DIG PHOTO DAILY
REPO: 3RD LAIR JAM
There’s not a lot of options when it comes to riding during the winter months in Minnesota. When everyone can get together and ride it’s usually a real good time, though. A few weeks prior to the contest Aaron, the kid who organized the contest, hit me up to see what I thought about a contest going down at 3rd Lair. I figured it would be a good idea just because the park I usually hold a contest at during the winter closed up shop in the fall, and that only left two or three options for places to have it. Fast forward a few weeks and there were sponsors for the event, a flyer and a date. Fast forward to that sunday and all the people who could make it were rolling into the park. The sponsors were real generous and there was a ton of product to hand out.
The contest got under way at 3 p.m on the dot with the beginner/intermediate class. To be honest, I spent the majority of that time with Reed Stark shinning random people and the kids riding with our laser pointers. There was some pretty solid riding from the kids and it went smooth. Little Josh is a kid who rides from where I am from that has been shredding for about a year. With some experienced coaching from myself, and a few others he landed himself the top spot. I didn’t catch the names of the others who got top spots.
After the kids rode, the expert/pro class kicked off. With names like Dustin Griess, AJ Haines, Jared Hudalla, Pirate BMX (Nick Krausher sp?) and Evan Moyle riding it was bound to be a good show. I pulled the camera out and started shooting what I could without doing too many laps running around the park trying to keep up. If any of those names ring a bell, then you wouldn’t be surprised to know there were some bangers thrown as you can see from the pictures.
I believe Jared took the top spot for that which was a good thing. Jared ended up snapping his frame and that was first place. Perfect.
Moving on, there was a open jam for anyone who wanted a go at the giant step up/euro for best trick. That’s where I got most of the photos for this since it was pretty easy to keep up. Plenty of bangers went down like Dustin Griess’ front flip, AJ Haines’ back flip turndown and basically anything that came out of Jared’s bag.
Follow that up with a quick game of foot down and you have a smooth running contest.
Overall, the contest wasn’t the biggest but it was still fun. I’m pretty sure everyone walked away with a prize even if you were just a spectator. Plenty of fun riding before, during and after the contest went down. I even had the chance to film a few clips with Midwest web video famed Erik Elstran that will be popping up in the next few hours or so… I’d like to say thanks to everyone who showed up to ride and chill, Aaron for organizing everything, the sponsors, 3rd Lair and Minnesota in general.
I posted some scrap photos from this on BMXunion as well if you wanted to see more!
Edit: Here are those clips of Erik I mentioned above…
More BMX >>
Words, photos and video by Kurt Hohberger
REPO: BROOKLYN BANKS JAM
“As pretty much everyone knows by now, the Brooklyn Banks are about to get shut down for up to five years due to necessary repairs that need to be done to the Brooklyn Bridge. Steve Rodriguez, owner of 5Boro skate company, has been working with the city to minimize the time the Banks are closed. In an effort to show the city how many people use the banks and get a little media coverage about the situation, Steve held a rally/jam for the Banks this past Saturday and invited everyone who uses the banks to come out. Despite the temps being in the 30’s, the turnout was pretty awesome, from a shitload of BMX’ers, and skaters, to even roller skaters and freestyle walkers. A big thanks goes out to everyone who showed up.”
-RD
SHOOTER: GREGORY DICKSON
Photo: Erin Anderson
Name: Gregory R. Dickson
Age: 28
Location: Northern IL
How long have you been shooting? Off and on for about 8-9 years. 4-5 years of serious shooting.
Film or digital? Film is awesome, there’s no feeling like getting photos back and having them turn out, but digital is good because of the way our “instant gratification” lifestyle is.
Did you go to school at all for photography? Nope. I have a couple friends that have gone to school for photography and they have given me tips and helped me along the way. The trial and error way is always fun. I learned a lot using film and that was expensive, but taught me a lot.
What’s your camera bag setup? Tamrac expedition 8, Canon 5D, Sigma 15mm 2.8f fisheye, Canon 50mm 1.4f, a really shitty Sigma zoom lens, 2 Sunpak 544 strobes both on quantum 2 batteries, 2 Vivitar 285 hv strobes on quantum 1 and +1 batteries,
Best thing you’ve ever shot? I havent shot that photo yet.
