Tag Archives: Photography
iPhone Photo Gallery
As professional photographers who shoot a lot of stock, there isn’t a whole lot we can do with an iPhone photo. We’ll feel like we blew it if we get a great image on the iPhone but not the real camera. But, the phone is always along for the ride (literally in my case with so much time on a bike) and we love making photos with them, using the apps to play with effects and sharing via social media. Who doesn’t these days?
During our last trip to Nepal, we purposely cruised around with just a phone and some ideas. It was great fun and super liberating. More and more, whether we like it or not, how one makes images with their phone says a lot about their life, how they see it and their creativity. Before we head off on our next trip, we decided to post a gallery of our twelve favorite images from the phone and processed with iPhone Apps. We hope you’ll have a look and enjoy.
________________________________________________________
Interested in following what we do, as we do it, via your favorite Social Media:
Posted in iPhone Blog, Photography
Also tagged Creative, Digital Photography, Social Media, Travel Photography
2 Comments
Making Respectful Travel Portraits
Shooting the Thaipussam Festival, India
After our last post, Nepal Photography, we had a number of people comment and message us asking how we feel about getting so close to people to make travel photos.
The photo that caused this post
In that post, the lead image is a Buddhist child, he is filthy, his arms are tucked away inside his robe and he is sitting asking for alms. Clearly, the photo was made at close range and is proven in an image of me making the exact photo (right).
Typically when you look at other’s travel photos, all the images of people are in groups, clearly made from a distance or simply made in passing. But when you see images by a professional travel documentary shooter things change. Suddenly there is a closeness, an emotional connection, and even a relationship with the photographer. Great, iconic images typically have one thing in common – emotion. Additionally, they are often tragic, ironic, revealing a cultural difference or something sublime.
How to get these images is as much about human skills as it is about being a photographer who knows how to frame an image.
Kindness offered for a gentle approach
For me, this is what I truly love and am most passionate about. Seeking these situations, finding the people, connecting with them and getting the image is the single greatest thing about being a photographer. Our mountain sport work is often conceptualized, set up, recreated, produced and a thousand frames made. But these found moments with very real subjects are vastly more rewarding, and… you might get a frame off, or you might not.
While recently walking the village streets of Lukla, Nepal, I turned a corner and ran right into a little girl, maybe 6. She was rushing out from her home carrying a large bowl of water with a massive, proud smile on her face. In the bowl of sudsy water was a soaking wet dog, its sad eyes peering up. The little dog was actually so sudsed up that it took me a second to figure out that it was a stuffed animal. The little girl was giving her pride and joy a bath. My camera was around my neck, it would be so easy. But first I needed that connection, I needed for her to see what I wanted to do. I smiled, gestured to my camera and made it clear I was asking to photograph her.
In this case, it was immediately apparent that it was not okay. She put the bowl down next to the water fountain and ran back across to the safety of her doorway from which she shyly peered out, monitoring my next move. “Can I take a picture of you and your dog?” Shake shake. “Please… I’ll show you the picture.” Shake shake.
I accepted my fate, no dice. Smiling, I waved and turned away. As I walked off I still had the vision in my head, it would have made a great photo. Not having that image does not make me a lesser photographer, it makes me a better human being.
Surrounded in a massive crowd of praying, walking Buddhists, I stood completely still with my eye to the viewfinder for about 20 minutes to get just the right people framing the sleeping dog
A few nights later we were back in Kathmandu where I witnessed the all too common opposite tactic for image making. There, at the Boudhanath Stupa, Janine and I went looking for photos, which sometimes involves seeing the potential for an image, then waiting. While doing this, and having my scenario begin to play out, I had numerous encounters with the uglier photographers. You know the ones, the bulging camera vest, draped in lenses, filters, and monopod. As I stood watching and waiting, they moved in for the kill. Seemingly on 13 cups of coffee, their spastic behavior and clumsy movements shattered any peaceful connections with what they were trying to photograph. One after the other, they ruined my experiences. I say experience because I am after something more than the image.
Always check in with the locals before shooting a crucifixion. Luckily these two were all too proud to show off their friend.
When I came upon the young Buddhist boy asking for Alms I stood nearby for some time before asking to make an image. I smiled, nodded and got a feel for his acceptance of me. He knew what I was up to. I asked with my body language if I could make a photo, the answer was yes. With pre-adjusted focus and exposure, I made the image very quickly, I didn’t want to leave a bad impression, and yes, I dropped some money in his lap.
