Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Blake Jorgensen found the ideal outlet for his creative instincts and love of the outdoors in the mountains of British Columbia. Read our interview with Blake below and check out his sensational images!
How did you get started as an adventure and action sport photographer?
My start in action sport photography started when I decided to move to Whistler BC from Toronto. Whistler seem to draw me in with its adventurous community and atmosphere. I became passionate about documenting all the exciting adventures and outdoor experiences I was having. I loved showing people the photos (even though they were on slides back then) of what me and my friends were experiencing.
The ski and snowboard scene was growing at that point and being a part of that growth was exciting and started to work with athletes that were trying to build a career and identity out of those sports and lifestyle. Year by year at a slow base I slowly build a carrier and relationships that ultimately allowed me to do it full time. I moved to Whistler at age 18 and was shooting full time by the time I was 23. During that time, I worked for Blackcomb tuning skis at night and skiing/biking and shooting photos in the day.
Please provide us a little background to this trip…
I have been to Retallack many times over the years for so many photo shoots. It has been like my home away from home. I have also worked with Richie Schley and Cam Zink for many years and been on many grand adventures in the past so when they asked me about going on this trip with them I was easily sold.
Any excuse to go to Retallack and hang with these boys and talk about past adventures while being on a new one was something to look forward to. Richie was one of the first people to ever believe in my photography from the beginning and I remember shooting with Cam when he was a teenager just getting going so it’s really awesome to shooting new images with them after all these years in the awesome majesty of Retallack.
What are the main challenges for a photographer on a trip like this?
I think the only real challenge is stopping to take photos instead of having too much fun haha! I look as this trip as a fun trip, but at the end of the day everybody still expects images of a certain quality so there is both the pressure to ride and have fun but also create some amazing content. Keeping that in balance is really the only challenge.
Have you shot at high profile events, how does this compare to shooting on other projects?
Events are their own beast as that ship sails with or without you. Its straight up journalism where you have to be tuning into what’s happening and make sure you capture the moments to help describe the event in recap. Shooting with the riders at Retallack has a much more creative approach and freedom because you get to communicate and work with the athletes directly and create something together.
Do you have a dream trip in mind? Which spot & location?
SO many places I have not been but to put something down here I think I would like to go to Antarctica.
Follow Blake on Instagram!