How to Become a Professional Photographer for Snowboarding

Build your equipment kit. Shooting snowboarding requires that your camera be weather-sealed and fully operational in frigid temperatures. Select a camera body that advertises both of these attributes. For diversity in composition, choose a range of lenses. A fisheye lens, which is anywhere from 8 mm to 20 mm in focal length, allows you to get up close to the rider and fit in a lot of the surrounding scene. A normal zoom lens, with a range from roughly 35 mm to 80 mm, will allow for straight-on or profile shots with little distortion. When shooting from a distance, a long telephoto with a length of 135 mm to 200 mm will serve as an invaluable tool.

Bring your equipment with you on every trip to the slopes. The more you use your equipment, the more comfortable you'll be behind the lens. Regular practice will allow you to try out new angles of approach and experiment with various focal lengths.

Shoot with skilled or sponsored riders as your photography progresses. While on the slopes, network with riders who can catch massive air and perform complex tricks consistently. Though shooting with advanced riders won't improve your photographs overnight, it will give you an idea of what photographing professionals is like.

Begin assembling a portfolio of your best shots. With a fellow snowboarder and photographer friend, go through each new batch of photos the day after a shoot and pick out the ones that really shine. Try to remain objective as you sort through the files, and remain open to criticism.

Submit photos regularly to your favorite snowboard magazines. Most of these publications accept reader submissions via email, but you can also send a disc of your best images to their mailing addresses. If the magazine decides to use one of your images, it will contact you directly.

Contact local shops or small-time snowboard companies and inquire about their photography departments. Occasionally a shop will hire a photographer to shoot its sponsored riders. Small local companies may also be looking for a photographer to document team trips and local snowboarding events.

Attend all local snowboard contests, shop-sponsored events and video release parties. At these events, network with other photographers, riders and industry heads to get your name out. The more prominent you become in your local snowboard scene, the more likely it is that you'll be recognized as a promising, employable photographer.