Anna Barry - self portrait

Photographer Anna Barry spends most of her time travelling around the world capturing images of the Southern hemispheres best snowboarders. We caught up with her to get a snapshot of what life is like behind the lens.

So, what came first - snowboarding or photography? Tell us a little of how you got involved in both.

Snowboarding definitely came first. My family lives near the mountains in Australia so I have always being surrounded by the mountains. I started skiing first but once I was in high school I jumped ship and became hooked on snowboarding. My friends all loved snowboarding so we use to compete back in high school – I even competed against other famous well known Aussies like Torah Bright and Emily Thomas.

Photography was a natural progression as well. I studied art and photography throughout high school and university. I was hitting up back-to-back winters once I was 18 and competing a little bit in the US as well. I always have loved photography and would always be snapping random stuff. My good friend Richard said I should start shooting and sending to the mags – he had some contacts and since that day it has all sort of enveloped from there.

What’s in your camera bag and what other essential items do you always carry with you for a shoot?

Current set up - Canon EOS 30D, 15mm (Canon) fisheye lens, 70-200 (Canon 2.8) lens, 24 -70 (Sigma 2.8 lens), Sekonic light meter), 580ex flash.
Extra essentials - Spare gloves, Leatherman tool, spare batteries, film, sunscreen, and water.

If money was no object what is your dream piece of kit?

Geez that really is tough one – I dream of having my own studio one day to develop all of my own images however I'm pretty happy with my present kit but I still need to invest in adding a 5D to my collection and a Profoto flash set up.

Anna's front cover photo of Will Jackway

Are you based in one place or do you travel quite a bit?

The last couple of years I have travelled a lot, which has been good but expensive – especially when you are freelancing! This season I am hoping to be based more in one spot with a few trips organised in between.

Do you have a 'crew' that you shoot with all the time or do you tag along with whatever is happening?

I work closely with Southern hemisphere riders – in particular Kiwis as I contribute mostly to Southern hemisphere magazines. Snowboarding in NZ and Australia I think is a small but tight little community so you seem to know where everyone is and we all work well together because we all want the exposure.

Do you have preference on what you shoot, i.e. park, back country, street, and why?

I love shooting backcountry – I love riding backcountry too. I feel comfortable and it is where both the rider and photographer can work together to create something new.

Favourite photo shoot from the last season?

The day I shot with ripper Kiwi Will Jackways we nailed the best session in one day – we shot this backcountry cliff drop and then this street rail all in the same day! We both achieved our goals, I got a front cover' on OZ/NZ Snowboarding Magazine and a he had double page spread inside the issue. A good day had by all!

What, in your opinion, makes a good photograph?

Composition is a key component for me when I look at an image – how and where the rider is framed. I love the way snowboarding can be expressive from both parties both the rider and the photographer.

Are you interested in any other areas of photography, i.e. fashion/art etc?

Abby Lockhart

I love landscape photography. I have dabbled in a bit of studio photography with working with particular snowboarding brands. One day I would love to shoot commercially for major fashion designers under the watchful eye of fashion photographer – it would be huge learning curve for me. But for now I'm happy shooting sport and landscapes.

If you could organise a dream photoshoot, where would you go and who would you take?

Dream photoshoot, Wow, any photographer's wish would have to be an unlimited budget. It would clearly involve some helis, some BC backcountry or NZ Alps depending on the season and the snow quality. Riders well …the list could be endless but I would love to work with some girl riders who know their stuff such as Victoria Jealouse, Annie Boulanger - that would be awesome.

Which photographers do you admire? Both in and out of snowboarding?

Jess Mooney is an inspiration to me – she has come along way and she's from Australia! Her images are now published globally and she is representing that female photographers can produce some of the best images within a fairly male dominated sport.
Jeff Curtes, Espen Lystaad and Scott Serfas – I really like these guys works too. Landscape panoramic photographer Andris Apse from NZ – he has some stunning imagery.

We often ask riders what new tricks they are trying to perfect. Is there anything in terms of your photography that you are trying to improve on?

Yes for me it is working with flashes… I get so frustrated especially if nothing happens! It has now become such a big element to heighten images that it is crucial sometimes not to use it.

Kiwi rider Fiona Duncan at Treble Cone, NZ

Do find much time to go riding without the camera?

The times when I do take my camera bag off are heaven. I love snowboarding and I love fresh snow so I always make sure there is time for a few lines. Over the last couple of years I have become heavily involved with coaching at SnowparkNZ. I love coaching and we have such a good time all of us girl coaches… we run a riot up there sometimes!

Any advice/tips for aspiring photographers or indeed riders looking to get photographed?

If you have a passion for something – just follow your heart. Enjoy snowboarding… it's epic. Have a good understanding of all aspects of snowboarding – from riders, to backcountry knowledge, and keep fit – it isn't that easy carrying excess weight!

See more of Anna's work at www.annabarry.com