For 31-year-old Andrew Lussie, growing up in Chicago meant the closest and longest mountain boasted a mere couple-hundred vertical feet. In 2010, Lussie, a photographer and glass blower, made Colorado his home. Lussie has professionally worked as a glass blower for the last 13 years, but recently, has started to make progress as a photographer. Working for Winter Park for a few years helped Lussie find his inspiration. Now, he has branched out, and works independently on his passion for ski and landscape prints, through which he tries to establish a dream sensation.

Calling Lussie addicted to skiing and his art would be an understatement. He averages 100 days a season, with the majority in the backcountry – during which he always has a camera on his hip. Also, Lussie skies for Grace Skis and is an active member of Grand County Search and Rescue.

Skier Jeffrey Rowe airing it out at Winter Park. Andrew Lussie.

Because your main career was blowing glass, how did you get into photography?

It came about in a weird way. I have been a professional glass artist for the last 13 years. When I first started, I needed great photos of my work, but could not afford a professional photographer. As a result, I saved up and bought my own SLR camera and just started shooting. It was just a way to get images of my work out there. I really got sucked in to taking photos and really got into landscapes. From there my passion grew. When we moved to Colorado, I turned into a ski bum and started shooting on the mountain. I quickly realized I could combine two of the many things I love, skiing and photography. Also, some of the people I ski with have influence in the ski community and really started to help me branch off on my own. They are great skiers, and have been shot regularly really helping me to establish an eye for the shot.

Jeffrey Roe skis a chute at Berthoud Pass. Andrew Lussie.

How would describe your inspiration and who do you want to emulate?

Skiers and the beauty of the earth inspire me. In the photos I see a part of the earth that I've never seen and it makes me dream. It’s amazing how skiing can take us on these adventures, to parts of the earth you probably wouldn't visit without the excuse of skiing. Regarding photographers, I really look up to Grant Gunderson, Dan Carr and Eric Seo because they seem to capture ‘the dream’. 

"The Dream", one of Lussie's first landscape shots that he has sold. Andrew Lussie.

What are your goals as a photographer?

My goals as a photographer are pretty simple. I am constantly looking for the shot that people look at, and long to experience what is being captured. I definitely have goals as far as getting shots that are great for marketing, but that is really to pay the bills. The photos I like to take and the things we like to ski lend themselves to good marketing. We are always looking for things to ski that people usually don't but would like to ski. I try to capture that. It’s all about inspiring others and that is what inspires me. 

What is the Lussie style?

I really have no style. It’s about what I think looks great. A lot involves trial and error. Sometimes I think a shot will look awesome, I work very hard to get the shot, and it looks nothing like I pictured. On the other hand, sometimes it exceeds my expectations. My goal is to capture moments that make people fantasize.

Skier Jeffrey Rowe finding the white room near Winter Park. Andrew Lussie.

What would you say to other self-starting photographers?

Work ethic goes a long way, but creativity is a necessity. You need to be willing to put in the extra time, while also being patient. Always have the mindset to push your work forward while also being able to look to others for inspiration.

Skier Joel Bettner on top of Jones Pass. Andrew Lussie.

Where do you see the photography industry going in terms of style, equipment, etc.?

I see the industry progressing rapidly. For one, the quality of equipment is improving every year and the product reflects this. People are getting increasingly incredible shots. This inspires photographers to get out there and work harder. As a result, from the gear to the next, best adventure, this creates a self-perpetuating industry where we all push one another to get the shot that astounds.

"Our First Sunset". Andrew Lussie.

Never Summer Beauty. Andrew Lussie.

Lussie still finds the time for the steep and deep. Andrew Lussie.