How did you get started in photography?

My initial interests were in professional skiing (Freestyle), fine art (drawing and painting) and creative writing. When Freestyle competitors began getting hurt performing ski aerials and sponsorship money for the fledgling sport dryed up, I began producing written articles for ski magazines, particularly POWDER. I quickly realized that shooting photos to support the articles made perfect creative and financial sense. By drawing on my fine art background, I was able to quickly pick up the basics of photography, but, of course, it takes a lifetime or more to master all the skills.

What college did you go to?
Did you major in photography?
Can you suggest any schools with good programs?

My photographic education began with courses at the University of Colorado and University of Utah and continued after college with workshops and seminars around the country. I majored in Creative Writing. Choosing educational opportunities is so subjective, it doesn't make sense to recommend specific programs, but I do suggest looking for programs with a healthy combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Most commercial photographers enhance their university level education with assistant work with an established pro. The many workshops offered from coast to coast are an excellent way to expose oneself to a variety of styles and techniques. But photography expertise is only one portion of being an outdoor action sports shooter, just as important, is years of experience with the sports and activities you wish to photograph. This could mean as long, or longer, an appreticeship in climbing, surfing, snowboarding, etc. as with a camera.

I have a passion for the outdoors, adventure sports and photography.
I also think the lifestyle of a photographer sounds appealing.
How do I incorporate my passions into a career?

I think passion is the key word here. If you find that you can't imagine yourself being anything but a photographer, than press ahead. Occassionally, I get phone calls from young people asking me whether they should pursue a career in photography or, in one instance, sell cars in Los Angeles. By selling cars, the caller assured me, he was guaranteed to make at least $90,000 his first year.

My response was that I know many photographers who don't make $90,000 after 15 years of hard work, and if that was his main criteria, he should take the sales job.

Many people are attracted to outdoor photography because of what they imagine the lifestyle to be, but the fact is, like in any profession, success requires fastidious hard work, unique talent, commitment, and perserverence. The people who do it because of the lifestyle alone seldom last. The people who do it because they are passionate about photography and the outdoors, are rewarded every day (regardless of their income) by doing what they love most.

How should I start to market myself as a photographer?
How can I start to sell my photos?

In today's world there are more markets for photographs than ever before. But the competition level is so high, that only the best images see the light of day. Do yourself and your prospective editors a favor, be brutally objective about work you submit, and send only the best. That way, even if the submission is small and nothing is used, the editor will remember you fondly, rather than as the jerk who wasted her time. Study the magazines, websites, and catalogs that you admire, and when your work reaches that level begin submitting.

Before that stage however, educate yourself about professional business practices, contact the American Society of Media Photographers (A.S.M.P. 150 North Second St. Philadelphia PA 19106 (215) 451-2767 www.asmp.org) and request their current information on professional business practices which includes legal contracts, forms and invaluable information on how to run a photography business. For pricing guidelines purchase software such as Photoquote (Cradoc, P.O. Box 1310, Point Roberts, Washington 98281 (206) 842-4030) which can quickly tell you national averages for the usage you are negotiating. Keep in mind when negotiating prices that if your photo is good enough to fill the client's needs it doesn't matter how long you have been in business or who you are, it deserves a fair market price.

What are your current photographic interests?

After years of shooting exclusively color, I'm more and more intrigued by black and white and other "alternative" photographic approaches that emphasize my impressions of the subject I'm covering rather than a more documentary style.

What are your opinions on digital cameras and the way they will affect the future of photography?

Obviously, at this point, digital is here to stay and will continue to influence every aspect of our lives, not just photography. But just as the first word processors supposedly made "writing" easier, they did not replace the intrinsic talent and hard work of the writer. Digital photography is simply another tool adding to the repertoire of the photographer. The most important thing is the discrimination to choose the correct tool for your particular vision.