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Faces of Jackson Hole

Part 1

 

 

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Before Joshua Simpson was a photographer in New York City, he was a snowboarder in Truckee, California. This past spring, Josh arrived in Jackson Hole on a mission to unite these two lifelong passions. While many a photographer could be found snapping away in Teton Village, Josh attracted more attention than most behind the camera. See he did not come to the Last of the Wild West wielding a simple point-and-shoot. No, no, no. Josh came equipped with a blast from the past: a Toyo 4×5 Field Camera done up with cape and all! In a day when iPhones take print worthy shots and young and old can navigate digital cameras with ease, it’s novel to see this anachronistic device in action. The laborious process yields large negatives that render life in unflinching detail, from the faintest goggle tan down to the deepest weathered wrinkle.

Josh’s selection of subjects was also rather unique. Instead of hunting portraits of the many pro riders who roam these parts, Josh sought to represent the folks that often fall outside the limelight: the tram operator, the ski instructor, the mountain host. “I came to Jackson expecting rock stars, but I was surprised to also find this subculture of the resort industry with all different types of people living the dream in their own way,” Josh says. “In my photography I’m always seeking the cluttered back rooms that are often taken for granted. I think this aspect is just as vital as the rock star rider who rolls through to lay down a killer line. They provide the inspiration. The regular folk provide the passion. They create the substance of the resort experience, a place where you feel removed from the regular distractions of life, free to enjoy yourself.”

Check out more of Josh’s work at www.joshuasimpsonphotography.com

 

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“The contrast of the Big City to Jackson living is the ultimate example of physical and mental liberation. Making the mountains my office has afforded me a life like no other.” – Kaki Orr

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“I got lucky. I started on the Tram my first year, which is rare. It was three winters ago… So they do this orientation when you meet all the supervisors for the lifts. As a first year, you get what you get. I went up to the Tram supervisor the first day and said, ‘I know I’m a rookie, but I’m pretty sure I would fit well in the Tram.’ He’s like ‘Alright, I’ll put you name in the list.’ So the hiring for lift opts works kind of like a draft: They start at Teewinot and call out the names and give out the passes. So it gets all the way up to the Tram and I’m like, ‘Damn, they forgot me. I must be on stand by.’ I didn’t think I was going to get a job. And then the supervisor says, ‘And last but not least, Mike Vase ‘I’m not on Meth from Rock Springs.’( that’s another story)… I got lucky. That’s a rare thing.” – Mike Vase

 
 

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