Competing in the Crankworx “Deep Summer” Photo Challenge: A Photographer’s Journey
Riders and friends who dedicated their skills, Time and effort to creating something rad!
Participating in the Crankworx Deep Summer Photo Challenge this year was an incredible experience that pushed my creative limits and tested my endurance in ways I never anticipated. For those unfamiliar with the event, it’s a competition where six chosen photographers have 72 hours to conceptualize, photograph, ride through various locations, and create a slideshow that will be showcased in front of thousands at the Whistler Olympic Plaza. The thrill of being selected, the intensity of the competition, and the overwhelming support from the mountain biking community and friends made this an unforgettable journey.
The Excitement of Being Selected
Receiving the email that I had been chosen as one of the five definitive photographers was a surreal moment. The Crankworx Deep Summer Photo Challenge is renowned for its high standards and the talent it attracts. Being part of this event was both petrifying and exciting. The anticipation was palpable. I had a rough plan, knew the riders I wanted to include from my local community, and set about trying to get everything streamlined and in place well in advance before the shoot began. How naive I was!
A creative and unique photo that came about during the process of stress and sleep deprivation
The Countdown Begins: Planning and Preparation
With just 72 hours on the clock, meticulous planning was crucial. I began by brainstorming ideas and locations that would resonate with the Crankworx audience, aiming to stand out with unique and creative imagery. I wanted to capture not just the action and adrenaline of mountain biking, but also the raw beauty of the Sea to Sky’s landscapes and the fun times had with riders when out on the trail. I sketched out a rough storyboard, pinpointing key locations and envisioning the shots I wanted to capture.
The next step was assembling my team. Collaborating with riders who could bring my vision to life was essential. Fortunately, the mountain biking community is incredibly supportive, and I was able to connect with some amazing athletes who were just as excited about the project as I was.
Hitting the Trails: The Photography Adventure
The days of shooting were a whirlwind of activity. At 9 a.m. on a Friday, we gathered at the Hilton media center for the briefing on the competition, the dos and don’ts, and then we were off! We headed straight to Pemberton, where a big team shuttled to the top of the Paralaunch on the Mackenzie FSR, offering a stunning backdrop. I aimed to capture the variety of trails and terrains from Horseshoe Bay to Pemberton, showcasing the different riders, racers, free riders, coaches, and tricksters. We had it all and a mission to display the diversity in skills and surroundings.
Pemberton was where I left my first flash gun in a bush. There were plenty more items to be left on trails during the next 72 hours as my brain, under pressure, wasn’t cooperating as effectively as I had hoped. Photographing the riders in action was a rush. The speed, agility, and skill of these athletes were awe-inspiring. My goal was to freeze these split-second moments of brilliance – the perfectly styled jump, the dust flying from a sharp turn, the messing around, and interactions between friends on trails. The riders not only performed and provided input on what they believed would look best but also kept me fed and hydrated during the hot 30-degree-plus days. I was a man on a mission with the best team.
We moved from location to location, each area offering a unique challenge and a different perspective. The rocky descents, dense forests, open ridgelines, alpine descents, and urban features all provided diverse settings that kept the shooting dynamic and engaging. The riders’ enthusiasm and willingness to be patient and cooperative helped immensely.
The days were long and hot, glad to have friends around to offer rehydration immediately when requested
The Grind: Editing and Curating the Perfect Slideshow
After three days of non-stop shooting from dusk till dawn, it was time to shift gears and focus on editing. This was arguably the most challenging part of the process. With thousands of photos to sift through, I needed to curate a selection that told a compelling story, showcased the essence of Crankworx, and included imagery that would wow the attendees. The slideshow needed to flow seamlessly, blending the beauty of the environment with the intensity of the sport.
I spent countless hours in front of my laptop, tweaking colors, adjusting contrasts, and perfecting compositions. Each image had to stand out on its own while contributing to the overall narrative. Music selection played a crucial role in setting the tone and pacing of the slideshow. I experimented with various tracks until I found the perfect match that enhanced the visual experience – a bass-heavy, but catchy track. If not for the assistance of my wonderful fiancé, who helped with the slideshow aspect of the challenge, I don’t think this project would have come to fruition in time. I am a photographer and clueless when it comes to creating video content or slideshows, and I cannot express my deepest appreciation and love for her, giving up her weekend to assist me.
Showtime: Presenting at Whistler Olympic Plaza
The final day arrived, and with it, a mix of nerves and excitement. I awoke early Monday morning, editing and refining the images in a last-ditch attempt to create the vision I had when I set out. I blasted up Highway 99 towards Whistler and made the submission time amongst all the other weary-eyed and sleep-deprived photographers. Presenting my work at the Whistler Olympic Plaza in front of thousands was both exhilarating and intimidating. The plaza buzzed with energy as the crowd gathered, eager to see the results of our intense three-day endeavor. Up on stage we went, a big team diverse in age and riding disciplines. I tried to convey my true appreciation to everyone who had given their time to make this vision a reality. My name was on the slideshow, but it could never have happened without all the riders' cooperation and assistance.
As my slideshow played on the big screen, I felt a surge of pride and relief. The audience’s reactions – the gasps, cheers, and applause – were incredibly rewarding. Seeing my vision come to life and resonate with so many people was a validation of all the hard work and sleepless nights. As I looked around at my riders, it was so cool to see how much it meant to them.
Reflecting on the Experience
Competing in the Crankworx Deep Summer Photo Challenge 2024 was more than just a contest; it was a transformative experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, forced me to think creatively under pressure, and allowed me to collaborate with some of the most passionate and talented individuals in the mountain biking community.
The challenge taught me the importance of preparation, the value of teamwork, and the power of storytelling through photography. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place – the ability to capture and share moments that inspire and evoke emotion.
As I look back on the experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious event. The memories, friendships, and lessons from those intense 72 hours will stay with me for a lifetime. Competing in the Crankworx Deep Summer Photo Challenge was a rollercoaster of emotions, but it was a ride I would happily take again in a heartbeat.
A big shout out to the Kids, Big Kids and community members and businesses that helped with the project
FOR ALL PHOTOS AND IMAGES TAKEN DURING THIS PROJECT PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK TO THE DEEP SUMMER GALLERY