Humans On Skis

Hi everybody, and welcome back to the latest post from your blogging Méribel ski instructor. As the winter is gradually on its way, my thoughts predictably start to drift towards skiing. However, before that there are heaps of things to tidy up before heading back to the alps. Including some photography work. I've recently been asked to provide photographic coverage for a market research company, in particular a project called Meet The 85%. It's a fascinating project, and one that I've enjoyed being part of. In short, different sectors of the public are interviewed by the research company, whilst at the same time I snap away with my camera in a documentary style. So what does this have to do with skiing I hear you ask?

Several winters ago, well before the pandemic, I ran a social media project and blog series called 'Humans of Méribel', which some of you may remember. I ran it for a couple of winters and really enjoyed the process. It was very much influenced by the amazing Brandon Stanton, a photoblogger (I didn't know this description existed!) who created and has developed the brilliant 'Humans of New York' series. I adapted it to the skiing environment for my Méribel version.

The premise was me asking different types of questions about skiers' lives, whether happy or sad. Some were hilarious; others quite hard hitting. I of course would take a photo or three of each individual. Sometimes the information given was just silly one liners. This chap below simply claimed to have constant 'helmet hair'!?!

I've recently treated myself to a new compact camera, and will probably refer to it as 'Canon Junior' in the future. It's a lovely piece of kit and I can't wait to shoot with it this winter. With this in mind, I was half thinking about re-starting the 'Humans of Méribel' project.

I can't quite decide though. If I did, would I run it in the same format, ie ask people questions about an experience in life? Or should I tweak the format to only reflect situations on skis or in a ski resort? This way, the reader might be able to relate (assuming they are skiers) to their own ski holiday experiences; thus creating a common connection.

Hmmmm. I'm not sure what to do. If you would like a reminder of the history of this project, click on this link to the Facebook page. I'll keep pondering in the meantime. Live. With. Passion. Martin.