Hannah Childress’ Deep Summer Photo Contest: As An Athlete
Photo credit: Hannah Childress, @childress_hannah
By: Rebecca Beaton
This summer I was given the opportunity to participate as an athlete in Hannah Childress’s Deep Summer Photo Contest Entry. Hannah was the only female photographer on the panel and her vision was to tell the story of female camaraderie in the sport.
On our first run down, we went at a decent pace, stopping at anything we wanted, to look at lines or any features. Then on the second run down we rode at a faster pace without any stops to get an idea of racing the trail. I left feeling strong and ready for the next day.
Deep Summer: Photo Shoot Vision
"I’ve always been passionate about telling stories that highlight female athletes in the mountain biking industry. When I applied to compete in Deep Summer, I knew this was the story I wanted to tell. My goal was to feature an all-female athlete crew—a concept I couldn’t find in any previous work by other photographers. I wanted to showcase athletes at different stages in their careers and highlight the camaraderie among them. This was especially important to me because, as women in this sport, we often don’t receive the same opportunities. Building a supportive community of women can help navigate tough times and provide a positive focus for our energy and goals on.", said Hannah when asked about her vision for the shoot.
Photo credit: Hannah Childress, @childress_hannah
The Process of the Photo Shoot
Hannah built a team of about 10 different female athletes of various ages. We had 72 hours to create a five minute slide show tell the story of our shoot. We shot sunrise to sunset for three days. It was exhausting and exciting.
Photo credit: Hannah Childress, @childress_hannah
Making Connections
What made this experience particularly special was the connections I developed with the other athletes. As females, we share an understanding of the challenges we face in the sports world. In a group of female athletes, the feeling of need to prove one’s self that often exists when riding with men, fell away. This camaraderie allowed Hannah to create images that were not only visually striking but also deeply authentic. The trust and mutual respect for the other riders, some who I have known for years and some who I’d never met, enabled Hannah to create authentic images. It wasn’t just about getting the perfect shot; it was about telling a story that resonated with us all.
Representation Matters
By being part of this contest, I was able to contribute to a broader narrative that women belong in every aspect of mountain biking. I hope that young girls who see the images of my friends and I will be inspired to pick up a bike—or a camera—and know that they too can be a part of this world. It’s about showing that gender doesn’t define our capabilities; our passion, skill, and dedication do.