Corey Rich Photography

Heavenly Mountain Resort - Behind the Scenes

2010-03-08T12:58:40-08:00

Every photo shoot takes careful thought and planning. Add a helicopter to the mix and that effort doubles. Timing becomes even more critical and clear communication is essential. Once I’m on the ground and look through the set of images, it becomes immediately apparent that it’s well worth the effort.

In the hopes of continually pushing the limits of my work for Heavenly Mountain Resort, my team just pulled together another beautifully executed heli shoot. With the cooperation of Mountain Ops, a seasoned pilot on hold and 12 amazing athletes geared up and ready to rip, we watched the weather, waited for the perfect moment and went for it. We were treated to blue skies above and fresh snow below. The winds picked up later in the morning, forcing an early landing, but not before we captured some amazing images.

You’ll have to wait until next season to see any of the images, but in the mean time, check out this behind the scenes video shot by Heavenly videographer, Dane Henry. A talented eye and a great friend, Dane and I have many opportunities to work together on some great projects. Check out more of his video work on the Heavenly site.

Budweiser American Ale – Print Ad

2010-02-23T11:23:48-08:00

I have often written about how lucky I feel to have truly wild spaces in my backyard in which to play. In all my years of documenting athletes and outdoor adventurers, I have never found someone who understands this as much as professional kayaker, Eric Jackson.

This past December, my crew and I traveled to Rock Island, TN to shoot Eric for his new sponsor, Budweiser American Ale. We spent three days shooting Eric at work and at play, as well as a variety of product shots; all, literally, in his back yard. With world-class white water just down the road and a beautiful deck that backs up to a state forest, I can’t imagine we could have scouted a more perfect location.

This has all been part of Eric’s plan. He has built his life around kayaking, making bold decisions and maximizing his time so that not a moment is wasted. There is certainly a lot to be learned from what he and his family have accomplished. It was truly inspiring to watch someone, truly in his element, living his dream, all while working with a great group of people and drinking a really good beer.

The ad above is running in the current issue of Men's Journal. Look for more images from the shoot to appear on point of sale and billboards later in the year.

Jackson Kayaks - Print Ad

2010-02-12T07:55:06-08:00

I’ve had the great fortune to work on a number of occasions with Eric Jackson, his family and the crew at Jackson Kayaks. Every time I roll in to Walling, TN, I’m welcomed to the Jackson Ranch as if I’m one of the family.

A new print ad, running in Kayak Session magazine, features one of my images of Emily Jackson doing what the family knows how to do best – have fun! Now, make no mistake, Emily is not just Eric’s daughter. She has a list of accolades all her own. Shortly after this image was shot, the family traveled to Thun, Switzerland for the Kayak Freestyle World Championships, where Emily took the crown in the Women’s division. Additionally, her husband, Nick Troutman won the Men’s division, with his father-in-law (4-time World Champ, Eric Jackson) close behind in second. Putting another stamp on the family’s dominance, little brother Dane took second in the Junior’s division. They truly are the first family of kayaking!

Bluewater Ropes - Print Ads

2010-02-03T10:40:54-08:00

Bluewater Ropes has launched a new series of ads celebrating some key members of “Team Bluewater”. Among fellow rock climbers Cedar Wright and Conrad Anker are ads featuring my images of Beth Rodden and Tommy Caldwell.

The image of Beth shows her new-routing on our very memorable trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

The image of Tommy was taken as he worked his Magic Mushroom project on El Capitan in Yosmeite National Park. Shortly after this shoot he went on to claim the first free ascent of the route, swapping leads with Justen Sjong. A few days later, looking to up the ante, he free-climbed the route, leading every pitch, in under 24 hours.

Looks to me like Bluewater has assembled quite a team. Look for these ads in the current issues of a variety of climbing magazines including Climbing and Urban Climber.

Aurora Photos - 2009 Photographers Meeting Recap

2010-01-29T07:03:50-08:00

As a look back at 2009, Aurora Photos has posted a video recap of our annual photographers meeting in Sebago, ME.

As some of you may know, I am part owner of Aurora Photos. While watching the video, I was reminded of the amazing spirit created by the contributors and staff. For those of you who are Aurora contributors and have not made it to past meetings, I strongly encourage you to make it this fall. I know this is far out but it is worth getting on your radar.

