Photographer/Director Michelle VanTine collaborated with Patagonia to capture lifestyle imagery for their spring collection. Working on location in Colorado, she enlisted Patagonia-backed mountain bikers and climbers to showcase the garments in motion.
A core value of Patagonia is absolute authenticity, governed by strict photographic guidelines: purely in-camera shots with minimal post-processing and zero artificial lighting. For a night shot, Michelle created a creative workaround by cross lighting a climber packing her gear using two truck headlights and a headlamp. Beyond the gear itself, Patagonia prioritizes context—highlighting the natural environments where their athletes push limits. To embody that, Michelle focused heavily on landscape integration and in-camera double exposures, while subtly spotlighting key technical details like laser-perforated breathability and reinforced phone pockets.
Michelle left the shoot with a renewed respect for the adventuring brand. “Patagonia is a rewarding and challenging brand to shoot for. In an age where generative AI and digital manipulation leave us guessing what’s real, their uncompromising standard for authentic photography is a breath of fresh air.”
For more of Michelle’s work, visit her Workbook portfolio.
