Meet Nate Castner | Action Sports Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nate Castner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nate, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved documenting action and adventure. I remember using the family camcorder in middle school to film my friends skateboarding and compiling videos of our successful tricks. Around 15 years passed before I really re-inspired this passion when I moved to Boulder, Colorado. While keeping my eye on gig sites like Craigslist to find opportunities in my new city, I saw a post by a professional runner who was seeking a photographer/videographer to help him support his social media. I jumped at the chance and over the years developed my skills in shooting fast moving sports, learning the social media game, and found that there was a huge opportunity to help support athletes pursue their passion through creation of exciting content. Not only did I watch the athletes I work with grow their following, but this following also attracted opportunity and sponsorship opportunities, which helped further fund both their pursuits and mine. I’ve been doing action sports media for over 6 years now and feel so grateful that I have a career that I love, am passionate about, and helps to support my family.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think at the core, what sets me apart from the others is my ability to get the shot in challenging situations. A lot of the content I shoot with athletes is me riding along side with my bike, hanging out of a moving vehicle, or sometimes running along with, often in extreme situations like the country roads in Kenya. I’m passionate about researching equipment, settings, filming techniques, and post production tools to ensure I’m ready no matter what the situation. I also work on my physical fitness and recovery to ensure I’m in the proper shape to execute the project. I have a high attention to detail and the ability to multitask in demanding situations. Finally, I’m extremely passionate about what I do, so I’m willing to work hard, put myself out there, and create opportunities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A lot of athletes visit Boulder for the views, beautiful workout locations, and to plug into the culture here, so I’d recommend checking out some of the legendary workout locations many of the pros frequent: Magnolia Road, Rollinsville, or any of the hiking trails that create a web through the foothills. You’ll get incredible views and a good workout. If you’re looking for a long ride, head up Left Hand Canyon to Ward, go south on Peak to Peak highway to Nederland, and descend into Boulder. Once you’re back in town, Pearl Street has a ton of great food options. My favorite spot is Pizzaria Alberico! Spend the day bumming around town, hanging out by Boulder Creek, and finish up at Lost Gulch Overlook for an epic sunset!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife Anna has been a tremendous supporter of my journey in growing my action sports brand. We run a wedding and portrait photography studio together, and while we were growing that, the action sports started as a side project. That side project grew over time, but also took away some of my time and energy with her and with our primary business. It also often took me away from home, traveling to places like Colombia, Kenya, and around the US for training camps, races, and other opportunities with athletes. She has always been a huge support and believer in me and my dreams, even when all of the time and energy investment wasn’t exactly profitable, but that’s a huge part of growing a business, believing in what you want to achieve and riding through the difficult times.

Website: https://www.mountaintechne.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtn_techne

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-castner-1b605892/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountaintechne

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mtn_techne