Quintana Photography

It's been a long time

2012-01-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

Today's song of the day by a great band: HoneyChild - Driving Song. Enjoy it.

A lot has happened since I left off.

The reason behind my absence is that I had nothing to write about. There was nothing to discuss other than optimism for snow to finally fall. No riding was happening, I had no product to talk about, nothing to mention.

A while back I mentioned Aaron Robinson's movie: Manifest. Well it's out, and available to watch in full on a number of websites, and on vimeo. I recommend watching it on Funblock Films' website. It is a powerful movie and honestly the only snowboard movie to bring tears to my eyes. Read what Sam Tuor has to say about it before you hit play, it is definitely worth the read.

Tomorrow I am going down to South Lake Tahoe to shoot with a rider named Rob Hallowell. I will post some of the photos from that for sure. It should be a fun day.

Sorry for the delay. Hopefully now that there is snow it wont happen again.

Happy Snowboarding

First Looks: Hestra Gloves

2011-12-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

Where do you really begin when you talk about Hestra Gloves. Do you talk about how they began in 1936, or that they are now in the 3rd generation of family ownership, or do you talk about how they are so detail oriented and ensure quality control at every step of the production process from purchasing all of the materials to owning their factory and everything in between. You could talk about all of those things and not even scratch the surface of why Hestra is the number one glove in the world for both skiing and snowboarding.

Without quality gloves no one can pursue the activities that they love in the winter. Your hands are one of the first things to start feeling cold. Everyone knows that cold, numb hands do not encourage fun days to be had. As a photographer waterproofing, durability and mobility are the three big things that I look for in a glove. Which is why I tend to always drift towards Hestra. Their gloves are so durable that they recommend only ever replacing the liners because the outer-shell of the glove is expected to survive much longer than any of us will be skiing or snowboarding (with the proper care of course).

I always have two pairs of gloves. Especially when I am in the backcountry. If one pair gets wet or lost I need to be able to reach into my bag and get another pair. That backup pair also usually is my daily rider glove. It is the Army Leather Wool. It has a ridiculously warm wool liner, and the leather exterior is not only waterproof but windproof as well. The removable liner of this glove also allows you to put in a thinner liner for those spring days where you're already sweating on the mountain and the last thing you want is an oven wrapped around your hands. I would highly recommend this glove for anyone, for any type of riding.

My backcountry and powder day glove is another story all together. It is bomb-proof. It is the XCR 3-finger mitt. It has a leather palm, includes gore-tex and has a polyester liner that allows for incredible warmth, quick drying (not that you'll need it) and a windproof cushion on your hands. The gore-tex and leather combination really are incredible. This glove is great for snowmobiling with the extra fingers you can really get a handle on the brake lever. It also becomes easier to readjust your jacket, open a backpack or really do anything without having to take your gloves off. The convenience, warmth, durability of this product make it one of a kind. You never have to worry about having wet, cold or uncomfortable hands on powder days again, which ultimately means more time can be spent riding the deep snow that we all crave.

First Looks: Illuminati Hero Twin Rev 159

2011-12-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

Last March I got an email asking if I would like to be involved in a limited production run from Illuminati Snowboards. I jumped at the offer. Knowing the history of the brand and the passion that Lance has for snowboarding and the dedication he has for business I knew it would be an amazing board. What I didn't know is that this snowboard would change the way I view snowboarding and provide the best board control as well as the most responsive ride I have ever had two feet strapped to.

This is the Illuminati Hero Twin Reverse 159. It is a 2mm reverse camber board with a Bamboo core and sintered base. It is the fastest, most under control board I have ever been on. It is truly amazing. The reversed camber of this board really allows you to feel every turn from start to finish and provides a skateboard like feel to even the smallest ollie. I genuinely have nothing bad to say about it. It is lightweight and guaranteed to be incredibly strong with a snappy core that wont soften out over time because bamboo is known to maintain its rigidity. I look forward to seeing what more this board has to offer as the snow starts to get deeper.

