Shooting with Line for Line

When we got given the task to shoot with the team from Line, it was clear for us that we would have to produce something creative for them. Line’s image is based on enjoyment, originality and innovative riding. Grabbed my phone went straight to Instagram, obviously first to check my own feed, stalked other humans as we all do, and finally texted Andrej Perko to suggest partnering up for a shooting. The gentleman got hyped and our creative minds started snowballing with crazy ideas. After some unnecessary – clearly drunken – ideas, we agreed to lead our audience with some simple tips to shoot beautifully inspiring photographs.

Tip 1

For the rider:
You’re not playing hide and seek so wear colorful or bright clothing so that you stand out in the immense landscape. A color-less jacket will make you disappear in the background and make it harder to see you.

Tip 2

For the photographer:
You‘ll need two lenses (at least):
– a wide angle for landscape or close-ups with the rider in full on picture
– a zoom lens for all those long-distance shots

Also, think about taking the appropriate gloves. Take thin gloves so you don’t freeze your hands while holding the camera. It seems so obvious but I constantly forget to bring them myself.

Tip 3

For both:
Take a minute before you drop! Talk to the photophrafer/filmer and agree on the line the rider will perform. Backcountry pictures require a lot of hiking and it happens often that – because of miss communication – the photographer/filmer misses the shot. You do not get many tries so make sure you and the rider have a set plan of action.

Also, be ready and be patient. The rider will need some time to recover from the hike and the photographer/filmer will use a few minutes to find his angle. Once you are ready, let the subject of your shot know with a clear sign (a thumbs up is not enough at this point, trust me, I’ve been there).

Tip 4

For the photographer:
Anything for a good shot! Get creative and move around, even if you have to dig yourself a shooting spot, move across the trees… Get dirty! Look through your lens and imagine the story you are trying to get across with each shot.

Tip 5

For the riders:
Double trouble! Might sound cheesy but it works! Two is often better than one. Get out of your comfort zone and work together to execute a combo of tricks. Don’t forget, timing is key!

Tip 6

For the photographer:
Leave some space for your imagination. The trick doesn’t have to be in focus all the time. Sometimes only the tracks, a bomb-hole and a smiling rider in the outrun can say a thousand words. Play with tracks, shadows, and silhouettes… point out different parts for the action.

You can also play with the shutter speed and move your camera to create a blur. It’s not an easy picture to take but it’s a lot of fun (or not, I get very irritate when I have to admit that I won’t get that shot properly).

Tip 7

For the rider:
Play with the landscape as if it was a park! Don’t be afraid to use whatever you find in the nature as features: hand drag on a rock, slide a tree, carve a wall… Have fun, be inventive, be original.

Tip 8

For the photographer:
Pow shots can get boring (only white background), give your audience something that catches their eye, play with perspectives. By capturing a blurry rock or some trees in the frame, you will keep the audience interested and intrigued.

Tip 9

For the photographer:
The sky is your limit! If you have one, take out your drone! This can be a very interesting and entertaining photography tool. With a drone you can try new perspectives, play with different shapes and shadows (as long as you don’t crash it).

Tip 10

For both:
Reward yourself with one, two or even three cold beers… you guys definitely deserved

Pictures: Nicki Antognini
Words: Andrej Perko & Nicki Antognini
Location: Laax, Switzerland
Thanks to: Line skis