How are those Sony bodies performing?
“Overall, I love them and use them for almost all my shooting. My fingers are crossed for a next-generation a7 body with ultra fast autofocus at 10+ frames per second. This will make me a very, very happy camper.”
Is there a special story behind the beanie?
“Ahahaha! I’ve always had a thing for wearing a goofy toque while skiing… even as a little kid. After failed attempts to be a bro bra in Jackson for 10 years (wearing fashionable beanies), I suppose I’m finding myself again in Washington by donning this thrift store find.”
If you had to pick only 3 items in your bag?
“In terms of camera gear, it would be my Sony a7R II, 24-70mm and 70-200mm… with the fisheye being an equally important contender.”
Have you ever had to use your avalanche kit?
“I’ve had a small handful of very memorable close calls in the mountains, but thankfully none of them were avalanche related.”
Where was the most challenging location you had to shoot?
“Ooo… there have been a few. The overall commitment and physical demand of documenting a first ski descent on Tibet’s 8027 meter (26,335’), Shishapangma, would put that project atop the pedestal of most challenging locations I’ve shot. We spent 3 weeks hauling loads up the mountain, which, at altitude can take its toll. Due to forecasted trade winds coming in, we decided to make our summit attempt from Camp 2, skipping Camp 3.
Our summit day started around 2am and was of course extremely cold. Feeling like I’d drank a bottle of Jack (which I’ve never done) and puking near the summer, I clicked into my ultralight, 160cm skis, which felt like children’s skis. My partners, Mark Newcomb and Kent McBride, and I, then spent a couple hours traversing across Shishapangma’s north face… at 8000 meters. We then skied the Unche Couloir, that went something like this; turn, turn, turn, collapse and catch breath. Turn, turn, collapse and catch breath. Turn, turn, turn, collapse and catch breath. It felt good to come home…”
Gabe’s full gear list:
Sony a7R II
Sony a6300 (a6000 pictured)
Sony 28mm F2 with Fisheye Converter
Sony 24-70mm f2.8 (f4 pictured)
Sony 70-200mm f2.8 (f4 pictured)
Sony 55mm f1.8
Extra batteries
2-3 lens cloths
Sensor blower
Volkl Two Skis 186cm
Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
Marmot Armageddon gloves
Thrift store toque
Food
Water
Sunblock
Clikelite Contrejour 35 pack
Check out the gallery below some of Gabe’s awesome images and head to his website and Instagram for more on his work.
Less than 3 weeks to go till the submissions for the world's greatest action and adventure sports photography contest close, so get your submissions in NOW! Download the Ultimate Guide to Red Bull Illume here and mark March 31, 2016 on your calendars!
Visit the Red Bull Illume Facebook page and check out our Instagram for regular updates.
Gabe Rogel: What's in the Bag?
Red Bull Illume’s exploration into the bags of action and adventure sports photographers continue, as we take a look at what photographer and filmmaker Gabe Rogel has stashed away.

© Gabe Rogel