Snowboarder + Photographer: The Intersection of Passion and Profession
Being both a snowboarder and a photographer has helped to shape my creative perspective in ways I never imagined could go together. The adrenaline and creativity that can be seen in snowboarding directly influences how I capture action sports through my lens, and snowboarding, along with mountain biking and other extreme sports, has given me a deeper appreciation for movement, precision, and the fleeting nature of a perfect moment — all of which translate seamlessly into photography. When I'm on the mountain, my perspective isn’t just that of a photographer observing the action; it’s that of an athlete immersed in their environment, and having the skills and knowledge of being able to read terrain choices, features and knowing a rider’s skillset means, knowing what to anticipate and when to press the shutter for the perfect shot.
One of the men who started it all for me - Johnny Simpkins locked onto a down rail at Sierra-At-Tahoe, California
A big 180 Japan grab by Alex Jackson at Mt Hotham, Australia in winter 2023 - such a sick rider to watch get creative on park lines.
How Snowboarding Influences My Photography
Years of teaching snowboarding, guiding, analysing movement and riding has trained my instincts to recognize movement patterns, terrain flow, and peak moments in an athlete’s motion. As a snowboarder, I understand the commitment and technical skill behind every trick or carve,, and that knowledge gives me an edge when capturing action sports. I can anticipate when a rider is about to initiate a turn, launch off a natural feature, or stomp a landing — key moments that define the intensity and beauty of the sport.
This awareness is something that can’t be learned overnight. Watching snowboarding from a photographer’s perspective and experiencing it firsthand as an athlete are two entirely different things’ and take years to become proficient in.. Being on both sides of the equation allows me to compose shots that feel more immersive, dynamic, and true to the energy of the sport. Instead of simply pointing my lens at a rider and hoping for the best, I position myself where I know the most visually compelling moments will unfold — whether it's at the peak moment of a grab, the apex of a carve, or the instant before or after a rider is swallowed in a cloud of Japanese powder. I know where to put myself through personal experience riding and shooting with other photographers, as well as what I would want to see from a photo if I was an athlete and can direct rider’s toward this result.
One from the archive: Fraser Munnoch with a terrifyingly close Eurocarve at Coronet Peak in New Zealand, 2018 - shot on a 16-35mm lens, Fraser was less than 30cm away travelling at a speed of about 50km/h with me shooting blind to his movements. Knowing your athlete’s skillset and abilities, as well as trusting them to perform and giving them the space to be able to regulate themselves before each shot, is of paramount importance.
Jaimie Figueira grabbing Indy with a tidy carve in an early morning photo session at Mt Hotham, Australia in 2023. It’s so fun to shoot such a variety of different people and athletes across the world, making connections with some amazing riders and beautiful terrain.
The Art of Capturing Movement
Snowboarding is all about motion — fluidity, speed, and control. These elements are the essence of the sport, and capturing them in a still image requires a deep understanding of timing, angles, and patience. My love for snowboarding and time spent on the mountain has trained my eye to recognise the nuances of movement, allowing me to experiment with different shutter speeds, compositions, and perspectives to create shots that feels alive.
For example, a fast shutter speed can freeze a snowboarder mid-air, highlighting the precision and technique behind their trick, while a slower shutter speed can introduce motion blur, giving a sense of speed and direction. Choosing the right angle is equally crucial; shooting from below makes the rider look larger than life, while a side angle showcases the full extension of a grab or spin. Patience plays a significant role, too—sometimes, the best shot isn’t the one that happens immediately but the one that requires waiting for the right light, the right snow conditions, or the right moment of peak action. Sometimes the light and the weather doesn’t play ball and pushes the shot back. Athlete fatigue is a real factor too when you’re asking a rider to hike a feature over and over too, and can all affect how your end goal actually comes out.
A Finnish skier riding French skis in Japan - what a combo! Hannu Karvonen getting ready to drop into the backcountry of Japan’s beautiful Madarao-Kogen,.
Bringing Authenticity into the Frame
What makes a compelling action sports photo isn’t just about technical perfection — it’s authenticity. My love for snowboarding and outdoor adventure allows me to capture images that feel real and personal rather than staged or generic. When I shoot, I’m not just an outsider documenting an event; I’m part of the culture, capturing the soul of the sport that I love so much.
Authenticity comes through in the details — the spray of powder as a rider carves through fresh snow, the determination in their eyes mid-trick, the exhaustion and exhilaration after a run. These are the moments that resonate because they are true to the experience of being on the mountain, and those who know, know.. The best action shots tell a story, and having lived those stories myself, I strive to bring that same energy and emotion into capturing those moments.
My good friend and incredible skier, Argentinian Tomas Schcolnik, doing an amazing job modelling for me.
Yours truly, connecting with the view and loving every moment of it.
Sean Hughes admiring the beauty of the Japanese backcountry.
Being both a snowboarder and a photographer has given me a unique perspective that sets my work apart. My firsthand experience on the slopes allows me to anticipate moments, understand movement, and capture images that feel genuine and alive. Snowboarding has taught me the art of timing, patience, and storytelling — skills that extend far beyond the sport itself and into every aspect of my creation process. Whether it’s a boarder launching off a backcountry kicker, carving through untouched pow, or simply soaking in the crispy mountain air, my goal is to preserve the essence of each of these moments and share the passion that fuels both of my worlds.
Izak Hurn gets upside down often when he rides. A little look at a run-and-gun setup with an off-camera fill flash to lighten him up a bit and separate him from the brightness of the sun.
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Stay well,
