After the sun sets over the rugged landscape of Canmore, Alberta, Canada, the sky often shifts from shades light blue, pink, orange and purple, to rich dark blues that cast a soft glow on the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. This fleeting moment, known as the blue hour, has always captivated me – it’s a time when the light is just perfect, the air cools, and everything around you seems to be filled with quiet beauty.
This was the scene for the very first shot in a new photo series I’ve embarked on called Athletes at Dusk. The concept behind this series is simple yet powerful: to capture athletes in their element, bathed in the natural, ethereal light of sunset and just after, creating images that are both dramatic and timeless.
For the debut of the series, I had the privilege of photographing Dean Thompson, an exceptional mountain biker who truly embodies the spirit of adventure. Dean was an ideal subject for this shoot. Towering above the Three Sisters mountains on his mountain bike, he looked rugged and at ease in the natural beauty of Canmore. The soft glow of the blue hour mixed with studio light helped him pop out from the darkening background, making this portrait a perfect start to my series.
This was my first time using this particular method for photographing athletes, and I couldn't be more pleased with how the shot turned out. The dramatic contrast between Dean’s strong pose and the delicate, fading light of the evening created an image that felt both raw and inspiring. The Three Sisters mountains loomed in the distance, grounding the shot in the breathtaking landscape that Canmore, Alberta, is known for. It was a perfect fusion of nature, athleticism, and light, coming together in a way that makes this photo stand out as one of my favorites.
Capturing athletes in this unique way is a new direction for my work, but it’s one that feels like a natural extension of my journey as a photographer. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing athletes in various sports, and it’s always an incredible experience to witness the dedication, strength, and passion they bring to their craft. Whether it’s through my ski photography, personal shoots, or commercial work, I’ve always aimed to showcase the power and grace of athletes in ways that resonate on a deeper level.
If you’re an athlete or part of an athletic community in Canmore and are looking for a way to immortalize your journey, I’d love to connect. My focus is on creating dynamic, authentic, and timeless portraits that not only capture you in action but tell your unique story through the lens. From mountain biking to skiing, or any other outdoor pursuits, I specialize in bringing out the best of each athlete, using the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies to elevate the experience.
Stay tuned for more from the Athletes at Dusk series. Each shot will offer a new perspective, a new athlete, and a new story to tell.
