willet say next year it's all about going back to 3's and 5's with style. After all nobody wants to see freestyle go the way of aerial skiing.

+++

Video

Luke Mitrani Pipe Champ

Airtime

The mob below

Eric Willet

Astronaut

Torstein Horgmo

Obligatory Podium Shot

Overall Superpipe Champion Loui Vito

Dew Tour Freeskiing SuperPipe Championships

2011-02-15T08:18:00.000-08:00

A couple shots from the Freeskiing Dew Tour Championships held at Snowbasin this past weekend. Over the course of 4 days 44,000 people were in attendance, shattering the previous attendance records.

Quick Video for a recap of the action, and images below. Some impressive riding as the 22 foot walls of the pipe were 4 feet taller than last year. The progression in skiing is moving fast.

Tomorrow I'll post up the snowboard action.

Wind Load

2011-02-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

The snow report in the Northern Wasatch said only 4 inches that morning. Silverton local and AK guide sniffed out the best offering that day, a wind deposited tree'd slope full of white goodness. 4 magically multiplied into 12, skies blue the unexpected find made a great day so much better.

Mike Barney

2011-02-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Had a great couple of days shooting with one of the coolest skiers around. Mike Barney is one of those people who is quiet and unassuming, a person who treats everyone with respect. No attitudes or fronts. I guess I could say Mike in general is one of the coolest people around. I don't throw that around often.

More from the Silverton Avalanche School...

Mike has lived in Silverton for ten years and has worked as a ski guide in Colorado and Alaska for the last 8 seasons. As an avid backcountry skier, he has established many first descents in the San Juans. Mike Barney has received Level 1 AIARE avalanche instructor training and is a Wilderness First Responder. He has a wealth of experience in different snow climates and has been in the gauntlet of tough decision making. Every spring Mike migrates to Alaska to hit the big lines and guides for Valdez Heli Camps where he is the Snow Safety Director. Mike is a team member of the San Juan Search and Rescue Team and serves on the Board of Directors for the Silverton Avalanche School.

In the Summer he can be found milling wood at his business, Silverton Lumber.

Snowbird Extremes

2011-02-05T18:51:00.000-08:00

Been nuts busy in the Wasatch mountains as late. Here's some shots from the recent North Face Masters Extremes held at the bird.

More tour info and updates coming after the Crystal stop happening NOW.

Nayarit Surfing

2010-11-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

Behind the Shot: Ruben Lenten

2010-10-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

The latest issue of IKitesurf Magazine features Dutch superstar Ruben Lenten and his struggle to overcome injury. Many of the images come from our work together in the Gorge this summer- which wasn't much. I figure in 5 days together we shot on the water for maybe an hour and a half.

My stoke in creating images comes a great deal from the subject themselves. For years it was easy to accomplish with Ruben.

2008 and Ruben feelin' it.

Unfortunately he has been in a tough place the last several years and as a result, it's become a challenge for me as well.

If an athlete is injured and isn't in the moment what can a photographer do? The answer is very little- especially with Ruben. There is no cajoling, or coaxing possible with pain. Ruben has intense pressure from sponsors to produce insane imagery. Compound that with injury... and you have a major formula for frustration. Especially for Ruben... all he wants to give is 100%... um make that 200% (check out 1:13 here.)

Behind the scenes my 5 days with Ruben were spent in a controlled chaos... from dawn to dusk I'm getting hourly weather reports, texts from marketing directors and company owners asking what's happening. I'm managing videographers, jet skis, a 40 foot boat, a helicopter and the logistics of keeping multiple vehicles all together and ready to go on a moments notice. While keeping the vibe upbeat and pressure low.

Sometimes what's best is to not push the button, to not make the call. To put the phone down and say it's not worth it. Let's forget about the helicopter, jet skis, the monster boat. Forget about kiteboarding... it's not the most important thing in the world.

Concern for your friends' well being and happiness is. Cause if kiting isn't fun, then why do it.

In the end with the time we did shoot we accomplished exactly what was needed. More importantly we were able to enjoy the time and leave enriched by the challenge.

Ruben psyches up

boom

soul session

Dakine Kiter- Eric Rienstra

2010-10-05T09:28:00.001-07:00

Latest issue of SBC Kiteboard features a new ad with Dakine.

I'd been eyeing this angle on Mt Hood for a little while. The spot needed morning light and heavy wind to work due to a large wind shadow at the launch. I texted Eric from my bed early after listening to the wind chimes hammer all night, I was surprised to hear my phone ring 5 minutes later. Eric isn't known to be a morning person... but you can always count on his stoke to get out and ride no matter what.

