There’s just something about Idaho. For those inclined to notice its beauty, the Gem State will unfold for you in so many dramatic and breathtaking ways. John Webster is no stranger to that feeling. In fact, he’s made a thriving career out of it.
A born and raised Idahoan, Webster has always been a fan of the outdoors. From snow sports to whitewater and everything in between, he can often be found traveling across the state, in search of the next big adventure to shoot.
“I have had a camera in my hand, to an extent, since I was in my late teens,” Webster explained. “An early inspiration was rifling through snowboard and surf magazines. I was enamored by these wild action shots of athletes making huge powder turns or simply the lifestyle of the sport. Still to this day, extreme sports magazines and videos motivate me and there’s plenty of eye-catching content that encourages me to get creative.”
Despite the power and energy that his photography and videos emanate, Webster usually finds himself looking for the little details, always seeking ways to tell the story of what it’s like to be small in such a big world. Standing beneath an immense mountain, the chill of wind and snow biting your face. Gazing up at the towering sentinels of the forest, dramatic Cedars and hulking Tamaracks. Feeling the formidable pull of whitewater rapids on a long and winding river.
“Documenting friends and athletes in the wild has always had its place in front of my lens.” He continues, “Being a fly on the wall, documenting a journey, and capturing the realness of what is happening in front of me is very much a category of photography that has been close to me.”
Finding space in the vastness of nature and catching those moments on film is a skillset that has earned Webster an abundance of coveted and well-deserved awards, including Gold Prize Winner of the Muse Creative Awards, Grand Prize for the Cascade River Gear “Capture the Raptor” contest, and many more. Webster has also been featured in the top 250 of the Red Bull Illume Awards multiple times, a contest that receives upwards of forty to fifty thousand entries a year. “Honestly, I am very proud that I have been in the top 250 four times running. You’re in this elite, extreme photo competition with photographers you’ve seen get magazine covers time and time again,” Webster shared excitedly. “A goal of mine is to be in the top 50 or a category finalist in the Illume, that is the next step.”
When he looks toward his future, Webster plans to focus on passion projects and to challenge himself with different styles of shooting including conceptual portraiture, photojournalism, and more studio work. “I want to invest more time into personal projects, things my audience hasn’t seen, nor have I really expressed that I am interested in.” Whatever Webster does — whether he’s feeling the pull of the wild or developing a studio portrait, we’re on board. Stay tuned for what comes next!
To see all the exciting things Webster has in store, follow his adventures on social @johnjwebster or visit him online at webstermediahouse.com.