Oct 29, 2012
LIVE! We just released a behind the scenes look from our New Zealand photo shoot this year. Check it out and enjoy more running photography here afterward.
Jun 28, 2012
Trail running photography in New Zealand - Be a Photo Editor
Every week (via my Facebook fan page), I like to give folks the chance to be a photo editor. The images will usually be fairly similar in nature - same location, athlete and roughly the same lighting. The composition and moment, however, will vary and it's your job to choose the best shot. In this case I've selected two trail running images. These running images are outtakes from a recent commercial shoot come from the beautiful trails on the South Island of New Zealand near the beautiful queens town area.
Mar 18, 2012
Salt Lake Shootout: Ski photography contest photos
Last week I participated in the Salt Lake Shootout; a Ski photography contest that took place over four insanely exhausting days. What made matters worse is that the snow conditions were in all honesty quite miserable. But we had a contest to compete in and still worked from before sunrise to after sunset just about every day trying multiple angles, lighting, lenses, etc. to take what are normally killer spots to shoot and create something unexpected.
About this shot: First, I wanted the athlete positioned against a sunset or dusk sky. Next, I added my first strobe; an Elinchrom Ranger pack with one S-head and my assistant (lg) positioned the the strobe just off camera right and down the hill toward where the skier would land. We quickly tested a few power settings and landed on roughly 300 watt/seconds (A channel - 2.5 power) to give enough light to the scene. We then threw on the High Performance 48 degree reflector to focus the light and push it out further. The whole set-up was triggered via Pocket wizard remotes and shot the full frame Canon 5D II with 16-35mm f/2.8 II @ 16mm focal length. One more trick: one of my concerns as soon as I saw the scene was how many footprints there were all around the jump. It was a mess. I knew if we lit the scene those footprints would be part of the composition and image. Because I wanted to create as clean of an image as possible, I quickly dug down into the snow a couple of feet and shot almost from a foxhole perspective with just a few feet of clean snow in front of me. This eliminated the clutter all around and helped finish the composition and frame.
Mar 5, 2012
Timelapse Photography: Sunset on Mount Timpanogos in Black and White
I feel so grateful to live in such a beautiful part of the world. Literally within five minutes of my house I can be shooting one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world; the Wasatch mountains of Utah and the Mount Timpanogos peak.
It was right after a snowstorm last week that I peered out the window for a split second to catch a glimpse of the clouds moving out and completely giving way to blue skies and snowcapped mountain peaks. I quickly grabbed my camera, jumped in my car and rushed up the mountain just in time to snag this timelapse of the sun setting on Timp. For me, the black and white conversion and choice to not include audio/music left me to completely immersed in the visual beauty of this mountain.
-Kevin Winzeler
Photographer | Filmaker
Feb 28, 2012
Real Salt Lake (RSL) Photo Shoot 2012
Here's a quick peak into our 2012 photo shoot with this years Major League Soccer, Real Salt Lake team. This clip is primarily with RSL defender Chris Wingert as he was the lucky one to get a bit more time to shoot BTS with, but in the finished images you'll also see the usual suspects including: Kyle Beckerman, Nick Rimando, Nat Borchers, Will Johnson, Fabian Espindola, Javier Morales, and well as the rest of the team. So, first and foremost a huge shout out goes to all the athletes for being so cool to work with once again!
In terms of art direction for the shoot, we drew inspiration from a few ESPN cover stories over the last year or two and wanted to bring a bright (high key) feeling to the finished product as opposed to the moody/edgy RSL portraits we've shot in the past. Despite the very short amount of time we get with each player, I was stoked with the final results as was the creative team and I'm excited to see the finished product through this years marketing and advertising efforts. GO RSL 2012!!!
So, what questions do you have?
Hit me below and I'll do my best to answer!
-Kevin
Commercial Sports Photographer
Jan 25, 2012
Mount Superior in Utah - Free HD Wallpaper/Background for Skiers!
So if you love Winter in the mountains, but are stuck in the office right now, staring at some boring picture on your monitor, check in below for a FREE wall paper download and mount this photo directly to your display for a pseudo vaca-chion! Or feel free to slap it up as your background on your 60" HD TV when you get home.