Grabbing gear and meeting up we realized, of course... that neither of us had a working pump. As precious morning light tick'ed away we ripped over to a friend's garage, breaking in to root through some old gear. We found a pump only after it looked like we had totally botched the setup.

The launch itself required a bit of a trek. Passing barbed wire, train track, fecal ponds and blackberry bushes- the beach was one to earn. Made that much more difficult barefoot.

With one sketch launch zone and mega gusty conditions Eric made it happen. We ended shooting sun up to sun down that day. Covering nearly 50 miles of the Gorge. The entire time Eric was at it charging... stoked.

Keen Kayaker- Simon Hirter

2010-10-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hybridlife clip from Keen featuring the photography I shot with Simon Hirther, a fantastic athlete who lives in Interlaken Switzerland.

Simon is a positive spirit and activist for nature. I greatly enjoyed our time together and the late night discussions about the evolution of human consciousness, what environmentalism means and the healing power that nature has.

Heavy thoughts shared in the deep forest and mountains of the Swiss Alps- truly a magical and powerful place of inspiration.

German Kiteboarding Mag

2010-09-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Cameron Dietrich shuv-it on the AirRush fun box in the latest German Kiteboarding issue.

Cameron had rolled into Hood River with his wakeskate and was super stoked about doing some shuv-its on the AirRush fun box. The rail was pretty dry and sticky and he definitely took a couple gnarly wipeouts his first passes. Once the rail was greased up with water (maybe alittle blood?) the session was on and Cameron crushed it.

Smith Rock- Sprinter shoot

2010-09-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

A couple shots from a recent shoot out in Central Oregon for a new Portland based Sprinter Van conversion group called Craftsman Vans. A crazy cool toy to have around, the Sprinter is an all access fun machine. With 4 solar panels, 22 miles per gallon and the option of an bio diesel conversion, it certainly is easy on the environment and will haul everything you can throw in it.

One day... one day!

sup'n Newport

2010-09-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Between kite sessions on the central coast, Bob and Derry head out for a dawn SUP session.

unreal inspiration

2010-09-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

raw, inspired, video::::

The Ski Journal- Trew Ad

2010-08-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

The next ad coming out for TREW GEAR in The Ski Journal. Work coming from Silverton Colorado and skier Colter Hinchliffe.

Backcountry Magazine- Trew Ad

2010-08-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here's the first TREW Gear Ad, featured this month in Backcountry Magazine. Nate Hanna did a fantastic job with the layout.

The shots came from the San Juan Mountain Range outside Silverton Colorado as we skinned up to Treasure Hut located just shy of 14,000 feet. It was an amazing trip.

Will try and get a higher quality scan when I get a copy, this image came from an iphone.

Eagle Creek Exploration

2010-08-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

A great way to beat the heat on a 100 degree day. Simply park at the Eagle Creek trailhead off of exit 41 eastbound; while all the suckers walk along the trail, you hit the creek bed and work your way upstream. Just add tubes for floating, a few beers, good friends, some rope, and prepare to climb a few waterfalls, jump a few cliffs and get soaked.

Thanks go out to Tom at Blue Collar Agency, Gary at Struck Creative and Karl at Blanco Media for the good times.

client response

2010-08-14T03:36:00.000-07:00

Cracks me up... here's a phone message from a client who just received the selects from our recent shoot.

emotion kayaks

2010-08-13T12:44:00.001-07:00

Just wrapped the edit on a fantastic shoot in Central Oregon with Emotion Kayaks. A great group of people in an amazing location. This is the second shoot with Emotion, earlier this year we hit up the Florida Keys. Up next is the Na Pali Coast of Kauai.

trew crew winching the hood

2010-08-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

This comes from earlier this summer- July 4. Fun times with the Trew Gear team.

kjus film results

2010-08-09T10:11:00.001-07:00

I'm not a golfer but I gotta say I was pretty stoked when the high performance Swiss ski brand Kjus gave me a call to join them for a shoot on the Oregon coast. They desired to capture the rugged wild nature of Bandon Dunes with kiteboard, golf, and running imagery to help launch their new summer line.

They brought a film crew over from Europe utilizing antelope technology... a $40k super slow motion capture system. Great project for me to utilize the Canon 5dmk2 film capture. Much of the cutaway and lifestyle shots came from the 5dmk2- amazing you can't tell the difference in quality between the cameras really.

