The sixth annual Scott Markewitz Photography Workshop concluded on February 8th under blue skies and warm, spring-like temperatures. Seven photographers, a handful of talented skiers and snowboarders, and Scott all converged at Snowbird, Utah, for three days of shooting, skiing, and instruction.
“Hands down great guy, lots to learn from Scott,” said Miles Minno, a returning workshop attendee (and winner of last year’s photo contest). “The workshop improved my skills as a photographer on and off the mountain… In class you can ask any questions.”
Day one of the workshop began with an instructional classroom session inside Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge. Scott gave a presentation about his ski photography insights and techniques, and showcased a few of his favorite photos for some inspiration. After covering the basics of composition, camera settings, and ski photography technique, it was time to meet up with the featured skiers and go shoot.
High winds greeted the group of photographers and skiers once on-mountain. Combined with several inches of dry, wind-deposited snow, the conditions made for some incredibly dynamic and dramatic shooting conditions throughout the day. At the end of the day, the happy and exhausted group of photogs grabbed a quick lunch on Snowbird’s Tram Plaza before heading back into the classroom to process and review images. The photographers reviewed their favorite shots from the day while Scott offered feedback.
Phase One camera systems generously supported the workshop by providing three of their high end medium format camera systems for participants to demo, and sent Chris Snipes from Capture Integration to provide technical support. After the first day’s photo review was finished, Chris gave a demonstration about the Phase One cameras and Capture One, their powerful image processing software.
Day two was all about lighting. The day began with another classroom session, where Scott described his techniques for using off-camera lighting in ski photography. After showing a few of his own images taken with strobes during the presentation, everyone was incredibly excited to get outside and try to capture similar flash images. Thanks to the support of Hensel Lighting, the group was able to take a professional-grade lighting kit on the mountain to creatively light shots with. After another successful day of shooting, it was time for lunch, then back to the classroom to review images.
The third and final day greeted the group with beautiful weather and warm temperatures. The group was able to explore a new area of the mountain in the morning. Steep ridges and cold, shaded snow allowed for some epic shots against the incredible backdrop of Snowbird’s Mineral Basin. Everyone in the group was able to use the techniques they had learned in the previous two days to try some exciting and creative new camera angles. After an awesome morning of shooting (and lots of high-fives), the group headed to Snowbird’s classic North Baldy venue to spectate and shoot the final runs of the Subaru Freeride World Tour. After capturing shots of some of skiing’s best big mountain talent, the group returned to the Cliff Lodge for a final image review before parting ways and heading home.
A huge thank you is in order to all of the sponsors who made this workshop possible: Phase One, Hensel Lighting, F-Stop Gear, Zeal Optics, Discrete Headwear, GoalZero, Pictureline, Izm Apparel, Snocru, Coola Suncare, Stance Socks, Panda Poles and Gu Energy Labs. Thank you as well to all of the photographers who participated in the workshop and to the talented skiers and snowboarders who rode for the group and helped us create some incredible photos. Be sure to check back later in the week for the Workshop Photo Contest. Vote for your favorite images and we’ll give out some great prizes to the images that get the most votes and likes.
Words and Photos by Sam Watson
