Derrick Lytle | Outdoor Photography, Filmmaking, and Running

If you’ve opened up a trail or ultramarathon magazine or been on social media in the past few years, you’ve seen Derrick Lytle’s work. He specializes in time lapse photography and desert scapes, but he’s also frequently found clinging to the side of a trail getting a shot of your favorite runner.

derrick Lytle picture — Derrick Lytle – Ultimate selfie on the Arizona Trail.

In this interview, we talk first about his own running. Derrick has recently returned from an attempt at the 800 mile Arizona Trail, but came up short after Mother Nature forced him to change plans. This was his second attempt, and he sounds like he’ll be back at it again.

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As someone who has zero–nil, zilch, nothin–skill behind a lens, I asked Derrick about the art and craft of filmmaking a bit and we talked about the industry and how he goes about pitching projects and getting hired to make films. I’m fascinated by different roles in this industry and Derrick has an important one…and one I’ve often wondered about.

We talk about the low low female representation in outdoor photography (and filmmaking and podcasting) and what some of the causes may be. We also dive into a subject I wrote about last year, and that’s the increased (and dangerous) number of cameras on the course and how it takes away from the natural feeling of our sport. Is there a solution? Likely not.

Lots to talk about!

Derrick Lytle Episode Notes

Here’s Derrick’s most recent film with Cory Reese, Nicole Bitter, and Kyle Pietari. I think we can all agree that the part at 14:47 is the best portion of the film.
Here’s my post about cameras on the course.
Big thanks to SplatS Suncreen for sponsoring this episode. Whether you’re a runner or a parent who needs on-the-go sunscreen, check them out and enter ULTRA in checkout for a discount.
Here’s the movie about Mt. Marathon I referenced.
Here’s the Trail Running Film Festival I’m going to next week.
Here’s the lineup for Desert Solstice. Anyone got a couch or want to share a room? Let me know.
Here’s my Nerf site. Anyone want to play?
Alfredo’s A gets a solid five stars from Trip Advisor.
Intro music by David Rosales. Outro music by Matt Flaherty.