Laax Open 10th Anniversary by Blotto
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These pages are the views from where my boots and camera took me and what I saw through the lens while the progression of snowboarding was on full display at the 10th Anniversary of the Laax Open. Pleasure Magazin asked if I’d photograph this special time however I saw fit, without shot lists or nightly digital responsibilities, so of course I agreed. Why wouldn’t I? This contest is no joke, it’s one-hundred-percent full throttle from start to finish...on the course, within the walls of the pipe, and everywhere in between...I couldn’t not make it to Switzerland for this.

Thousands gathered to witness competitors push the limits of what’s possible when standing sideways, while decades worth of the past, the present, and the future of the snowboarding industry amassed to send the vibes to another level. This was truly a special gathering, seeing friends from ten and twenty years ago, sharing stories, kicking it...all under the guise of work and contest coverage. This was also a time to meet and greet the new generation, learn what they see, get a glimpse of where it’s all going, and drop some of my experiences and stories that hopefully brighten their path in the future.

It’s difficult to pinpoint what part of the Laax Open is my favorite. Maybe it’s the combined effect of such elite riding, an incredible location, the crowd, and the creation of such a high level of stoke. This is truly a signature snowboarding contest that stands out from the rest and has done a lot for the sport in its 10 years. I’m thankful for Laax having an open mind and big heart in allowing snowboarding and us snowboarders to breath, do our thing, and be who we are. I appreciate the magazine editors trusting me to capture each day in a variety of angles and ideas, using digital technology and other film types to express my own creative style. It’s a real joy for me to shoot contest photographs, and we all know the joy of riding a snowboard down a mountain; the two are inextricably connected for me.

Am I living the dream by having this opportunity to capture the 10th edition of the Laax Open for Pleasure Magazin? Indeed, I am!

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