On this episode Tyson Martin sits down with photographer, writer, and action sports storyteller Izzy Lidsky for a conversation about creativity, skiing, mountain biking, photography, writing, and building a life around the stories that inspire us.

For Izzy, it all started in a darkroom.

Long before magazine assignments, brand campaigns, and bylines in some of the outdoor industry's most respected publications, she was a student learning photography through 35mm and medium format film.

Around that same time, another discovery changed everything.

Ski films.

The energy.

The storytelling.

The culture.

The sense of adventure.

Watching her first ski film opened a door into a world that immediately felt like home.

It wasn't just about the sport.

It was about the stories.

The people.

The places.

And the emotions that existed behind every turn, every climb, and every journey into the mountains.

Today, that passion sits at the center of everything she creates.

Based in Bend, Oregon, Izzy works as a freelance photographer and staff writer for POWDER Magazine, combining photography and writing to document the people, communities, and landscapes that define outdoor culture.

Her work bridges two disciplines that are often treated separately.

Words and images.

Photography and storytelling.

Observation and interpretation.

Together, they allow her to create work that feels both visually compelling and emotionally resonant.

Over the years, Izzy has collaborated with many of the most recognized names in outdoor and action sports media, including Red Bull Media House, Teton Gravity Research, FREESKIER Magazine, Sweet Protection, Outdoor Research, Hyperlite, Ripton Co., Curious Creatures, Trails Magazine, and Jackson Hole Snowboarder Magazine.

But despite the impressive client list, her focus remains grounded in authenticity.

The goal is never simply to create content.

The goal is to tell stories that matter.

Stories that reflect the people, places, and experiences that make outdoor culture so meaningful.

In this conversation, Tyson and Izzy explore the realities of working in modern outdoor media, balancing photography and writing, and the importance of staying connected to the passion that started it all.

In This Episode:

• Discovering photography through film and the darkroom
• The influence of ski films and action sports culture
• Building a career as both a photographer and writer
• Working as a staff writer for POWDER Magazine
• Collaborating with athletes, brands, and publications
• Storytelling through skiing and mountain biking culture
• Photography, writing, and finding your creative voice
• Navigating the realities of freelance creative work
• The evolution of outdoor media and storytelling
• Why passion remains essential to meaningful creative work

Izzy's work reminds us that the strongest stories often come from genuine connection.

Connection to a place.

Connection to a community.

Connection to the experiences that shape who we are.

Whether she's documenting athletes in the mountains, exploring remote trails, or writing about the culture surrounding outdoor sports, her work consistently reflects a deep appreciation for the people and places behind the adventure.

This conversation is an inspiring exploration of photography, writing, skiing, mountain biking, outdoor culture, creativity, and the realities of building a meaningful career in the creative industries.

Whether you're a photographer, writer, skier, mountain biker, filmmaker, outdoor enthusiast, or someone searching for your own creative path, Izzy's story offers valuable insight into what happens when curiosity and passion guide the journey.

Because the best stories aren't found by chasing trends.

They're found by following what genuinely moves you.

Follow Izzy Lidsky
Instagram: @izzylidsky
Threads: @izzylidsky
Website: www.izzylidskyart.com

Featured Publications & Clients

• POWDER Magazine
• Red Bull Media House
• Teton Gravity Research
• FREESKIER Magazine
• Sweet Protection
• Outdoor Research
• Hyperlite
• Ripton Co.
• Curious Creatures
• Trails Magazine
• Jackson Hole Snowboarder Magazine