Favorite riders to shoot with? Tom Dugan (Dang Dang), Lil Jon, Jeff K, Joe Rich, any trail rider, anyone who goes high, rides smooth, and has a good attitude.
Dream riders to shoot with? Brian Yeagle, Joe Rich, Brian Foster,
What do you tell security when the try to throw you out of spots for taking picturess? I havent really had too many problems with security yet, but i’m sure it’ll happen sometime.
Favorite BMX photographers?Rob Dolecki, Walter Perringer, Ricky Adam, Ed Docherty
You recently moved to Illinois after living in Austin, Texas for a while. What made you make the switch?
Austin sucked. It’s awesome for 2 weeks tops. I met a lot of good people there, but theres no way to avoid BMX down there. It’s everywhere. If i’m not riding or looking at something BMX related, I don’t really think about it. After Austin I was in Arizona for 6 months and it was just time to come home. Illinois will always be home base. There’s no place like home.
Since your brother is a sponsored skater, I know you get into shooting that stuff to. What do you feel is the biggest difference between shooting BMX and skateboarding?
BMX is fun but from being into bmx for so long it’s kinda stale. When you can tell what a rider is gonna do just by how they are positioned, it’s boring and predictable. Skateboarding is always different and new.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Growing up means giving up. As long as I can pedal and have fun I’ll be 16 forever.
Where can we see more of your work? www.flickr.com/gregorydickson
SHOOTER: GUILLAUME PAYEN
Name: Guillaume Payen
Age: 27
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
How long have you been shooting?
I really got into BMX photography since June 2009 but I have been taking tourist pictures for 2 years now.
Film or digital?
I am into digital for the simplicity but I’d like to shoot medium format one day.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use?
My dear Nikon D300 follows me everywhere. I have a 18-200mm Vr, a 10-24mm and a 50mm for portrait. I have 2 SB900’s as well and a reflector if needed.
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to shoot with?
My dream camera is right now the Nikon D3s. ISO 12800. WTF!
How do you go about setting up a shot?
First composition. I fight with the environment to find a good angle and to set my flashes. I often have a headache at that moment. The rider is always welcome to give his point of view. Then action!
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I would say 6 months ago when I took my first BMX picture with a real light set. Some stuff happened there. Like the wall/puzzle to 180 from Jocke. It was the first real BMX picture that I ever took and I am still proud of it.
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
Definitly my friend Jesper Stern. I start to guess how he will pull a trick. He is the best model that a photographer could dream of and he is a good rider too. He had some pretty bad falls after asking him, “Can you do that again?”. Thanks Jesper.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly Dig magazine, Ride Uk, National Geographic and photo exhibitions.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
Pamela Anderson doing a bunny hop over Tommy Lee disguised in a giant hot dog is something that I still dream about. After this fantasy happens, any rider that is motivated and has patience for a shoot.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking photos?
Not experienced that yet. Stockholm is pretty calm.
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
Walter Pieringer.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Somebody gentle and open minded if I have to grow up even more.
What else do you like to shoot?
Photojournalism and portraits.
Where can we see more of your work?
I’ll have a website soon but for now my Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/29176231@N04
SHOOTER: COOPER BROWNLEE
Name: Cooper Brownlee
Age: 28
Location: Melbourne, Australia
How long have you been shooting?
Probably for abound six years. Like everyone else in BMX, I was just messing around shooting photos of my friends while out riding and it grew from there. And damn it’s addictive!
Film or digital?
I started shooting with film as the digital revolution hadn’t really happened yet. I guess it was harder to learn but it was still fun. I moved into the digital world about four and a half years ago and I haven’t looked back. I know people say that film is the best, and that might be true, but there’s nothing like going out riding with your friends, having a real rad day shooting a few photos then being able to check them out that night and send them straight over to your friends for them to see. I love that! It also makes doing a magazine and website work a lot easier and viable. I probably couldn’t do what I do now if it weren’t for digital.
What is your camera bag looking like these days?
It’s packed full and because I film as well, it’s stupid heavy!
Nikon d700 body
5 Pocket Wizards
Nikkor 16mm fisheye
Nikkor 50mm 1.4
Nikkor 80-200 2.8
4 Vivitar 285 hv Flashes
Sony VX2100
Death Lens
Bescor 50watt light
Cords and Batteries etc…
What’s your dream set up to have?
