JACKSON, Wyo. — This Monday, local photographer Keegan Rice was named the winner of Arc’teryx Academy’s Outer Peace Photography Contest.
Rice’s submission, “52 Hours to AK” featuring his cousin Kerry Clark, was captured in Alaska in 2019. He expressed that having this particular photo win was special in itself because its subject has been an influential figure throughout his life.
“[Kerry], his brother Liam Clark, and their dad Kerry Clark are the biggest influences in my life as a snowboarder. It all began with them teaching me as a kid in Vermont. It was so cool, all those years later to be in Alaska on a dream trip with someone that has been there from the start. It’s only fitting that Kerry is the subject on the photo that won,” said Rice.
Additionally, the reasoning behind the photo’s title was an ode to this trip taken with his cousins two years ago.
“We drove from Driggs to our destination in Alaska in 52 hours, only stopping for gas! This photo is definitely my favorite shot from the whole month-long trip,” said Rice.
Rice noted that the photo was captured in the late spring around 8 p.m., and really encapsulated all the elements that he aims to display in his photography.
“I think it’s just a really grand photo. The timing of the sunset up in such a beautiful place like Alaska, and then the rider my cousin Kerry who was doing the perfect turn, and a lot of moments coming together for that. It just stood out to me,” said Rice.
It is evident in his work that Rice is a well-seasoned photographer, but surprisingly his photography career didn’t truly take flight until 2016. Originally, Rice saw photography as a hobby and passion, but over time it developed into something that is now his career.
“I’d grown up with a huge love for photography and learned a lot about photography from my dad and mentors and just thought it was the coolest thing. I always really appreciated art and all mediums and formats of art, but photography was my favorite and most accessible to me,” said Rice.
Living in Jackson was a major catalyst for Rice’s photography career, and he attributes much of his success to the influences of the local community and the stunning environment that surrounds him here.
“Jackson has inspired me to shoot more photos. If I wasn’t in Jackson five years ago I probably wouldn’t be a photographer. Something about the landscape and the people that come here has been a huge part of what inspires me to shoot photos,” said Rice.
This year’s contest centered around the theme of “Outer Peace.” All ten submissions were to reflect each artist’s interpretation of this theme.
Of this theme, and of his art in general, Rice explained that he always intends to convey a story through his photography.
“What I aim to do with my photos is tell any story, whatever the story is I want to try to do my best to capture feelings and sometimes the feelings aren’t peace, sometimes they are the complete opposite, like turmoil against you and nature. Moreso, just providing an honest story in a creative and artistic way,” said Rice.
Rice also expressed how truly honored he felt that he was included in a contest alongside some of his greatest mentors and inspirations.
“Being invited to this competition was really cool. The event coordinator reached out and I felt really honored because I was amongst some of my favorite photographers. Of note, Jared Spieker is a close friend of mine who has always pushed me in photography. He’s someone I’ve looked up to for a really long time,” said Rice.
“To find myself in a photo competition with all these legends, I was just so honored to be a part of it.”
