Ryan Creary ryanfoto@hotmail.com



Biglines: From?

Creary: New Brunswick, went to school in Thunder Bay Ontario,
moved out to Whistler right after University. Then I opted for something
a little lower key, Calgary and the Rockies, I've been here 2 1/2
years now.

Biglines:
Ski or Board?

Creary: Snowboard

Biglines: How did you get into photography?

Creary: I always remember pouring over skateboard and snowboard
magazines and being awe inspired by the images. My walls have always
been a collage of these inspiring photographs. It was always in
the back of my head that this was something I knew I could spend
the rest of life doing. About two years ago I decided to commit
to my dream, quit my fulltime job and haven't looked back since.




Biglines: Big Difference between shooting biking and snowriding?

Creary: Don't freeze my fingers or toes biking (as often),
2 weeks ago I froze my toes really bad, they went black and started
peeling. In the Summer your up super early or super late to get
the good light, in the Winter you can be up at the hill by 9 (early
season) and still have good light.

Biglines:
Favorite type of photo?

Creary: High energy action, it just grabs you, not sure what's
gonna happen. It grabs you right away and makes you feel something,
whether it's fear, excitement or awe. They are hard to get, but
when you get them it's gold. Like the Cover of Snowboarder photo
annual last year, with Hardingham, taken by Dan Hudson.

Biglines: How did you learn how to shoot good photos?

Creary: Self taught mostly, lot's of books, lot's of money
on film, I've gone assisting a few
times, but mainly just through experimentation, figuring out what
works.

Biglines: Do you maintain a comfortable medium between riding
and shooting?

Creary: On certain days when your out there to get the shot,
you sacrifice your riding. But just being out there all year, you
get your fair share. That is the most important thing for me, not
being stuck in an office, being in the mountains and on the rivers,
moving, seeing and experiencing. For me it is the best work enviroment
I could ever dream of. Remember, the photographer still has to get
down at the end of the day, I make the most of it.

Biglines:
How do you make it as professional photographer?

Creary: Put in time, build relationships, be out there shooting
constantly and sending in shots. Spend lots of money.....

Biglines: What do you look for in a rider?

Creary: Someone who really wants to shoot and has a good
attitude. Is willing to do a little bit extra, like getting up early
to shoot morning light. Mainly people who are motivated and strong
riders.

Biglines: Have you tried a split board?

Creary: Not sold on split boards yet, good for larger tours,
But to access steep pitches a crew of boarders on snowshoes can
punch their way up quicker.

Biglines: Gotten many sled rides this year?

Creary: Ya, I've been towed, doubled, and tandemed.

Biglines: Where?

Creary: Fernie, Invermere, Revelstoke, Golden, Golden has
been the best!

Biglines: Where else have you been riding?

Creary: Rogers was good at the start of the season, but I've
been hitting Golden at the right times this year, I've also had
some good days at Sunshine. Kicking Horse has some of the best easily
accessible sick terrain around.

Biglines:
Do you ever leave the camera in the truck, or is it always with
you?

Creary: Pretty rarely leave it behind, it all depends on
the weather. I need to do it more though.

Biglines: Tips or Advice for aspiring photographers?

Creary: Shoot slide film, use a light meter, experiment with
as many different angles as possible, just get creative.

Biglines: Where can we see your photos?

Creary: Bike Mag, Snowboard Canada, SBC Skier, Skateboard
Canada, Rapid, Kayak, Concrete Powder, Sequence, Patagonia, and
a few other places

Biglines: Is it paying for itself yet?

Creary: Maybe in a year or so. I guess it is, but it's not
to the point where I can take a vacation. But hey, I love what I'm
doing so much it seems like a permanent vacation.

Biglines: What do you Shoot on?


Creary: Canon EOS 1N Film varies, but usually Fuji Provia
(100 speed) and Velvia (50 Speed) Lenses 70 - 300mm zoom, and 24
- 85 m I try not to use filters, or a tripod (unless it's low light
or night shots). I like to be able to move fast with the action
and work the different angles.

Biglines: What do you do for a living?

Creary: Coach Freestyle halfpipe for the Alberta Snowboarding
Association, and try to live off the shooting.

Biglines: How long have you been able to do that for?

Creary: I've been freelancing for about a year and a half
committed

Biglines:
Favorite people to ride with?

Creary: Anyone who's got a good attitude, and wants to milk
the day for all it's worth. Whenever I ride with Kyle Martens, we
always seem to have some really steep and deep days.There is always
fun to be had when your out in the mountains on your board.

Biglines: Favorite people to shoot with?

Creary: Anyone who is keen and knows what they want to do.
Colin Pukas, Andrew Hardingham, Justin Baun are all great guys to
shoot with.

Biglines: Who are your heroes or main influences?

Creary: Guys like Mark Gallup kind of put the area on the
map in the first place. All the other photographers that have struggled
and made it, providing proof that you can make it in this vocation.
Grant Britain's skateboard photography has always inpired me. Snowboardingwise,
probley Dave Downing for riding as well as he does for as old as
he is (something like 35). My roots are in the east coast -back
in the day halfpipe rippers like Jamil Kahn, John Sommers and Ian
Spiro.

Biglines: Who do you want to Thank?

Creary: All the athletes for doing the stuff they do. I wouldn't
have any photos if it wasn't for them. My friends and family for
believing in me and my dream.