What makes a "perfect" image to you?

I don't think the perfect image exists. At least I haven't seen one yet! For me, a really good image gives me a feeling of some sort. This can be achieved in many different ways and also depends on the style of photography. With action sports photography, sometimes the images without the element of action are the ones that speak to me the most.

Where's your favorite spot to take images?

Preferably on a really remote location, with no one else around except me and the people involved in the photoshoot. As a wildlife photographer I prefer to be all by myself, however, as an action sports photographer I prefer to do shoots with close friends. Hurrungane [Norway] is my favorite spot that's close by; it's an alpine mountain range that's an hour drive away from my house. Google it and you will understand why.

How do you find new, undiscovered and stunning locations?

It is hard to find totally new locations, unless you go to really remote places (this might be one of the reasons I like it so much). If you don't want to do that my tip would be to do unique things in already discovered locations. I use Instagram, Facebook and Google a lot to look for new places that might work and I do lots of location scouting. But the only way to know if a location will work is to go there.

What are you looking for when you are location scouting?

Not for anything specific, actually, unless I have a certain image in my mind. I usually look for something that stands out in some way and works in a photo. That could be a cool-looking mountain, a cave, a building, a tree or just structures.

How do you present well-known places in a new and interesting way?

I don't go to those places often, but when I do, I try to find a new angle, interesting light conditions or put in an element that never has been there before. For example, a BMX in an ice cave...

If a place is very crowded, e.g. with tourists, how do you keep people out of your image?

The easiest way to do that is to go there when no one else is. You will also get the best light conditions then. I really have not had a problem with crowded places before.

How far would you go to get the perfect shot in the perfect location?

I think if the image is worth it I'll invest a lot of energy to make it happen. I have dragged around studio flashes in waist-deep snow in the middle of the night more than once. There are always images that end up being a 2-year-project, because they require perfect conditions. Unique photos often demand a good amount of time, planning and equipment. It's a real bummer, if everything is almost perfect, but the flash you would have really needed was too heavy to bring with you.

Do you have some tips on how to find new spots and locations?

Use maps, save images on Instagram so you remember them and buy running shoes to go on location scouts in remote places! I would also recommend downloading an app that shows the position of the sun at all times.

Where can we find more of your work?

On my website and on my Instagram!

So how did the journey go? Were you nervous beforehand?

It was quite a challenge, I'm not a cyclist and I naively only trained for 1 day and a total of 32km the week prior. It definitely took me a few days to get into the swing of things and to become friends with my saddle. Unfortunately, after a week the tendons and ligaments in my right knee became very inflamed. That set me back a few days which I thankfully made up in due time. I would say the mental strength is just as vital. I had to learn how to stay motivated and positive when I had long days ahead of me. Having South Africa's landscapes around me and getting to capture it along the way definitely helped. That and the kind people I met on the journey. All in all, there is nothing as rewarding as coming out the other side of such a demanding expedition.

How did you feel when you finally crossed the finish line?

When I saw Table Mountain for the first time in over a month I might have shouted with joy. Those final 100 meters, seeing my friends at the finish line, along with a few kids from the Warrior on Wheels Foundation, were truly special. It concluded the end of a 2-year dream which felt amazing and sad all at once.

This trip and your story are super interesting, do you always try to take on photo projects with a meaning behind them?

Yeah, I think you add more value to a project if it has some sort of deeper background to it. The projects I like to do have some kind of story or narrative to back up the images, it adds layers to the complete story, making it more compelling and interesting, in my opinion.

What is one thing you learned from this once-in-a-lifetime trip?

So much, aside from the physical aspect and seeing that you are able to push so much more than you thought you were capable of. These mental and emotional obstacles that I had to overcome are what I really hold on to.

What equipment did you take with you?

Photographic equipment was the last thing on the list when it came to preparing for this trip. Once I had covered all my bases with the equipment I needed on the road, I looked at what space I had left and managed to fit in my camera and a lens or two (24-70mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4 and my 70-200 f2.8). In retrospect I could have left the 70-200mm one behind as I only used it once or twice and it added a lot of unnecessary weight. I also took a small tripod and a set of polarizing filters for some long exposures. A small solar charging panel and a power bank are a definite must as well!

