Hometown
York, Maine
Current
Maine
Jamie Walter is a skiing, action, and adventure photographer based in Maine. Jamie first cracked into the industry working for Sugarloaf Mountain and Newschoolers.com; since jumping into the freelance realm back in 2016, he has traveled the world to document skiing while also focusing his efforts on promoting the adventures, places, and people that make his backyard special. More recently, Jamie has also branched into the commercial filmmaking space. When he's not working, you can find him skiing, surfing, mountain biking, or climbing somewhere in Maine, or nerding out at his desk over camera gear.
Top Bucket-list Item: Summit the Grand Teton (and visit the Stio crew in Jackson while I'm at it!)
What does living the mountain life mean to you?
To me, living the mountain life means balancing work and play. I think mountain communities are full of people who embrace a balance that we all believe in - work hard, play hard, and love where you live. Throughout my life I've found this balance is absolutely essential not only for my happiness, but that it also brings out the best in my creativity as well.How has growing up and living in Maine influenced your photography style?
Growing up in Maine definitely influenced my photography style. Here in Maine, there’s always a lot going on in the scenes I photograph, so I try to simplify as much as possible in my work and reduce visual clutter. I also think that a lot of my work is now focused on highlighting my home state and doing justice to all the beauty I know exists here, so that drives me to get out and capture it.
What's one of the best decisions you've ever made?
Easy! Jumping off the deep end to become a full time freelance photographer back in 2016. I was 23 years old at the time, and in hindsight, was unprepared and naive to the challenges that laid ahead. However the excitement that came with the leap overpowered any fear or doubt I had - it forced me to put my head down and do the work that I needed to do to make it. Five years later and I'm still kicking!
Describe what your perfect day in the outdoors looks like?
For me a perfect day in the outdoors begins with an alpine start, a few hours of pre-dawn adventuring with friends eagerly rushing to catch a banger sunrise, of course with my camera at my side. We get the shots we envisioned, enjoy the rewards of our morning push, then take a nice mid-day nap before setting out on another mission in the afternoon to milk golden hour light. At the end of the day there must be plenty of good food and beers as a reward!
What's one reason you love working with Stio?
I love working with Stio because they have been so supportive of my work since I branched into the freelance photography game. Not only that, but they've really embraced the East Coast and have actively made an effort to feature the people, places, and stories that I am closely connected to. We have collaborated on numerous projects that have benefited both of us tremendously and I am so grateful that we're both able to support one another. Not to mention, Stio's values closely align with my own and I love being a part of growing their presence here so organically.
Do you have any goals or objectives for the coming year?
After a few years of mediocre snow and lots of non-ski related winter work, I'm hoping to get a LOT more ski time in this winter. I have some top secret objectives related to that, but I need to keep those cards close to my chest ;)
How do you create balance in your life?
I am constantly trying to create balance and I'm not always good at it, but getting outside and being active always help me reset and escape the chaos that's easy to get lost in. Honestly, the Stio Motto of "Let The Outside In" helps remind me of that a lot!
What styles (Stio products) are you most excited about this season, and where will you be taking them?
I can not even begin to tell you all how much I love the Fernos Insulated Knicker. When temps begin to drop I have them on more often than I should admit to - from those blistering cold East Coast chairlift rides to just sitting at my desk. I am also excited to stay warm in the Skillet Stretch Down Hooded Jacket - for anyone that has shot photos in the mountains, you know there's a lot of waiting around for the stars to align.
What does Let The Outside In mean to you?
Let The Outside In has become a constant reminder for me to embrace and cherish the enjoyment I get being in nature. It reminds me to slow down and take a moment to reflect on the beauty around me, and how fortunate I am to be in a place that truly makes me happy. I actively try to drown out the distractions when I am outside; I step away from the emails, phone calls, and social media to take the time to connect and observe the world around me. It's such a great reset.
Any other stories, facts, insights or advice you want to share with people?
The best camera is the one you have on you, and if you want to get into the photography game: shoot. every. day.
Check out Jamie's spotlight story HERE!