In addition to a great time spent with fellow photographers and the inside tips shared by the Aurora staff, attendees are treated to an A-List of special guests. Past speakers have included MediaStorm founder Brian Storm, National Geographic Senior Photo Editor Sadie Quarrier, renowned photographer and former Director of Photography at the National Geographic Rich Clarkson and photographer/rock climbing pioneer Tom Frost.

Much of the credit for the continued success of the annual meeting goes to Lowepro and their support of Aurora Photos. This is a great continuation of my personal connection to Lowepro, as I’ve been using their gear since I was a freshman in college. Many thanks go out to them for all they have done.

Click here to watch the video. Hope to see you at this year’s meeting!

Nikon / Digital Photo Pro - Print Ad

2010-01-21T15:02:53-08:00

"Inside the Photographer's Studio", a series of Nikon ads profiling photographers at work has recently taken a look into my "studio". As is often the case for me, the studio featured here exists on the side of a rock wall.

Aside from my review of the amazing Nikon D300S, the ad touches on my source for philosophies on life/work (Willie Nelson), my favorite photographer (Tom Frost) and features a photo of publisher, athlete, belayer to the stars and one of my best friends (the recently engaged Chris McNamara). Click here to read the full interview and to see a gallery of my images from some recent assignments, all shot with the D300S.

Red Bull Illume - 2010 Photo Competition

2010-01-15T09:04:20-08:00

After a very successful inaugural year in 2007, Red Bull Illume is back in 2010! Red Bull has put this together to showcase the world’s most outstanding adventure sports images, as well as celebrate the passion, thrilling lifestyle and culture behind the shots. The photographers that brave the planet’s harshest terrains to freeze those precious moments in time will be honored.

A cool video has been posted to the Illume site to help build the excitement for this year's competition. Check it out here. Included in the video is my winning photo from 2007 of Chris Sharma.

On January 26th, I will be in Las Vegas on behalf of Red Bull at the Caramel Lounge in the Bellagio to promote Illume . If you have have any interest in photos, music, dancing and drinks, you will not want to miss this!

Illume is a great opportunity for photographers.The submissions deadline is February 28, 2010. Click here for all the details.

*UPDATE* - Shortly after posting the above, I boarded a plane, having just spent 4 weeks in Argentina. On assignment for Red Bull, I documented David Lama's attempt to free climb Cerro Torre. Now on my way back to Tahoe, I sit in an airport in Buenos Aires, drinking a Red Bull, getting ready for the next 20 hours of travel. This stuff is great!

The North Face - Kids Shoot

2010-01-12T08:58:04-08:00

Ryan Zellers getting air in the backcountry. Eastern Sierra, CA

Last winter, while spending a few days on assignment for The North Face, I had the pleasure of making turns with some of the area's hottest athletes. Never mind the fact that they are just 9 and 12 years old! I always enjoy working with kids. Their attitudes and observations are sure to provide a refreshing outlook on life, sports and the mountains. But make no mistake, there was nothing child-like about their abilities. These kids went just as big as any of the adults in the group. The future of skiing looks bright!

Images from this shoot can now been seen in sporting goods stores across the country.

Natalie Allen laying track in Lake Tahoe, CA

Access Fund - Credit Cards

2010-01-08T13:00:21-08:00

I’ve mentioned this several times, but it can’t be emphasized enough - If you’re a climber and enjoy access to thousands of climbing areas around the country, then you should be a member of the Access Fund. Our collective voice allows us to be heard by local and national land managers, ensuring continued access to our favorite crags.

A brand new way that you can support the Access Fund is by signing up for a Visa Platinum Rewards card. With this, every time you help stimulate the economy, you're also helping support a great cause. After your first use of the card, the bank will donate $50 and a percentage of all your future purchases to the Access Fund.

In my continued support of the cause, I have gladly donated an image of Beth Rodden on the first free ascent of The Optimist and an image of Tommy Caldwell new routing in the Grand Canyon to cover the front of the cards. Also available are cards bearing great images donated by Andy Mann and Jared McMillen.

Please click here for full details and to apply for the card.

Lark Books - Adventure Photography

2010-01-05T08:35:55-08:00

Friend and fellow adventure photographer Michael Clark has just published a new book and I’m honored to have been part of it. While writing Digital Masters: Adventure Photography, Michael interviewed me about the steps I took to build a career and what I do today to stay successful. Be sure to pick up a copy and read my story, as well as contributions from friend and former Corey Rich Photography staffer, Trevor Clark.