There is more to making this type of image than using your camera. The ugly photographers, jostling for position, elbowing others out of the way and rudely shoving a lens in someones face have it all wrong, as much for themselves as anyone. Seeing an image but missing it is okay. I’d love to have that shot of the little girl, and hundreds others like it, but they weren’t to be. The memory is even more valuable, so much so that sometimes I put the camera away just to witness something.
Walking away from shooting a monastery. Opting to go for a walk, hand in hand, with our four year old Tibetan Guide. I'll never forget that day.
One of my photography heroes is the great journalist, James Nachtwey. In the movie about him, War Photographer, he says some things I have made my mantra:
If you aren’t happy with your image, move closer. Move slowly. Move with respect to the surroundings. Make a connection with people.
And I have my own rule; If I feel guilty about making an image, I’m probably doing something wrong.
These are basic human skills. You’re making images of people, not landscapes. Show some respect and be willing to walk away with a memory, not a photo.
Janine exemplifying what it's all about while traveling
A word on gear: If your camera isn't accessible, it's likely you won't get any shot off. Have it ready. While on the go, we use LowePro's frontloaders for quick access to the camera and film cards.
_________________________________________________________
Interested in following what we do, as we do it, via your favorite Social Media:
Posted in Photography, Random Thoughts, Travel
Also tagged Documentary, Travel Photography
1 Comment
Celebrating 25 Years in the Outdoor Industry
Patagonia 2009 Calendar Cover
Saying “Yes” to try climbing changed my life. I grew up racing sailboats, but the first day I climbed rocks I was an all new 18 year old. Turns out I had an inner dirtbag that was set free when I discovered the yacht club & topsider free world of the crags. My calling had been answered. Shortly thereafter I had myself a job in the bike department at an REI. I didn’t really know squat about climbing, but I did know bikes, so with an eye on the wall of cams and carabiners, I started my career in the outdoor industry. That was 1987.
Now, 25 years later, many of the same people I knew then, like myself, are still in the industry. A kind of family. By 1991 I was a full fledged dirtbag climber. I lived in my truck, sold espresso while on the road to make some money, dined in the bin aisles of grocery stores and actually wore white lycra (It’s back in, but not for climbing). Suddenly, I even had companies willing to “sponsor” my choice of lifestyle. My duties to them; climb, be a nice guy, make some photos and do some slideshows. One thing led to another and I got really into the making photos part.
The early days, 1998, of Beth Rodden. It later became an ad on the back cover of Climbing Magazine.
In 1997 I was managing my best friend’s Climbing Gym, the Rocknasium, in Davis, California. One day a tiny little girl walked in and tried climbing for the first time. Her parents supported her, she was happy, and, she was very, very good. Her name was Beth Rodden and she would go on to become one of the best climbers on the planet. We became close friends, and it was with Beth that I started to learn how to be a photographer by documenting her career as it took off.
1998 was a turning point, I wasn’t getting any younger and I certainly wasn’t getting rich as a bike racer or climber. I was falling in love with making photos and so decided to go back to school and study photography. I went from being a fulltime athlete, climber and road racer, to living in Santa Barbara, California and going to class. Notice I didn’t say anything about any other classes up until this point… this kind of references that inner dirtbag thing.
At the Brooks Institute of Photography I met Janine. Soon, she too was sucked into the vortex of the Outdoor Industry. She also found herself living in a vehicle. A nice girl from Switzerland, with endless talent who also happened to be an architect, was suddenly getting intimate with my version of American life.
But that American Life turned into this American Dream come true.
Our vision was simple, to live and work precisely in line with what we love; to be outside, in the mountains, as athletes, travelers, and photographers of it all. We wanted to work with companies who made gear we really used and to shoot magazine stories that we’d like to read. This we continue to do, but we have also been owners of a stock agency, consultants, multi-media producers, spokespeople, and product testers & developers. Finally, we started our own online Mountain Sport Athlete website, DolomiteSport, a spinoff of our energy and love for this lifestyle.
25 years later, we both know something about the outdoor industry. It has supported our photo business for 12 years, given us endless opportunities, inspired us, challenged us and it has been the source of countless friends.
The photography that is found in our Portfolio reveals who we are as creative people. But the examples of work found on our Clips page reveals even more. It is the result of how we have combined everything we love; making photos, supporting & working with brands and still being true to our vision which is living and working in line with our passion.
