Aaron Sami

January in Chamonix

Aaron Sami
January in Chamonix

Two years ago if you had asked me would I want to do a ski season in the French alps and not work for three months, my answer would have been ’um, yes, where do I sign up’. But the reality of it happening? Nothing more than a pipe dream.

Fast forward a year and a visit to Austria for a weekend of riding with good friends, who happened to be working in a chalet, we knew we had to live this life, because yolo right? A few months later we had locked a 5x5 metre shoebox right next to the gondola for three months. We had visited Chamonix the previous Christmas and absolutely loved it. 

I write this in reflection (currently March and we have 4 weeks left here) but a ski season is something that you can’t possibly regret. Whether a seasoned weekend warrior, beginner, or never even seen snow - it can be a life changing experience.

I can already hear the ‘oh you’re so lucky I wish I could do that’ - but seriously, if you really want it, it can be done. That applies to anything in life. We worked hard, and saved the best we could while still living in London and not turning into hermits. Financially things just worked out, any stresses or doubt we had are instantly forgotten on a bluebird powder day. 

Enough of the rambling and on to why you really clicked the link. Snow and mountain porn, in no particular order! 

I love creating images that speak to me.

I grew up in a small town that nobody really knows about, Levin. Spent a good ten years in Hamilton making some of the best friends anyone could have. And now I’m living, working and playing in the city of Auckland, New Zealand. Also a small country that people have trouble locating – I’m looking at you America!

Life is about stories, and that’s what I love to capture and document. My shooting style is unobtrusive. You may be a natural in front of the camera, or have no idea what to do but before we even start I’ll make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed.

Things I love: Travelling to wherever I can, my partner Monita, homemade burgers, wood fired pizzas, the smell of rain on a hot summers day, mountains, the snow, sunsets and sunrises, star gazing, natural light, the aesthetic of wood, crashing waves and day dreaming.