Journey Awaits: Mountaineering, Biking and Photographing with Leonardo Brasil

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An out of doors journey is at all times thrilling. Bringing a digital camera alongside could make a world of a distinction. Typically snapping a photograph whereas out on a hike can go away you with an enduring reminiscence, a print to promote or a narrative to inform.

For Leonardo Brasil, seeing the Rocky Mountains modified the course of his profession.

Initially from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Leonardo is now knowledgeable photographer primarily based in Denver, Colorado. He’s keen about visible storytelling, good espresso and self-supported bike adventures.

We linked with Leonardo to be taught why he loves images, how his expertise within the biking and working industries influence his work, his go-to gear and extra. Scroll on to learn our interview and ensure to comply with alongside on our Instagram this week (@photoshelter) as we share a handful of Leonardo’s beautiful panorama, biking and journey photographs.

_{The next interview has been flippantly edited for readability and size. Cowl picture by Leonardo Brasil.}

How did you get your begin as a photographer?

LB: I’ve at all times appreciated to take photographs as a child with my dad’s outdated movie digital camera, however I assume I solely started to take images severely only a few years in the past once I moved to Colorado and had my first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains.

What drew me to panorama images was the will to inform tales about my adventures within the open air, however quickly I spotted that trying by way of the digital camera’s viewfinder was altering the way in which I used to be experiencing nature. My hikes started to happen hours earlier than dawn and ending well beyond sundown, however the pinnacle of my so-called “transformation” was once I noticed myself carrying a 50lb pack into the mountains so I may sleep nearer to what I needed to shoot with the morning gentle.

My objective as a photographer is to encourage folks to exit and discover this stunning world we reside in.

Leonardo Brasil

Deep within the San Juan Mountains, there’s a sadistic, grassroot 100 mile race referred to as the Excessive 5 100. This was my second time photographing it. On this image you possibly can see Kent making his means up Wetterhorn Peak, the second 14er of the race.

Why do you like images?

LB: I really like telling tales! The majority of my work relies on storytelling and it has been like that since I picked up a digital camera for the primary time. Pictures offers me the excuse to go discover locations and submerge myself in numerous cultures. I by no means thought I’d be capable of make a dwelling out of my ardour!

Your expertise as a bicycle owner and path runner actually has an influence in your work. Are you able to discuss to us a bit bit about that?

LB: Completely! Most of my assignments are within the biking and working industries, and I consider the explanation why that works is as a result of earlier than I grew to become knowledgeable photographer, I used to hang around so much with skilled runners right here within the Entrance Vary, and so they started “advertising and marketing” my work to their sponsors, who in flip began to succeed in out for particular photoshoots. Neighborhood is every little thing on this trade, it’s all about who you understand.

My expertise as a bicycle owner and path runner allowed me to raised characterize each the sports activities in images in addition to it gave me the health to chase athletes with out slowing them down, and that’s a useful talent to have. There’s nothing worse than being the weak hyperlink on an expedition.

On this “photoshoot”, I used to be following the skilled ultrarunner, Cat Bradley, on a 16 miles run in Nederland, Colorado, whereas carrying my full digital camera gear on my again. Secure to say that I couldn’t fairly stroll for just a few days following this run, however stoked I used to be capable of sustain till the final 4 miles haha

Inform us about your gear. What cameras, lenses, instruments and applications do you sometimes use in your travels? What’s one piece of apparatus you possibly can’t reside with out and why?

LB: My gear selection varies so much relying on what I’m capturing, however right here’s what it normally appears to be like like:

Panorama: Nikon D850, Nikkor 20mm f1.8, Nikkor 24-120 f4, Tamron 70-200 f2.8 G2, Benro carbon tripod, B+W polarizer filters.

Business & race protection: Nikon D850 (major) D750 (backup), Nikkor 20mm f1.8, Tamron 70-200 f2.8 G2 – sure, there’s an enormous hole between 20 and 70mm, however I discovered that I not often shoot in these focal lengths. Every thing goes inside both an Fstop Loka UL or Guru UL.

Journey bikepacking journeys: Ricoh GRIIIx – Portability is a should on multi day expeditions on a motorbike. I want one thing that I can attain with out having to cease and swing a backpack or fanny pack round to seize a DSLR (or mirrorless). The Ricoh was the right selection. It has an APSC sensor, an extremely sharp lens and it matches proper at my Revelate Designs feedbag (I’ve shot a number of tales for giant manufacturers utilizing this little digital camera and even have had photos printed in magazines – it’s that good!).

I edit every little thing on Adobe Lightroom Traditional.

One piece of apparatus I can’t reside with out: a bicycle. I reside a car-free life-style the place I exploit my bike for 80% of my each day duties and jobs. Most of my assignments are within the biking trade and I attempt to keep away from motor autos as a lot as potential.

I’ve been bikepacking since 2019, and it began from my ardour for biking and backpacking. None of us three personal a automobile. My bicycle represents freedom, well being and is the optimum means for an introverted particular person to fulfill folks. It breaks obstacles and facilitate interactions amongst strangers. I made this picture on my newest tour throughout Colorado in late September of 2022.

How lengthy have you ever been utilizing PhotoShelter? How does it assist together with your inventive workflow and/or your picture enterprise?

LB: I’ve been utilizing PhotoShelter for six years I consider. It was the primary platform I’ve ever used and by no means felt the necessity to change. It has every little thing I want in a single place, from efficient templates, to backup picture storage. It makes delivering photos to shoppers a a lot simpler and pain-free course of.

Anything you’d like so as to add or promote? We’re glad to share!

LB: I’d wish to thanks for the chance to share a little bit of my story! I additionally really feel the necessity to say that I’m not an envoy/sponsored by any of the manufacturers talked about above, every little thing was purchased with my very own cash.

If you wish to see extra of Leonardo’s work, comply with alongside on Instagram (@photoshelter) this week as we share a collection of his photographs for a devoted Instagram takeover.