I am a product photographer and retoucher with 10 years of experience creating high-quality imagery that strengthens brand identity and drives revenue. I combine meticulous attention to detail with integrated AI tools to streamline editing workflows and deliver impactful, visually compelling assets efficiently. I thrive on collaborating with clients to plan shoots, source locations, and translate creative ideas into polished visuals. My work spans freelance photography, photojournalism, and editorial roles for brands and publications like Vital MTB, Pinkbike, and NSMB, with clients including OneUp Components, Reserve Wheels, Crestline Bikes, North Shore Billet, and Maxxis Tires.

AJ Barlas

I am a product photographer and retoucher with 10 years of experience creating high-quality imagery that strengthens brand identity and drives revenue. I combine meticulous attention to detail with integrated AI tools to streamline editing workflows and deliver impactful, visually compelling assets efficiently. I thrive on collaborating with clients to plan shoots, source locations, and translate creative ideas into polished visuals. My work spans freelance photography, photojournalism, and editorial roles for brands and publications like Vital MTB, Pinkbike, and NSMB, with clients including OneUp Components, Reserve Wheels, Crestline Bikes, North Shore Billet, and Maxxis Tires.

Available to hire

I am a product photographer and retoucher with 10 years of experience creating high-quality imagery that strengthens brand identity and drives revenue. I combine meticulous attention to detail with integrated AI tools to streamline editing workflows and deliver impactful, visually compelling assets efficiently.

I thrive on collaborating with clients to plan shoots, source locations, and translate creative ideas into polished visuals. My work spans freelance photography, photojournalism, and editorial roles for brands and publications like Vital MTB, Pinkbike, and NSMB, with clients including OneUp Components, Reserve Wheels, Crestline Bikes, North Shore Billet, and Maxxis Tires.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Photojournalist/Editor at Vital MTB
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2016
Conducted research on subjects before photo shoots and planned dynamic and unique photo sessions; pitched photo stories to editors; covered major events and photographed high-quality images for digital projects; photographed products to highlight key features in reviews and articles.
Freelance Photojournalist/Editor at Pinkbike
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Conducted research on subjects before photo shoots and planned dynamic and unique photo sessions; pitched photo stories to editors; covered major events and photographed high-quality images for digital projects; photographed products to highlight key features in reviews and articles.
Freelance Photojournalist/Editor at NSMB
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2021
Conducted research on subjects before photo shoots and planned dynamic and unique photo sessions; pitched photo stories to editors; covered major events and photographed high-quality images for digital projects; photographed products to highlight key features in reviews and articles.
Content Manager/Tech Editor at Pinkbike
December 31, 2016 - December 30, 2017
Edited and proofread content for accuracy and readability; approved, reviewed and edited content flowing to the website; prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact; curated content across social media platforms; coordinated with developers and designers to ensure websites are user-friendly and SEO optimized; collaborated with writers and editors to deliver high-quality content; conducted editorial meetings with staff.
Freelance Product Photographer at OneUp Components
June 18, 2026 - Present
– Lead the creation and post-production of product and campaign imagery used across e-commerce, advertising, social media, email, and print channels. – Collaborate with marketing and product teams to translate campaign objectives into compelling visual content that supports product launches and brand storytelling. – Own end-to-end photography workflows, including shoot planning, capture, retouching, colour correction, compositing, and final asset delivery. – Maintain a consistent, high-end visual standard across all customer-facing platforms in alignment with brand guidelines.
Freelance Product Photographer at Reserve Wheels
August 8, 2025 - Present
– Lead the creation and post-production of high-end campaign, lifestyle, and product imagery used across digital advertising, social media, print, and web platforms. – Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to develop visual direction for brand campaigns, translating concepts into cohesive photographic executions. – Capture and refine imagery that communicates performance, precision, and premium craftsmanship within the cycling and performance sports space. – Own full production workflow, including shoot planning, studio photography, retouching, colour correction, and final asset delivery. – Maintain a consistent, elevated visual standard aligned with a premium brand identity in a competitive performance market.
Freelance Product Photographer at Crestline Bikes
February 19, 2026 - Present
– Produce and refine high-end product and marketing imagery for use across e-commerce, advertising, social media, and print channels. – Execute complex studio photography of bicycle frames, utilizing advanced lighting techniques to accurately showcase design, materials, and craftsmanship. – Perform detailed retouching, compositing, colour correction, and image optimization to ensure premium visual presentation across all customer-facing platforms. – Partner with their team to develop visual assets that support product launches, brand campaigns, and ongoing marketing initiatives. – Manage end-to-end image production workflows, from concept development and capture through final delivery and asset preparation.

Education

Graphic Design Education at Langara College
August 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009

Qualifications

Automotive Photography Workshop
January 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021
Battle Tested Retouching
January 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Other