This month I’m really excited to get share some insanely beautiful photographs of the Sea to Sky Corridor captured by an old friend (and one of my first clients!) — Blake Jorgenson.Blake is one of the most celebrated outdoor photographers in the world, with over 300 magazine covers, a “Photo of the Year” Award from Powder Magazine and an impressive list of commercial clients and photography awards, including two victories at the infamous Pro Photo Showdown during Whistler’s WSSF and a “King of Storms” title at the Deep Winter contest.
But you’ll never hear that from him. Blake is the most humble, spectacular person who does what he does for the love of it. He will still be out there at first light every morning or hunkered down in the snow when it’s minus 20 outside just to get the shot. He loves it.
For me, Blake’s photos have been a consistent part of my life in the Sea to Sky. He shoots amazing candid portraits and I have so many beautiful photos of myself and my friends thanks to him (he even captured the exact moment I met and fell in love with my husband)! ** That's the one above. :)
Blake recently moved from Whistler to Pemberton so I tracked him down to find out what he loves about this area and what makes it feel like home to him. Enjoy!
-Dana
Views from Brohm Ridge, Squamish BC
Blake Jorgenson, on Life in the Sea to Sky:
“There is such an overwhelming sense of community and connectivity in this whole region. When I first arrived in the winter of 93-94, Whistler really had that vibe but now it’s spread to the whole Sea to Sky. There’s an energy here that’s unique and it’s really helped my photography career. That strong sense of community that spans all age groups means there are so many people to shoot with, share the lifestyle with, and there are so many people who enjoy the photos. People here have a passion for the outdoors and art and recreating, so everyone is interested and supportive of what you are doing.
The magnificent Mt.Currie seen from the Pemberton Meadows
On Making Pemberton his Home Base:
“Pemby suits my lifestyle a bit more now. I think the migration of Whistler people spreading out to Squamish and Pemberton has really helped unify the whole area. And now I have more close friends living on my street than I did in even after 20 years in Whistler. When I return from a long trip, as soon as I get out of the Vancouver traffic and onto the Sea to Sky highway it feels like I am home. It never gets old, no matter if it’s the Chief or the Tantalus Range or Wedge or Mt Currie. It all feels like home.
Just another high alpine bike ride in the Sea to Sky
On His Early Years in Whistler:
“I came from Toronto and it felt like a kid from Kansas going to Hollywood or something. I’ve always felt like the people who ended up in Whistler back then were all either running from something or searching to find something. I could instantly feel a connection with all the people who’d made that pilgrimage. There was this strong vibe of community, and helping each other and especially of freedom. After being pretty introverted most of my life, living with a bunch of roommates and the heavy social scene was really good for me. I remember working in a ski shop, skiing every day and then I’d get a paycheck for $800 and be stoked: “What am I gonna do with all this money!?”
Mount Currie and The Pemberton Valley dressed in fog
On Creating a Good Photo:
“The most important is pre-visualizing things and inspiring yourself to come up with new ways of looking at the world. Those new ways are what other people will find interest in. I am constantly trying to re-invent the wheel and sometimes when it doesn’t happen you gotta take a step back and figure it out rather than copy or regurgitate. Finding a new perspective on things has worked for me.”
Top of the Wold. The view atop the Tantalus Range (yes, that's Vancouver in the distance.)
Top of the Wold. The view atop the Tantalus Range (yes, that's Vancouver in the distance.)
On the Rise of Digital Photography:
“I think us older guys that spent a lot of time shooting film still visualize and process our stuff as if it is film, the look of actual chemical developing is still in our brain. But if you started off digitally, there really are no rules of what is good or bad or real or fake. It’s up to the viewer and the integrity of the photographer.
The good news is that everyone has access to technology that is breaking down all the barriers to creating and sharing images. The general public is more interested and educated in photography and the BS-metre is honed. I think connection and communication are the most important parts of the modern equation, the empowerment of people to self-publish their own images and voice. It gets the whole world into photography.”
The good news is that everyone has access to technology that is breaking down all the barriers to creating and sharing images. The general public is more interested and educated in photography and the BS-metre is honed. I think connection and communication are the most important parts of the modern equation, the empowerment of people to self-publish their own images and voice. It gets the whole world into photography.”
The tantalizing Tantalus Range, North of Squamish. Summer or Winter, this view never gets old.
