On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with award-winning mountain bike and events photographer Joe Wakefield for a conversation about creativity, belonging, community, and the stories that define mountain biking culture.

Based in Squamish, British Columbia, Joe has become one of Canada's most respected action sports photographers, known for creating images that capture not only the riding itself but the people, places, and culture that make mountain biking so meaningful.

Originally from England, Joe relocated to British Columbia's Sea to Sky corridor and quickly found something more than incredible trails and world-class riding.

He found community.

He found purpose.

He found home.

That experience continues to shape his photography today.

Rather than documenting mountain biking from the outside looking in, Joe photographs the culture from within. His work is rooted in participation, connection, and a genuine understanding of the people and communities he photographs.

From local trail builders and grassroots riding events to international freeride competitions and major mountain bike festivals, his images reveal the effort, passion, camaraderie, and progression that exist behind every ride.

His photographs balance action, environment, emotion, and storytelling, creating work that resonates with riders because it feels authentic to the experience itself.

Over the years, Joe's work has earned recognition on the global stage, including honors from Crankworx Deep Summer, the Sony World Photography Awards, the International Photography Awards, One Eyeland Awards, the 35 Awards Top 35 Photographers in Canada, and a shortlist selection for the prestigious Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA).

Tyson and Joe discuss the importance of documenting culture from within, the creative challenges of action sports photography, and why community remains at the center of everything he does.

In This Episode:

• Joe Wakefield's journey from England to Squamish, British Columbia
• Finding belonging through mountain biking and photography
• Documenting MTB culture from the inside rather than the outside
• The unique communities that define mountain biking in British Columbia
• Capturing movement, emotion, atmosphere, and landscape in a single image
• Stories from grassroots events, dig crews, and world-class competitions
• Lessons learned from photographing action sports professionally
• Recognition through Crankworx, Sony World Photography Awards, HIPA, and more
• Why storytelling matters as much as athletic performance

Joe's work reminds us that mountain biking is about more than trails and tricks.

It's about people.

It's about connection.

It's about shared experiences, progression, and the communities that form around a common passion.

His photographs preserve those stories while celebrating the landscapes and culture that continue to make British Columbia one of the most influential mountain biking destinations in the world.

This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of creativity, adventure, identity, and the responsibility that comes with documenting a culture you genuinely care about.

Whether you're a mountain biker, photographer, creative professional, outdoor enthusiast, or someone interested in storytelling through sport, this episode offers valuable insight into building meaningful work through participation, curiosity, and connection.

The strongest stories come from the communities we choose to be part of.

Follow Joe Wakefield
Instagram: @joewakefield
Threads: @joewakefield
Website: www.jbwphotos.ca

Featured Recognition

• Crankworx Deep Summer
• Sony World Photography Awards
• International Photography Awards
• One Eyeland Awards
• 35 Awards – Top 35 Photographers in Canada
• HIPA Shortlist