Salt Lake City, Utah–based Adam Clark describes his style of photography as “really rad.” Once he was almost buried by an avalanche in a helicopter and he was there when Jamie Pierre broke the biggest cliff record, which are both pretty rad. So with a backup plan of washing dishes at Alta, we think Clark should stick with photography. Katie Matteson spoke to Clark about his shot of Dan Treadway at Whistler, BC, which made it into the magazine's annual “Best Shots of the Year” photo gallery (December 2008).
SKIING: What do you like best about this photo?
I love the combination of waterfalling snow and cool rock. The stormy weather brings out the colors in the rock that would get washed out in the sun.
SKIING: Was it the first or the last shot of the day?
I had looked at this location the day before and knew we could get a great shot because it would slough out in a waterfall effect and the rock had some great colors. Dan hit it once, we got the shot, and skied pow the rest of the day.
SKIING: What were the light and snow conditions like?
It had been snowing on and off, great Whistler pow but horrible light. Dan could barely see his landing even though it was close to the rocks.
SKIING: Were there any challenges with this shot?
It was a challenge not to just go ski powder all day…
SKIING: Any tips for shooting a shot like these?
Just keep trying, shoot a lot. Wait for epic light.