My only complaint is we didn't have enough wind for the kiteboard portion of the video. Sky Solbach and 6 time world champion Kristen Boese made the most of it however.

Take a look online to see the video and still photography results.

Warning... the intro with white screen has no load meter. Stick with it to see the video portion. Patience grasshopper.

Or if patience is something not available, you can skip the intro and go straight to the Bandon Dunes tab to see the photography too.

go to : www.k-2011.com

password: performance

a summer blown by

2010-08-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Dang sorry for the lack of updates. The last couple months have been a blur... lots of shooting and travel. Just had a great time in Salt Lake at the OR show and was blown away at the Dilated Peoples concert and positive reception towards my recent work. I've lined up some new clients and great travel for the fall. Really excited!!

Anyways here is some recent projects from the last 2 weeks. Lots coming out I can't share yet...

knocked out tooth

2010-07-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Jebus I've been on a roll with the self (1) inflicted (2) injuries (3). The latest is a gift from my surfboard on the Oregon coast. A nice pleasant day at Pacific City catching some waves. Kinda fun to think a part of me is now becoming sand at the bottom of the sea.

Replacement is going to ring me about $1k. I have enjoyed several days sans tooth... feels like halloween everyday.

Tybo

2010-07-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Dave Tyburski in action.

Reality is an Illusion

2010-06-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

A great message to start your day. I encourage sticking with the 11 minute video and checking out part 2 as well.

Tamanawas Spirit

2010-06-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Shots today came from Tamanawas falls on Mt Hood. Tamanawas is a native American word for friendly guardian spirit.

Unfortunately an experienced climber on Hood died yesterday. A reminder after my close call I owe this spirit some thanks.

Summit Attempt Gone Wrong

2010-06-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

excuse the writing, taken from an email to a friend, not quite a finished piece. thanks go to richard, tripp and asit for the good help in a bad situation.

all photos by richard hallman except bloody self portrait.

-lk
+++
story goes we were out for a summit ski on mt hood. avi conditions were suppost to be considerable (what a crazy spring), but a flash rain/freeze turned the mountain into an unexpected ice rink. we continued gingerly- having started early (4am) we hoped sunshine would soften things as we ascended.

on a break between the palmer chair and the summit we saw a climber in a descending group slip and go for a slide- crampons catching and throwing him around a bit for roughly 700 vertical feet. there was no movement once he stopped sliding.

richard (rn/mountain rescue rat/brilliant photographer) and I decided to descend to lend assistance, while Tripp and Asit agreed to continue for the summit and get some iphone shots for us. I had reservations about the conditions and poorly designed crampons on my feet, bringing the first production model of a new design. i had brought them expecting heavy snow not bullet proof ice. besides lending assistance to the injured climber i knew this was the most intelligent option for my safety as well.

i aimed to reach a flat knob just 30 feet below where i could put on my skis safely. as i descended to the knob the downfoot crampon chain strap broke and my foot slid out. I was off on a slide for life for aprox 1,000 ft vertical and 2,000 ft of distance in about 25 seconds. the crampons ripped off as i attempted arrest and my ax bounced repeatedly on my forehead.

i received 2nd degree burn blisters on elbow and knuckles as i dug in the ax. i had 3 ski layers with gloves and gortex jacket over the blister areas- all clothing showing zero signs of wear. i recall being amazed at the incredible heat i was feeling while sliding- strange what things pop in your head when shit happens.

at one point i became airborne flipping me from my belly to side and I lost a ski from my backpack upon impact- i think.

i was able to reposition and set the ax, only slowing/stopping 500 feet later once the decline in slope allowed the minimal purchase to make headway.

i actually didn't even realize my ski was gone until i built a bench and went to put it on. with no functional crampons i sat and waited for the others to arrive for fear i would start sliding again. i took this shot as well.

my group descended, checked in with injured climber above (whose leg injury required evac). richard also retrieved my lost ski, hat and lucky belt buckle.

getting on skis never felt so safe.

this was all on my wife's birthday... she said me not getting injured was the best present she got that day.

Aaron Hadlow- 5 time World Champion

2010-06-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Some out takes from 2 weeks with Aaron last summer.

Incredbile

2010-06-04T09:25:00.001-07:00

Ruben B-Roll

2010-06-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Been going through my archives to do a website update (the first in 2 years). Came across several shots of Ruben Lenten from last summer. Been sitting on my hard-drive totally forgotten.

