Meet Kyle Sanguin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kyle Sanguin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyle, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from a lifetime of doing demanding but rewarding work. I spent 15 years as a wildland firefighter, with most of that time in crew boss roles. That kind of work teaches you to show up every day with focus, resilience, and responsibility—not just for yourself, but for your crew. In the winters, I worked in forestry, and for the past 9 years, I’ve been working as a backcountry ski photographer. That job requires a different kind of discipline—being self-motivated, planning for safety, adapting quickly in remote environments, and still delivering high-quality work. I also played high-level sports growing up—baseball, golf, volleyball, snowboarding—which helped build a strong competitive drive and taught me the value of preparation and teamwork. So for me, a strong work ethic is just second nature—something I’ve built through years of experience across physically and mentally demanding environments.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a backcountry ski photographer, and in the summer months I shoot luxury real estate. I’ve been shooting professionally for about nine years now, and I absolutely love what I do. My work is rooted in capturing real, raw moments in the mountains—especially in deep snow and remote terrain where everything has to be earned. It’s a blend of athleticism, creativity, and deep respect for the outdoors.

Before photography, I spent 15 years as a wildland firefighter—crew bossing for most of it—and working in forestry during the off-season. That lifestyle was intense, physical, and incredibly rewarding. But during that time, I was also caught in a cycle of partying hard on my days off, which eventually led to addiction to alcohol and cocaine. It took a real toll on my body and my life. I knew I needed help, and when I reached out, my family had my back. I’m grateful for that support. I went through treatment at a top-tier facility, got sober, and started the process of rebuilding my life.

That was over 10 years ago now, and sobriety has completely changed my path. After treatment, I decided to pursue something I was always passionate about—photography. I enrolled in photography school, and soon after graduating, landed a dream job shooting for Keefer Lake Catskiing. That kicked off my career in backcountry ski photography, which has felt like a perfect fit, especially since I grew up skiing and snowboarding.

Today, I’m focused on telling honest, human stories through my images—whether it’s the thrill of a deep powder turn or the stillness of a sunrise in the mountains. What drives me is connection—to nature, to people, and to the journey that got me here. Photography has become more than just work—it’s a form of expression, healing, and purpose.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, discipline, and having a strong sense of purpose. Resilience was key—whether it was during my years as a wildland firefighter, going through addiction and recovery, or building a new career in photography. Life has thrown some big challenges my way, and it was resilience that kept me moving forward, even when things felt overwhelming. For anyone just starting out, I’d say: don’t be afraid to face discomfort. Growth doesn’t happen when things are easy. Learn to get back up, ask for help when needed, and trust that persistence pays off.

Discipline has also been a constant thread throughout my life. Firefighting taught me structure, accountability, and the importance of preparation—and that transferred directly into my work as a photographer, especially in the backcountry where everything has to be earned. Sobriety also required daily commitment and focus. My advice? Don’t wait for motivation. Build habits, stick to the basics, and show up consistently—even when you don’t feel like it. That’s where real progress comes from.

And finally, passion and purpose have been the heart of it all. After getting sober, I realized I needed to pour my energy into something meaningful—and photography became that outlet. It gave me a creative purpose that aligned with my love for the outdoors. I think everyone benefits from having a ‘why’ that drives them. You don’t have to have all the answers right away, but if something lights you up, lean into it. That sense of purpose can be the fuel that keeps you going through the hard days.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m definitely open to collaborations and partnerships—especially with people and brands who are passionate about the outdoors, storytelling, and doing meaningful, creative work. I’m particularly interested in working with backcountry-focused brands, tourism operators, ski or snowboard athletes, and fellow creatives like filmmakers, writers, or other photographers who share a respect for nature and a love for authentic storytelling.

I’m also open to projects that explore themes around recovery, resilience, or mental health—especially as they relate to life in the mountains or the outdoor community. I believe there’s real power in using creativity to tell honest stories and spark conversations that matter.

If anyone reading this feels like we’d be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you. The best way to connect is through my Instagram @kylesanguin

Contact Info:

Image Credits

all mine

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