For the past 12 years Ryan Salm has been traveling the far-off reaches of the globe contacting distant tribes. Journeys on back roads with the local people have created a common theme in Ryan’s work. Radiant colors, vivid landscapes, and enticing faces are the cornerstone of his photography.
When not purchasing plane tickets or wandering the world Ryan spends his quieter days living in Lake Tahoe, California soaking up the sunshine and living the life in the mountains. His photographic work ranges from fine art to commercial to editorial and can be seen anywhere beautiful imagery exists. Ryan has been published in Patagonia, Outside, Wend, The Banff Film Festival amongst countless countless others. As a gifted storyteller, Ryan tours the U.S giving informative slideshow presentations of his travels.
For more of Ryan’s work, information, weddings or event photography check out:
http://ryansalmphotography.photoshelter.com/
www.ryansalmphotography.com
- Massive avalanche on Tram Face
An avalanche on Tram Face? Sometimes a little alone time as a photographer produces the best imagery. I was sitting by the water tower on a stool waiting for the Freeride comp to begin and my camera was in my lap. Luckily I remembered my previous nights camera settings and had the right lens on because it really happened fast. We all spend so much time at Squaw it is amazing for me to see something new and eye opening.
This is my favorite winter shot I have ever taken. The spectacular flanks of Meileshueshan on the China / Tibetan border in Yunnan Province. I almost chose to stay in bed on this particular morning due to below freezing temps. But I got out of my bag, headed up to the pass and this was the sight. I travel all over the world to see amazing sights this image is one of the main reasons I keep traveling. It won me an award at the Banff Film Festival. The peak known as Kawagebo has never been climbed.
A spectacular bluebird Tahoe day with Miles Clark. We tried this shot over and over again but we kept losing Miles’ head in the shot. It would get lost and it seemed like a body with no head. After a few attempts I asked him if he could look back at me without bailing too hard. Keep in mind that i was 180 degrees behind him. It is a great example of skier and photographer working together. It is great what an athlete will do to get the shot.
I love this shot because Kit called me on a stormy pow day and said he had a photo idea. We packed the ski’s and ended up stopping in Tahoe City where he grabbed his climbing shoes and said, “follow me”. The overhang looked amazing all covered in snow and the no climbing sign made it the perfect location for the shot. It was my first winter image published by Patagonia.
Miles and I went out to shoot a piece for Unofficial off Sugar Bowl but we got socked in. We could see a break in the clouds so we traversed towards it. Low and behold at 1pm we encountered a perfect afternoon in the Sierra skiing unbelievable west facing powder and somehow had perfect light all day. We logged a dozen photo gems and hiked out at sunset. The crazy thing was that this moment was gone the next morning when the entire pitch ripped taking two local skiers in a slide. Both of them were OK. It makes me think you have to take a hold of those moments of perfection when they are around because they can slide away at any moment.
I woke up on this morning with a raging migraine. I couldn’t see, was nauseous and had a shoot at Alpine. I spent 30 minutes praying to the toilet bowl gods in the Alpine base lodge and decided to go out against better judgment. I missed the dawn light but was in the perfect spot to get this shot of Zach Browning which was featured in the Winter 2010 Patagonia catalog.
So, I’m taking some photos on Donner Summit and Eric Bryant just falls out of the sky. Where did he come from? I love the look on his face.
Despite all the crazy shit that everyone does in Tahoe; jumping off mountains, flying, base jumping. I know everyone has a soft spot for groomed snow. This was a shot taken with the Sugar Bowl grooming crew at dawn. I love the texture and feeling captured in the snow. It is beautiful what he sun’s rays can do to an image. It’s all about the lighting.
