My Deep Summer Photo Challenge Journey: Telling the Story of Whistler’s Mountain Bike Community
A visual story about the people, passion, and generations shaping mountain biking in British Columbia
Mountain biking has never been only about riding a bike. It is about the people you meet on the trails, the friendships created along the way, the places this sport allows us to discover, and most importantly, the community that continues to grow around it.
When I entered the Deep Summer Photo Challenge 2026 during Crankworx Whistler, I knew I didn’t want to create just another collection of action photos. I wanted to tell a story. A story about the people who create and shape mountain bike culture in one of the most iconic places for this sport — Whistler, British Columbia.
The Deep Summer Photo Challenge is a unique photography competition that gives selected photographers the opportunity to capture the stories, emotions, and culture behind mountain biking during Crankworx Whistler. Unlike traditional action photography, Deep Summer is not only about capturing the biggest tricks or fastest riders. It is about storytelling — finding the moments, connections, and emotions that represent what the sport is truly about.
In 2026, I had the opportunity to be selected as one of five photographers invited to create a visual story during Crankworx Whistler. One additional photographer was also selected through Pinkbike.
During the challenge, we had 72 hours to photograph, select, edit, and create a complete slideshow presentation that was presented live during the festival.
You can watch my full presentation here.
72 Hours to Create an Entire Visual Story
Three days may sound like enough time, but for a project of this scale, every minute mattered.
During those 72 hours, we had to do much more than photograph. We had to find meaningful moments, choose the strongest images, edit the entire collection, and create a final presentation where every photograph supported the overall story.
It was intense. There were moments filled with excitement, stress, exhaustion, and uncertainty. There was never enough time, and every image had to have a purpose. But this challenge pushed me further as a photographer. It reminded me why I love photography — searching for authentic moments, real emotions, and stories that stay with people long after the moment has passed.
The People Behind the Ride
For my project, I wanted to focus on the most important part of mountain biking: the people.
I wanted to show that mountain bike culture is not only about professional athletes competing at the highest level. It is built by children discovering the sport for the first time, families spending time outdoors together, amateur riders chasing their own goals, professional athletes pushing their limits, and the people who have spent years building the trails and communities that make places like Whistler so special.
During the weekend, I photographed young riders, families, professional athletes, and members of the local mountain bike community who have helped shape this place over the years. The most meaningful part for me was seeing how naturally this sport connects different generations. Through this project, I was able to capture eight-year-old kids who were just beginning their journey alongside riders in their seventies who helped build the trails and community that exist today. Different ages. Different experiences. One shared passion. And that is what makes the mountain bike community in British Columbia so unique.
More Than Just a Competition
Of course, I would not be honest if I said I wasn’t disappointed about not winning. Every photographer enters a competition hoping to achieve the highest result. But Deep Summer gave me something that became even more valuable. It gave me the opportunity to create a story that connected people. The strongest moment came after the live presentation. Seeing the reactions from the audience — and seeing some people become emotional — made me realize that my photographs had achieved something beyond simply showing beautiful images. They created a feeling. And that is exactly why I love photography. Photography is not only about how something looks. It is about what it makes people feel and what it leaves behind.
Why I Love Outdoor and Adventure Photography
This experience reminded me again why I chose the path of outdoor and adventure photography.
I don’t want to only capture the fastest rider or the biggest trick of the day. I want to capture the story behind it.
The excitement of a child discovering a new sport. The determination of athletes pushing beyond their limits. Families creating memories outside. People building places and communities where others feel connected.
These are the moments that give adventure its true meaning.
As an outdoor photographer based in British Columbia, my goal is to create images that represent not only the action, but also the emotions, connections, and stories behind every adventure.
Working With Mountain Bike, Outdoor and Adventure Brands
My goal as a photographer is to collaborate with brands and organizations that want to tell authentic stories.
I create visual content for mountain bike brands, outdoor companies, adventure businesses, tourism destinations, sporting events, athlete campaigns, and lifestyle projects.
Whether it is a product campaign, a new product launch, a sporting event, or a community story, my approach remains the same:
Creating photographs that show not only what people do, but why they do it.
I am open to collaborations in outdoor photography, mountain bike photography, and adventure storytelling.
Let’s Create Your Next Story
Are you looking for a photographer for a mountain bike, outdoor, or adventure project?
Whether you need photography for a product campaign, sporting event, social media content, or a brand story, I would love to help capture the emotions, people, and moments behind your project.
Fill out my contact form and tell me more about your vision.