For me, it’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about pushing boundaries, exploring, discovering, and immersing yourself in a culture. I’ve been a snowboarder since I was an obsessed little 12-year old pubescent, so photographing snowboarding always came naturally. It was harder when my interests as a photographer turned to other things, but I’ve applied many of those same principles from shooting snowboarding to other subjects. It’s easy to understand a culture when you’re part of it. I’ve always tried to dig a little deeper with my subjects, or push myself into uncomfortable places for something unique, similar to when you’re dropping in to hit something you’re not quite sure about. Trusting yourself and your abilities is huge. I think you can learn a lot from the lessons snowboarding teaches you.
Whatever you’re passionate about, just get after it. Time’s going by, you know. Find something you like and do it the best you possibly can. Learn everything about it. Even the parts you don’t like, be good at those, too. Love snowboarding. Love Method. Thank you guys for the opportunity.
Most of these images were shot on film and never published for one reason or another...
-Kealan Shilling
Basa Stevulova while shooting for Roxy in Quebec, 2013
Joanie Robichaud, photographed with her dog Bobby in Quebec, 2012
Riding behind Eric Messier getting wild on some warm-up laps while shooting for Spring Break Snowboards at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, 2012
Jordan Mendenhall and Will Tuddenham greeting each other on a pow day at Brighton, Utah, 2009
Desiree Melancon with Danyale Patterson ( unconscious) after getting knocked out while filming for the Roxy street movie, 2012
Laura Hadar's boots during the LoveHate / Burning Bridges years, Utah, winter '06/'07