I am pretty stoked on what I have photography wise, but I would maybe like a 24mm lens for more landscape stuff, and I guess a D3X body but, like I said, I’m stoked on what I have and I can’t see myself changing anytime soon.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
Wow, this is probably the hardest question ever! It’s possibly impossible to answer it. The photos I have chosen to go with this article are my favourite shots that I have taken but I honestly couldn’t narrow it down.
Favorite rider to shoot with?
This is a hard one too! Anyone that I ride with is easy because they are all keen to shoot photos and the guys also understand the setting up process. In saying that, I love shooting anyone that is keen to get a photo.
Dream rider to shoot with?
There isn’t anyone in particular. Like I said, anyone who is keen to get a photo is fine by me. You don’t have to be shooting the most amazing rider to get a good shot. The surroundings are just as important to me.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pictures?
Most of the security in Australia seems pretty switched on when it comes to us shooting near them. They are usually pretty cool with it and will just tell us to move on. The other day I was setting up to shoot a photo of Liam Fahy-Hampton and we were getting hassled. I told them I was just shooting a friend of mine in front of this piece of “art”. Little did they know that he wanted to jump off it. It sort of worked until they decided to hang around and wait, which shut us down.
Favorite BMX photographer?
I like a bunch of guys’ work. Ricky Adam is dialed –I remember back when I was growing up and getting into it all his fisheye shots got me stoked! Dudes like Jeff Zielinski, Rob Dolecki and Walter Peringer also have some rad stuff, then there’s Dan Vojtech from the Czech Republic who does some amazing work also..
You do a lot of work for Colony right? What exactly do you do over there?
I shoot all the photos for Clint, as well as all the art direction for the brand. I’ve been doing it since the start of the year and it’s so fun! Just yesterday I saw a couple of riders at a park with forks that had stickers I had designed on them, then a young kid on a complete also with stickers I had done. That sort of thing gets me so stoked and really appreciated my job. Thanks, Clint!
Focalpoint is an Australian based magazine you produce right? What’s that all about? Is it more of a side project with all the stuff you have going on now days?
It’s a free BMX magazine that we do here in Australia and it’s both printed and online. It’s definitely not a side project though! I probably work on FP more than anything else I do, along with Colony (of course) and a few other projects that keep me super busy. But I enjoy being this busy!
We have a really good scene here and a bunch of good riders. One decent magazine just wasn’t enough to help expose more riders and help to bring our community together.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next year or two?
I would like to push forward with a few things over at Colony and to just keep helping the Australian BMX Scene grow. As I said, it’s definitely a rad scene so come check it out!
I’m also keen to keep shooting more than ever! Not just BMX, but a bunch of other aspects. I like to travel and do road trips, which gives me some good opportunities to shoot more and varied things.
Anything else you want to say?
Thanks to Dig! Clint at Colony, all the contributors and readers of Focalpoint, everyone I ride with and my family. Love it!
I guess if you wanted to see more photos that I have shot check out OneLoveOneLife.net and FocalpointBMX.com
REPO: FLUFFY MEMORIAL CONTEST
On Saturday September, 26th there was a contest held in memory of Matt “Fluffy” Sundquist who recently passed away. Matt was a local at the Mankato, Minnesota YMCA park, and a friend of everyone who rides and works there. Kyle Stark took the initiative to organize the event and pull together a few sponsors for prizes. I personally flew back from Interbike the night before just to make sure I could be there to help judge the AM class, and just be there to see everyone.
The turn out was awesome. There were at least 50 riders who showed up to partake in the contest and just to hang out and ride for the day. The scene in Minnesota is real strong. It seems like everyone knows everyone, or is into saying what’s up to somebody they don’t know. I think Matt’s family was very impressed with what they were seeing when it came to the riding and just general people there to support the memory of their son.
Prior to the contest there was a moment of silence held for Matt. It was hard for a lot of people to keep their composure, and it really hit hard. Matt’s family said a few words and then released balloons.