Experience more of Justin's journey across South Africa on his blog!

How did your relationship with (adventure) photography begin?

I have always had a keen interest in photography but never thought it was something you could pursue as a career. Then, after taking a gap year as an outdoor adventure guide, I was looking at my passions and tried to find out how to make them into a possible career. That's when I discovered you could merge adventure/sports and photography in one thing and make a living out of it. I haven't looked back since.

What makes the "perfect" image to you?

When someone looks at an image and their first reaction is pure awe and they want to know more about the image. How, where, why or any questions like that, that's what I aim for. Ultimately, it should stir them and provoke some sort of emotion or thought.

Where do you find inspiration for your images?

As cliché as it sounds, but I find it everywhere. It can be from music, art, nature, sports or absolutely anything that I find intriguing.

Any dream projects you wish to accomplish in the future?

Absolutely, I have got a few in my mind and I'm sure there will be many more in the years to come. I am acutally working on my next expedition that I will hopefully reveal within the next few months.

Where can we find more of your work?

You can take a look at my work on my website or follow me on my Instagram.

Where do you find inspiration for your images and how important is your personal environment for your creativity?

Inspiration for my images comes from the amazing, talented athletes that I have had the privilege of working with. We all tend to love big backdrop landscapes, pushing our limits, trying new things, and traveling to the far corners of this planet to scope out those magical, euphoric places.

I am so fortunate to be able to travel the world doing what I love, but California will always be my home. Most of my time is split between Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz, where I spend my days wakeskating, surfing, free-diving, splitboarding, fishing, bird watching, and mountain biking. Being able to fully immerse myself in these activities inspires me to capture those moments that define our outdoor pursuits.

What’s one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when shooting wakeskating?

Timing - the detailed technical aspects, against large landscape backdrops. Currently, flying out of the country due to the travel ban, and flying in general due to the COVID risk.

How long does it take you to capture the ‘perfect’ moment that you are also happy with?

It varies. There was one photo that took about two years to capture, other moments happen naturally with ease.

Any stand-out memories or moments in your career?

I am lucky enough to look back and say that my career is filled with these moments. When the first cable park was built in California (Wake Island Waterpark), Noel, the owner, traded me a season pass for my photos - it was the coolest feeling. Also, when Jennifer (GilanFarr) Mitchell invited me on her ladies’ only wakeskate adventure touring alpine lakes amongst the Eastern Sierra Mountain range. I shot my first magazine cover on that trip and I now call those women my close friends. The pictorial I shot with Cole Kraiss in the Philippines; if a “perfect” shot did exist, that spread contains a few.

In the Top 260 images from the Image Quest 2019 were only 4 female photographers, you included. How do you feel about the male dominated action sports photography scene? What’s your personal experience here?

My mentors and biggest supporters have been male figures (editors / photographers / athletes) within the action sports industry. I wouldn’t have accomplished the milestones if it weren’t for the guidance and trust that I received from them. Having said that - being the minority - I definitely grew a thicker skin. If you are an aspiring female photographer or female athlete working towards personal goals in action sports - stay true to yourself and know your worth - dignity goes a long way.

Where can we find more of your work?

You can follow me on my Instagram or visit my website.

You are specialized in snowboard photography, but seeing as we are in the peak of summer you must have a LOT of free time right now. Seriously though, how does your work change in the warmer months?

I shoot a lot of skateboarding and other action sports instead. And to make money I shoot commercial stuff. It's really hard to live out of just shooting snowboarding so I have to do other stuff as well, mostly commercial.

When you are shooting in summer are there certain factors you need to be more aware of and vice versa? For example, light conditions?

Yes, especially when it comes to shooting during the summertime here in Sweden. The days are much longer then and we get 14 hours of hard light. During the winter we have that soft morning and evening light, like all the time, which I prefer to shoot in.

What's easier to shoot: Summer or winter sports?

Summer sports for sure! No water/snow that can mess up your equipment and you don't freeze your a** off all the time, haha!

How does your equipment change from winter to summer?

It doesn't really change at all. But if I'm up on the mountain I try to bring as little equipment as possible. Flashes and stuff can weigh a ton and don't make you mobile.

