“Behind my photography there is a story and it starts with the endeavor to create an image the way I envision it in my head”.
Based in Squamish BC Canada, Paul Bride’s photography has spanned six continents. With a background in travel and adventure he has successfully photographed for the top North American outdoor companies both commercially and editorially for the past decade.
With over thirty front covers to his name, and awardsfrom numerous presentations and competitions Paul is always searching for a physical and mental adventure with his camera. Paul’s inspiration comes from turning a thought into a finished photograph composed of clean lines and natural light. The process of capturing these adventures through photography is an arduous one, and requires patience, persistence, and creativity. Growing up in the manicured suburbs of Mississauga, Ontario in eastern Canada where school, grades,and planned business careers were the top priority the transition to adventure photographer was both demanding and exciting.
“ I never set out to be a photographer, it just made sense”. Leaving for a six-month globetrot through Asia alone after completing college in Ottawa, Canada’s capital during the mid 90’s his girlfriend at the time (now wife) loaned him a small point and shoot camera. Upon returning home and developing his film it was as if a light turned on, with no formal training except for one photography class in high school Paul spent every moment consumed with getting better at taking images and absorbing as much information as possible. Like many, Paul was attracted to the mountains from the beginning. Making the move to Vancouver BC in western Canada from Mississauga was very inspirational to his photography because it was the first time he was able to spend a considerable amount of time in the mountains. Bartending at night and learning how to rock climb from books (not recommended), Paul started spending more and more time out of the city, skiing, climbing and travelling with camera in hand. Magazines were a huge influence on his photography because it inspired him to take his images to another level. More affected by who took the image and where they were to create such an image, Paul wanted to know what went on behind the lens to create the finished product. To him adventure photography is about being in position to create a single photograph that exhilarates the viewer. This is a hands on technique that cannot be taught in any classroom and can involve a considerable amount of work and risk but …it only works if you really want to be there. As Paul’s experience in the mountains and abroad increased so did his ability to capture more appealing images and work with different athletes. The equipment to take the images also upgraded overtime but the key element to his success comes from being there.
Adventure and travel photography go hand in hand and have a power that is quite appealing to a large number of viewers/photographers, but there is a dark side that is rarely talked about and never seen. Working in harsh conditions might sound okay when you’re at home but hauling massive packs of gear alone to get into position only to miss the shot or have the light change can be heart breaking. Freezing on the side of a mountain, sleepless nights, hours of endless travel and boredom and broken equipment are all just part of the game. Your Mental and physical fitness play a large roll, trying to keep up with athletes can be an arduous task not to mention hauling around all your camera gear and trying to nail the shot. [Official Website ]
My love for photography has only been amplified by these situations and conditions, sometimes it feels like a cross to bare but my inspiration for the next shoot comes from the loneliness found in remote locations and planning another adventure.
