Ski Salt Lake Shootout

Every year Ski Salt Lake puts together an awesome photo contest pairing up local athletes with Pro photographers. The format is two skiers, one snowboarder, and one photographer spending one day at each of Salt Lake's ski resorts (Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, Solitude). With two photos submitted from each resort, the winning team is judged by their whole portfolio.

Me doing a Cork Seven at Alta, Photo by Jim Harris

I was lucky enough to be on a team with Snowboarder Jake Lawlor, Skier Kevin Brower, and Photographer Steve Lloyd. I've been shooting with Steve a lot this year, so it was easy for us to find our groove and get some work done. I'm pleased that after a long week, our team claimed 3rd place. Check out some behind-the-scenes photos from photographers Jim Harris and Jake Lawlor
Sunset light at Alta, photo by Jim Harris


Kevin Brower going upside down at Solitude, Photo by Lawlor


Alta Sunset, Photo by Jake Lawlor


Alta pow slash, photo by Jim Harris


The man, the myth, the photography wizard: Steve Lloyd


Tail grab through the trees, Photo by Jim Harris


Jake Lawlor at Snowbird, Photo by Jim Harris


Me jumping onto Steve Lloyd


Snowbird Slashin', Photo by Harris


Brighton night skiing, photo by Lawlor


View from the top of the world, Photo by Lawlor


These are all "behind the scenes" photos. The submitted photos are in this slide show


You can also look through the portfolios individually here http://www.visitsaltlake.com/shootout/photos/

Teton Time

I headed up to the Tetons last week with Asa and Carston Oliver. Here's what we captured from a day at Grand Targhee and Teton Pass. Enjoy!

Shayne Metos and Grouphome

My good friend Shayne Metos recently started a video project entitled Grouphome. His edits showcase the talents of the many skiers who hang around the Wasatch and Brighton in particular. His videos have already been gaining a lot of momentum. Check out these two versions of the December edit. Which version do you like more?

Version A:


Version B:

What's in the Fridge? The full length film

Check out my friend Joel Whalen's What's in the Fridge? He's was nice enough to release it free online!

The November Recap

This season started off with a bang in Utah. With snow totals well over 100 inches already, this has proven to be one of the best Novembers I can remember. It's nice to be able to hit the ground running and dive head first into the season. Literally.

Touring up Alta after the first storms. Alta is the hottest back country spot in the
Wasatch when the lifts aren't running.

Learning new tricks already! Switch backflip. Photo by Max Lowe



Carston Oliver. Photo by Max Lowe


Shane Metos. Photo by Max Lowe

Here's a little edit I put together with our Go Pro Cameras:

Best November Ever in the Wasatch from Eric Balken on Vimeo.

What's in the Fridge? A film by Joel Whalen

Last season I had a chance to film for a couple days with Canadian fly fishing superstar Joe Whalen. His film, What's in the Fridge? will be released in December as a free download. Check out the trailer; the film looks SWEET!

Whats in the Fridge? A Teaser. from Jah Raven Creation on Vimeo.

Season Edit 09-10

So it's been a while since I've been present in the blogosphere, but it's October in Utah and winter is just around the corner. This time of year holds a special energy for the coming season, and general stoke levels are at a high.

To share this stoke, I present to you an edit of my 09-10 season. My good friend Wes Morin was kind enough to put this thing together so please enjoy it!

Eric Balken Winter 2009/10 Edit from Wes Morin on Vimeo.