It's really crazy how much work I have that hasn't been seen. I get so busy working that once a shoot is in the can and delivered to a client I move on to the next project. I will definitely start posting up some of the out takes here.

Who's That- Eric Reinstra

2010-05-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Reposted from SBC Kiteboard Magazine
words and photos by Lance Koudele

The golden dreadlocks are unmistakable. They mingle amongst the local tribes as one who belongs... the sandbar of Hood River, Lanes at Maui, the slicks of Hatteras, peaks of the Sierras. If it’s kite, surf, snowboard or wake it doesn’t matter. People respect the laid-back, determined focus and distinct style that follows the traveler named Eric Rienstra.

When talking with Eric there is a distinct Rasta ethos surrounding him that could easily fool you into thinking he is just another beach slacker. As a confessed couch surfer and ramen lover it isn’t until you see him in motion on the water do you see his complete commitment to the moment and the quest of perfection of it that defines who he is.

I’ve seen Eric kite late into the evening amongst impossibly light wind, everyone else had come in, yet he stays and waits. Hungry for the opportune gust to work in just one more pass. There exists a thirst in Eric to become better, a fire within to improve each session.

Growing up in Tahoe, Eric started kiting on Sherman Island soon after Corey Roeseler pulled the reel off the kiteski. Eric’s initial stoke was the freedom that kiting provided, to this day it’s the trick progression of the wakestyle movement. “I want wakeboarders to see that kiters can do all they do, and much more,” he says.

Keeping diversity fresh in his bag of board skills, Eric has chosen to return this winter to his snowboarding roots up at Northstar in Tahoe. Fine-tuning his rail steeze much like Dylan Thompson in Utah, Eric is aware that the payoff will come when the kites come out in the spring as he travels to Baja and Maui. The eventual goal he says is an invitation to compete in the Triple-S in Hatteras.

Eric keenly understands the relationship between cause and effect having studied history and philosophy. “By focusing on the past can you make informed decisions at the present to bring about a more favorable future,” he says.

With this kind of irie thinking and hard work there is no doubt Eric will achieve whatever goals he chooses in life.

Green T's

2010-05-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Help support the gulf cleanup with a nice green T. All proceeds go to healthygulf.org.

Gary Linden- Big Wave Surf Hobbit

2010-05-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

Great to see the Nelscott Reef Surf documentary the other night and catch up with several of the people who made it happen. One of those people is a little unassuming 61 year old guy named Gary Linden. Gary was one of the first people EVER to paddle into the massive break in 2008- catching not just one but two waves. The smile and stoke he brought back to shore was contagious.

The Find- Claiming Nelscott Reef

2010-05-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

There will be a screening of the movie "The Find- Claiming Nelscott Reef", my photography this Wednesday at the Bagdad Theater in Portland. It will be followed by a Q&A and a welcome message to the Big Wave World Tour by Gary Linden. Doors open at 7.

BP

2010-05-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

CEO of BP says the oil spill is "relatively tiny" compared with the "very big ocean."

As one person on the internet put it -"kinda like cancer is only a few cells compared to the size of the body."

KJUS Bandon Dunes

2010-05-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Just wrapped up a great 6 days with some fantastic people. The ski outerwear folks at Kjus decided that the rugged unpredictable Southern Oregon Coast was the perfect backdrop to launch their new summer line.

The Swiss company brought over a film crew utilizing Antelope technology- a super high speed camera that produces the most incredible slow motion footage. Check out some footage from Red Bull airplane races using the camera.

Kjus desired to produce a short film highlighting the human experience in nature and the elements. The focus was kiteboarding, golf and running (you can view some of their previous work with Bode Miller and Speed Flying in St Moritz here).

Anyways kiteboarders Sky Solbach and Kristen Boese came down to lend a hand. Super good people I always have great time working with them.

A big thanks to the entire crew- Lee, Ulli, Daniel, Andreas, Andrea, Karin, Silvia, Felix, Laura, Staci and Travis. The footage looks unreal- can't wait to see the finished peice.

Danke schoën!

desert time in utah

2010-05-08T20:01:00.001-07:00

Finished a quick trip in Escalante and Zion recently to thaw the winter toes and scramble a few slots. Excalante is my favorite place in the States. It never disappoints. I only wish we had more time but alas the folks at Kjus.com cut our trip short.

Update on that project coming soon.