Shortly after the contest got underway, the AM’s took to the ramps first and rode well, kids like little Josh who is 11 caught everyone off guard on their potential. Immediately after the AM’s were the expert class. They were going nuts with huge wall rides, flips, whips, and spins. Guys like AJ Haines, Reed Stark, Wyatt Kreel, Pirate (If you don’t know who that is… you are missing out.), Justin Dewitt, Cal, and Mini Mark were on it.
After that, there was a pretty wild long distance jump contest for some red rims from Sun Ringle. The tape measure was maxed out before it even got used, and it was almost scary watching these guys huck themselves at mach 5.
Overall, the contest was more of a really fun session, with prizes for the guys who pushed it. Everyone had a lot of fun, and it was cool to get everyone together since it’s a rare occasion. I’d like to thank everyone who made the event possible, and Deljon Willis for running the mic. I can’t wait till the next time we can all get together.
R.I.P FLUFFY!
Words by Kurt Hohberger
Photos by Ben Austin
SHOOTER: BRANDON MEANS
Name: Brandon Means
Age: 15
Location: Temecula, California
How long have you been shooting?
I’ve been shooting for about a year and a half now. My grandpa was always into photography and gave me one of his old cameras to use. I’ve been hooked on it shooting all the time ever since.
Film or digital?
Right now I’m almost all digital. I try to sometimes mess around with my friend’s film cameras but don’t get the chance to very often. I really want a couple film cameras just to mess around with but digital will always be what I use when I need to get a shot. You can’t beat the immediate review time on a digital camera even if film cameras definitely have better quality.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use?
My setup consists of a Nikon D70 (yes, I need to upgrade), Sigma 10-20 mm wide angle lens, Nikor 18-55 lens, Sunpak 444d and 422d flashes, SB-600 flash (hardly ever use this when I go take BMX shots because of how windy it is in Temecula and how expensive the flash is), and a Vivitar 285 flash. I also have Alien Bee’s triggers but since I only have 3 triggers I can only use 3 flashes at a time. Lastly, some light stands and tripods, umbrellas, and a DIY Beauty Dish my friend Anthony made for me.
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to shoot with?
Anything better than my D70! If I were to have anything like a D300 or Cannon 5D Mark I’d be very satisfied. I’d also like to get a Leica film camera to mess around with.
How do you go about setting up a shot?
Normally someone calls me up asking to go ride and get a shot. I then either pack up all my stuff and ride with two backpacks, tripods, and light stands all insecurely attached to myself or bike to a spot (or someone picks me up in a car which is 10x easier). Once we arrive at the spot I normally ask the rider what trick he wants to shoot which a lot of the time depends on the angle I should use. After we figure out this I pick an angle, unpack all of my gear and set up however many lights is necessary to light up the spot and rider in a proper manner. I then set up the lights, do a couple test shots, and then it’s go time!
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
Well, like many photographers that are still learning a lot of new things everyday, every time I go out and shoot I feel like my shots get better and better so I can’t really pin point the best thing I’ve ever shot. But, whenever I go riding with Mikey Babbel or Bryan Babbel I’m always bound to get something good.
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
Pretty much anyone I decide to shoot with is because I enjoy riding and shooting with them. Some of these people include: Mikey Babbel, Bryan Babbel, Darrin G, Taylor Fuller, Parker Lindow, and Kevin Wieshbruch.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I’m subscribed to a lot of BMX mags, surf mags, and skate mags. Even though I shoot BMX mostly I can look at shots from any of these magazines and get ideas and inspiration from them. Even when I’m in a car or just walking around I can look at possible spots and think about how I would shoot a trick there. Photography has definitely made me appreciate simpler things in life like how the sunsets and clouds which all can make or break a photograph depending on the concept you are trying to put out.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
I’ve yet to have the opportunity to shoot and ride with any big names or pros so pretty much anyone that is sponsored by a well known company would be pretty cool. Off the top of my head some riders I’d like to shoot are Eric Lichtenberger, Nigel Sylvester, Chase Hawk, Brian Foster, and Garret Reynolds.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking photos?
