Krystle Wright has navigated her way down a 3,000 foot mountain in an oncoming blizzard, swum among 8-10ft waves, camped in a malaria infested jungle, been momentarily lost when hiking off desert mountains and survived a lot of really nasty leeches. The resulting images have made her a SOYA finalist, they have also seen her projected at Reportage and earned Wright a coveted place in the 2010 Eddie Adams Workshop — and she’s only 24.
Krystle Wright, adventure sports photographer
Krystle Wright has navigated her way down a 3,000 foot mountain in an oncoming blizzard, swum among 8-10ft waves, camped in a malaria infested jungle, been momentarily lost when hiking off desert mountains and survived a lot of really nasty leeches. The resulting images have made her a SOYA finalist, they have also seen her projected at Reportage and earned Wright a coveted place in the 2010 Eddie Adams Workshop — and she’s only 24.
Is sports photography something of a boys’ club?
Definitely — though there are a few more girls getting involved. At the major sporting events, sometimes I do find myself the only female but other times there are a few of us which is great to see. In the adventure sports realm, its not often I run into other photographers depending on the scenario but recently I’ve met some talented female shooters who are really helping push the standard.
In sports photography, if you see an image through the viewfinder it’s usually too late to catch it. What are your strategies for dealing with that?
I think we’ve all been in a similar situation where sometimes you find yourself a bit off and instead of pressing that button, you are mesmerised by the action. Though you certainly don’t let that happen too often! It pays dividends to know your sport and to be able to predict what is about to happen. With the adventure athletes, it’s also important to have strong communication and discuss a plan so that you both have a better idea of what location you need to be in.
Does that acute timing assist you in your documentary work?
Definitely. It may not be as predictable as sport but you need to be paying attention to your surroundings and be ready for a potential moment to capture.
What was the experience of participating in the Eddie Adams Workshop like last year?
The Eddie Adams workshop was somewhat overwhelming but an incredible experience to be a part of. I don’t think there’ll be another situation where you have so many editors and photographers hanging out in a barn on the outskirts of New York. It was definitely worth it as it was an optimum opportunity to network and further your photography career. It’s not every day you get to hang out with the editor of Sports Illustrated and Bill Eppridge at the same table sharing a beer while they argue about your career path options. To meet Chris Anderson from Magnum Agency was a real bonus as well as he wasn’t expected to arrive at the workshop until last minute. The talent amongst the other participating photographers was unreal. Just an amazing experience overall to be surrounded and inspired by so much high quality work.
What drew you into the Moab Desert afterward?
It’s crazy to go halfway around the world and not make the most of it. There was no way I was going for just a week so on the end of my trip I stopped off in Moab Desert for two weeks. I had a few contacts amongst the BASE jumping community there and I love being in unique landscapes to photograph so it only made sense to make it a stopover on the way home. I loved being in Moab so much that I was immediately thinking of how soon I could return to shoot more. Two weeks wasn’t enough but my finances weren’t looking so good which forced me to go home.
What have been some of your most challenging moments out in the ocean, on rock faces or ice mountains?
To name only a few of the numerous challenges: navigating my way back down a 3000ft mountain with an oncoming blizzard storm, swimming amongst 8-10ft waves and trying to not get pounded onto the reef, camping in a malaria infested jungle in the Mentawii Islands, nasty leeches when hiking out of canyons (I just hate leeches), and getting momentarily lost when hiking off desert mountains.
One of the biggest challenges is having the patience in a harsh environment to wait for the shot whether your freezing cold, tired from swimming for a couple of hours or sweating it out under the harsh sun.
Is there an image of yours that you’re particularly attached to either for the end result, sentimental value or the story behind it?
My first hike up in the Arctic was a real challenge and it wasn’t until the last jumper that I nailed one of my favourite images. There were about 22 jumpers that day split up into three groups. The first two groups were quick and before the third group, I decided to change position. The third group took longer than expected as I waited on this rock for almost an hour with freezing winds blowing in my face. My hands were numb from holding the camera and I just had to keep telling myself to be patient as the BASE jumpers readied themselves before approaching the exit point. As the finally jumper took his leap, I knew I had the shot. Even though I had to take the slow way back down hiking back through the snow and ice, all the effort it took to get that shot was truly worth it.
What’s next for you?
In mid-May, I’ll be taking off for a month to North Pakistan to document a group of Red Bull Paragliders attempting to break the world altitude record and discovering the region. It’ll be an intense trip but I’m looking forward to it as I seem to be attracted to places where not many people travel.
www.wrightfoto.com.au krystlewright.tumblr.com
