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.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Utah
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).
Friday, December 18, 2009
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.
Friday, December 11, 2009
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.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 23, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
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-
---------
"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.
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.
See the rest of the article here.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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.
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