Warren Miller

As a kid growing up in the shadow of a ski resort it became a ritual for my brother and I to race down to the theater each fall to get amped for ski season. What played on the screen was enough to make us want to strap on our skis on and hit the dirt slopes. I can recall the "oohs and awes" from the crowd and that voice, like the films, are legendary. So today, when I met and carried on a conversation with Warren Miller I was like, 'Holy S**T, I can't believe I am talking to Warren Miller.' I am not star struck very easy and as time goes on I realize that famous people are just that - people. Albeit they are usually people with a lot of money. But, Warren Miller's work, visually and emotionally, made me say wow back then and perhaps that I draw from those films subconsciously when photographing things now, who knows. Too bad the films are not as great as they were when he was at the helm...

Turns out, Miller's grandson attends a local middle school and his family organized a fundraiser, complete with an appearance by the retired filmmaker. It was also pretty cool to hear the impact a single film could have on people. Take the couple in the photo up top for instance. They would have never met if it wasn't for a Warren Miller film 30 years ago. And what did the matchmaker have to say regarding his matchmaking skills? "I hope I didn't screw you guys up too much."