Photographer Profile: Lauren Pandolfi

Frequently moving about as the result of being raised in a military family twenty-seven-year-old Lauren Pandolfi doesn't claim to be "from" anywhere but ask her where her love of snowboarding originated, and the answer is immediate; Boone North Carolina. While probably not on the radar of many riders out west Boone, and it's surrounding area, has surprisingly deep roots in snowboarding. The local shop, Edge of the World is one of the oldest on the East Coast, and it was Lauren's home base as she began snowboarding. It was during this time that Lauren first picked up a camera, but she didn't initially shoot too much snow instead choosing to ride as her priority. As she entered college life, she succumbed to the pressure to steer away from "creative" type career endeavors, and as a result, her photography pursuits were curtailed.

Words by Daniel Cochrane

Although Bend, Oregon was on her post-collegiate radar, other random circumstances landed her in Utah for the commonly prescribed "short-term" living situation. Fast forward five years later and short-term is gradually easing its way closer to putting down roots. It wasn't until settling in Utah that she came to the realization that her college degree, while potentially lucrative monetarily, wouldn't necessarily be fulfilling on a personal level. It was then that she returned to photography, this time with an eye on shooting snow.

With a tentative toe in the once-shunned “creative” career pool, Lauren also decided to return to school for web design with the intention of keeping her snow photography mostly in the hobby category. However, for those with the drive, a keen eye and the skill, Utah can quickly offer some rich subject matter and the accompanying notoriety that comes with it. Lauren promptly found her photography reaching a large-scale audience. She has spent the past couple of seasons shooting at Brighton Resort, which helped her gain the attention of industry personnel. As a result, this past season Skullcandy invited her to travel to Mt. Baker, and shoot photos for The Legendary Banked Slalom, which she definitely pinpoints as a high water mark in her brief foray of shooting snow. Still, despite her quick success, Lauren remains intent on keeping snowboarding photography firmly in the "for fun" category.

On the following pages, Lauren has selected a few examples of her work to share with Arkade.This season you'll be able to find her shooting at Snowbird Mountain Resort, and you can also follow her adventures on Instagram @thepandolphin.

The backcountry is an extremely humbling place. Not only do all members in the group have to be in sync, but they each must have a high level of awareness of potential dangers. While the mountains provide a playground for those searching for adventure, some simply enjoy the quiet and solitude away from the resorts.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Gotta love those Brighton sunny groomer laps.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

The Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom is hands down the best event in snowboarding. With legendary riders traveling from all over the world to compete, and a long history to boot, it is an incredible honor to even be present at such an event. With snowboarding contests becoming a game of "spin to win" or "go big or go home," it is extremely refreshing to be around a contest that centers around the simplicity of turning a snowboard.

I will always enjoy places that make me feel small.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II