I always try to be as calm as possible with security because in reality, we’re usually not supposed to be riding the spot that we’re at. If you act chill and don’t make a scene the person that confronts you will usually be cool and let you have another go or just tell you to leave. On occasion you get the idiot that thinks he owns the world and has the right to treat you badly, this is the only time I ever lose my cool with security because it really bugs me. Unless someone your riding with acts stupid and tags a spot then gets everyone caught, but that’s a story to long to tell everyone about…
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
All of the big names: Jeff Z, Ryan Fudger, and Keith Romanowski. But I also just came across this guy from the Czech Republic named Dan Vojtech who’s now definitely my favorite BMX photographer.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’d love to work in the BMX industry or music industry just because those are the things I love doing and are most passionate about. But, I know there’s a lot of other people that’d love to be working in these industries as well so going to college and getting a degree in some sort of engineering (or photography) is something I’d be fine with doing as well.
What else do you like to shoot?
I also love to shoot portraits and lifestyle shots. Anything that deals with having to set up strobes is normally what I’ll be into. I’ll shoot an occasional landscape shot as well. Surf photography is always something I’ve been interested in doing but underwater housing and huge telephoto lenses isn’t something I have money for right now. Maybe someday though.
Where can we see more of your work?
Hopefully I’ll have some sort of website up and running in the near future but for now I post all my best work on my Flickr at: www.flickr.com/brandonmeans
SHOOTER: TOMMY VERROCHI
Name: Tommy Verrochi
Age: 16
Location: Oakhurst, NJ
How long have you been shooting?
The first time I picked up a camera was on a vacation to Italy five years ago, I picked up my uncle’s 35mm and was hooked. I was off and on for a while and then I went to a flea market where I bought a Minolta Maxxum 5. But I’ve been shooting seriously for about 2 years.
Film or digital?
Both mediums have their strong and weak points. The quality you get out of film is hard to achieve with any digital camera. But you can’t beat the turnaround time with digital. I pick up my digital more than my film cameras so if I had to choose it would be digi.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use?
On the digital side of things I have a Nikon D200 body, 10.5 fisheye and a 50mm. Film wise I use a Hasselblad 500cm with 150 and 30mm lenses. And I light the scene with two Sunpak 622’s and a 120j. I also have various other things like Pocket wizards, a light meter and an Olympus XA2 for point and shoot shots.
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to shoot with?
Maybe higher end digital cameras like a D700 or 1DS mark something. There is also a humungous Polaroid camera that’s about four feet tall or so, but that’s a bit of an unrealistic goal.
How do you go about setting up a shot?
The first thing I do is ask the rider if he’s down to shoot something or what trick he’s planning on doing. From there I set-up my flashes and start collecting my thoughts on an angle to shoot from. Once I have everything all planned out I place my flashes and meter the scene. Then I take a test shot, move my flashes around and take another. Finally I’ll compose it, ask the rider if he’s ready and release the shutter.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
Technically it would be the stuff that’s been printed. But I would have to say my most recent work. Every picture that I’m happy with seems to be better than the last so I can’t really choose.
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
Anyone that is cool, I hate it when people get pushy and try to boss you around, Trey Jones defiantly is a cool dude to shoot with, Cranmer as well.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Multiple sources, I look at photos all the time and think about how the shot was setup. When I see a film that has awesome riding it also inspires me. When I watch any sort of riding video I think, “If I was there how would I go about capturing it?” When I see people in person shooting and then see the photo ending up somewhere whether the medium be print or web that also sparks motivation for me to shoot.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
-Someone who goes big and has an abundance of bike control, Chase hawk or Mike Miller strikes my mind first.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
I haven’t run into any problems photo wise. Riding it depends. I’ll usually just apologize and leave, or ask for another go. But if someone is a dick to me I’m probably going to give him a hard time. I’ve only gotten like that once or twice; I try to be chill to everyone.
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
There’s way too many to name. A few that stick out are Jeff Z, Walter Perringer, and Rob Dolecki. But there is easily five more that I didn’t name that have a huge impact on me.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would love a job related to photography, and my ultimate goal is to work in the BMX industry. I’ll choose a job that I’m happy with and I can have fun doing over higher pay somewhere else.
What else do you like to shoot?
BMX is what I’m into the most, but I love shooting portraits and candid/point & shoot images.
Where can we see more of your work?
I update my flickr: www.flickr.com/tommyv with almost anything I shoot, and I recently created my site www.tommyverrochi.net it still has a couple bugs I need to sort out but should be 100% soon.