Download the wallpaper:
1080p HDTV Skiing Wallpaper - download here
iPad/iPhone Skiing Wallpaper - download here
4K Resolution Timelapse: available for license, just shoot me an email. (Seeing the clouds dance around the mountain peaks and up the canyon is spectacular in full time-lapse format).
*Please note: downloads are for personal use ONLY. If you want to use this photo for commercial or editorial purposes or want a huge signed print for your wall, let's talk!
Jan 16, 2012
If there's a cow in the road?
Take it as a sign! Stop, look around and live life in the moment. (then take a picture)
Kevin Winzeler | Photographer
This photograph was created in Maui, Hawaii past the road to Hana.
More Landscape Photography
Jan 9, 2012
Pray for snow...
...in the Wasatch!
After crossing the road late one afternoon in Little cottonwood canyon, it began to snow. It snowed and snowed some more and would not stop snowing. Large flakes floated out of the sky touching down on aspen trees, chalets, cars, and completely blanketing our photography equipment. I was smiling from ear to ear. It was the 2010. It was the week of the Salt Lake shootout and we were getting pounded!
It's January 2012. The snow is coming! I think.
(The 2010 Salt Lake shootout was an unbelievable week for both athletes and photographers pushing the limits each day to create some spectacular ski photography. I felt fortunate to be around world class athletes and photographers and lucky enough to take the best of show award at the end of competition. About the winning image: It was our first day and first run of the day. After a solid hike up the Fantasy Ridge cliffs above Solitude Ski resort, Pro skier Jason West decided to launch a 60 footer just to warm things up a bit. He stomped it. That image would win both "Best Air" and "Best of Show" for the shootout. )
Dec 25, 2011
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
It's Christmas morning in Utah (not Autumn!). All I want is for Christmas is some Snow! I've been good this year. I promise.
This is my sweet little girl letting "daddy" take a couple of quick pictures just before heading to church in her new Sunday clothes. Family is amazing and that's all I really want for Christmas; to spend time with them. I hope you enjoy yours during this holiday season!
-Kevin
Kevin Winzeler Photography | Commercial Photographer
Dec 20, 2011
Self portrait
Hi.
A self portrait from back in the day...
Peeling an orange, thinking hard :)
Kevin Winzeler | Sports + Lifestyle photographer
Dec 8, 2011
Published in Print: Editorial + Commercial Photography
Here are a few photographs that I'm finally either able to post or just getting some time to post. Either way, it's always a pleasure to see both the editorial and commercial photography go to print. A sincere thank you to athletes, models, crew and clients for making these shots happen! Hit me below with any questions you have about behind the scenes or anything else that comes to mind!
Nov 29, 2011
2012 Sports Photography Calendar - Trail Running Cover Shot Explained
Every year I receive numerous request about my photography calendars and despite the tremendous work that is involved, it's rewarding to see the finished product. A huge thanks goes to the athletes included within and my wife for getting it to print!
So for those asking, go here to purchase: 2012 SPORT/ADVENTURE CALENDARS ON SALE NOW (just $10)
We had a back-to-back days that were just plain brutal including working our way over several snow covered areas on the flume trail that were normally dry this time of year. In all we ended up traversing about 6,000+ vertical feet on two consecutive days (First scouting and back to shoot the next day with gear, crew and athletes) to get to this location and meet our shoot objectives of environment long-range photography -- 'rave run' type stuff. Initially, I had another shot picked out to shoot near this location (see below), which we had discussed in our pre-production days that would provide an awesome environmental sport image. But like any other location shoot, once I'd nailed what needed to happen according the the brief, I began exploring for additional compositions. This was a moment for me to push the creative direction and shot list just a bit further and capture something unexpected and engaging. We explored the trail and found just up from our first location a piece of overhanging piece granite rock that was intriguing both compositionally and aestically. I decided to rally the troops (who were well spent) and shoot this local also. The set-up took about a half an hour as I employed a favorite rig I like to call the 'mini heli'; essentially a camera mounted boom pole that allows me to get an 'mini' aerial perspective of a location very quickly and with minimal gear. This was the perfect location for the mini heli!
