photo blog of vancouver corporate editorial sports photographer sterling lorence photography
Having a deep knowledge for locations is of paramount importance being a professional photographer. The client, Bontrager, is asking for a moto-gp style corner of a road biker to showcase their new tubeless tires. But, the Vancouver winter would not let go with relentless wet weather and the magazine print-ad deadlines were looming. “what are we going to do?” Well, I know a set of sick corners near Las Vegas, Nevada, the forecast is calling for sun, can I take the rider and this bike and be back in 36 hours? Yes, sir. Extensive brain trust of sick global cycling locations and intimate weather forcasting know-how comes to the rescue again.
A really good pair to work with is Thomas Vanderham and Chico B from Dakine. Thomas always pushing the limits of style and progression on a mountain bike….and Chico always wanting that combined with progressive photography. Merge those elements together and you pretty much guarantee yourself a one year international ad buyout as seen above. I love brands that ‘get it’
This job was fun. Thank you CP+B and RockShox. Task was to photograph anyone and everyone that was shredding in parts of the Whistler Bike Park during Crankworx. Those that managed to find where I had set up in the park, could then access their photo on Facebook by that evening. The turn out was epic, and it is certainly one of my favorite shoots to do, for all types showed up and they all tried so hard to get themselves a MoneyShot.
Stoked to receive the honor from the voting public around the world, that voted my image of Matt Hunter, 1st place overall in the People’s Choice vote of the Redbull Illume photo contest. 23,000 images entered, and ours surfaced through to the number one position. Thank you voting public, and thank you Matt Hunter!
When it comes to producing commercial catalogue photo shoots like this one for Specialized and the new S Works Enduro, all the necessary resources are surfaced. Yet, it becomes really simple when you infuse Matt Hunter into the picture. His life is the story of this bike, and it makes my job much easier when I simply have to be a fly on the wall to one of his weekend ride adventures. Yes, prepare to see lots of wildlife, including his own…Thanks Matt and the Coastal Crew.
In my world of the photography of mountain biking, the above image gracing the cover of Bike Magazine’s Photo Annual, is the equivalent of hoisting the Stanley Cup. Many hands are required to get to that point of being able to have it. From Anthill Films to mother nature providing the natural land and light of Utah, to Thomas Vanderham and Graham Agassiz for their unending search for progressive moves, to the folks at Bike Magazine for simply seeing it. Nice to be able to drink outta the cup for another year. Cheers!
…and a few more nugs that graced this same issue-
During the offseason for world cup downhill dominator, Aaron Gwin, life is mostly full of training and product testing. In late January, it can be possible to harness some of his time and get him to send it in front of the camera. I worked with Greg Hammond of Shimano, and alongside the Anthill film crew, to document Aaron doing his thing in his home town of Temecula, California. We created editorial features for the media and also released this video that was made for the release of the new 2012 Shimano Saint.
Each year I am fortunate to be able to collaborate with Whistler Mountain in helping them create and photograph their big powerful action images for their global advertising campaigns. The goal is always to find those spots on the mountain that combine the beauty of the area with the best possible action. Certainly something I love to do, especially when it is in the ultra playground that is the Whistler Bike Park and as lucky as I am to have some of the worlds top riders at my disposal!
