Check Out Petar Dopchev’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Petar Dopchev

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my journey in 2008 when my twin brother and I left our home in Bulgaria to spend a winter in Colorado. The experience was transformative, filled with energy, freedom, and a sense of humility that hooked me instantly. Snowboarding was just the beginning; it opened the door to a variety of adventure activities that became a significant part of my life. I felt compelled to share these experiences, which led me to pick up a camera and start my career in photography.

During my early years in the United States, I frequently moved between Colorado and Cape Cod, MA, chasing snow and spending time by the ocean. It was lifestyle rich with experiences and connections. After a few winters in Vail, I realized it wasn’t quite the place for me. Taking a friend’s suggestion, I loaded up my minivan and drove to Crested Butte in 2014. I fell in love with the town and have been here ever since.

Today, I thrive as a Creative Director, managing projects that span photography, video, web design, and online marketing. It’s a challenging role, but I enjoy pushing myself to grow and adapt.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to becoming a freelancer has been far from smooth. I’ve taken on a wide range of jobs, from shooting dogs on the beach to being involved in big-budget productions. Like any new photographer, I initially shot anything that came my way. It took several years before I could make photography my full-time career. During that time, I worked various jobs in the hospitality industry and carried my camera everywhere, seizing every opportunity to play around and create images.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is deeply influenced by my love for the outdoors. I specialize in capturing the raw emotions and dynamic moments of action sports and outdoor activities. The excitement of witnessing human achievement, the joy of success, and the lessons learned from failure are all elements that I strive to convey through my photography. While I also take on commercial projects, my passion lies in documenting the extreme and the adventurous.

One of my proudest achievements was having my photos purchased by Patagonia for their marketing campaigns. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to a brand that aligns with my values and aims to make a positive impact.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is running around the meadows with my twin brother on the outskirts of our hometown. We would explore the woods, build campfires, and enjoy simple meals of grilled bacon and fresh tomatoes. Those were the carefree days, which instilled in me a love for nature and adventure which is still alive and inspires my work today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://petardopchev.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petar.dopchev/

Image Credits
Chris Garren – jumping with camera in hand
Brandon Clifford – wetsuit and beanie on the beach
Emilee Gaebler – ski shot
Lyubomir Dopchev – Twins
Emilee Gaebler – walking and holding a kite
Sadie Thimsen – on the sup