SHOOTER: JOEL PILOTTE
Name: Joel Pilotte
Age: 18
Location: Sarnia, Ontario CA
How long have you been shooting?
I’ve been shooting for around 2 years now. I’m starting to take my photography a lot more serious now than I used to and i’m always trying to improve when im shooting.
Film or digital?
Both. I usually shoot digital when it comes to actions sports such as BMX. I do tend to get out the old film camera and goof around with it. It’s just really expensive to shoot seriously with.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use?
At the moment I have a Nikon D40 body with an aftermarket Grip, 18-55mm lense, 55-200mm lense, and the 10.5mm f/2.8 fisheye lense. As far as lighting equipment I use 2 SB-600 Flashes and an old film flash. I sync them with Paul. C Buff Cybersyncs and I mount my flashs just on cheap tripods at the moment. My film body is a Fujica STX-1n with a 50mm. I’m always buying new gear so the list will always keep on growing.
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to shoot with?
I wouldn’t mind shooting with a full frame body, like a D3 or D700, with a bunch of good lenses. I also would like an old hasselblad film camera with some lenses.
How do you go about setting up a shot?
I usually like to go a bit earlier to the spot than the rider. I like to picture the shot and everything before they get there. Once the rider arrives they will usually take some warm-up runs depending on what there doing, while I setup my flashes and everything. Then I ask the rider what they are looking for in a shot and I am always open to riders to tell me if they have any ideas or changes they want to make, then we start shooting until both our needs our met.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
That’s a tough one. Probably being able to go to Toronto for the Metro Jam and shooting and hanging out with the riders was definitely a good time. I would like to shoot more events like that but not to much of that going on in Southern Ontario.
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
Any of the locals in my area are really all chill dudes that just love to ride. Some of the guys I shoot with are Jalen Pickard, Eli Taylor, Martin Moskal and Dakota Monk are a few. They all love the sport and there always stoked when I come to shoot. They sometimes get frustrated when I need them to do the trick a few times, but they usually always like the end result.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get most of my inspiration from magazines and talking with other photographers in the industry. My friends and family aren’t as passionate about photography as I am, so sometimes it’s hard to ask them questions because they usually don’t know the answer. I met Mike Zinger awhile back, and he’s been a huge help with my photography and he’s always open to any questions I have. Other than that, just browsing the Internet helps as well.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
There are a bunch of riders I dream about shooting. One of them would be Aaron Ross. He just seems like a chill guy with a love for BMX. There are alot but naming them would take forever.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Around here we usually don’t get too much grief from security or police. But it has happened. I usually just tell them that we are almost done and we’ve been working all day, so they will say ok and we keep going. Haven’t had any big problems though.
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
There are many that I look up to. If I had to pick I’d say Mark Losey, Jeff.Z, Ryan Fudger, Keith Mulligan and Mike Zinger. I just enjoy seeing what kind of shots they will take next and I learn off them a lot.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to be a photographer, but I will probably end up doing it as a side career and hopefully be living in an area like Greenville with a bunch of talent to shoot.
What else do you like to shoot?
I like to shoot skateboarding from time to time. I am going to be hopefully doing some band promo shots for some of the local bands. I go to concerts when there on in my city and I take some pictures. I hope to get into maybe some nature shots as well.
Where can we see more of your work?
As of right now, I only have a Flickr website, www.flickr.com/photos/joelpilotte
I hope to have a website sometime in the next year.
SHOOTER: DANIEL KELLEGHAN
Name: Daniel Kelleghan
Age: 21
Location: Chicago, Illinois, US
How long have you been shooting?
I’ve been shooting seriously for about fours years now.
Film or digital?
Right now, I"ve been shooting a lot of digital because of the ease of use and convenience. I shot a lot of film last year and I loved it. However, I already have the camera and lenses for my digital, so I might as well just use them. Digital equipment is more expensive to buy all at once, but is cheaper in the long run due to film cost and processing cost. I also like the flexibility of using photoshop to edit my photographs in a timely manor.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use?
I have a Nikon D300 w/battery grip, NIkon D50 (backup), Nikon 50mm 1.8, Nikon 18-200mm 3.5-5.6, Tokina 10-17mm fisheye 3.5-4.5, SB-800 flash, (2) SB 600 flashes, Ebay remote triggers, Giottos tripod with ball-head, 2 cheap flash tripods
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to shoot with?
