We speak to adventure photographer and writer Jeff Bartlett about his love for travel and his drive to inspire more people to get outside and explore.
When and how did your love for travel and photography blossom?
I’ve always been extremely fortunate. Growing up, we didn’t go on lavish holidays, but I lived within a provincial park. After moving west, I discovered the mountains and my thirst to experience them has never really waned from the outdoor world since the day I first laid eyes on the Rocky Mountains.
After I finished my education, I spent 6 years travelling through Latin America, Europe, Canada, and New Zealand before I realised I should pick up a camera to document my travels. That decision led me to journalism school, which ultimately led me to my current work as an adventure photographer and writer. I settled in Jasper National Park. It’s only 600 km from my hometown, but it took me a decade to get here because of a non-quenchable thirst for international travel.
What cameras do you shoot with?
I’ve always shot with Nikon equipment, so I currently use a d800 and a d750 along with a handful of lenses. I’m not one to subscribe to the Canon vs Nikon vs Sony debate, as I think they all do their jobs well. My favourite photography tools are my carbon fibre tripod – light enough I never leave it at home – and my Lee filter kit.
Do you have a favourite place on Earth?
I have a few favourite places, but I could never limit to a single place unless I said something as cliché as ‘wherever the light is falling’. I am absolutely passionate about the opposite ends of the Americas. The Canadian Rockies and Patagonia are simply part of my identity. I’ve had life-changing experiences in both that go well beyond capturing a beautiful photograph. If I didn’t call Jasper home – or if I didn’t have the need to be within somewhat reasonable distance of an airport – I’d probably live in some remote outpost like Bajo Caracoles, Argentina or Villa O’Higgins, Chile.
What is the biggest danger you’ve faced when travelling?
It’s odd, but the biggest dangers I face as a photographer have nothing to do with the countries I visit. Instead, they are closely tied to the environments and landscapes I am most attracted to. The mountains can steal your life in many different forms and I am infinitely more conscientious of avalanches, wildlife and changing weather patterns than I am of would-be thieves.
For travel itself, I’ve always found that people are basically good everywhere you go and that as long as you are acting like you belong or that you know what you are doing, then nobody will bother you.
How many months of the year are you on the road?
It varies. I used to travel 9 months per year, but I have a wife and a home base these days. Depending on what you define as “on the road”, it is somewhere between 25-50% of the time. I sleep at home about 50% of the year, but I spend plenty of time travelling in Alberta and British Columbia, both of which I loosely define as home. My wife and I also spend as many nights as possible away from home whenever we both have time off together.
What’s next?
This year has plenty of unique challenges – I am teaching more workshops than ever – and plenty of exciting opportunities. In many ways 2016 is about return visits, as I am hoping to get back to the Andes, Iceland, and a few spots closer to home.
What’s your golden piece of advice for aspiring photographers?
I have repeated this so many times, it’s becoming a cliché but it has proven vital to my success as a photographer. It’s simple: begin where you mean to end. Don’t waste time on projects that lack passion. Don’t photograph an event for the money. Stick to what drew you to photography in the first place and you’ll reap the reward eventually.
Who is your favourite travel companion?
My wife might kill me for this, but it’s my Hilleberg Nallo 3GT tent. I’ve had it since I first started travelling and for a stretch I seemed to sleep in it more often than a house. Whenever I have it in my pack, I know I am venturing out into the wilderness and that’s where I prefer to spend my time!
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your travels?
I think it’s so important to give each new destination its own canvas. Don’t go with preconceived ideas about what you’ll find, or you’ll be disappointed. Don’t compare it to another location, or you’ll be disappointed. Just look at the positives and enjoy the opportunity before you.
If you had one day left on Earth, what would you do?
I’m a surprisingly cautious person when I travel in the mountains. I respect nature and it’s strength. Avalanches, hidden crevasses, and crazy mountain weather all occasionally conspire to leave an experience, a mountain summit, or a photograph for another day. If it was my last day on Earth, I guess I would feel comfortable pushing that envelope a little further.
If you were to recommend 5 places everyone should visit before they die, what would they be?
I’m such a sucker for the harsh climate! But I think people should work for their rewards, so I’m going to make each place slightly difficult to reach:
- The Rampart Mountains in Jasper National Park – they’re a 19km hike from the nearest road.
- Torres Del Paine in southern Chile – they’re best seen at sunrise, so make sure to start hiking early!
- Abra del Acay and the Altiplano in northern Argentina. This is the highest 4WD road in the Americas and I somehow managed to drive a small VW Gol to the top.
- Laguna de Quilotoa in Ecuador. It’s like Crater Lake, only without the fame! I had no idea what to expect, but arriving there absolutely blew my mind.
- A wild grizzly bear, in my opinion, is the most stunning animal in nature. I’m so lucky to see them in Jasper on a semi-regular basis.
See more of Jeff’s work at www.jeffbartlettmedia.com or follow him on Instagram.
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