Corey Rich Photography

Heavenly Mountain Resort - Summer Trail Guide

Over the last six years of shooting for Heavenly, projects on the mountain have typically required cold, early starts. I cope with the winter mornings by drinking as much coffee as possible to both wake up and warm up.

In 2007, I was granted a reprieve of sorts when they asked that I shoot their summer campaign. No waking up at 4 am to catch a snowmobile or layering up to beat the pre-dawn chill. Just a fun hike up to 10,000 feet with a few friends, a Clif bar and my camera gear. Some of these images can now bee seen on the Heavenly website, as well as the cover of the hiking trail map shown above.

Now, as the days grow shorter and I make plans for the coming winter, I’ll begin to prepare myself mentally for the cold, early starts. But don’t worry, and certainly don’t feel sorry for me. As I stand there in the snow and the sun rises over the ridge line of the Sierra, there’s no place I’d rather be.

Rock & Ice - Tom Frost

It's a rare opportunity to have access to a living legend and pioneer of a particular sport or field. It's even more special, after having followed this person's accomplishments, to be able to call him a friend. In Tom Frost, I have exactly this. In addition to being a pioneer of big wall climbing and, almost accidentally, the first and still one of the finest adventure photographers, he is an innovative engineer and an extraordinary entrepreneur. Tom's influence on my life and career, and that of many others, is undeniable.

From my days as a college student, bumping into Tom on the floor of Outdoor Retailer trade show, up to today, talking business over a burrito, every moment I have spent with Tom has been humbling and inspiring. Though, nothing compares with the opportunity I had to edit Tom's photos for the Aurora Photos archive. 

Just now hitting the newsstands, my article in the September 2010 issue of Rock & Ice tells the full story. This is a tribute that, not only did I want to write, I felt I HAD to write. It is an amazing story that needs to be shared with anyone interested in photography, climbing, or some combination of the two.  As well, be sure to watch this multimedia piece, produced by Aurora Novus to hear part of the story from the man himself.

Many thanks to Jeff Jackson and Duane Raleigh at Rock & Ice for the opportunity to share my story. And Tom, on behalf of all the world’s climbers and adventure photographers, thank you for all you have done.

The Great Book of BASE - Cover

Everything you ever wanted to know about BASE jumping has been compiled into a new book. Billed as "the most complete, informative, and entertaining book ever published on the sport of BASE jumping", it only makes sense that Dean Potter is on the cover. I took this photo of Dean, just moments before his world record setting wingsuit flight from the Eiger in Switzerland. Order your own copy of the book today.

Access Fund - Annual Report

As part of my ongoing commitment to a cause that is especially important to me, I have donated a number of my images for use in the Access Fund Annual Report. This report
is sent to all current members of the Access Fund.

I'm often asked what this is all about and how membership funds are used. Well - the Access Fund works with federal, state and local officials; local climbing organizations; and land managers to develop and guide climbing management policies for public and private lands. Be sure to check out the website to see what's happening in your backyard.

If you're a climber, but not yet a member, you should be.
Join now, get some cool schwag and see you at the crags!

Boy's Life - Half Dome

Last summer, I accompanied a group of Boy Scouts up the "Cables Route" on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. As always, I was impressed by the discipline and dedication shown by the boys. The majority of the trips I have covered for Boys' Life and Scouting come at the culmination of a year of work by the troop, preparing for the task at hand. Hearing the stories at night in camp, this troop certainly earned their trip.

I'm honored to have a cover image during the year in which Boy Scouts of America celebrate their 100th Birthday. Happy Birthday BSA!

Road Runner Sports - Catalog

As my career has evolved, I have been treated to an ever-changing schedule of continents, time zones, and ecosystems. This has required a lot of flexibility and some creative packing. A recent week-long project for Road Runner Sports provided some good practice. Traveling from the early spring snow of Aspen, CO to the warm beaches of San Diego, CA to capture the two covers shown above, my suitcase held everything from a down parka to board shorts. Since then, I have crossed the equator four times, each time swapping summer for winter… and back again. Packing may be a challenge, but the adventure is worth it!

Discovery Channel / Degree – Fan vs. Wild

Having worked with Bear Grylls on a number of occasions on location for Man vs. Wild, I will attest that he is the real deal (and a fun guy to hang with). If a situation calls for him to eat worms or jump from a helicopter into whitewater, then that’s exactly what he’ll do. No stunt doubles or trick photography here. But why should you take my word for it? The Discovery Channel and Degree are giving you the opportunity to see for yourself. Between now and April 30th you can enter for a chance to star alongside Bear in an upcoming episode. Click here for all the details and to check out some of the images from our past projects together in Panama and Argentina. Good luck, be careful and be sure to tell Bear I said "hi"!

Five Ten - Print & Online

Five Ten, maker of a wide variety of shoes for all your active pursuits, is now making good use of my image from Dean Potter's record setting wingsuit BASE jump. See Dean, a Five Ten team athlete, take flight on the website, as well as in print ads in the current issue of Climbing and Rock & Ice.

Budweiser American Ale – Print Ad

I have often written about how lucky I feel to have truly wild spaces in my backyard in which to play. In all my years of documenting athletes and outdoor adventurers, I have never found someone who understands this as much as professional kayaker, Eric Jackson.

This past December, my crew and I traveled to Rock Island, TN to shoot Eric for his new sponsor, Budweiser American Ale. We spent three days shooting Eric at work and at play, as well as a variety of product shots; all, literally, in his back yard. With world-class white water just down the road and a beautiful deck that backs up to a state forest, I can’t imagine we could have scouted a more perfect location.

This has all been part of Eric’s plan. He has built his life around kayaking, making bold decisions and maximizing his time so that not a moment is wasted. There is certainly a lot to be learned from what he and his family have accomplished. It was truly inspiring to watch someone, truly in his element, living his dream, all while working with a great group of people and drinking a really good beer.

The ad above is running in the current issue of Men's Journal. Look for more images from the shoot to appear on point of sale and billboards later in the year.

Jackson Kayaks - Print Ad

I’ve had the great fortune to work on a number of occasions with Eric Jackson, his family and the crew at Jackson Kayaks. Every time I roll in to Walling, TN, I’m welcomed to the Jackson Ranch as if I’m one of the family.

A new print ad, running in Kayak Session magazine, features one of my images of Emily Jackson doing what the family knows how to do best – have fun! Now, make no mistake, Emily is not just Eric’s daughter. She has a list of accolades all her own. Shortly after this image was shot, the family traveled to Thun, Switzerland for the Kayak Freestyle World Championships, where Emily took the crown in the Women’s division. Additionally, her husband, Nick Troutman won the Men’s division, with his father-in-law (4-time World Champ, Eric Jackson) close behind in second. Putting another stamp on the family’s dominance, little brother Dane took second in the Junior’s division. They truly are the first family of kayaking!