Capturing the Backcountry

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Behind the scenes at Trail Runner’s inaugural photo camp

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The paparazzi (a.k.a. TR photo campers) capture Jen Benna in action

What do you get when you combine trail runners, pro and student photographers and three days away from civilization in the heart of western Colorado’s backcountry?

New friendships, stunning images and a heap of good stories—all of which transpired Aug. 21-23 at Trail Runner’s inaugural photo camp, hosted at the Electric Mountain Lodge in Colorado’s Grand Mesa.

For the past seven years, our sister publication at Big Stone Publishing, Rock and Ice, has held climbing photography camps for aspiring outdoor and action-sport photographers. Photo camp with Big Stone Publishing is an opportunity to learn from pro photographers like David Clifford, hone your camera skills in the field, and network with our editors, art director and fellow photographers—not to mention hang out in some of Colorado’s most beautiful nooks and crannies. Many students of the workshops have gone on to become regular contributors to the magazine.

This year, Trail Runner hosted its own photo camp, with HOKA athletes Jen Benna—this year’s Zion 100 champ and course-record holder—and Jason Schlarb—2013 winner and course-record holder at the Pocatello 50K—making the trek from their respective homes in Reno, Nevada, and Missoula, Montana, to come run with us for the cameras. A big thanks to SmartWool as well, for co-sponsoring the Photo Camp with HOKA, and outfitting our runners and campers.

Keep an eye out for the full story and gallery of stunning photos in our upcoming December 2013 issue, available on newsstands October 30—but in the meantime, enjoy a little sneak peek at our adventures in the wilderness:
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Photo campers capture Jen and Jason on the run.

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Jason (center) soaks in the views, along with fellow runners Casey and Katy.
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Yitka and Katy take a breather among the aspens.

 

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Thanks, too, to PRO BAR for keeping us fueled on the trails!

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From left: Jen, Jason, Jessica and Katy smile for the camera.

 

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Shooting in the field.

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Photo critiques at the end of the day, inside the Electric Mountain Lodge.

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