Do you have a set schedule for shooting? E.g. from November to April you exclusively shoot snowboarding or do you need to be more flexible?

I'm really flexible on this point. I used to shoot snowboarding exclusively during the wintertime but nowadays I shoot it when I have time between commercial jobs.

In current times travelling is not really an option, how does that affect you as a professional photographer?

It doesn't affect me that much as most if my jobs are based here in Sweden. I only do a handful of jobs abroad every season.

Where can we find more of your work?

Check out my Instagram where I post frequently, or my website.

Mountainbiking, Trailrunning, Skiing .. you are shooting quite a lot of different sports, what’s the one you enjoy the most?

Oh, that’s a tough question! Probably the most rewarding is ski photography. It’s the most elusive, as so many conditions have to come together to create a great shot. There is no track to follow, so you have to read the terrain for where the athlete is going to go. And there are no do-overs in ski photography, because once there are tracks visible in the shot, it’s done. When you nail it, it’s the best feeling in the world.

Any stand-out memories or moments in your career?

With absolutely no prior experience photographing skiing, I created an award-winning show in Deep Winter, a Whistler ski photography competition against leaders in the ski industry. News travelled fast and the following week, I received a call from Dave Reddick, the photo editor of POWDER magazine, asking if I would be interested in going winter camping with an A-list crew to shoot ski film. Knowing I would be completely out of my league, I agreed (of course), and was catapulted into my first real ski shoot. Before I knew it, not only was I having my first experience in a helicopter, I was roped in with the doors off, legs dangling, and shooting the biggest line of Eric Hjorleifson’s career. No pressure. I remember that moment well!

Do you have any tips for up and coming photographers?

Always be shooting; it’s a muscle that you have to keep strengthening. Try to stay away from comparing your work to others. It’s inevitable, but always gets in the way of your creativity. Lastly, learn about business. It’s a lot of hard work to ensure making a living as a photographer, and business is something that I have to embrace. It’s all worth it though.

How do you cope with the current COVID-19 crisis? What’s your experience as a professional photographer?

What a weird time! All of the shoots that I had lined up previously were cancelled, of course, so I’ve been forced to think about how to deal with the loss of income while keeping my creativity and presence alive.
My first thought was ‘what I could do to show my support?’ That is when I began taking photos of the “unsung heroes” -- front-line workers who were still on the job while our province was in a state of emergency. These are the people who never receive, nor ask for any recognition, but are the ones who really keep our day-to-day lives moving forward. This included bus drivers, grocers, waste removal workers, and janitors, to name a few. Although this personal project was meant only to find a way of showing thanks and keeping creativity flowing during a time of upheaval, it led to a collaboration with a brand that I work with and a paycheck!
I also have dug deep into my non-urgent folder, and have spent more time connecting personally with work colleagues. This way when restrictions and budgets open up again, I’ll be ready.

What’s next for you?

COVID has certainly made ‘what’s next’ a little unpredictable. I do have some specific places in the world and people in mind that I’d like to document in the year ahead, but those ideas will have to stay secret for now until they are nailed down. I will definitely continue to create projects and partner up with brands to put together winter and summer adventures that inspire and motivate people to get outdoors, push their
limits, and live their lives to the fullest. I also really hope to continue working with NGOs to document and bring more support to world health issues and humanitarian efforts.

Where can we find more of your work?

If you want to see what I’ve been working on, my project from Nepal just got released by Arc’teryx and can be found here. Also, POWDER recently profiled my ski work.

My profile is continuously being updated on Instagram. For a wider body of work, please check out my website.

How did you become interested in videography?

I will not say that I grew up with my dad’s camera in my hands, wanting to make videos since I was a child, but I’m pretty sure it does come from my parents.
As far as I can remember, when I was young I was a really big fan of music videos. My parents introduced me to the rock, punk and metal culture, and I mean really deeply. At the end of the 90s and the beginning of the 2000s I was watching MTV2, a dedicated MTV channel to Rock and Metal music. I was blown away by a lot of the music videos. I also watched a lot of movies with my parents, but the important part was that after watching the films, we always spoke a lot about them.

When I was at university (15 years ago), I started to film snowboard and ski stuff with my friends. Nothing too crazy. It became more and more important to me until I was only thinking about that. 

