The Napapijri Bulletin is a monthly editorial project that tells the extraordinary stories of extraordinary people. Cultural adventurers, friends of the brand, modern explorers: each month, The Bulletin celebrates those who dare to abandon the known maps to chart unexpected territories.

On the road with Jonny Pickup

Last year, photographer and filmmaker Jonny Pickup joined our Cultural Adventurers on the Mongol Rally, documenting the unpredictable rhythm of life on the road. This summer, he's back behind the lens, joining our sponsored team during the Rickshaw Run Himalaya. We caught up with him before he headed into the mountains to talk about adventure, storytelling, and what draws him to these journeys.

Your work often sits at the intersection of adventure, documentary and human storytelling. How would you describe your creative approach today?

My creative approach is 100% driven by story. I’m a visual person in nature - to be honest I’m pretty obsessed with imagery - but it still comes second to story. You can have the most beautiful visuals, but if it’s not serving the purpose of a narrative, what’s the point? So first and foremost the creative purpose is driven by finding good stories that I find interesting and want to tell. Then I think about how to shoot it, a style, a feeling I want to create, and make a plan based off that- it changes a few times in the process - and then execute it as best I can. I do however have a bit of a personal bias towards adventure stories. I just love the excitement of trying to complete a mission with a team and the insane locations they so often take you to.

As a storyteller, what challenges and opportunities come with documenting an adventure that's constantly unfolding?

The only guarantee of filmmaking on adventures is that whatever plan you’ve made won’t work and will be tossed out the window almost as soon as you start. But ironically, once viewed through the lens of hindsight is often appreciated as the catalyst of positive change in the process and often source of the ever illusive filmmaking magic. You turn left instead of right and a whole new world opens up before you, one you couldn’t have foreseen, but with plenty of gold. You just have to surrender yourself to it. So it’s all about adapting and thinking on your feat, which if sleep deprived, as you normally are, can be tricky.

Your work often sits at the intersection of adventure, documentary and human storytelling. How would you describe your creative approach today?

My creative approach is 100% driven by story. I’m a visual person in nature - to be honest I’m pretty obsessed with imagery - but it still comes second to story. You can have the most beautiful visuals, but if it’s not serving the purpose of a narrative, what’s the point? So first and foremost the creative purpose is driven by finding good stories that I find interesting and want to tell. Then I think about how to shoot it, a style, a feeling I want to create, and make a plan based off that- it changes a few times in the process - and then execute it as best I can. I do however have a bit of a personal bias towards adventure stories. I just love the excitement of trying to complete a mission with a team and the insane locations they so often take you to.

As a storyteller, what challenges and opportunities come with documenting an adventure that's constantly unfolding?

The only guarantee of filmmaking on adventures is that whatever plan you’ve made won’t work and will be tossed out the window almost as soon as you start. But ironically, once viewed through the lens of hindsight is often appreciated as the catalyst of positive change in the process and often source of the ever illusive filmmaking magic. You turn left instead of right and a whole new world opens up before you, one you couldn’t have foreseen, but with plenty of gold. You just have to surrender yourself to it. So it’s all about adapting and thinking on your feat, which if sleep deprived, as you normally are, can be tricky.

What catches your eye when you're travelling with a camera?

As a photographer your photographic eye is constantly scanning. It’s a true joy. I’m always on the lookout for: light, composition, patterns, colours, repetition, and of course, good portraits! Good pictures are everywhere, great pictures are rare, so you best have a camera with you.

You worked with Napapijri during last year's Mongol Rally. This year you're joining the Rickshaw Run Himalaya. What made you want to come back?

Ha! It was an easy choice to work again with the best brand in the business! Who else is supporting two lads crossing the world’s tallest mountain range in a rickshaw! Very stoked to be involved.
But personally I love this type of filmmaking. Out on the road, getting lost, things going wrong, real adventure in remote location with like minded people.

What does the combination of filmmaking and travel give access to?

Filmmaking is a key. It opens doors to places you would never be able to go otherwise. It allows you to cross those thresholds and venture into the worlds of others and experience the most bizarre, the most beautiful, the most raw of what life has to offer. Not for all the money in the world could you buy those experiences as a tourist. It’s completely unique.

You spend a lot of time documenting places and communities around the world. What has travel taught you?

Honestly, I think the main thing is an appreciation of what you have and those you love. Traveling above all gives you perspective.

Finally, what does adventure mean to you?

Adventure is freedom. It’s such a cliche but it’s so true. Adventure is feeling free, and that’s all there is to say on that.

What does the combination of filmmaking and travel give access to?

Filmmaking is a key. It opens doors to places you would never be able to go otherwise. It allows you to cross those thresholds and venture into the worlds of others and experience the most bizarre, the most beautiful, the most raw of what life has to offer. Not for all the money in the world could you buy those experiences as a tourist. It’s completely unique.

You spend a lot of time documenting places and communities around the world. What has travel taught you?

Honestly, I think the main thing is an appreciation of what you have and those you love. Traveling above all gives you perspective.

Finally, what does adventure mean to you?

Adventure is freedom. It’s such a cliche but it’s so true. Adventure is feeling free, and that’s all there is to say on that.