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Category Archives: Photography
Newly Published Trail Running and Backpacking Photos
Runner's World USA Rave Run January 2012
Here are a few examples of some recently published work in American outdoor magazines, all three of of whom we have been working with for a very long time. Both Backpacker and Runner’s World are magazines we started working with back in 1999 and our first days in business. The magazine Trail Runner didn’t come along for another few years but immediately became a great friend, literally, as we have had some great times with the editor Mike Benge while on assignment, including a memorable run across Iceland in 2004, later a feature in the magazine.
The Runner’s World Rave Run (above) was shot in Norway this last winter when we were there for an ice climbing shoot with BD athlete Kurt Astner. While Kurt was off scouting one evening for this shoot, Janine and I went for a very cold run, to which we later returned to make the Rave Run photo. Temps were in the -10C range… Bbrrrr… Ice climbing, ice running, that was the deal, but Norway is truly stunning. You can read about the whole trip at our DolomiteSport site.
Below is the January issue of Backpacker Magazine and features two close Italian friends, Andreas and Alexandra, while hiking a section of the Dolomites Alta Via 2 Trail.
The Dolomites Alta Via 2
Finally, Trail Runner’s current January 2012 issue features their annual calendar with several of our photos.
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PatitucciPhoto Outdoor Industry Mountain Sport Published Work
It’s time again to round up some recent clips of our published work. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see much of where our photography ends up, so the few clips we do get are fun to show off. It also kind of justifies and explains all this traveling we do. One interesting thing to note is how our work is used by these companies. When we started in this business in 1999, everything we shot was for print ads, catalogs, point of purchase, tradeshow, etc… Now, it seems most everything is for web usage, some print ads & POP and lots of tradeshow displays.
Our image above is from the 2012 Runner’s World Germany Calendar we did with our good friend and photographer Lars Schneider. Together we shared the whole project and are excited to see some of our best trail running images printed large and on high quality paper. To see all the images in the calendar, or to purchase (for our European friends) visit: Runner’s World Germany 2012 Kalender
Over the last winter, we were fortunate to be a part of the Gore-Tex Product Testing Team for the new Pro and Active Shells. In addition, we worked with Gore to produce some imagery used to promote these amazing new fabrics.
Every year for as long as we have been living in Europe we have looked forward to the big German outdoor industry calendar’s for all the key mountain sports. We have had many covers but none so beautiful as the Mountain Bike calendar for 2012 featuring one of our most popular images from the Italian Dolomites. It is an image Janine found and made of me riding – so it’s double fun to see our image used big and starring your’s truly.
In the amazing company category are two of our very favorites. Smartwool, above and Patagonia below. We respect both of these brands as companies working to do the right thing. They responsibly manufacture superb products and treat people well. For Smartwool, we shoot much of their advertising work, above are some of the website’s images we have produced. And below is the 2012 Patagonia European Workbook cover featuring Janine running Dolomite trails.
The extremely popular Swiss women’s mountain sport clothing brand Wild Roses has become a company we work closely with. This is a brand that has supported our relationships with their Ambassadors so as to visually demonstrate women mountain sport athletes and professionals living their dreams.
Along with Patagonia and Smartwool, brands we personally rely on and use everyday, is a company we partner with; Deuter Backpacks. Since 2006, Deuter Packs are on every trip we do as we work with them for most of their advertising photography.
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Also posted in Clips, Photo Business
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Dolomites Via Ferrata Petzl Photoshoot
The Via Ferrata Tomaselli
With the year’s best weather currently playing out, it was perfect timing when Petzl called needing us to shoot a Via Ferrata for their next catalog. The need; a classic Ferrata, great light, fun people and of course a dramatic landscape. I asked our good friend and Mountain Guide Alberto De Giuli what would the most photogenic Ferrata in the Dolomites be – he was quick to recommend the Via Ferrata Tomaselli, not only is it’s position very dramatic, but it is arguably the hardest in the Dolomites. Perfect, sold!
Our plan was to climb the route late, timing our arrival to the top for sunset light on the last section below the summit. Alberto suggested we take a rope so I could rappel from the top and shoot from the side. Once finished, we’d down climb the route and shoot the absolute last light on a lower section.
