Being the first woman to compete in the annual Deep Winter Photo Challenge doesn't seem to make a difference to Whistler photographer Robin O'Neill.

"I just hope I do a good job," she said.

For the photo challenge, O'Neill and the five other chosen pro photographers are given three days to shoot in-bounds around Whistler and Blackcomb mountains to capture athletes hitting powder-filled bowls, ripping down the slopes and enjoying Whistler's infamous après scene.

On Saturday (Jan. 15,) the challengers show off their best shots in a slideshow set to music for a packed audience at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for a $6,000 prize and the title of King or Queen of Storms.

Joining O'Neill for the challenge are 10-year veteran of ski photography, Ilja Herb; accomplished snowboard photographer, Tim Zimmerman; Whistler local, Blake Jorgenson; Snowboard Canada photo editor, John Scarth; and up and comer, Andrew Strain.

But O'Neill doesn't sound like she's sweating the competition much when talking about the event.

"It's been top of mind for sure the past couple days," she said. "But I've been scouting around, getting my equipment lined up, making sure I'm able to stay warm for the three days shooting."

Originally from Toronto, O'Neill first began delving seriously into photography while working on cultural exchanges and projects abroad.

"I was doing community-based development work in places like Guyana, Africa and Cuba," she said. "While there I found myself in fairly unique situations that not everyone gets to experience. I wanted to understand the cultures. So, I explored these situations through pictures."

Upon returning to Canada, O'Neill used the photographs to raise money for further efforts in Zimbabwe, before setting her sights on the West Coast and photography school in Victoria.

"I came out west in the summer and worked tree planting," she said. "I also worked at Sun Peaks as well as an organic farm."

Soon, she found herself in Whistler, and with the career she had always wanted.

"I came to Whistler to ski," she said. "I was working doing massage, but I injured my fingers and was looking for some work. I saw Whistler Blackcomb was looking for a part-time photo editor, I showed them my portfolio and they hired me."

The part-time job quickly became full-time, and O'Neill's reputation as a professional outdoor/lifestyle photographer spread in the resort.

"I've developed good relationships, too" she said.

In the past four years, O'Neill has struck out with her own commercial photography business, providing images for lululemon athletica, Men's Journal, Tourism Whistler, and Whistler Blackcomb, as well as covering the 2010 Games for Bell Canada.

"I like the variety," she said, regarding the things she enjoys photographing most. "I like the mountains. But I like exploring people and the social documentary aspect."

There's only one aspect of the Deep Winter Photo Challenge she doesn't relish, though.

"I'm not looking forward to having to speak in public," she said. "I'm looking forward to the process. I'm looking forward to getting out in the snow. It'll be fun, for sure."

Catch O'Neill and five other pro photographers as they show off their three-day efforts on Saturday (Jan. 15) at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for the Deep Winter Photo Challenge. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $17 and can be purchased at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations beside the Whistler Village Gondola or by calling 1-800-766-0449. Get your tickets early because the popular event sells out fast.