With one glance at photographer Stephen Shelesky’s portfolio, it’s obvious he has an eye for outdoor imagery. Shelesky, based in mountain-fringed Jackson, Wyoming, is known to dazzle with dramatic images that feature subjects for scale. Shelesky, an outdoor and action sports photographer, captures more than athletes in motion. He showcases the personality of each skier and snowboarder he photographs. He helps viewers uncover multiple layers as they gaze upon each image.
But, like his photos, there’s more to Shelesky than meets the eye. Shelesky has spent years finding himself as both a creator and person. This is on display through the new film “Out West” as he shares his journey of coming out as a gay man. The film was created in collaboration with outdoor-clothing brand Stio, snow-sports brand K2, Guayakí Yerba Mate, and Noso Patches. Shelesky’s hope is to help other outdoor photographers working through their own journeys, too.
“Out West” is now available for viewing, and we sat down with Shelesky to chat more about the film, as well as his personal and career journey.
Adorama: First things first, what did you hope to achieve with the “Out West” film?
Stephen: Our ultimate goal was to increase representation in the space where it felt like it was lacking. The idea originally came about because I was on the hunt for professional athletes to tell this story about, but there was no one I found that was either open to sharing, or was in the right place to share. My friend was like, “well, why don’t we share your story?”
I think this is really important because it’s hard for people to follow through on their dreams like being a professional sports photographer if they don’t see people like them represented.
Adorama: Your love for landscape photography is palpable in the film. Can you share a bit about how you got started, and why landscape photography felt so right?
Stephen: In college at CU Boulder in Colorado, I was exposed to the West and all these amazing places that were just weekend trips away — and these places were great destinations for landscape photography. I think landscape photography went hand-in-hand with where I was with my sexuality and where I was in life. At the time, it was the peak of me really knowing this about myself, but fully suppressing it and not wanting to accept it.
I started to enjoy the solitude at the time, and landscape photography was an outlet for me. That’s where the passion started. I just grew this huge appreciation and connection with these natural places. When I had an opportunity to live in Jackson, I started to expand my landscape photography. Being out there in the mountains photographing just felt really good. I was in that flow state.
Adorama: At this point, you had to decide between a comfortable 9 to 5, or pursuing your big photography dreams. How did you find the confidence and courage to go for it?
Stephen: I just eventually reached that point where the desire to achieve this career was stronger to me than living a comfortable life. I didn’t really see any other way to do that than immersing myself in it as much as possible. There are certain things you have to be willing to sacrifice at that moment — especially financial stability. But, if you keep waiting for these things, if you say you’ll jump when you’ve saved enough money, you could be waiting forever.
Adorama: The kick-off to your career was a major western U.S. road trip. During this time, you said, Instagram followers saw gorgeous landscapes and dramatic mountains. But behind the scenes, something else was happening. Can you walk us through this important reminder that there’s more than meets the eye?
Stephen: A few years ago, it seemed like anyone that was doing good landscape photography was living in their car. I felt like I just had to try it. But, in reality, I think I was also really looking for answers in my personal life because I was deeply unhappy at the time. I knew that photography was the thing that brought me joy and peace. But then there was this other void that I didn’t want to acknowledge.
As good as the trip was to be in all those beautiful places, I think it was important for me to have five months on my own to be journaling and reading and working through everything. I first came out to myself by writing in my journal. After that, I was almost immediately ready to go back to Jackson and start my life there again — a life with all parts of myself.
Adorama: How has your career been since this monumental road trip and the breakthrough moment of self-acceptance?
Stephen: I think it’s actually changed my work a lot, especially from a professional dollars-and-cents standpoint. My overall competence has gone up. I think I’ve gotten a lot better at selling myself and believing in my work and the value of my work. It’s easy to be underpaid in this industry and I think a big reason that happens is people don’t ask.
Another big change in my work is that for so long I craved solitude — that’s why I like landscape work so much. But now, the most important thing is the people I’m working with. When I was in the closet, I had this feeling of vulnerability. Now, I’ve been able to form relationships with my friends on such a different level and that includes the people I work with on a regular basis.
Adorama: Your portfolio shows so many different sides to outdoor photography. What has been your favorite creative project?
Stephen: Last year, I went and created this shoot in Great Sand Dunes. This is a really special spot for me because it’s one of those places I routinely visited when I was in college. I wanted to create a scene with athletes sand skiing. We went out there, carried all of our stuff in, and camped for two days. The project showed the dunes in a different way, and those have certainly been some of my favorite images I’ve created.
Adorama: Sure, you’re out leading photoshoots everywhere from Great Sand Dunes to Iceland, with huge brand sponsorships like K2 Sports, Guayaki, and Noso Patches. But what would you tell college-aged Stephen who’s just learning about the world of photography?
Stephen: My main piece of advice: focus. Figure out what kind of photography you gravitate toward and specialize — and really work on that specialty. Normally they say don’t put all your eggs in one basket. But I think there’s a lot of value in specializing and building the best portfolio possible because clients will see how your work directly integrates with their brand.
If you want to use some of Stephen Shelesky’s favorite gear, his go-to kit includes the following:
- Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera,
- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens,
- Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 lens,
- Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens,
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 lens, and the
- F-Stop Ajna Backpack.
To learn more about Stephen Shelesky, follow him on Instagram at @stephenshelesky or visit his website, www.stephenshelesky.com. To get inspired by more talented creatives in our Meet a Pro series, scroll here.