Probably one of those Hasselblad digital backs. Those things have phenomenal quality and only cost upwards of $20,000! I can dream, right?
How do you go about setting up a shot?
Well first off, when I’m shooting BMX, someone always gets the lucky job carrying my tripods to the spot. People are normally really cool about this, which is a huge help. I have to carry a big heavy bag, so carrying more equipment is out of the question. Once we actually get there, I scope out the spot and feel out if I should get a wide, normal, or telephoto shot. I then try to find a spot that shows how big the trick is, but also is good artistically. A lot of times good photos might not do a trick justice, and vice-versa.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I shot and wrote an interview for Sam Schlappi for Session BMX Magazine about a month ago. It was incredibly fun just going around to these random places I’ve never been before and shooting photos of this great rider. He’s a rider who does a lot of original tricks and this made him really interesting to photograph. I got to find out a lot more about him and we just had an overall good time. Thanks for those pizza puffs Sam!
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
I’m not sure that I have an absolute favorite rider to shoot with. Matt Ward, Sam Schlappi, Chad Ament, and Cody Lumpkin are all great riders and I always get some decent photos when I’m with them.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
As far as BMX goes, I get inspiration from Zielinski, Fudger, Dolecki, Romanowski, and tons more.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
I think it’d be great to shoot with the whole Fit team. I mean honestly, I don’t think it gets better than that. If I had to chose only one, then I’d probably pick Aitken before his injury. He’s got so much style and he’s a legend.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Normally I try to be calm if they’re calm. A lot of times if you try to keep things under control and talk to them, you can actually convince them to shoot more at a spot. I’m not a fan of being an asshole to security in general.
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
I’d have to say Zielinski. He’s the man!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Well, I’m kind of grown up right now. I’m about to finish my last year of college studying photography and then I hope to do something at least photo related. BMX, band, and editorial photography are probably going to be what I end up doing the most and what I would like to do the most. My dream would be to travel around the world to take photos. I’m working towards that goal 
What else do you like to shoot?
I really enjoy shooting photographs in downtown Chicago where I live. The lighting down here is always interesting and the way the light hits certain spots while it’s weaving in and out of buildings is very interesting to me. I also enjoy shooting mountain bike photographs and landscapes once in a while. Live bands are also fun once in a while, especially when it gets you in for free!
Where can we see more of your work?
I have a website: www.eye2eyephotography.net Click on my personal site on the homepage to see more of my work.
SHOOTER: SAM KING
Name: Sam King
Age: 17
Location: Guildford, Surrey, UK
How long have you been shooting?
Just over a year now.
Film or digital?
I’d love to get into film at the moment, but digital is what I started out using. Once I have some more money then I’ll definitely invest in some film stuff, probably something medium format.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use to shoot?
Just your standard stuff to be honest. I use a Nikon D200 body, with a Nikkor 10.5mm, Nikon 50mm f1.8, and an old Nikon 35-105mm f3.5-4.5. Then 3 flashes and some radio triggers and thats about it I suppose. Not the most exciting set up, but it works for me.
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to play with?
If I had the money right now, I’d splash out on a D3 and tons of lenses, or a nice Hasselblad, but it shouldn’t really matter what camera you use. A good photographer could use a £30 camera from Tesco and make a picture look good.
How do you go about setting up a shot?
Normally scope around for a decent angle depending on the trick, try not to get an arse shot, decide what focal length I’m going to use and how I might light it. Then I set up my flashes so I get a nice look and a decent rim light for separation. Fire off a couple of test shots and change the flash power, or in camera settings if need be, then shoot the actual photo.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I really don’t know. My opinion on my work changes all the time. I look at photos I shot a few weeks ago and hate them, but at the time I was so into them, so I guess it’s my most recent work haha. I think the memory of what happened the day of the photo makes me even more happy with them.
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
Any of my friends to be honest. Any one who likes to try new things, or goes big, or gets stuff done first time. Mike King, Ollie Burston, Ben Green, and Jack Varney (Keep a look out for this kid) are all rad to take photos of.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
I really dont know, like I said above, anyone who trys new stuff and goes big, and also has amazing style. They also have to be pretty fun to hang out with haha. There’s so many people in BMX like that so it’s hard to pick one name.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Because I’m still in college, I normally try and blag that I’m doing it for a project or something, but normally one of the riders I’m with jumps the gun and just says “One more go mate!”
