Name: Christian PondellaHome Town: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Home Base: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Home Page: www.christianpondella.com
Sponsors/employer: self employed
Sports Photographed: skiing, ski mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, fmx, pretty much any adventure sport
Favorite Subject: It changes every year for me, but right now it would be Chamonix, France. The access, terrain, and photographic potential is pretty much unsurpassed.
Recent Projects: I was just Portillo, Chile with Chris Davenport and Kastle Skis. I showed up for the 4 best days of the season, skiing powder in August is amazing! I am off to Switzerland with the Red Bull Air Force to photograph them base jumping and sky diving near the Eiger.
Do you remember when you realized photography was more than a point and shoot camera?
I never shot with a point and shoot camera, and when I use my wife's she says I take shitty pictures with it. Fortunately I get paid to use a real camera.
What was your first camera? And what is your current?
Nikon FE, now it is a Canon Mark III and 5D Mark II.
What has photography done to your life?
It has allowed me to travel the world with great friends and get paid doing what I love to do. Mostly skiing and shooting a variety of adventure sports.
As a career photography has let you see much of the world. Where are the places you wish to return or are most memorable?
Russia is a place close to my heart, an amazing place most Americans do not get to visit.
Being an action sport photographer, one would generally assume you also play the games you shoot. What are favorite sports to do with out a camera bag on your back? Skiing and rock climbing.
Who or what do you look too find inspiration in?
I find a lot of inspiration in seeing other photographers work. There is always something new and different to try, seeing what others are doing gives me ideas and pushes my creativity and photography.
Life behind a lens means being witness to the best of times and the worst. Please let us know an experience from each.
Best: Shooting 300 photos of the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders in 3 minutes. Oops, did I just say that. I meant to say heli skiing in Alaska with my best friends.
Worst: The sports I shoot are very dangerous, fortunately no one has ever died in front of my camera. Unfortunately I have photos of about 6-7 friends who have died doing exactly what they are doing in my pictures. It is sad when friends pass away, but at least I have great memories and photos of them that will last forever.
What would you say to a young shooter with who dreams of traveling the world taking photos of the elite athletes in our sports?
Follow your passion, if sports and photography are things you are passionate about, go for it.Tell us one over looked lesson you have learned in the photo business:
It is a tuff business, everybody wants your job, so do it well!
Recommended reading
moosepeterson.com - Moose is one of the most knowledgeable photographers out there, his website and blog are very informative.
