Wildcard ticket promises more exposure
Tuesday night’s packed house at the Whistler Conference Centre saw a Pemberton photographer win the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival’s fourth annual Pro Photo Search.
Taking place over two evenings, the event showcased six emerging photographers: Bo Bridges of California, Ilja Herb of Pemberton, Dave Humphreys of Squamish, Toshi Kawano of Japan and Whistler, George March of Colorado, and Scott Serfas of Vancouver.
Herb took top honours, which included an invitation to show his work at the Pro Photographers Showdown, which took place on Thursday, April 18.
"I was surprised, but the exposure will help get my name out there, and my heart lies in photojournalism – it’s all about documenting the scene," said Herb.
Participants in the Pro Photographer Search had up to 12 minutes to showcase the best of their best.
Travel photos and action sports are also a part of Herb’s portfolio.
Catherine Yates, multimedia events producer with the WSSF, says the demand for tickets demonstrates the role of photos as a powerful tool.
"The calibre of the photography is going through the roof," says Yates.
The full room, with notable locals and keen photographers from the industry, took on a surreal quality as the lights dimmed.
The evening was MC-ed by Leslie Anthony, with tunes from DJ Michael Ziff of Vancouver.
Herb’s dream publication?
"National Geographic of course!" he says.
