Chasing Gravity: Episode Four - Pow Day

Chasing Gravity: Episode Four - Pow Day

2+ weeks without any new snow, then 14" overnight? Now that's a recipe for the making of a good pow day!

Pow Day from Ryan Dee on Vimeo.

Chasing Gravity: Episode Three - Birthday Shred

Chasing Gravity: Episode Three - Birthday Shred

Last Thursday was my 24th birthday, and being granted the rest of the week off from my internship duties I headed for the hills. Despite the rock solid slopes, frequent patches of ice, and the plethora of deadly snow snakes I was still able to make many fun laps on the mountain. The birthday weekend included many high-fives, para gliders, tree runs, spring skiing, a little dancing, one penguin, and a lot of gnar. I hope you enjoy the edit!

Birthday Shred from Ryan Dee on Vimeo.


BTW. When you lose a NFL Playoff bet to your girlfriend, you have to confess your love for the New England Patriots. Boom Shaka-laka.

Snake River Pics

Snake River Pics

     When I venture outside with my camera, with high hopes of taking a great photo, I often do so when the sun is shining with it's full glory. This situation makes a great environment for crisp full color photographs. But today nature offered just the opposite in conditions. Everything from the low river beds to the high Teton peaks was under cloud cover, creating a cool drab landscape. Now while this does not make for a very colorful romantic snapshot, which is what the high plains of the Teton's is so well known for, it instead allows for great black and white photography.

     My daily commute to TGR takes me over the Snake River, in between Jackson and Wilson. Every time I drive across the bridge I become a nuisance for all of the other morning drivers that find themselves stuck behind me. I picture the other drivers becoming increasingly frustrated with the silver 4runner, with out of state plates and a obnoxiously large Crossfit sticker in the back window, as it slows its speed to a crawl while crossing the bridge. I just cannot help but rubber-neck when I am mid-bridge, trying to simultaneously take in the view of the river and the Grand Teton while also trying to spot any wildlife along the river bed. So with hopes of easing the pain in which I inflict on the other morning commuters, I made my way to the trailhead near the river in order to cure my photography itch.

     The trail head allows easy access to the river, the new pedestrian bridge, and the long trails along the river bed. I started my venture by just walking down the snow trail that takes you north toward the Grand Teton along the Snake River. It is a popular trail that is busy with friendly cross-country skiers, walkers, and even friendlier dogs. After walking a bit of the trail and meeting countless four-legged friends, I made my way down onto the river bed. Initially I was following the footsteps of a couple of fly fishermen in hopes that I could get a good picture of them mid cast, but with their trail running cold I brought my attention to the scenery closest to me. The river bed is split into two contrasting streams that both pass under the pedestrian and the road bridge. The west part of the river is larger and flows stronger giving great photos of its winding path away from the Grand Teton, while the east portion of the river flows at a much lower rate allowing for easy crossing on foot and great reflective photography. 

     Growing up, my family made frequent trips into the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for hiking, camping, white water rafting, and of course skiing. All of which instilled a deep love for being outside and exploring what nature has to offer, which is what had drawn me to scout the river bed. Though soon after making my way down onto the river I found my interest had swayed in the direction of something entirely external of mother natures making. There is just something about the lines of man made structures that catches my artistic eye, and the underside of the snake river bridges did not disappoint. Not only are they interesting to look at and take photos of but I might add that being under a road bridge sounds really peculiar. I wish I had a decent microphone to capture the interesting sounds of the cars and trucks passing overhead. Along with the intriguing shapes, shadows, and sounds, there was also a old rope swing that was left hanging from the underbelly of the road bridge. My inner 10 year old couldn't help but taking it for a swing, which gave my 24 year old self a window for a fun photo.
     I hope you enjoy the photos!

When the fish are not biting....