We rigged up the 5D Mark II (no grip) with a 15mm fisheye, and a 4x6 sunbounce reflector and started exploring the trail from this new perspective. The late afternoon sun worked well to backlight the runner and we bounced a little fill into the front. Thirty minutes later we had a few takes that were solid and we called the flume trail shot a wrap!
(Another Trail Running Shot from the Flume Trail)
Nov 7, 2011
Hawaii Photography and Timelapse
I'm on vacation this week in Oahu, Hawaii and in theory "away from the camera" for a few days, but that's nearly impossible to do in practice. While I am away from the commercial photography routine, I can't help but get out and shoot some beautiful scenic and landscape imagery while here. Look for updates to this post with new photos and possibly some film or at least time lapse shots during the stay. Points of interest to include The north shore beaches and surfing, Pali Lookout, Makapu'u beach and point, Waikiki, Diamond head, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and more. I'll also add that although Oahu is spectacular, I must say Maui, Kauai and the big Island are even more amazing. If you are planning a trip, particularly a photography trip and choosing one island, go for Kauai!
For starters, here's a time lapse photography sequence from the Pali highway.
Nov 2, 2011
Longboarding Photography in Park City, Utah
A friend recently pulled out a prototype carbon fiber longboard he's been working on and I had to get it on the hill for some photography and video splendor. There's much more to come on this emerging little company, but the board is unbelievably lightweight, ultra stiff and fast. Check out some photos from our Park City, Utah adventure. Some cinematography still to come!
Hit "Like" on the Facebook page for exclusive behind the scenes updates and giveaways.
-Kevin Winzeler
Utah based Sports and fitness photographer
Oct 17, 2011
Top 5 ways to stay in shape during Winter (Photography made the list!)
All too often I hear people grumbling about how much they "hate Winter, nothing to do, can't wait til Spring, are sick of shoveling, getting fat and lazy, have to put off the exercise routine and wish they lived somewhere else...." Since Winter is right around the corner, let's chat. First off, this blows my mind. How can someone strongly dislike one of the greatest seasons of the year?? I'm bias of course, so after taking a step back and before shipping them out of my home State of Utah, I usually reply that "they just need to find something that is FUN, something they can enjoy". I reassure them that it (fun) is out there to be had for everyone and will usually result in great way to stay fit!
So, let's hear it! For those of you who stay active outside all winter, what do you do? Ski? Snowshoe? Nordic ski? Snowboard? Ice hockey? Run? Ice Fish?
(Fact: 100% of all ice fisherman consume more calories than they burn, so scratch that off the list)
My top 5 ways to stay active during Winter (outside):
1) PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO:
From photographing winter sports and lifestyle imagery in the Wasatch mountains to the breathtaking scenics and landscapes of Bryce, Zion and Arches down south; I don't have to stray far from home during the winter months in Utah to take pictures. So how exactly does photography keep me in shape? Find something you love to do creatively and you'll be amazed at how motivated you are to climb, bike, hike and haul yourself to the best place to do it. The pure addiction of capturing beautiful imagery constantly keeps me exploring even when the days are short and temperatures cold. My sports photography usually requires a combination of keeping up with elite athletes and hiking into pristine locations all while porting way too much gear on my back. It's a full body workout to say the least! But even when I head out for a relaxing landscape shoot, my mind is looking for subjects and colors, shapes and textures, light and compositions. I'll be pushing a 160 heart rate for an hour and not even realize it because I'm sidetracked with my adventure to find the perfect image. So find a creative outlet and you'll stay active and in shape as result.
2) SNOWSHOE:
At least once a week, I like to head to the hills on shoes and explore nature at a slightly slower pace. This is your ultimate stair stepping machine for you gym folks; a great way to burn a huge number of calories and get a full body workout.
