deep winter

Every year a select group of Pro photographers are picked to compete in the Deep Winter Photo ChallengeThe six photographers chose their own athletes and have three “deep winter days” in-bounds on Whistler Blackcomb to produce photos. Then the photographers battle it out in a slideshow showdown presented to the public with a chance to win a chunk of the $8,500 prize purse.  The six teams have first chair today until last chair on Friday. The photographer will then have one day to put together a 3-5 minute slideshow which will be shown on Saturday night. Let the contest begin….

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Photo: Andrew Strain

THE PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Mason Mashon -Mason Mashon is a man of few words but many activities. He’s a team rider for Evil Bikes, an avid surfer, and a connoisseur of fine scotch. He’s at home in the snow on any device that moves, whether it’s skis, a snowboard or a snowmobile, all the while knowing exactly what it takes to have a good time. Having competed in the 2010 Pro Photo Showdown, and winning the inaugural Intersection competition with Voleurz, Mason’s eye for photography is known and loved throughout the Sea to Sky. Fascinated with natural light and bearing a love for backcountry exploration, his passion for shredding will continue to lead him on a lifetime of photographic adventures. Website: www.masonmashon.com

Reuben Krabbe -Reuben grew up in Calgary, staring out the kitchen window at the mountains on the Western horizon. He now lives beyond those rocky peaks, among the Coastal Mountains. Though he is the youngest in the competition at 21, he isn’t a stranger to the format. Reuben competed in, and won the 2011 Banff Photographer Shootout, an event inspired by Deep Winter. Reuben works in Whistler as a ski and mountain bike photographer for commercial and editorial clients. Website: www.reubenkrabbe.com

Jussi Grznar -Snowboarding and a passion for looking outside the box, Jussi Grznar – born and raised in former Czechoslovakia – landed in Whistler in 2006, packing a sense of humour and a penchant to shoot a snow-infused lifestyle. Endless travels to far flung surf locales and backcountry snowmobile-accessed destinations, Grznar is now Snowboard Canada’s Senior Photographer and still seeks to capture what others might not see. Sometimes all it takes is Grznar’s broken english to lighten up those dark and dismal grey-bird days. Website: www.jussigrznar.com

Steve Lloyd -A Utah native, Steve Lloyd’s talent for photography has grown alongside his passion for the outdoors. He continually strives to capture the raw essence and emotion of the sports and athletes he documents through color, light, and motion. His photography captures the dedication and commitment of modern athletes, profiled in the most dramatic-and even subtle-of outdoor settings. Website: www.stevelloydphoto.com

Robin O’Neill -Robin O’Neill is a Canadian commercial lifestyle and documentary photographer. Based in Whistler, this adventurer, athlete and keen observer uses her camera to explore the human condition at work and play. Robin’s command of story and knack for documentary allow her to create compelling visual vignettes that showcase fascinating characters, dynamic environments, and a range of products. She has shot campaigns for clients including Bell Canada, Whistler Mountain Bike Park, lululemon athletica, and the Four Seasons. After growing up in the concrete canyons of Toronto and earning her BA in history at Queens University, Robin O’Neill bolted for the wild. She worked with international aid organisations on two continents before landing in Whistler, BC, where she put down roots and launched a photographic career. Website: www.robinoneillphotography.com

Mark Gribbon -Mark Gribbon is a photographer, a fisherman, and lover of crock-pot cuisine. He was born during one of the worst blizzards to ever hit Pembroke Ontario, in the heart of the Ottawa Valley. He found photography via skateboarding and, after roaming and searching and living on beaches, he eventually ended up back in the snow shooting snowboarding and skiing in Whistler B.C. Website: www.markgribbon.com

Andrew strain
Andrew strain at work during the 2011 Deep Winter Competition

UNOFFICIAL WHISTLER & DEEP WINTER: You didn’t think we’d sit this one out did ya?
Unofficial Whistler will produce behind the scenes videos for team Mason Mashon. We aim to show you a day in the life of Mason during Deep Winter. (blood, sweat, tears and maybe some fogged lenses). Last year we produced behind the scenes videos for Andrew Strain and his team, this is what we saw. 

Deep Winter Event, 2011
Deep Winter, 2011

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

– -The show takes place on Saturday January, 14 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm

-The event is already sold out, you can maybe scalp tickets on Saturday, OR stay glued to Unofficial Whistler +  our Twitter (@unofficialwhis) for chances to WIN  Deep Winter tickets.

-The audience can win prizes.

AFTER PARTY AT MERLIN’S. Head over to Merlin’s after the contest and mingle with photographers/athletes.

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