Weather, part two

2011-12-19T16:25:00.000-08:00

There are so many sources for weather in the Lake Tahoe region. The weather blogs are awesome ways to learn about how weather systems work and to be able to formulate an opinion of your own. Unfortunately the consensus at the moment is that the Arctic Oscillation hasn't quite shifted yet to provide the region with the Arctic and Alaskan storms, and that we being 'cut off' in a way by a high pressure system sitting off the coast of California that is also preventing moisture from flowing south into our mountains.

This pattern is not unusual, and wouldn't you rather have the high pressure system now, than later in the season? There is still plenty of winter left, and we will get snow. The systems preventing it are beginning to change to create favorable conditions, which is great and it looks like we could start to see some significant storms just before the New Year.

Our mountains currently look pretty naked and in many ways it looks and feels like the middle of October these days. We will be snowboarding in powder soon enough. It will be deep and we will all be happy.

Check out these weather sources for more information:

Tahoe Loco Weather Geek
Tahoe Weather Discussion
Squaw Valley Weather Blog
Porters Tahoe Weather Blog
NOAA

First Looks: Crumpler Local Identity Large

2011-12-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Song of the day is another by Robbers on High Street. This time it is Hey Unbelievers off of their album Hey There Golden Hair.

Crumpler US was incredibly generous by sending me this backpack. It is the Large Local Identity Bag. It has a padded sleeve for a 15 inch laptop and includes the removable Haven Camera Pouch which is sized to fit a full sized DSLR body and two lenses. The bag is also water resistant which is great for those not so great weather days and of course traveling.

I am really excited to take this bag on some hikes and see how it feels on my back with some weight in it. Right now, empty, it feels great like it has great ergonomics and like it will be just as comfortable when loaded with some camera gear and a couple of layers to keep me warm on the hike.

The camera pouch is very well padded, secure and with it's velcro dividers can be arranged to carry any combination of gear you can think of. I am really excited to play around with it and can imagine that this will be my primary bag for traveling and vacations.

Thanks so much.

Throw Back Sunday

2011-12-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Anyone can agree that looking at things from the past has a way of teaching us about our future. We can learn from the photos we took to take better ones the next time we go out. Photography is a never ending learning process which is one of the things that I love most about it. There is always a new technique or something else that you can do to capture the best images possible. I put these photos in chronological order so that you could hopefully see the progression from one to the next. I know they are all of different subject matter but I think the progression is pretty apparent.

This superpipe shot at Cardrona was the first time I had ever really shot in the pipe. I didn't really know what to do. I have certainly learned a lot since then.

Another first. This was pretty much my very first urban shot. I still really like it because of the fact that it was one of the first but it definitely leaves a lot of room for improvement.

This is my first full page Ad. Martin Robertson really helped me out over the years and got me my first ad in Whitelines mag. I couldn't be more thankful.

This is a shot from my very first trip to Salt Lake. It was a very interesting trip to say the least but that is probably a story for another time. Javier Silva was always into the most creative features he could find, and we could set up. He definitely opened my eyes and taught me to refuse limitations in creativity with snowboarding.

Exhaustion

2011-12-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

I'm exhausted. This song is really good and I hope all of you like it.

Today has been kind of a long day. Morning circuit training workout followed immediately by power laps at the Squaw Olympic Ice Pavilion, then indoor rock climbing.

The rink at Squaw is something else. No where else (that I know of at least) can you skate laps above the clouds with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

First Looks: 2012 Polaris Pro-RMK 800 163

2011-12-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

A Song of the Day with a Product first look. This is 'Welcome Home, Son' by Radical Face.