Our good friends Christof and Evi (of our Sicily trip photos) joined us for the fun. First stop on the way to the Ferrata was an obligatory visit to the hut with the best views in all the Dolomites, the Rifugio Lagazuoi, where owner Guido Pompanin treated us to a breakfast of fresh apple strudel and cappuccinos that we could enjoy out on his deck. Ah… bell’Italia.
Once caffeinated, it was off to work. In the end, our plan came together perfectly. A happy client, happy photographers and a great day for everyone.
What is a Via Ferrata?
These “Iron Ways” started as paths cut into the sides of some of the rock faces in the Dolomites during World War I. Soldiers were able to get around on vertical walls thanks to cables in place for security. These days, the same style is used with modern gear to allow more adventurous hikers to access rock walls and ridges that previously only climbers could do. It is tremendously popular throughout the European Alps and Dolomites, with literally hundreds of Via Ferrate spread throughout the ranges. Petzl makes a wide range of systems that allow Ferrata climbers to easily take advantage of the in place cables and ladders found on these routes. More at the Wikipedia Via Ferrata Page.
Considering a Ferrata? If you are visiting the Dolomites, famous for some of the most beautiful Ferrate in Europe, and you want to try something new and quite unique – put a Ferrata at the top of your list. But if it is your first, and you have limited or no climbing experience, guides are available to take you up and get you down.
Contact UIAGM Mountain Guide Alberto De Giuli
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Also posted in Climbing, Dolomites
Tagged Adventure Sports, Dolomites, Italy, Photoshoots
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John Harlin Walking the Swiss Border
Earlier this summer we posted our story & photos about John Harlin’s Swiss Border project. It was a project we were very lucky to be a part of as we would have the pleasure of meeting John, spending some days with him as he walked the entire Swiss Border, and getting to visually document part of the process. After three very long & difficult days with John, I was left thinking that in order to complete this epic journey he would need a very strong will, endless endurance and bomber knees. Apparently, he has all these things as yesterday, September 12, at exactly noon, he summited Mont Dolent – this, after 104 days of being on the move . By doing so, he completed a very large circle that offered him countless geographic and weather challenges, but also an endless stream of memorable trailside human encounters and support via social media.
John Harlin arriving to the summit of Mont Dolent
We joined him as he first set out this summer, then again yesterday for his finish atop Mont Dolent, which serves as the border between France, Italy and Switzerland. Also in our group were supporters & partners from Swiss Tourism, some close friends, and his host SwissInfo.ch.
The day started off with the sound of heavy rain bombarding our bivouac on the Italian side of Mont Dolent. 5 am, rain, 6am, rain, 7 am, drizzle. With drizzle being a major improvement, and John determined to close the project, we all set out. 30 minutes later as we gained the glacier the first rays of sun were streaming through the clouds. Shortly after this we had bluebird conditions and a freshly frosted mountain all to ourselves.
A huge congratulations to John for completing his journey and lifelong dream. There are some great stories from along the way at SwissInfo Border Stories. Also, a follow up summary is soon to follow and can be watched for at the SwissBorder Facebook Page. His own write up of the final day is appropriately titled, Party Time.
A few images from a great day with a superb group of people.
Inside the Bivouaco Fiorio. Too bad we had to carry all the schnapps & wine up, there just wasn't enough.
John Harlin leaving the bivouac in wet and unpleasant weather for his final day on the Swiss Border
The crew negotiating a heavily crevassed glacier below Mont Dolent
The skies cleared to a perfect last day. Here, John is on the upper glacier before the final rock ridge.
John Harlin and Friends on the summit of Mont Dolent. Congratulations John.
Even the Ibex were out in support. This big guy was on the doorstep of the bivouac when we returned.
Everyone down and happy to the bivouac with Mont Dolent behind.
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Also posted in Climbing, Profiles
Tagged Documentary, Europe, hiking, Photography, Photoshoots, Switzerland
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A Busy Week in the Life of PatitucciPhoto
We live a busy schedule of combining work with play - for us, they are one and the same, we call it life. Living and working in the mountains is simply what we do. But the last week was particularly dense with activity and has finally ended on a drizzly day in Switzerland where I can finally sit and get all caught up – for not only were we on the move, we had no phone service for much of the last 6 days.
