Shextreme.tv is incredibly excited and privileged to share The Mysteries film as part of our pop up film screenings in the French Alps this March, 2016. This beautiful short film documents the story of Australian adventure photographer Krystle Wright‘s wild life on the road as she fulfils a base jumping dream.
We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Krystle to learn more about her seriously inspiring career in adventure photography:
Is it harder to get started or to keep going when pursing a career in adventure photography?
It’s hard to separate the two different stages of a career as each present many challenges of their own. Getting started can be an uphill battle as it’s not an overnight success story. It’s many hard years of dedication, hard work and patience. Summoning the courage to believe in your work and that in the long run, it will pay off is a huge gamble but it’s also an exciting journey where I do miss the early days where life felt so much more simple. At the stage where I’m at now, it’s a wonderful reward to be recognized but there continues to be ebb and flow where times can hit hard where not much work is coming in and the question of whether this is the right path can be a frightening scenario. I absolutely love what I do and I hope to continue as long as I can but there are reality questions I need to remain aware of such as will I be able to support myself and potentially a family and if I get injured heavily, am I financially secure? For now I know that I am on the right path and continue to work as a freelancer and pinch myself when amazing opportunities continue to come my way as I believe so passionately that life is about experience and being an adventure photographer, I lead a life so rich of experiences.
What makes a memorable photograph for you?
With so many images out there thanks to the digital age, the one thing I notice even more is that there are many “pretty” photos but few great photos. The difference being that a great photo to me is a moment captured where it can be a combination of phenomenal light, a unique landscape, emotion, a high octane moment. Ultimately a great photo will stop you in your tracks and grab your attention and ultimately it’ll resonate with you for a long time. 
We get recognition for our successes but these are often created on the back of our failures. What setback have you been able to learn from? How did this change you and your creative process?
At the moment, I am dealing with a broken ankle due to a skiing accident in late January and it’s never fun to be injured as it forces me to stop. Learning to be still has been difficult as I don’t think I’ve ever really taught myself to properly switch off as my mind is continually working as I do feel guilty sometimes as a freelancer if I’m not always doing something with my time. It’s been great to actually find a few days where I could just enjoy being still.
From snapping high line walkers in Tasmania to scuba diving off the coast of Corsica, do you have tips when working in extreme conditions?
There are so many tips to give as there is so much going on such as keeping yourself safe and prepared for the right conditions. But perhaps the one piece of advice given to me that really echoes true is that you should always ask yourself, “Are you having fun?” Not in the sense that it needs to be easy and cheerful, but reminding yourself why are you there and is it a scenario that you are enjoying. Because if you’re not having fun then why are you there? I remember being in Alaska where I spoke up in the group as by day 9 of a 13 ski expedition trip, I stopped having fun. I felt this strong urge telling me I shouldn’t be there anymore and thankfully the others listened and we left. One of the ladies became extremely sick the following day with a kidney stone and thankfully we were now in reach of the hospital in Anchorage. The gut instinct is such an important instinct to listen to as it can save your life.
You’re on the road a lot for your work. What’s a typical happy day in the life of Krystle Wright?
I’d have to say that if I had my choice, my typical happy day would be rising early from the tent somewhere out in the wilderness and being disconnected from civilisation. I love the a day where I can pursue an adventure whether its climbing or submerging myself into the underwater world, but being outside and photographing and by the end of the day, collapsing into bed in an exhausted heap ready to do it all over again the next day.
Understanding camera technology evolves rapidly, right now what’s your favourite piece of camera kit to use and why?
That’s a tough one as it truly is evolving but I am just happy when I have my 5DSR with a fixed 24mm f/1.4 lens. I love having a simple set up that is relatively light but the amazing ability the combination has in helping me produce images with superior quality as I love blowing images up big!
Cross country flight in Hushé valley.
What is one question nobody has ever asked you about your adventure photography —that you wish they asked you?
I feel like I have been asked almost everything but I do love it when I am challenged. I’ve tried to steer away from cliche type answers and provide honest answers that showcases the whole range particularly admitting when things aren’t perfect as I feel like other’s appreciate that much more rather than trying to put myself out there as a perfect image. It’s great to feel challenged as that notion in turn helps me evolve and educate myself about what it is I seek in this lifestyle and passion.