3) PLAY WITH THE KIDS:
Kids love snow! Their enthusiasm for the white stuff will quickly spread as you bundle them up and roll around with them. The heart gets pumping quickly when trying to keep up with my two kiddos romping around in the snow. Sledding, Snow angels, Building igloos and Snowman; it's endless fun and activity.
4) SNOW SKIING:
Nothing else out there will keep the thighs toned during the Winter months all while keeping a grin on your face quite like a chest deep powder turn. Get out to your local ski resort or into the backcountry for a truly refreshing and rewarding workout. One of our local resorts here in Utah, Alta, has a 'Ski Free after 3' program every day on Sunnyside lift. So don't let cost get in your way here.)
5) TAKE A WALK or JOG:
There's something purely magical about taking a walk while gigantic snow flakes gently fall all around you. Just pull on your down puffy, hat, gloves and boots step out the front door and into a blanket of whiteness for a few miles. Make sure to have the hot chocolate boiling and fireplace stoked for your return home.
33) SHOVELING:
Errr not. Shoveling my driveway did not make the top five list, but it is a solid full body workout, for those curious. And my wife's favorite!
If you still can't find anything good to say about winter, then yes, pick up and move! :). Okay, I guess you are free to jet to your second home in the tropics and work on your tan. But rest assured, you. will. be. missing. out.
So, what is your favorite way to stay in shape during the Winter? Comment below!
-Kevin Winzeler
Commercial Photographer in Sports, Active lifestyle and Outdoor work
Remember:
-The right gear makes all the difference. Most people avoid winter activities because they tried 'it' once and were too cold or uncomfortable.
-Be prepared. Make sure you check the local snow and avalanche reports to avoid any areas of danger - Utah Avalanche Center and REI put on some excellent courses to help learn about the backcountry here locally.
Oct 11, 2011
Autumn in Utah - Outdoor Photography and Video
Today, I took a much needed break from the commercial photography routine to enjoy some fresh Autumn air in my own backyard. The fall foilage is in full swing along one my of favorite drives in Northern Utah and I was able to snag a couple of images during the morning outing. My primary focus was on the details using a mix of 100mm macro with Kenko extension tubes (for > 1:1 magnification) and 70-200mm with 1.4TC for some tight 280mm frames. During use of this set-up I was manually focusing toward the blue sky on a tight group of leaves and noticed that as I pulled focus back and forth the leaves took on an abstract shape almost like a group of birds taking flight! Check it out - image #4 below (click on the image to enlarge). I love those subtle discoveries that come when we patiently work a location.
I'm excited to see a few of these printed large! Speaking of...all images are indeed available as signed, fine art prints as well as available to license for commercial and stock purposes. Get in on the goods! You can also find more Autumn stock photography also in print.
Oct 3, 2011
Photographing the Ocean and Water.
I love to photograph in and around water! There's always a sense of movement, energy and activity that makes me feel alive and excited to pull out the camera and shoot. Here's a few images that struck me as I was pulling some stuff together for a printed portfolio recently. Most of these pictures were shot during two separate trips to the Hawaiian islands, both in Oahu, the Big island and Kauai. Let's see some of your favorite water shots.
Sep 26, 2011
Another cover photo for Trail Runner Magazine!
The most recent issue of Trail Runner magazine is Live! The cover photograph comes to you from our Mountain Hardwear/Montrail shoot this past Summer. The picture was taken overlooking the majestic Lake Tahoe and surrounding area as we headed up toward the infamous Flume trail. To get an elevated perspective we used a boomed Canon 5D Mark II camera (about 14' up) with a live feed to a monitor down below. Athlete and Olympic hopeful Max King was an endurance machine during our two day shoot. Thanks for making it happen Max!
Aug 22, 2011
New Adobe Campus site in Black and White (Photography)
One of my current photography projects will span the next year or more as I document the construction of the new Adobe Systems site right here in my own backyard. The plans are unreal and it should prove to be one of the most stunning buildings in Utah when finished.
Here is a series of black and white photographs from the early stages of the project including some 'aerial' perspectives atop their 200' crane:
-Kevin Winzeler
Commercial Photographer