It started with friends visiting the Dolomites, lots of road biking and a 21 pitch climb on the South Face of the Tofana, one of the Dolomites largest walls. Then it was straight to the Graubunden Region of Switzerland where we spent some days climbing in the Sciora group. From there I rode my bike back to St. Moritz before climbing another amazing wall above Disentis, Switzerland, the Piz Cavardiras. Once down from shooting photos, and the climbing itself, I jumped back on the bike and rode over several major Swiss passes before bumping into the Bernese Oberland and calling it good. As in exhausted. Maybe I have been drinking too much coffee. A huge thanks to two friends who joined and helped us in the fun; Thomas Engl and Tim Connelly.
This then is our visual diary.
Tim Connelly on the South Face of the Dolomite's Tofana - 21 pitches that he accurately described as being more of an odyssey than a climb. Agreed.
Thomas Engl on the Sciora Group's Innominata; Via di Mezzo 6a
From dumping rain, it snowed, then in ten minutes it was sunny and warm for cragging.
Shame shame shame, but well done Thommy
Thommy Engl cragging above the Sciora Hut
Thommy & Janine in the Sciora Hut, course number 1 is soup
Thommy Engl on the upper pitches of the 22 pitch Piz Pioda, 6a, in the Sciora Group
Thommy Engl on the upper pitches of the 22 pitch Piz Pioda in the Sciora Group
The Sciora Hut sits directly beneath some impressive granite walls and spires
The walk out from Sciora after an all day journey that started, and would end, with headlamps
Above Disentis, Switzerland is the Piz Cavardiras and an amazing 6b+ direct line up one of the best routes I have done anywhere in alpine terrain
What started in blue skies on the Piz Cavardiras turned cold and dank
I opted to pedal to the next venue over the Oberalp and then Furka Passes, pictured here in heavy traffic
PatitucciPhoto and the rolling office/home
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Also posted in Climbing
Tagged alpine climbing, Climbing, Europe, Mountain Sports, Photography
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John Harlin Swiss Border Project
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining American John Harlin for three days, as an assignment for SwissInfo.ch, during his epic project to circumnavigate the entire Swiss Border under his own power. The route is a combination of John’s decision making and the advice of a specialist in cartography, with each day more or less plotted, where to sleep/bivvy, where to re-supply, even where to take a rest day. John is being tracked for live positioning and is posting video and photos along the way.
The entire project, including the interesting question, “Why?”, is : SwissInfo: John Harlin’s Border Stories
John on the Silvretta Glacier. A solar panels sits on his pack for charging mobile devices to keep in communication.
John Harlin and a much deserved ice cream
John started the project last summer but was injured climbing. He returned later in the year for some easier sections that allowed him to use bikes and waterways. With these sections finished, he knew he would return in 2011 for the bulk of the border, the entire southerly section through the Alps. Most efforts in the mountains are measured by thousands of meters gained, for John it is hundreds of thousands of meters gained; 220,000 vertical meters to be precise. And, being Switzerland, it is precise.
The goal of the project is to see and learn about Switzerland in a very unique way. This is a country with four official languages, a rich culture of people living in the mountains, incredibly rugged & complex terrain thanks to the Alps and Jura, and of course what may arguably be the most idyllic landscape in all the world. Yet it also has thriving agriculture and a dairy industry famous for the finest cheeses and chocolates. It is all this that John has set out to see, he just happens to be on the line that contains it all.
Headed for the Dreilanderspitze, up & down. For me, usually a commercial photographer, it is a joy to shoot a journalism story and react to things instead of setting them up.
There was some irony in my joining John in that just last year I became a citizen of Switzerland. I am in love with my new country and hungry to learn everything about it. So, to be assigned this documentary project by SwissInfo.ch, which for ten years has been our favorite news source, was a true honor. And then there was John… quite an amazing character and certainly a new great friend. There we were, two American born guys who love Switzerland, walking along the border, soaking it all in and enjoying every minute. John is still out there, I hope to re-connect again soon.
Arriving to the summit of the Dreilanderspitze separating Austria from Switzerland
Lots of navigation checks are in order. The border typically follows ridges, but which one?
Hut life; Email, post video & pics, blog, wash socks
Meeting locals along the way
What are the odds? We met a Swiss couple walking the border of Switzerland's largest canton, the Graubunden. Lots of stories and route info to share
A nasty big climb to regain the border from the valley below
John happily took my bike for a long descent from Samnaun along the border to where he would begin walking again.
