Some would say that the progression of technology within photography has killed the "photographer." To some extent, this is true. Any kid with a keen eye can save up enough scratch to buy a camera that shoots a print-worthy photograph, drag it into Lightroom, and yousendit to the first client who's willing to pay up. However, "photographers" still exist. The ones who blend passion, skill, and an uncanny ability to use all of the ingredients of the environment around him to create beautiful imagery time and again.
In my experience, there are a few more than a handful that I work with on a regular basis, and Aaron Dodds is one of them. Dodds is a "photographer." Based in Breck but bred from the craggy San Juan peaks near Durango, Colorado, Aaron got his first camera when he was thirteen, and after moving to Summit County, Dodds signed on with Snowboarder Magazine.
For a few years now, I've been privy to Aaron's top pick pics of the year, and I consistently find myself inspired, enlightened, and enraptured by his seasonal catalog. Dodds seems to find his inspiration in isolation, vanishing deep into the backcountry every winter, and emerging with what I believe to be some of the best images in snowboarding every year.
Once out of the alpine, he is one of my favorite people in the world to spend time with. The quiet demeanor of Aaron perfectly juxtaposes the wild and hilarious persona of "Daggs" when it comes time to cut loose from a long day. Point being, the dude's good at getting a laugh, but more importantly, he's great at getting the shot. Working with my friend Dodds for the last eight years has been an absolute pleasure, and I view him appropriately as one of the most gifted photographers I have ever met.
-T. Bird, Editor, SNOWBOARDER Magazine