Blake makes magic in Bralorne BC
Whistler photographer Blake Jorgenson is constantly traveling the world shooting the best athletes doing the gnarliest stuff. But his images always bring much more to the table– beauty, mood, feeling and grace. This guy is an artist.
He’s also a past winner of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival’s Pro Photographer showdown and of Powder Magazine’s Photo of the Year Award. With his own gallery space in Whistler’s Westin Hotel, Blake was also one of the official photographers of the 2010 Olympics. He maintains an elite client list and has been to all ends of the planet but Blake maintains the Coast Mountains are his favourite place to be. I called him up last Tuesday to see what was up.
Blake captures Treadway's true feelings
Mountain Life – What is it about shooting in the Coast Mountains that you love so much?
Blake Jorgenson– It boils down to the guaranteed best product. It seems with all the traveling I have done BC still has the best snow, the most reliable, and the best value for the costs. Best everything really.
ML– The images from your recent trip to Bralorne are amazing.
Blake– Thanks. The real banger shots can’t be released to the public yet either so the stuff on the blog is just a teaser really, a tickling of what is to come. That shoot, with Seth Morrsion and Dan Treadway was amazing. I love it up at Bralorne. I have a house there and it is always really nice to have an Oakley Helicopter parked on your lawn.
ML– How do you keep your images fresh, after almost 20 years of killing it locally?
Blake– I think it just happens organically. Every year you have to reinvent yourself and figure out ways to do it. I get a lot of inspiration from seeing other peoples’ stuff and also you gain energy and interest from new technology. Being able to broadcast my work on my site and blog allows me to get my feelings to more people.
ML– Has the rise of technology, and digital, watered down the Photography talent pool at all?
Blake– It’s tough to say. With film, because of the cost and the level of difficulty, the knowledge and discipline required, it kept the industry smaller. I think a huge contributing factor to the industry getting larger is the new photo and film technology opening doors for more people to contribute and get involved. That alone elevates things.
Easy to see why Blake loves the Coast Mountains
ML– You are competing in the WSSF Pro Photo Showdown again this year?
Blake– I’m in. I like to participate any year that I am in town for it. I’ve judged it a few times but this is the 10-year anniversary of when I won so I wanted to put together an anniversary show. This could be one of the best years ever because there is a big local contingent with Bryn Hughes and Russell Dalby in it as well.
ML– For the WSSF your gallery is hosting a show featuring the best images of the year from Powder Magazine and Snowboarder. Do you enjoy bringing other peoples’ work into your space?
Blake– It make us happy to showcase others. We love to use it as a public space more than just a retail spot. Any time we can get exhibits or parties like Crankworx or the Olympic exhibit is fine with us.
ML– What is your favourite thing to shoot?
Blake–Definitely Heli-skiing. I just love being in big mountains and big terrain and having the ability to use a chopper to maneuver to get huge, dramatic powerful images.
all the shots on this post came from Blakes website. Check it out, the link is below.
Do your eyeballs a favour and check out Blakes Blog, Website, and Gallery. And if you don’t have a Pro Photo Showdown ticket yet, you’re gonna want to start asking around.
- Feet Banks