I think that I was more interested by the whole process of creating something, not specifically the filming or editing. I was not interested (and I’m still not) by doing just an image without knowing what to do with it. 

Who is your biggest influence/ inspiration for what you do professionally?

I think the biggest influence/inspiration comes from the music bands I love.
Maybe a band like Nine Inch Nails (because there’s more than just music- there are strong ideas, visuals and of course, the concept art) and because of Trent Reznor who is a pure genius (not to mention he got an Academy Award for the score of The Social Network movie). 
The thing I learned from his art, is to follow my own path of creation. 
I want to take a project and make it the way I feel is the best. 
The more it becomes personal, the more I like the project.

What can a video express that a photo can’t?

To me, video is really different than photo. 

Photo is a freeze frame of a moment. Time is stopped.
On the other hand, video is a way to say something about that time. Using different media.

In video, you have a bigger toolbox for creating something.
The cinematography is really important, and I love framing, using high quality gear such as a Red Camera, drones and beautiful lenses. 
But as a filmmaker, you have to think bigger than just the picture. You have to think about every shot you want to do, and all the other things you will work with like music, sound design, colorgrading, concept art, set design, etc.

What’s the biggest challenge when working with action sports athletes?

To me, the one biggest challenge is to go to places where you don’t feel comfortable. And the second one is the risk athletes can take for the shot.

But most of the time it’s more about living great things, sharing our passion, and building something together, as a team. Everyone using their best skills to create something that people will see later. It’s team work.

And for the crew, you’ve got the memories forever.

What role does Social Media play for your work and your self-promotion? 

I have to say I’m late on that.
Because at first I was just using it with friends, and sharing a bit of what I was doing, not really in a professional way.
I really started to take advantage of it 2 years ago. 
I will not say that social media gets me paid jobs, but I can definitely say that social media is a really cool place to share special content. The things you do, who you are and how you do those things. 
And to me, this is the goal of social media. 
People get to know you more than just liking (or not liking) your hero content.
For me, this is a way to show your global content and to focus on specific points about it, it can be a frame, a process, a mood… this is endless.

If you had the chance to tell any story in the world with your work, which one would it be?

I really need to go further into the stories of the athletes. I want to go deeper to understand what are the things that make them so different from other people.
I think this is the story about the human strength. 

What’s your favorite piece of work of yourself? Where can people find it?

Action sport video:

Ice Call : vimeo.com/195433452

Good Morning : vimeo.com/305915054

Frozen Mind : youtu.be/axNnKy-jfWw

Athlete portrait / commercial work:

Geraldine Fasnacht : vimeo.com/276178331

Caroline Gleich : vimeo.com/374529101

Sam Anthamatten : vimeo.com/313110288

The First Second Web Series : www.youtube.com/playlist

That’s all. Thanks.

Are you operating alone?
I usually have my creative process alone. But I also work with Coco Di Bongo, a model maker. When I have a new assignment, I would talk to her and involve her in the creative process.

How long does one project usually take from beginning to end?
It really, really depends on the complexity of the project. I like to work on fire, keeping the idea in mind till I do it, otherwise the idea loses its fascination… in case I wrote it down, it sometimes comes back! Usually we say that 1 second of stop motion takes about an hour to shoot. This is approximately true.

Who/ what are your biggest influences?
I really learned a lot by watching the Czech Masters of Animation, like Jiri Trnka or Jan Svankmajer.

Any real-life situation/ person you would love to shoot with?
Oh… I don’t know, I would have to think about it for longer...

When not creating stop motions, what type of photography/ videography are you most into?
Those last months I discovered drone aerial photography, I’m really enjoying it!

What’s your favorite piece of work of your own - where can our readers find it?
I think it’s “Professor Kliq – Wire and Flashing Light”. It’s a music video I made alone over the course of 3 months with free to use electro music. I was a moment where I was thinking I needed to renew myself, so I decided to push further and finally had the idea of seeing sound.
As it was finished, I sent it to the author who didn’t know I was working on it. He was so surprised that he decided to remaster his 6-year-old piece of music to match the animation better. And as the video had some success, he decided to quit his job to only do music! You can see the video here.

Find more of Victor's work here or follow him on Instagram: @patagraph