Ming is an award-winning photographer, director, and real estate professional based in North Lake Tahoe. A former mountain guide, he blends outdoor expertise with a deep passion for storytelling. His imagery has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, National Geographic Adventure, and Powder Magazine, and he received Powder’s Photo of the Year in 2018 and won the Whistler Blackcomb Deep Winter Photo Challenge in 2019.

In addition to his creative work, Ming helps clients find mountain homes that foster connection and outdoor living. Fluent in Mandarin and a FAA-certified drone pilot, he brings a unique combination of cultural versatility, technical skill, and adventure experience to every project. Living in Tahoe with his wife and two boys, Ming is dedicated to preserving the region’s natural beauty and inspiring others to embrace the mountain lifestyle.

Podcast Interviews


Awards

2018 Powder Magazine Photo of the Year
2019 Whistler Deep Winter Challenge Winner

Featured In

Backcountry Magazine feature (2x)
Adventure Sports Journal feature
Adventure Magazine

Clients

ALL GOOD BRAND, ALPENGLOW SPORTS, AMERICAN PISTACHIO GROWERS, ARCADE, ATOMIC, AWAYCO, BEST DAY BREWING, BILLY STRINGS LLC, BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT, BURLINGTON YOGA, BURTON, CLIF BAR, DEAD WINTER CARPENTERS, DRAGON ALLIANCE, EDDIE BAUER, ETNIES, EVO, FAVRE-LEUBA, GIRO, GOGGLESOC, HANAH LIFE, HANDOUT GLOVES, HEMP FUSION, HESTRA GLOVES, HIGH CAMP, ICE AXE EXPEDITIONS, INKWELL, INTUITION LINERS, JNTO (JAPANESE NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION), JONES SNOWBOARDS, KARAKORAM BINDINGS, LA SPORTIVA, LE BENT, LEKI POLES, MOJO VISION, MONS ROYALE, NOW BINDINGS, O’NEILL, onX GPS, PATAGONIA, POC SPORTS, PROTECT OUR WINTERS, RAD POWER BIKES, RED BULL, REI, RYLO, SALOMON, SDBX STUDIO, SHRED DOG, SMITH OPTICS, SPECIALIZED, SQUAW VALLEY SKI RESORT, SWATCH, TAHOE CITY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT, TAHOE CONSERVANCY, TEPUI, TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH, THE NORTH FACE, THIRTY-TWO, THULE, UNION BINDING COMPANY, VAIL RESORTS, WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, WNDR ALPINE, YETI AND MORE.

Publications

ADVENTURE SPORTS JOURNAL , AKA SKIDOR, ALPENGLOW PUBLISHING, ASCENT BACKCOUNTRY SNOW JOURNAL , BACKCOUNTRY MAGAZINE, BACKLINE MAGAZINE, DIGGIN’ MAGAZINE, FALL-LINE MAGAZINE, FORECAST SKI MAGAZINE, FREESKIER MAGAZINE, MEN’S HEALTH EUROPE, MOONSHINE INK, MOUNTAIN GAZETTE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE, NEW YORK TIMES, OUTSIDE MAGAZINE, POWDER MAGAZINE, ROAM, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, SBC SKIER, SKI CANADA, SKI MAGAZINE, SKIALPER, SNOWBOARDER MAGAZINE, STANDUP JOURNAL, TAHOE MAGAZINE, TAHOE QUARTERLY, TAHOE WEEKLY, TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH, THE SKI JOURNAL, THE SNOWBOARDER’S JOURNAL, VERMONT LIFE MAGAZINE AND MORE

Ming founded a media production house and creative agency driven by a passion for storytelling that inspires outdoor exploration and advocates for the preservation of pristine, wild, and beautiful places. As much as we love what we do, we see our work as a way to promote environmental stewardship and celebrate nature’s raw beauty—while delivering meaningful value to our clients and audiences. We do this because we can’t imagine doing anything else.

Drawing on a wealth of experience, Ming and his team strive to deeply understand the wants and needs of clients, models, and end consumers. This insight allows us to craft authentic, compelling content—whether telling stories of individuals, brands, or adventures—that inspire audiences to explore, connect, and step outside their comfort zones. We specialize in directing dynamic crews in challenging mountain environments for raw, adventure-driven stories, yet we’re equally comfortable in studio settings for polished productions.

Our approach has opened doors to collaborate with renowned companies such as American Pistachio Growers, Burton, Clif Bar, Eddie Bauer, Evo, Favre Leuba, Hemp Fusion, Hestra Gloves, Japanese National Tourism Organization, Jones Snowboards, Keen, O’Neill, Patagonia, Protect Our Winters, REI, Salomon, Smith Optics, Specialized, Swatch, Tepui, The North Face, Vail Resorts, and many more. We are proud to operate out of Tahoe City, overlooking the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe, California.

We believe that all of us have a responsibility to use our talents to create socially and environmentally conscious products and initiatives that make a positive difference. We look forward to partnering with you to tell your brand story and help meet your goals.

At the end of the day, Ming is happiest at home in Tahoe with his wife and friends, enjoying the simple joys of mountain living and shared connection.