PatitucciPhoto's Published Work Samples : Click to View
________________________________________________________
Interested in following what we do, as we do it, via your favorite Social Media:
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.
Interested in following what we do, as we do it, via your favorite Social Media:
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.
Interested in following what we do, as we do it, via your favorite Social Media:
Posted in Climbing, Photography, Profiles
Also tagged Documentary, Europe, hiking, Photoshoots, Switzerland
2 Comments
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
Follow what we do as we do it at Twitter:
@patitucciphoto : Our photo business feed
@dolomitesport : the Inspired Mountain Living feed
Posted in Climbing, Photography
Also tagged alpine climbing, Climbing, Europe, Mountain Sports
3 Comments
How Working as a Professional Mountain Sport Photographer has Changed
In a fairly remote part of Switzerland’s Wallis Alps last week, I caught myself knowing about a little water hole around a coming turn in the trail. Sure enough, moments later, there it was. The fact that I knew about it made me realize just how much time I have spent in this part of the world. In fact, since 2000, we have spent the vast majority of every spring, summer and fall in the European Alps. All this had me reflecting on our time working in the mountains and how we, as professional mountain sport photographers, have evolved in the last 10 years.
For us, here is a fun comparison of What Was vs. What Is.
Film
Film management has been replaced by file management
Then: Within every pack we carried was a drybag full of film cannisters. Velvia for saturated colors, Provia 100 for the go to film, Provia 400 for lower light, B&W for fun and a few Agfa 1000′s for grainy moods. Film was heavy, bulky and needed protection from moisture. Each roll needed its own care and details written with magic marker on the outside; push 1 stop? clip? shot at 160 instead of 50. If you don’t know these terms, you didn’t shoot film.
Now: A large drybag full of film has been replaced by a neat & tidy film card pocket. Where there was processing, now there is download, storage and backing up. We never really thought much about the fact that film had no backup, but now the thought of having digital files in just one spot is not an option, of course it needs to be backed up, in three places no less. Film took up space, digital takes up time.
Image Storage
Then: After shoots we would take all our film and head to the lab. There were always rolls needing special processing and so we would have them clipped, where a small piece of the film is processed separately. We would then return to the lab and make decisions about processing times. Once everything was determined all the film was run. 48 hours later it would be ready. With all our traveling, we decided to not have the slide film mounted, it took up too much room. Instead we had it sleeved which we would then edit and hand mount later. Today, this seems absolutely crazy.
Now: Return to computer from shoot. Download to Lightroom, backup on two hard drives. Keep hard drives in separate places, upload to remote storage if time and internet connection allows.
Regardless of what, how or where you shoot is to simply just be out - so you can shoot
Presentation & Delivery to Client
Then: This got interesting while traveling in Europe. We had no scanner so the film was sent off for review. Those same images we didn’t have mounted at the lab all had to be hand mounted, packaged up and FedEx’d off to the client for review. No backup. If the needed image was elsewhere, we begged the client to wait.
Now: Clients visit and order from our online Stock Site. With iPhone App we deliver ready for print hi-res files with one click.
Internet
Then: Traveling in the Alps, it basically didn’t exist. Weeks might go by without the option of checking in.
Now: Traveling in the Alps, it basically exists everywhere, and if it doesn’t, wait an hour or two and you’ll be in range.
Style
Then: We climbed alpine peaks, we hiked multi-day tours, we ran long distances – always making images of everything we did, whether it be for stock, commercial shoots or editorial assignments.
Now: Nothing much has changed here, except we stop to Facebook and Twitter about it all.
Attitude
Then: Psych level was off the chart, everything was new and exciting.
Now: Happy to report that 10 years later the psych level is still off the chart but with vastly more experience to make it all even better..
________________________________________
Interested in following what we do as we do it?
Climbing Magazine Photography
Like so many of the sports we photograph, we are passionate about the subject matter. We not only make images of these sports, but also enthusiastically take part, allowing for great memories of the images produced. So to see our work published is to see great experiences and friends get some attention – perhaps no more so than in our climbing images.
Our latest cover of Climbing Magazine is of one of our closest friends, Steve Elia, from a trip we did together in Chamonix. And the Gallery Image of Christof Ursch comes from just this past spring and a sport climbing trip to San Vito lo Capo, Sicily.
Connect with us