Haute Route DIY info

2010-04-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Since snow is melting fast I'm dreaming of our Alps trip last summer from Chamonix to Zermat. Below you'll find a link to the xcel document highlighting our particulars if anyone is interested in doing it. I'd highly recommend it.

We went as an independant group- as such we avoided the high costs associated with hiring a guide service. Our specific route information can be downloaded here with alternative weather routes here.

The xcell files clearly show locations, distances, duration, elevation gain/loss, hut details, contact info... everything you need to do the trip yourself (minus the map and gear).

A big thanks go out to Mary Floeder for being our trip leader. If anyone is interested in getting a detailed gear list shoot me an email and I'll let you know what we brought/used wished we had.

Thanks again go out to Patagonia, Gregory Packs, High Gear and Salomon for the gear.

my assistant

2010-04-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

On a recent shoot Damien (a gracious assistant and fantastic pal) brought us to a San Diego burrito shop that was themed in the Lucha Libre fashion. I was so enthralled by the mystic of the masked wrestling phenomena, Damien bought me a pair of masks as a souvenir.

Hotel life and boredom can lead you to strange places. Here Damien prepares to save the world.

This is for sure a work in progress.

avalanche "oops"

2010-04-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

I should be posting recent work but this is too classic. I love imagining what swear words the ruskies are saying.

Action starts about :30 in.

high wind chairlift ride

2010-04-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Jackson Hole is known for being one raw mountain. Here some lifties were trying to get to work on the Sublette lift in 110 mile per hour winds.

kitespain mag cover

2010-04-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

Just saw the article on Slingshot kiter Ruben Lenten. All shots featured were captured last summer in the Gorge and Sherman Island CA with Ruben. I like the layout those guys worked in with the images.

ski albums of the 60-70's

2010-03-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

I was recently looking for some old vinyl from a group called The Hustlers and came across these awesome LP covers. The Hustlers were a "sunshine folk" group of the early 60's. I think that was the appropriate term before "ski bum" came into fashion.

My parents saw the group in Aspen well before I was born and picked up a copy of their record. That record was played heavily in our basement party room each year as the winter season approached and my pops tuned the skis. Mom figured out the riffs on her guitar and the record continued to live on once the lp was well worn out.

Just love how timeless the feel is on the imagery. The tunes maybe alittle dated but the message is the same. Will post up some lyrics and maybe a tune once I score the recording.

freeskiing world championships

2010-03-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Just wrapped up 5 days in Snowbird shooting with MSI. A great time with some gnarly action.

Speed Riding - Antoine Montant - Can't Stop

2010-03-17T16:53:00.001-07:00

Speechless.

Speed Riding - Antoine Montant - Can't Stop

Coconut French Toast

2010-03-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Just returned from 6 days in sunny San Diego. Not before I chowed down on this scrumptious breakfast at Isabel's Cantina in Pacific Beach.

A fantastic shoot with a great group of people. More on that in a bit. I'm going to be dreaming of this breakfast for a long time- yum.

More Emotion

2010-03-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

A few more from the Keys. Emotion Kayaks really is a family of classy people- my hat goes off to everyone of them- Tommy, Diane, Shelby, Samantha, Slade, Ally, Jim, Josh, Ethan, Karen, and David. Thanks much for your hard work!

Can't wait to see ya in Bend for the whitewater shoot. A few more shots to come of Ethan and Karen with their wee one in action on the water later this week.

LensRentals.com

2010-03-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

Not doing any advertising for these guys. But when you come across a company that makes your life and work alot easier it's nice to share. LensRentals.com is just that. It is an online lens/camera/lighting rental service that ships gear directly to you.

The website is alittle hokey and strange to navigate, but the prices are way below what you would pay at your local camera shop (a 16-35 2.8L goes for $46.50/ 4 days compared to $30/1 day). The support is super awesome. I've been using their services alot lately and I'm happy with the results.

Florida Keys Kayaking

2010-03-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

I just returned to Utah from a whirlwind trip to the Florida Keys to shoot stills and video for Emotion Kayaks. So bizzare to be atop a 10,000 foot Wasatch Peak in mid winter conditions then be in flip flops on a sandy beach with palm trees and blue water the next day.

I really enjoyed the contrast.

A few shots from the trip below. Lots of images to go through before I head off to San Diego next week for the next adventure.

Sigma is serious

2010-03-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Sigma lenses just got a facelift courtesy of Blue Collar Agency. The creatives over there thought to throw in a shot I took this fall of one of their founders FPO on the design comp. Sigma liked it so much they decided they had to have it.