John telling the Border Guards that he is keeping an eye on things
Also posted in Clips, Photo Business
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Kalymnos Greece Climbing
As we are back to climbing this year, there is one phrase that keeps coming up over and over again, “You must climb in Kalymnos, Greece”. With the need for a holiday break from, well, mountain sports, we thought we’d go on climbing holiday. All we ever do is mountain sports, but always with the camera and the necessary focus that goes along with shooting for work. This trip was for us, climb everyday, make some friends, enjoy ourselves. But one day, in the famed Grande Grotta I had to pull out the camera, and for obvious reasons.
So was Kalymnos worth all the hype? YES! …and come November you will know where to find us for our end of season getaway.
The Dream Job Schedule
The Tuscan village of Pienza
Outdoor Industry Photographer Life
In addition to being professional photographers, I think it’s safe to say we could be considered professional travelers. In February, after plugging many clients needs into the calendar, we saw that to make everything work we would have to be on the go for seven straight weeks. In the last twelve years we’ve done a lot of back to back trips, but this was ridiculous; Tuscany (post), Norway, Chamonix, Sicily, Switzerland, Italy – in two cases we went straight from airports home to swap bags, then dashed to the next location. Planes, airports, and cars served as editing stations, the iPhone the entire communication platform.
In Montura's new Gore ProShell, Kurt Astner climbing his route White Chocolate. Norway
Our trip to Norway was for W.L. Gore (Gore-Tex) and the Italian clothing company Montura. The goal was to photograph professional climber Kurt Astner climbing some new ice routes in bad weather. The trip also included our own fun, both wandering around the Lyngen Alps and lots of backcountry ski days.
Evening walk along the Norwegian Fjords and scoping ski lines on the other side
A day to ourselves with four laps of fun in the Lyngen Alps
From Norway we flew to Munich, drove three hours home, did laundry, slept a few hours and were in the car headed for Chamonix. The Swiss women’s clothing company Wild Roses had hired us to photograph two of their athletes for three days. The job was to document each of their lives as mother’s and very busy mountain athletes. Esther Larios is a Swiss UIAGM Mountain Guide based in Chamonix and a mother of two. American Nina Silitch, also a great friend and mother of two, is one of the world’s top women ski randonee racers, competing & training fulltime on the World Cup circuit while living in Chamonix. With each of them we spent a full day photographing their day to day routine. Then, the third day we headed into the mountains for a fun day of alpine climbing and skiing work.
Esther Larios and Nina Silitch on Chamonix's Midi Plan Traverse
Nina Silitch
Esther Larios and Nina Silitch in Chamonix
During the Chamonix shoot it became apparent it was crunch time. After the third day shooting skiing and climbing, we were back in the car for the 6 hour drive home. Once there, Groundhog Day; laundry, a bit of sleep, an attempt to edit, then our bell was ringing. Great friends Christof and Evi were outside, the car was packed, we were headed to Sicily for a week of sport climbing. Unlike the other trips, Sicily was our own shoot, both for stock and our DolomiteSport story. AAhhh…. relax a bit, get caught up, deliver some jobs, hang with friends and get a bunch of climbing in.
Christof Ursch at the Castle of Aragon, 7b. San Vito lo Capo, Sicily
With Sicily a wrap, we were back home and awaiting the arrival of our friend Ben Grasseschi from the US. Ben was on his way over to spend two weeks with us, ski touring and shooting more work for Gore. We had news for Ben… while he is from Lake Tahoe, where even now, well into April, they are still skiing winter powder, we in Europe had a mostly ski free winter. As photographers, we need blower powder, untracked lines and interesting weather. For Ben, and for much of the winter, we had very little snow and lots of splitter blue sky. We had the ingredients for some fun, but not to get a very specific photoshoot accomplished. Together with Ben and Italian friend Andrea Gabrielli we headed for Switzerland’s Piz Bernina Group for a multi-day ski tour. Then the very day we skied out of the Bernina, we drove to the Ortler Group and skied straight into another hut to give it a go for a few days. More hardpack snow, blue sky and carved up lines, but amongst it all – some turns, some laughs and loads of great food.
Andrea Gabrielli skiing amongst crevasses in the Piz Bernina Group
Looking back to now it was, as has been our entire career, a phenomenal experience. Great memories, lessons learned, new friends and of course lots of photos. The dream job is indeed dreamy.
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Also posted in Photo Business, Travel
Tagged Adventure Sports, Europe, Photography, Photoshoots, Travel, Travel Photography
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