Where do you live and what’s your day job?

I am located in Bend, Oregon - an outdoor enthusiast hotspot nestled into the Eastern flanks of the Central Cascades. I work as a Freelance Photographer, specializing in action sports photography, but specifically focused on the snowsports and cycling industries. I've worked hard over the last handful of years to blend my passion for the outdoors into my passion for creative work, and am so grateful to be able to create art alongside some of my favorite humans and athletes alike, in spaces that are truly inspirational. 

What are 3 passions you have outside of work? 

I've found that photography and art often overlap with some of the themes in my life that I feel most inspired by, and it's a privilege to work in and amongst these each day. Something I am incredibly passionate about is elevating the voices of, and creating space for, women and female identifying folk in the outdoor industry - specifically the snowsports and cycling industries. While I'm moved by skiing and cycling in and of themselves, I recognize the struggle of taking up space in these industries. It's something I wrestled with early on as a backcountry athlete and cyclist myself. After being introduced to a handful of women who kick ass in the outdoors and as advocates, all in my community here in Bend, I saw the power of truly creating space for other women. It's profound what happens when you meet others where they are at. This experience has helped shape my professional work, as I strive to partner with women led organizations to elevate their reach in the outdoor industry. It's a beautiful marriage of my creative work and the joy that comes with celebrating women in the outdoors. I'm grateful for both! 

Aside from this, I am also quite stoked on navigating the backcountry on skis, perfect pow, that top o-the-mornin corn come springtime, and a scone to celebrate every mission in the mountains. 

Biggest “send it” moment—on the mountain or in life?

My biggest "send it" moment has to be the point when I realized that my life and the purpose I hold within it, can be just as meaningful when led amongst the mountains and in outdoor spaces, if not more so. Growing up, I struggled with the duality of wanting to be outside, but feeling like I had to remain focused on more "serious" matters. I certainly had subscribed to the notion that a life well lived looked like a college degree, a husband, a house, a career in a shiny building downtown, etc. etc. While pursuing these things for the sake of checking a box, I constantly felt called to chase my dreams elsewhere - spaces such as the backcountry, trail running, climbing, community advocacy programs, cycling, photography, and more. I recently found myself propped up in the back of my Tacoma, editing photos from my campsite on the way to the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey California, one of the biggest cycling events in the nation. I would be photographing for one of the pro gravel teams later that week. I looked around at the camera gear scattered amongst my sleeping platform, the hot tea steeping in my travel mug, and Mt. Shasta fading away with the setting sun. It was one of those, "ahhh, this is where I am supposed to be" moments. That has to be one of the more transformative experiences I've had in both navigating life, and finding my home amongst the mountains and trails. 

What’s one piece of gear you swear by?

Glitter and cheetah print everything. I think there's this notion that you can't do badass things unless you take it really seriously. Glitter and cheetah print remind me to enjoy the moment just as much as the mission - you can bring joy and light to difficult endeavors, there's space for this in the alpine! 

How do you encourage more women to step into outdoor spaces?

One of the biggest ways I strive to encourage more women to step into outdoor spaces is by breaking down what it takes to get there in the first place. We have a really narrow lens through which we see folks engaging with the outdoors, and it's not a one size fits all perspective. Similar to learning to navigate tree skiing for the first time, or a chunky rock garden on a mountain bike trail, it's important to break it down. There's no right way to recreate (aside from practicing leave no trace and being a respectful steward of the land, this is imperative). As a local volunteer for SheJumps here in Bend, a group lead at women's ski/ride and bike events, and while advocating for more women in cycling events in general, I strive to break down the learning curve that so often comes with these activities. Oftentimes we just need someone in our corner who is willing to answer our questions, come alongside, and stoke joy. I try to do this as best I can! 

Keep up with Joelle! @joelle_debban