With how much I love the backcountry and how hard I am really pushing to make myself successful in the snowboard industry I needed to get a sled again so that I could really get good at riding one to be an effective photographer in the backcountry. I spent a lot of time online, and talking with the amazing sales team at Thin Air Motorsports and decided that for my physiology, comfort and my body positioning the Polaris Pro-RMK would be the best option for me. We also decided on the 163 so that I could have more float in the snow while traveling at slower speeds, which would encourage a high comfort level while riding.

The new Polaris chasis sits quite high which means it has a higher center of gravity which allows it to have a lot of quick maneuverability. As you can see the running boards are pretty minimalistic which will allow for very little snow to build up and provide a consistant grip for your feet even in the deepest conditions.

They also just look mean. This snowmobile is going to be incredible. It has an incredible engine, and the chasis is built to be bomb proof. I cannot wait to get it on snow to really push it to the limits.

First Looks: Helly Hansen Outerwear

2011-12-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

Many people these days tend to buy the coolest, trendiest or most fashionable outerwear. I tend to prefer technical features in the clothing that is supposed to be keeping me warm and dry all winter. Helly Hansen has been producing technical clothing since 1877. Long before The North Face or Patagonia, and almost 100 years before Burton put out its first snowboard. Their mottos "Born From the Seas, Raised in the Mountains" and "Between Human Will and Nature's Forces" have been put to the test time and time again. It has been proven time and time again that no matter the conditions or the environment, Helly Hansen will not only keep you warm but also dry.

I got myself some Helly Hansen outerwear this year to really put it to the test. I spend a lot of time in the backcountry and being a photographer I spend a lot of time sitting in the snow trying to get the best shot. The Swift Jacket is made from Helly Tech Performance fabrics and Primaloft insulation, rated to 14,000mm Waterproofness and 18,000g breathability. To put that into perspective the average snowboard jacket is 10k / 10k. This is a high level waterproofing jacket for a much lower price than a similar item from a dedicated snowboard brand. At first look it is comfortable, warm, windproof, and with features like thumb gaiters made from Helly Hansen Dry Tech it will be an amazing jacket.

This is the Odin Isolator Hooded Jacket. It is a piece designed to be added insulation to whatever you're wearing, or as a stand alone piece on the hike in, during jump building or really whatever. It will keep you warm, and it is incredibly packable so you can put it in nearly any backpack with tons of room to spare. It is constructed from Primaloft ripstop fabric. I am really excited about this one. Who doesn't like extra warmth?

Also from the Odin Line at Helly Hansen, these are the Odin Mountain Pant MK3. Yeah fully bibbed pants went out of style years ago, but no one is going to see them, and who is going to care when you're in the most water proof pants on the mountain with no chance of snow going down your waist? These pants are designed for the true adventurer. They are incredibly comfortable, windproof, and water proof. They are essentially bomb proof and will be a great addition to my kit and something I will be incredibly thankful for on powder days, while snowmobiling and really doing anything in deep snow.

Keep checking back for full reviews on each of these products.

Weather

2011-12-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

It's early December and although it may be cold outside it looks like it did in July. Some snow remains on the peaks. There isn't a patch of ice on a road anywhere. I know that we are still forecasted to get 'Above Average Precipitation' so keeping that thought in the back of my mind helps.

I recently drove down to Homewood to check it out. That was what I found. It made me fairly sad but they are saying that the High Pressure system that is stagnant off the coast of California and preventing storms from coming south to the Tahoe Basin will be dissipating and allowing for a low pressure system to take its place to finally really allow the storms to hit us. They predict it will happen soon.

Hobbies

2011-12-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, I am bad at music. I don't know very many artists. I have a hard time finding ways to get introduced to new artists. At least, that was true until I was introduced to Spotify. I put some tags into the radio and found a lot of great new (to me) artists and I have been genuinely excited about music for the first time in a while. This song is called 'Secrets' by One Republic. You probably knew that, but this song is new to me. I really like it.