Rob McReady, Blue Collar co-founder... playing the blues.

Acid drop

2010-02-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a behind the scenes clip of Colter Hinchliffe's 4 story acid drop and the shot captured. Colter had hit the drop probably 4-5 times by the time I decided to climb up and capture his perspective. The closeness of me to him definitely threw him off a bit on his take off. We're lucky it all worked out.

So funny we got away with this drop for at least 90 minutes before anyone bothered us. Local kids who happened upon the alley were hanging out, calling their friends, a random local showed up to shoot some photos too. We were blasting beats out of a crusty subaru drinking pbr's and having a good time. A lady in the window by Colter's take off waved to us several times and was stoked... it wasn't until the owner showed up did we get a good tongue lashing and sent us off to jib the next feature.

Colter drops in downtown Silverton.

A Dream Sets Sail

2010-02-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

Kay Koudele's first book has hit the shelves of Amazon. Kay (otherwise known as "Mom") has written the first part of a trilogy documenting their 4 year journey on a 37 foot sailboat. Leaving from Portland and traveling south Kay and Fred ("Poppa" Koudele) journey south, through Central America, the Panama Canal, traveling through South America and, well... beyond.

I'm not gonna spoil the ending. Yours truly is featured in the book as first mate. Traveling along as crew I spent a lot of time on the boat in harsh seas, battling sickness, mosquitos, sun and salt. I recall some sea monsters too but they only appeared on my night watch.

Now you know where I got the thirst for adventure. Thanks mom and dad.

Disco Ping Pong at 12,000 feet

2010-02-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Trew Crew in action at the Treasure Hut in the San Juan Mountains. Skiing all day, ponging all night. Here's match point in what would become the championship round between brothers Chris and John Pew- owners of Trew Gear.

Trew crew at Treasure Hut in the San Juan Mountains. Match Point madness.

Silverton Action

2010-02-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

Just spent a week at Silverton Mountain and Treasure Hut in SW Colorado with the TREW crew. The altitude and stoke was high.

San juan Playground

2010-02-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick (and bumpy) look at the terrain we were playing on. Beautiful.

Trew time in the Rockies

2010-02-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

Arg soo much going on. This is a little sample of what I have been up too. Trew in Colorado. So much soul it oozes and infects (in a a good way). Shots coming soon! I swear.

Video by Snow Lion Productions- Jeremy Rubingh killing it.

Here is some of the much awaited video from an amazing winter '09 with the Trew Crew, Tripp, Chris, and John. Hut trips, cities, the cascades of Washington, Canada, Montana, Vegas...and of course beautiful Colorado! If the soul of skiing/riding lives anywhere it is on Harvey the RV with these guys. Much love!

Silverton Bound

2010-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Off tomorrow to spend a few days at the greatest backcountry ski area in North America. One chairlift perfectly located in the middle of the San Juan Mountains. Silverton Colorado is what good dreams are made of.

After 3 days in Silverton the TREW crew will skin up to Treasure Hut- a 640 square foot hut nestled in at 12,000 feet. The touring options are quite good I think.

Really looking forward to shooting and working with Shaun Raskin and Colter Hinchliffe. Be sure to check out some of Colter's POV clips from his recent trip up with TREW to Canada.

A few hut shots from San Juan Adventure Guides.

thugs for life

2010-01-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

Words can distract. Here are the pictures... let the imagination go wild.

The North Face Masters

2010-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

No time to write. Some pictures will have to do for now.

35 inches in 48 hours

alta truck

bird at night

north chute

going nowhere

mark carter- wyoming kid

chaos rules

travis rice ponders his 3.2 options

renegade

victory

action and inaction

2010-01-18T12:29:00.001-08:00

So hard to get a reliable internet at my place. Really creating a problem. Anyways poaching one in my car to get up some recent images up.

Just finished covering the Dew Tour for Frequency magazine. A few images below...

Utah

2010-01-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been over 18 days since I've had a solid internet connection. Moved headquarters to Eden Utah for the next several months... Snowbasin will be the location for most of the upcoming gravity research I'll be doing here but several other locations coming soon (Sliverton, Treasure Hut, Strawberry and just up the hill at Pow Mow).

I'll post some shots up soon now that I'm online. Really looking forward to exploring the North Ogden Divide too. Very reminiscent of Teton Pass in Wyoming.

Blue Collar

2009-12-18T09:58:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

Photographer’s Self Portrait: Lance Koudele

2009-11-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

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-
---------
"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.

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