From Skateboard Photographer to Corporate Photographer:

How It All Started: Skateboard Photographer

Here is the story of my journey through action and business photography. From skateboard photographer to corporate photographer. I began my photography career chasing skateboarders with a fisheye lens, trying to capture the perfect moment of peak action. I was the worst skateboarder of all my friends, so naturally, I became the filmer and photographer. What I didn’t expect was how the technical aspect of action photography was the best training for me to master photography and how it would set me up with a lifetime career that I LOVE as a corporate and commercial photographer.

One of my life and career highlights was being the in-house camera operator for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Richmond. Speed skating is one of the fastest sports in the world, and filming it requires a deep understanding of motion, precision, and storytelling. That experience solidified my love for action photography and set the stage for the work that followed. I also got to interview Wayne Gretzky! Who knew my humble start as a skateboard photographer would send me to the Vancouver Olympics and then that would turn into a very successful corporate photography career. From Skateboard Photographer to Corporate Photographer

Building an Action and Fitness Portfolio

Over the years, I built an extensive portfolio in action and fitness photography. Whether it was shooting professional athletes for brands like RYU and Lululemon or capturing the power and intensity of a weightlifter mid-lift for Strong Magazine, my focus was always on movement and energy.

I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible brands and organizations, including:

• BC Lions – Shooting CFL action shots and marketing campaigns.
• 2010 Winter Olympics – Capturing elite speed skaters in real-time action.
• RYU & Lululemon – Fitness campaigns showcasing athletic performance.
• Polar Watches – Lifestyle and performance-focused photography for fitness wearables.

These projects weren’t just work for me—they were my passion. There’s something about the raw energy of an athlete in motion that still excites me today.

Fitness Photography

Polar Watches

Rob Trendiak Action + Fitness Photography Portfolio

 

The Transition: From Skateboard Photographer to Corporate Photographer

Sports and action photography is my passion and Vancouver is an excellent market with major brands like LuluLemon, MEC, and Arcteryx headquarters located in Vancouver. More opportunities presented themselves with corporate headshots and in the industrial natural resource sector. Now that I have a family of 4, I needed to niche down and focus on creating a sustainable business and income for my family.

Corporate headshots and branding photography offered consistent work. Companies always need high-quality images to represent their teams, and I found that my ability to capture authentic, engaging portraits translated well to the business world. From boardrooms to industrial sites, I built a reputation for delivering professional yet dynamic images. I truly believe that my experience and passion for action photography enables me to stand out in the business world because I create bold memorable images compared to typical corporate stock photography,

Why I Love Corporate and Natural Resource Photography

I may have started in action photography, but I quickly found excitement in capturing real people in their work environments. My work in the natural resource sector, in particular, has been some of the most rewarding. Documenting professionals in high-stakes industries—whether it’s construction, forestry, or energy—brings a level of authenticity that reminds me of my sports photography days. The same principles apply: timing, storytelling, and capturing people at their best.

Some of my most fulfilling projects have included:

• Corporate headshots for Harbour West Consulting – Showcasing executives and professionals in Vancouver.
• Photography for Jan-Pro Canada – Delivering high-resolution branding images for one of Canada’s top corporate office cleaning companies.
• Corporate headshot for the Port Of Vancouver Fraser Port Authority – Headshots for their executives, board members and managers
• Industrial photography for Ashcroft Terminal – Documenting the people behind large-scale operations

These projects have allowed me to work with some of Canada’s largest companies, providing them with bold, creative images that help tell their stories.

 

What Happened to My Action and Fitness Portfolio?

If you look at my website today, you won’t see my sports and fitness work. Not because I’m not proud of it—but because I had to streamline my brand to focus on where my business thrives. I realized that showcasing too many types of photography can confuse potential clients. So, while I still shoot action and fitness when the opportunity arises, my website and marketing now center around corporate and industrial photography.

That doesn’t mean my passion has faded. If anything, my background in sports photography gives me a unique edge in business photography. I understand movement, expression, and how to capture authentic moments—whether it’s an athlete mid-stride or a CEO mid-speech.

I am still available for hire within the action sports and fitness photography world, so please do not hesitate to reach out!

Where Do I Go From Here?

The truth is, I don’t know exactly what to do with my action and fitness portfolio. I still love that work, and if the right project comes along, I’m all in. But for now, my focus remains on delivering high-quality corporate and industrial photography.

Maybe one day, I’ll find a way to blend both worlds again. Maybe I’ll carve out a space specifically for action photography in a way that makes sense for my business. Until then, I’ll keep creating—whether that’s headshots in a downtown office or capturing a runner’s stride on a mountain trail.

Final Thoughts: Passion and Practicality

I’ve learned that being a professional photographer isn’t just about shooting what you love—it’s about adapting, evolving, and finding balance. I’m proud of the work I do now, just as I’m proud of where I came from. Whether it’s action sports or corporate headshots, my goal remains the same: to tell compelling visual stories.

If you’re looking for a photographer who understands motion, energy, and authenticity—whether in an office or on the field—I’m always open to conversations. My camera is ready when you are.