Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 13, 2018)
30 Wednesday, June 13, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon SAUNDERS: Sisters grad is traveling the world in pursuit of passion Continued from page 3 approached by recent U of O graduate Scottie Proctor with an enticing idea. Will heard Proctor’s pitch and jumped. The young men put together a team to create story-driven content about the outdoor world. “He asked me to be a photographer. I was more than excited to do it,” said Saunders during a recent phone interview. The timing couldn’t have been better. Saunders was feeling burned out at school. “It was a spark for me. We did a project about the Jackson Hole Air Force. We put up our own money doing micro stories. It was very suc- cessful so we kept doing it. I graduated that summer and we landed our first big client, Backcountry.com. It was a four-month campaign, using photo video design and social media strategy. That’s how we got started and realized it was a business opportunity.” Saunders does commer- cial work for clients like Patagonia, North Face and Black Diamond. “I hire talent and pick i n t e r e s t i n g l o c a t i o n s , ” Saunders said. “That’s what pays the bills.” He’s really proud of the stories he documents. Some of the locations and people he’s met left him eager to go back. Saunders does freelance work as well as projects through their company, Local’s Project. He and Proctor are co-owners with Sam Ewer and Jacob Oster. Known as a storytelling agency, Saunders and their tight-knit group of film- makers, photographers and designers seek out athletes and artists around the U.S. and capture unique and inspiring stories. Recently, he did a photo shoot in Oman with world- renowned climber Gaz Leah. He first met Leah when he did a job for Backcountry. com that featured Leah rock- PHOTO BY WILL SAUNDERS climbing in New York City. A Will Saunders shot of the Beehive tombs in Oman, which date to 2000 B.C. They had a blast. “You build a connection Moving to Sisters hooked that there’s math, English, and from there you hope it’ll assisting adventure photogra- phy legend Tim Kemple and Saunders on the outdoor and science. Whether it’s a last forever,” said Saunders. industry. trade or something athletic, The NYC project opened soaking up the experience. Saunders says his parents “It opened me up and there’s a whole world of jobs the door for an invitation to accompany Leah to Oman provided access and encour- helped me appreciate where out there. I didn’t realize on an epic, life-altering agement to try new outdoor I live,” Saunders said. “From what marketing or advertising endeavors. He and his sis- there, I got into river guiding meant. So keep your options adventure. “Oman’s absolutely one of ter, Autumn, went on fam- and thought that’s what I’d do open. It’s amazing how many the coolest places I’ve been. ily trips with their mom and for the rest of my life. Sisters people still do jobs they don’t The people are some of the dad, Kimberly and Andrew introduced me to the moun- really love. I feel lucky and nicest I’ve ever met,” said Gorayeb. They explored tain community and living fortunate. It’s more work than Saunders. “The landscape is Yellowstone, Yosemite and sustainability and creatively. I ever experienced in my life and I love it. I wouldn’t do very rugged; big mountains the East Coast where Will It inspired me a lot.” Looking back, Saunders anything else.” and canyons and big beautiful spent countless hours sailing. To see more of Saunders’ pools. It’s one of the gems in They hiked, fly-fished, back- has some advice for students: packed and sailed in squalls “I encourage people in high images visit the Locals the Middle East.” Seeing new, exotic places that revealed Will’s love of school to explore what’s pos- Project website: www.locals challenging conditions. sible out there. We’re taught project.com/home. makes Saunders want more. “I have a list of places I’d like to go. Newfoundland is A SPECIAL TWO-WEEK, FOUR-PAGE SECTION! high on my list. Somalia is one of the most beautiful- looking countries I’ve seen.” Staying hungry, working hard and learning from those who blazed the trail in action- photography has opened opportunities Saunders never dreamed possible. He’s 12,000 People Come to Sisters For Quilt Show Want to Reach Them? Your Property. My Priority. A full-color, special section designed especially for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show will appear in the July 4 and July 11 issues of The Nugget Newspaper. • Reach Quilt Show visitors and local residents. • Reach 4th of July visitors too! LEGACY REALTY Save 50% over regular ad prices! 262 S. Cedar St., Corrie C. Lake 541-521-2392 Sisters, Oregon (Behind Hop-n-Brew) Lic#201218852 Two-week special prices: Full-color single ad: Only $225 Debbie Brown 541-419-8156 Lic#200511204 3.25” x 2.625” Full-color double horizontal ad: Only $395 ( 6.7” x 2.625”) OR Full color double vertical ad: Only $395 ( 3.25” x 5.6”) Space reservation: Tuesday, June 19 Material deadline: Friday, June 22 Final approval: Friday, June 29 Call The Nugget Newspaper at 541-549-9941 to reserve your space today! Want to take something home for the little ones? Toys •Games • Bath Games Breyer Horses • Plush Books • Art Supplies Groovy Girls Puzzles & More! D A E L P M The S Pap A er Place The fun kids store! 541- 549-7441 •171 S. Elm St. t 541-588-6614 290 E. Cascade Ave. cascadesothebysrealty.com/sisters/ Largest selection of greeting cards in Central Oregon!