What do I do when I'm not shooting photos or snowboarding? Well, I spend a lot of time at the gym keeping myself in top physical condition so that I can keep snowboarding without injury. I work with a great trainer who specializes in functional fitness for high caliber athletes at the Center for Health and Sports Performance here in Truckee. I also am getting back into playing hockey. I played my whole life until college and now I'm ready to get back on the ice.

I also really enjoy target shooting.

Late

2011-12-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

First - I have to say: Sorry for the delayed post. It was my birthday yesterday and today was a long day, to say the least. It's just before 9pm and I am about to go to bed. If that gives you any indication of my present state of being.

I love The Hours. I can't listen to them without smiling. So I hope you enjoy them too. Yesterday I went to Donner Lake and walked around with my camera. I found this old concrete block that looks like it used to be part of a pier. It was a great contradiction between the natural beauty of the environment and the beauty of industrial degradation.

For my birthday. I got the greatest gift of all time. A Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 lens. I have been drooling over this lens for years on BHphotovideo's website hoping to one day own it. Well, now I do, and I cannot wait to start taking photos with it. It is going to help me to produce some very cool images.

Sorry for the delayed post. I will do my best to avoid this in the future.

Keep reading.

Birthdays

2011-12-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the music video, and the song of the day. I went to college with that band. They are so much fun.

Today is my birthday. I am 26 years old today, but that's not the focus. Birthdays are a time to reflect and a time to look forward. I am resolving to be incredibly proactive about putting myself in the most advantageous position I possibly can with my photography. Shooting photos is my biggest passion in life, and without that and snowboarding I wouldn't have anything.

Yesterday I went up to Jackson Meadows, and walked around near Weber Lake and Perazzo Meadows to take pictures. It is a really beautiful area and really interesting time of year to see it. I love that the lake and creek were frozen. Ice always makes for interesting photos. The reflections on it create such interesting lines and textures.

I hope everyone has a great day. I hope the Boston Bruins win their game tonight, that would be a great birthday present.

Talent

2011-12-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

Every now and then you come across people who do things purely for the love of the game. The love of every aspect. In an unfortunate world where the women's side of snowboarding is often tossed to the wayside, overlooked and frequently disrespected or treated as a joke, Bev Vuilleumier always has a smile on her face. Through frustration she finds motivation. She is a hard worker, and it's inspiring.

I really hope I can shoot with her some this year.

Saturday

2011-12-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Bary Goosey (Very Juicy) by Keith Sweaty

Song of the day by a good friend of mine, and someone who inspires me on a daily basis. Keith Sweaty, aka Jamuel Saxon. He is 54 days sober today and I couldn't be more inspired, and proud of him.

Saturdays... Remember Saturday morning cartoons from the early 90's, before they got really cheesy with a transparent political and sociological agenda? Those were the days. Anyways, Saturdays to me have never meant a day off. I spend my weekends shooting, editing, riding, working. Both of these RomeSDS riders (Johnny Lazz - Above) and (AmArmy rider Nicki Weiss - Below) are the type to be always motivated, and always ready to do whatever it takes to get the shot.

It is motivation that fuels our desire to rank ourselves, to create competitions and to push ourselves to be on top of the game in whatever we do. There are definitely people who don't want to be famous, but I can't think of a single person who strives to be in 2nd place. Everyone works to be an innovator, someone who has the best style, the cleanest tricks, or a new trick all together. Saturdays for me are often spent researching other photographers, typically landscape photographers, or architecture photographers to find inspiration and new ways to shoot photos.

First Looks: Jones Solution 161

2011-12-02T14:36:00.001-08:00

Today I went down to The Backcountry in Truckee to pick up a Jones Solution 161 splitboard that I had ordered through them. First I have to say that the customer service at that store is unparalleled. They go above and beyond to make sure that the product they are selling will work for each individual consumer without any compromise.

I couldn't be more excited to get this kit on the snow. At first look it appears to be an incredibly well constructed board with a lot of torsional stiffness thanks to the revolutionary clip system that Karakoram has developed. The transition between snowboard and touring modes seem to be markedly easier also thanks to the Karakoram design.

