Leon Butler has spent 15 years capturing the raw energy of adventure, from high-stakes action sports to epic destinations and world-class events. Originally from the Isle of Wight but shaped by years in New Zealand, Leon now calls Whistler, BC, home—right in the heart of the action sports world. His photography isn’t just about the moment; it’s about the story, the emotion, and the connection between people and the wild places they push their limits in. This gallery is a glimpse into that world—where adventure and the human spirit collide.
We caught up with Leon and asked him a few key questions
What has led you to choose the outdoors as a subject matter, mainly snow?
Growing up on the beautiful Isle of Wight instilled in me a love of nature and a passion for exploring the outdoors. Once I finished my studies, I embarked on a ski season in the Alps—which quickly escalated into more than 20 ski seasons around the world. During this time, snowboarding was at its peak and beginning to explode as a sport. The anti-establishment culture, the freedom, the style, and the personalities were all so raw and wild—it really appealed to me as an alternative to the standard route through life.
I became obsessed with big-mountain snowboarding and backcountry splitboarding, which was emerging. I had a short stint as a freeride snowboarder, which taught me how to work with brands, but it also reignited my passion for photography, many years after studying it. Capturing the mountain sports culture was a no-brainer for me—my experiences provided a unique perspective on photography.
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What are the main challenges?
There are many challenges, and more keep appearing. The two that frustrate me most right now are:
1. The ghosting culture that the digital world has bred. I can spend countless days or weeks putting a pitch or project together, only for communication to go dead at the other end—without even a courtesy email.
2. Securing regular paid work. Social media has been a helpful tool, but it has also allowed people to call themselves ‘photographers’ without ever learning the skill of running a business. The result? A flood of people offering to work for free, which has undercut the profession. Free work is excellent for gaining experience, but it should be for the right causes—like non-profits and personal projects. If you’re not learning from experienced professionals, you’re missing key skills. I always recommend that up-and-coming photographers find a mentor who can teach them how to be a businessperson first and foremost.
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What is the primary reward?
It sounds simple, but being part of people’s stories and helping them achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. I also love taking an initial client idea, bringing the right people together to make it happen, and being part of the wild creative process that unfolds. There’s no better feeling than nailing a brief and seeing a client stoked with their deliverables.
The rest of the feature can be read in the digital version of Ski & Snow 2025