Learn more about Ming

Ming Poon is an award-winning photographer, passionate adventurer, and licensed Realtor serving the Tahoe region across California and Nevada, including Reno. Based in North Lake Tahoe, his work is fueled by a deep love for the mountains, wilderness, and community—driving him to capture breathtaking imagery in some of the most remote and stunning landscapes worldwide.

With a background as a mountain guide, rock climber, snowboard mountaineer, and FAA-certified drone pilot, Ming combines technical expertise, resilience, and artistic vision to reach challenging environments and craft compelling stories. His photography has earned prestigious recognition, including Powder Magazine’s Photo of the Year, and his work has appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic Adventure, Powder, and many other leading publications.

Beyond his creative pursuits, Ming is dedicated to helping clients find more than just a house—he specializes in connecting people with homes that embody the spirit of mountain living and outdoor adventure. As a trusted real estate professional licensed in both California and Nevada, including Reno, he offers local expertise and personalized service in a market he deeply understands. Whether seeking a mountain retreat or a vibrant community, Ming is committed to guiding clients toward properties that inspire and ground them.

Living in Tahoe City with his wife and two boys, Ming is passionate about preserving the pristine landscapes of the region and fostering resilient, close-knit communities. He believes that a home is a sanctuary—a place to create lasting memories and live your best life amid nature’s beauty. With authentic storytelling and a genuine commitment to service, Ming looks forward to helping you find your place in the mountains and craft your own outdoor legacy.

Mike Lorenz, art director, Backcountry Magazine

“A photographer’s job isn’t just to push a button, it’s to find the story, then figure out how to artistically and accurately compose, expose, and capture that story—often times in a matter of seconds, clinging to an ice covered ridgeline. Ming does all this, consistently delivering work on time that exceeds expectations.”

Jeremy Jones, professional snowboarder, founder of Jones Snowboards and Protect Our Winters.

“Ming was my go-to riding partner for years before he picked up a camera because of his mountain skills, motivation, and up-for-anything attitude. Watching him dive into photo and video projects has been awesome to see. His commitment to the craft, coupled with his ability to get a camera to places few can get to have made him a go-to cameraman for me.”

David Reddick, director of photography, Powder Magazine

“Ming’s creative vision is innate, but it’s his work ethic that sets him apart. He’s sent me more sunrise photos than every other photographer combined. That takes work. And dedication. And a desire to Get The Shot. He’s also fun to talk to, easy to work with, and one of the nicest guys you’ll meet.”

Adrian Ballinger, founder Alpenglow Expeditions and big-mountain athlete

“Ming joined me on my attempt to climb K2 without supplemental oxygen in Pakistan. It was a difficult environment—snow, rain, long days with big mileage, high altitude—and the client expectations of capturing assets in the harshest conditions were high. Ming exceeded all expectations. His creativity and willingness to put in the hours to get the shot were super impressive, especially considering the big trekking and climbing days necessary to keep up with the team. Equally important, Ming is a fantastic person to have on a team. He’s fun, compassionate, and always goes above and beyond to do his share of the work.”

Cody Townsend, professional skier and Arcade Belts co-founder

“In the outdoors, the best photographers can get their cameras to places few other people in the world can. Ming is just that guy, as skilled in the mountains as the people in front of his lens, which allows for a type of photography rarely seen from others.”

Andrew Tiner, Eddie Bauer marketing manager

“Working with Ming feels more like partnership than anything else. He brings ideas and vision to the table and greatly elevates the production. From logistics to creative to communication to capture, Ming is fantastic to work with on all elements of production. He slept in a hypoxic altitude training tent for weeks before an expedition to the Himalaya, and nobody wants to sleep in those things. But Ming was all about taking the necessary steps to have his best performance for the project.”

Ian McIntosh, professional skier

“Ming Poon has that natural eye for photography that just can’t be taught. It’s that natural instinct mixed with his unwavering passion and incredible work ethic that make him such a force. When Ming is coming on a trip, I know that we’re going to get tons of amazing images, that no opportunity will be missed, and that we’re going to have a great time. He’s a true pleasure to work with and someone who I would travel to any corner of the globe with.”

Jonny Burhop, producer, Rylo

“Ming Poon can take a creative brief to new heights (literally). Not only does he deliver great photos, but he’s always on time, on budget, and a pleasure to work with.”

Jon Klaczkiewicz, vice president of production, Teton Gravity Research

“Ming’s not shy about going the extra mile (sometimes literally) in challenging environments, putting in the work and effort it takes to elevate a composition from good to unforgettable.”

Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, professional skier

“When you’re in the mountains, it’s all about group dynamics and the cohesion of your team. Working with Ming Poon is the perfect example of that cohesion. He approaches the mountains with excitement, motivation, and a focus on working together. His photography is a reflection of this balance, capturing stunning, authentic moments.”

Christina Lusti, ACMG mountain guide and professional athlete

“The professionalism and positive energy Ming brings to the mountains is contagious. His artistic eye and technical skills in the mountains allow him to capture the beauty of people and their surroundings.”