I will have a full review up after I do some on snow testing with it.

Included in my splitboard kit is:

Jones Solution Split 161

Karakoram Split 30 bindings

Genuine Guide Gear Alpinist Splitboard Skins

Early Mornings

2011-12-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

Mornings. Some people hate the very idea of them and curse their existence, refusing to function or do anything that a normal human being would do in the morning. Some people love them. I am one of those strange people who love mornings. In fact. I have been awake for an hour before even starting to write this. (It is 7:00am right now), so for those of you that hate mornings, I have been up since the dreaded 6:00am.

Today's song of the day comes from a band that really fueled my love for music. I saw them play in a very small clothing store probably 7 years ago. I have been a huge fan of theirs ever since, even driving 4 hours this past October to see them live in San Francisco. Locksley is amazing live, and their music always transports me to an incredibly happy world.

The thing with snowboarding and photography in general is that you often are up really early for call times or to just get the day started. I still feel like a 6 year old kid on Christmas when I have to get up at 3am to get out and shoot somewhere in the backcountry. There is something awe inspiring about being in the middle of nowhere where the planet is truly your playground.

Sonora is definitely one of those places. This photo of RomeSDS AmArmy rider Ross Patton is one of my favorites. I really look forward to working with him more this season.

Have a good morning, and a great day.

Song of The Day

2011-12-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

I've always been a fan of the 'Song of The Day' idea. It can help you to get introduced to new music and it is an inspirational way to start the day.

I am a big fan of the Silver Sun Pickups and I really like this song. It's a great one to hear first thing in the morning.

I've been looking through a lot of my old snowboard photos lately trying to get psyched up to go out and shoot this season. It must be working because I can't recall ever being as motivated as I am right now.

That is RomeSDS's AMarmy rider Nicki Weiss. He has always been one of my favorites to work with. He is always so motivated and such a hard worker, always going the extra mile to get his tricks perfectly.

Music to Edit To

2011-11-30T15:36:00.001-08:00

I have been shooting a lot of landscape photos lately. I thought I would share one of my favorite songs to listen to while I am editing. I find that the music I listen to while editing really influences the aesthetics of the photo. The mood of photo's final product can change drastically based on the tonality and mood of the music I am listening to.

Robbers on High Street is one of my favorite bands and their music always has a way of making me smile.

Enjoy the song and these photos.

A Video to Remember

2011-11-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

MANIFEST (teaser) from Sam Tuor on Vimeo.

A few years ago I had the privilege of working with Aaron Robinson a few times. He was the absolute most inspiring snowboarder that I have ever had the pleasure to get to know and shoot photos of. Tragically he passed away over this past summer, however he will never be forgotten and he will always live on in the hearts of everyone he touched as well as in every backcountry zone you gaze upon.

Check out this video. It was his project, his dream, his manifest.

Fresh Start

2011-11-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

So while giving a good friend of mine advice on how she can pursue what she loves I realized that I should take that advice for myself.

That being said I am going to put a real effort forward to post on this blog daily.

I will be reviewing snowboard and snowboard related products, showing photos, talking about plans and really posting about anything that inspires me.

I really want to make this work.

Mammoth 14th March - 21st March 2007

2007-03-22T20:19:00.001-07:00

This past week in Mammoth was full of surprises. The minimal snow posed both a challenge and an incredible opportunity for creativity and great shots.I made a lot of great friends, and was very happy to stay out of the park and explore the area surrounding the town to find anything and everything that could be fun for both me and the riders to work around.
Everyone working with me was more than willing to put in the time and effort to get the shots and make it a really fun and motivating experience in the forest. We spent a lot of time joking around and getting work done.
It also happened to be St. Patrick's day one of the days we were shooting so, in honor of the Irish, Scott Vine was riding in green.