My previous project with Conde Nast Traveler caused a big stir locally and internationally, the Royal Gazette reported on it and I blogged about it here.
I had known there was a possibility of more shoots like this in the future but was pretty excited when it all started to unfold! As per last time, it was another project with the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Conde Nast Traveler but this time the personality being featured was very different, Jimmy Chin. Jimmy is one of those very rare and extremely talented people that is making huge waves, not just in front of the camera but mainly behind it. He’s a National Geographic and freelance photographer that is sponsored by Revo as well as Northface. He’s very well known in the climbing and mountaineering scene and has climbed all of the worlds peaks over 8000 meters eschewing supplemental oxygen, fixed ropes and camps whenever possible, he’s one of the few people to climb and ski Mount Everest from the summit. His latest project is a documentary on his ascent of Mount Meru, check out an interview with him here. He’s truly an impressive and inspiring individual, completely unassuming and humble. His work and expeditions are jaw dropping which is why he has such a huge following on Instagram.
The plan was to bring Jimmy to Bermuda and expose him to the many exciting and adventurous activities that Bermuda has to offer. Did I mention I was nervous as hell? I have taken pictures of other photographers before.. but nothing outside of weddings or portrait sessions. The pressure of photographing a world renowned professional photographer on a 48 hour timeline was immense. Not to mention all the shots were to be “in action”. I spent the next two days shooting Jimmy while I balanced on a paddleboard, hanging from the back of a jetski at 45 mph, waist deep in cave water and more. I still consider it a miracle I didn’t lose or damage any of my gear (or my pride)!
As is always the case with these types of jobs, you pack in as much as you can, overshoot and aim to give the Art Director as much quality material as possible. Consequently there’s a ton of great stuff that never saw the light of day. We incorporated kite surfing, paddle boarding, cave swimming, jet skiing, cliff jumping as well as hanging with some great guys from the Bermuda Power Boat association. There was also time for some fun on a scooter as well as mountain biking and even lunch at Art Mels! Have a look below at the finished piece, other shots that were left on the cutting room floor and even some cool behind the scenes pics taken by my assistant Eileen and good friend Becky. It was a such a thrill to meet and work with Jimmy, as well as Conde Nast and Bermuda Tourism. I hope I am lucky enough to have more of these projects come my way in the future!
Here is the finished magazine article, circulation around 800,000
In Addition to a very active Wedding photography business Gavin also takes on select Commercial clients and brands to work with, be sure to visit for more info: www.bermudaphotography.bm
Here are some of my favourites including many that never made the magazine!
Whatever it takes to get the shot I will! Have a look at some of the behind the scenes shots below.
