WSSF Announces Invited Photographers For The Pro Photographer Showdown Presented By Arc'teryx
The World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) is thrilled to announce the roster of acclaimed photographers for this year’s highly anticipated Pro Photographer Showdown, presented by Arc'teryx. Taking place on Tuesday, April 8, from 8 PM to 10 PM (doors at 7 PM), this iconic event is set to showcase breathtaking visual storytelling from some of the most talented photographers in the action sports world.
Invited Photographers:
Aaron Schwartz – Vancouver local, currently based in Switzerland, Aaron is renowned for his ability to capture raw emotion and the majesty of the alpine. His work has been featured in international publications, and his style reflects a unique blend of documentary and fine art photography, focusing on the human connection to rugged landscapes.
Paris Gore – Hailing from Bellingham, Washington, Paris is an award-winning photographer celebrated for his dynamic images of mountain biking and outdoor adventure. With a knack for capturing high-intensity moments, his work has been featured in campaigns for leading brands such as SRAM and Yeti Cycles, as well as in magazines like Bike and Outside.
Zoya Lynch – A Revelstoke-based athlete and artist, Zoya’s photography is deeply influenced by her connection to the mountains and her passion for storytelling. Her work often explores themes of environmentalism, community, and the bond between humans and nature. She was the winner of the 2021 Wildscreen Panda Award for Emerging Talent.
Morgan Maassen – From Santa Barbara, California, Morgan brings a fresh perspective with his vibrant and evocative imagery of surf, travel, and lifestyle. His portfolio includes collaborations with brands like Apple, National Geographic, and Patagonia, and his work is known for its ethereal use of color and light to capture the beauty of the natural world.
Hosting the evening with her signature wit and charm is Katie Burrell – comedian, actor, director, screenwriter, influencer, and self-proclaimed “professional leisure athlete.”
Judging Panel:
This year’s judges include some of the most respected names in the industry:
Angela Percival – Senior Outdoor Photographer for Arc'teryx, known for her breathtaking adventure photography. Angela’s work takes her to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations, where she masterfully captures the spirit of outdoor exploration.
Scott Serfas – Former senior photographer for Transworld SNOWboarding with over 100 magazine covers to his name. Scott is a legend in action sports photography, renowned for his innovative techniques and ability to push the boundaries of traditional snowboarding imagery.
Blake Jorgenson – A leading action and commercial photographer for major outdoor brands including Oakley and Red Bull. Blake’s portfolio spans still and motion work, blending technical skill with a profound understanding of light and composition.
Robin O’Neill – Whistler-based outdoor lifestyle and action photographer. Robin’s photography is celebrated for its intimate and authentic portrayal of people’s connection to the outdoors, with a focus on capturing fleeting moments of human vulnerability and strength.
Abby Cooper – Creative director and backcountry photography expert with over 14 years of experience. Abby specializes in capturing remote, hard-to-access locations, bringing a unique perspective to her work that highlights the beauty and challenge of the backcountry.
"The Pro Photographer Showdown has always been a cornerstone of the World Ski & Snowboard Festival, celebrating the incredible talent and creativity of the action sports world,” says Brittia Thompson, Festival Director.“ This year, we’re thrilled to welcome a truly world- class lineup of photographers whose work will inspire, captivate, and remind us of the powerful stories that can unfold in front of a lens. Hosting this level of talent is a privilege, and we couldn’t be more excited to share their breathtaking visuals with our audience."
The Pro Photographer Showdown is a tribute to the art of action sports photography, celebrating the ability to capture the essence of sport, culture, and the human spirit. Recognized globally as one of the premier events in action sports photography, this showcase provides a platform for photographers to share their favorite images and stories. New this year, the total prize purse will be divided equally among all five photographers. This shift aims to celebrate and compensate each artist for their work and contribution to creating their shows. The overall winner will be awarded a featured spread in the September 2025 issue of Forecast Ski Magazine, premium Arc'teryx gear, and the coveted Pro Photographer Showdown trophy.
Applications for the Wildcard entry are open until February 5, 2025. Aspiring photographers can submit their work for a chance to be part of this prestigious event. For details on how to apply and to purchase tickets, visit wssf.com/culture/pro-photo.
Since 1996, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival has been the ultimate celebration of mountain culture, snow sports, music, arts, and community. From action-packed competitions to cultural showcases like the Pro Photographer Showdown, WSSF embodies the spirit of Whistler as a mecca for mountain enthusiasts.
WSSF gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Resort Municipality of Whistler through the Resort Municipality Initiative, as well as the contributions of Tourism Whistler, Gibbons Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Arc'teryx, Rockstar Energy Drink, Skullcandy, Ruroc Helmets, Encore Whistler, Forecast Ski Magazine, King Snow Magazine, Helly Hansen, and Corona.
Stay up to date by visiting wssf.com.