Another Day At Spray | Adventure Lifestyle Photographer

Greg Ramsay checking his lines before launch.

Finally conditions have been good enough to ride safely and aggressively out at Spray Lake just south of Canmore. I originally planned to shoot for half of the day but the riding was so good I just put the camera away.

Greg and I started off at a launch location called "Sparrowhawk" but after a rough hour of riding on the edge of a storm we decided to pack up and go find Jay and Gilles who we suspected were riding further South on the lake. As we arrived at the new location the sun started to come out and the wind seemed very steady. I quickly set up my 12 five (largest kite) and launched into what seemed like the smoothest 25-30km I've ever experienced.

The snow had a decent base and with the air-temp at 0 degrees, made for a good 10 inches of creamy spring butter-snow. The air was strong from the SSW and extremely consistent. It took very little room to send the kite and pumping the bar would loft you a good 12-15 feet and ease you downwind 30 feet from where you left the snow. Flying "powered-up" gives you confidence and when your kite is in the right spot, makes air time and tricks safe and fun.

Unfortunately an hour later a storm outflow snuck in and punted a few kiters who where out riding (me being one of them), luckily with no bad injuries. When I felt the first gust rip my kite down-wind I immediately skied underneath it to get it into a safe "parked" spot. But as I slid below it the kite lifted straight up about 6 feet and dropped me on my back and proceeded to drag me down the lake for 20 feet before I was able to pull the primary "eject". A little rattled and sore I packed up the 12 five and walked back to the launch. Scary as it was, I couldn't help think that a bad day (and it was actually a pretty good day) out on Spray is still better than a good day in the city.

Clip from the HEROcam showing conditions.

The End Is Near

That's right, the end of the year is almost here but not before I take a big break. As usual this is the busy time of year but this year I have taken a little more time off and am looking forward to working on some personal projects. Also there is much needed family time and some days of just doing "nothing" and getting some rest.

This last year has been a little crazy to say the least. We have worked with some great clients, built some new partnerships and relationships. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of working with 36 other photographers who came out to learn a little bit about lighting and working with clients. And then there was the plane crash (see July)with Nathan that changed a lot of things for me.

Over all it was a good year and I am grateful for everything. I am also very excited about this coming year. There will be new 2-day workshops this year, and I have a few partnerships for some huge projects in the new year. The business will also be changing a little, We have developed solid relationships with new commercial business and we will be moving into a new field (for us)of photography.

I hope everyone has an awesome Christmas, we will see you in the new year.

First Day On Spray | Adventure Photographer

The last month of contracts is almost complete. Most of the work we intended to have done for December is pretty much done so now it's time for personal projects, stock and just good solid adventure.

Today was our first day out on Spray Lakes in Kananaskis and it was great. We were able to get out on the ice around 11 am and spent a few minutes testing the ice. The ice has an average thickness of about 5" but is open in some places along the creeks. There is about 4" of fairly cold snow on 1" of slush but still enough to get an edge with the 12-five in 20km/hr wind.

Great way to start the season, it's shaping up to be a sweet season. Hope La~Nina' gets here soon...

A Good Start | Canadian Adventure Photographer

Even with a few shots to the cores (rock damage to our bases), I really can't complain about yesterdays' climb. Patrice and I skied into the Highwood Pass and climbed the huge North face on Mt. Tyrwhitt. The snow was cold and light but unfortunately with no base to it, our skis penetrated too deep and the occasional rock or tree would catch and we'd take a tumble.

It was amazing to climb something just to ski it and even having the kites with us and intending to use them to gain our elevation, climbing was enough. The wind wasn't favorable either and without a substantial base, it was probably going to be hard to get enough safe lift out of the kites. The light was not great as well but I managed to squeeze a few shots off of Pat doing his "free-heel" thing. Regardless of the slim conditions, it was great to get out and a nice note to start the season on.

Telly | Adventure Lifestyle Photographer

Last Thursday I went out for a late night shoot in Calgary at the King's Head Pub. The band was Telly and when Tim (their Keyboardist) messaged me I had a hard time saying no. I photographed these guys at Beer Fest 2010 and I loved their music and watching them play. It's almost like the Doors and Skinard got together for a party on stage. Rob (the Lead) and the boys really get into it and the music really is good.

It was a quick set and although I don't do a lot of band work any more, sometimes it's just good to get out and shoot.

Passing Through | Adventure Lifestyle Photographer

click on image for a better view.

Tonight was the second night for working on my long exposures. Again it was very cold and clear but this time I stayed close to home. I tried a few other locations but I came back to this one which is just off of RR12 west of Crossfield. Once I started post on the image I found that not only had two aircraft flown through my shot but I also got two meteor shots on the left side of the frame (heading West). I love doing this kind of work, and I had a movie on my ipod to kill the time....

Many Layers | Canadian Adventure Photographer

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Well I have been very busy with Hockey Team and Sports Photos but now there is a little bit of a break. I was getting extremely restless today so I forced myself to head out into the cold tonight and work on my long night exposures. I stopped in at a location between Crossfield and Carstairs that I have wanted to shoot at for some time. The problem with this kind of shot is it requires a few hours to achieve so you really need to be sure of the composition.

The frame is made up of 57 individual frames all exposed for 60 seconds each. Once they have been combined in layers you get a 57 minute exposure. The reason for going this route is to cut down on the noise created in the image from the long exposure heating up the sensor. I love making these kind of images but I need to find something to do while I wait.