Anna Burch | Photo // Ashley Rosemeyer

I was a bundle of nerves heading back to SLC for the competition. This was by far the largest event that I've ever shot, and I was overwhelmed with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But from the moment I arrived, any anxiety I had melted away. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, a testament to the unique vibe this event cultivates.

I was fortunate enough to be included in several mentor sessions put on by Anthology 42: The Michael H. Walsh Foundation. Mary Walsh, along with Ashley Rosemeyer and Stephan Jende, hosted a photo meet-up at the welcome party and 2 photo reviews between competition days. This level of support was invaluable, especially for someone like me, coming from the East Coast and diving head first into completely unchartered waters. Even though this is a snowboarding competition, it is an incredible opportunity for photographers. The Uninvited Invitational isn't just another snowboard competition; it's a movement. It's a prime example of the saying, "rising tides raise all ships." 

This event benefits all female snowboarders, not just the winners. It's about opening doors, creating opportunities, and pushing for equality in a sport that has been historically male-dominated. The competition shines a spotlight on the incredible talent of these women, making it impossible to not pay attention. The sheer athleticism and talent was breathtaking to witness. These riders were locked in, putting their bodies on the line every drop. But what struck me the most was the warmth and camaraderie in the in-between moments. Between runs, there were hugs, words of encouragement, and genuine stoke for one another. The positivity was palpable; it filled the air. You could feel the support radiating from every rider, organizer, and supporter

Normally, when shooting a snowboard competition, the focus is on capturing the action. And, of course, there was plenty of that. But some of the most compelling photos moments were the candid ones: the laughter between riders, bear hugs, shared excitement, and genuine connection being made. These moments capture the true essence of The Uninvited Invitational - a celebration of women's snowboarding, built on the foundation of respect, support, and unwavering passion. 

Follow Anna's Photography @annaburchphoto

Visit Anna's Website - annaburchphotography.com

Interview with Jess Perlmutter, Overall Winner of The Uninvited Invitational. 
Jake Sullivan

Himari Takamori & Jess Perlmutter // Anna Burch 

Hi Jess! Where are you at right now? 

Jess: Hi!! New Jersey, I flew back from Utah yesterday.

Right on. Well, first of all, congrats on winning The Uninvited! How was it?

Jess: Thanks! It was so much fun.

What was the course like?

Jess: It was similar to last year, but in the middle, there was a platform with a pole jam, but it was just mostly the same. The down rail, DFD, and stuff.

That out-rail you did the 450 off looked sick. It seemed like it was set up pretty good.

Jess: Yeah, it was really nice.

What was your favorite thing about the course? 

Jess: Probably the down rail or the dfd.

It sick to see you wearing a Spotheads shirt. You did last year too, right?

Jess: Yeah, I did both years!

Those are the best movies.

Jess: Yeah, they are so sick.

Who's your favorite Spothead? 

Jess: Probably Joey and Maggie. Who is yours?

Definitely Fern.
Have you done front board 450 out before? 

Jess: Only like twice 

Damn! That was a big one to step to for something you’ve only done twice. I was texting with Sihler during the event, and he was like Jess tried front board 450, she’s going crazy!

Jess: (laughs) That’s funny 

Then I looked up at the TV and you stomped it! So Sick.

Jess: Thanks!

Were there any differences going into the event this year after doing it once before, and doing so well last year?

Jess: Yeah, I was more prepared this year. The course was kind of similar, so practice was pretty chill. I was more nervous last year.

Well, I think it definitely showed in your riding this year how confident you were. 

Jess: Thanks!

How was it having Erin, Maggie, and some of the other girls from Darkside out there at the Uninvited? 

Jess: It was so cool! It definitely made me less nervous.

That's awesome, and I saw you got to take some laps with Erin and some of the girls the day after at Brighton. How was that? 

Jess: Yeah, it was so much fun. Brighton is so cool.

You had a crazy schedule last month. You went from Capita team week to Nationals, Bomb Hole Cup, and Uninvited. It must've been crazy doing all that stuff back to back!

Jess: Yeah, it was so cool. I got to skip school for a month! It was so good.

(laughs) That's so sick. Are you done with KMS for the year? 

Jess: No, I still have until May 1, I think. 

Aweome, so you'll be back up here soon.

Jess: Yeah, I think this weekend.

Nice, we gotta get some laps in before they shut Timberline down!

Jess: Definitely! 

What are your plans for the summer?

Jess: Just kind of chilling until Mount Hood. I think I'm gonna go out there for a while in June or July, for Capita week.

Awesome. One thing I like to ask all the Darkside team riders - Do you remember your first time coming into Darkside?

Jess: Yeah, I think I was going to the skateboard camp at the Killington shop. It was so fun. I just started skateboarding, and I would fall on my face all the time trying to drop in. Tucker was a coach, and he taught me how to drop in on the mini ramp.

Damn! That’s so sick you learned to drop in at Darkside. That’s where I first met you, skating the ramp years ago in the summer.

Jess: Yeah!

Well, Thanks for the quick call, Jess, and thank you so much for repping Darkside so hard. Stop by the shop when you get back to Killington!

Jess: Thank you! I will for sure!