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
I think pretty much everyone looks up to Dolecki, his photos are amazing. But anyone that makes stuff look good inspires me. Chris Hill-Scott and Craig Tull inspire me to shoot loads haha.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A photographer of some sort, working for a magazine in like BMX or fashion, just doing something I like, and spending all day taking photos. I’d love a job that let me travel too, that would be awesome, I wouldn’t even care what the money was like.
Where can we see more of your work?
Over at www.sam-king.co.uk. It’s more of a photo blog than a portfolio, but it’s always being updated.
SUMMER SLAM ‘09
Brian Pleva held his 5th annual old school Summer Slam event at his house in Northern New Jersey last weekend. What is Summer Slam? Basically it’s a gathering of vintage BMX enthusiasts who bring out their treasures from the past and put them on display, giving their bikes a chance to win various categories. Kind of like a car show, but for old bikes. There is an 80’s style wedge ramp on the street for people to shred, and a BBQ grill goes full- bore all day long. Here’s a few photos of some of the bikes and gimmickry on display that was part of the outré and wild decade called the 80’s. -RD
PHOTO OPS: DK DIRT CIRCUIT
It’s been a while since a DK Dirt Circuit comp has went down. In fact, it’s been like at least ten years. Back then, entering one of those comps usually consisted of pedalling full-sprint towards a more-often-than-not sketchy four or six pack that was located in a sun -baked infield during some NBL race the middle of nowhere. The actual riding consisted of clicked 360 turndowns by Doyle in his DK jersey, flips at height by Nasty in his Bully gear, and stylish 3 one-hand tables by BF in Schwinn leathers. This past weekend’s Dirt Circuit at the DK/System warehouse in Springboro, Ohio kept the pedal-for- your-life tradition going, with a course that was a less-than-perfect six-pack, to say the least. Those jumps added character to the contest, that’s for sure. This time though, the riding consisted of fourteen year olds doing consecutive front flips, a few entrants throwing down triple whips, and Nasty doing a double flip. No, wait, Nasty wasn’t there; that was Lance Mosley. Sorry, Lance.
Mike Aitken was in attendance watching the show and reppin’ his new clothing company Vigilantia. Scroll down to check out this moving insprational new video about Mikeys crash and road to recovery.
Ok, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m pretty out of the loop when it comes to the whole contest scene, but it seemed like there was an obscene amount of unknown (to me, at least) shredders entered, and every one killed it with all the big time moves. I had no idea who the dude that won it even was. Maybe I should pay more attention. (Apologies for any misidentified photos; you now know why that happened.)
If this was in ‘96 when most people wore race helmets with visors, this would have been a front flip visor grinder. This may or may not be Glenn Salyers.
The moment when front flips became the new tailwhip may be tough to pinpoint, but it must have occurred sometime recently. It seemed like everyone can do them at the Dirt Circuit. DK’s Brett Banasiewicz was casually doing all types of different no hand frontlfips. Wait, this kid’s only fourteen? What the hell is going on out there? While a few dudes may have had their Dew Tour faces on, Catfish rocked the mic and kept it a fun and relaxed atmosphere all day. He has his priorities on point when it comes to putting on a contest. It was about one thing- having a good time. If you walked away with a little extra paper in your pocket, well, that was just a bonus. That’s the way a contest ought to be. Rumor has it there might be more Dirt Circuits happening next year, so keep an eye out. -RD
Top three with the most appropriate trophies ever.
Results:
1. Seth Klinger
2. James Foster
3. Lance Mosley
4. Glenn Salyers
5. Brett Banasiewicz
6. Alistair Whitton
7. Paul langlands
8. Brandon Dosch
9. Zach Early
10. Kris Bennett
11. Ronnie Napolitan
12. Drew Bezanson
13. Brandon Christie
14. Scott Wirch
15. Hugh Wetherspoon
Photos by Rob Dolecki
SHOOTER: ADAM FRAME
Name: Adam Frame
Age: 21
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset, England
How long have you been shooting?
Just under 7 years.
Film or digital?
If i could afford it then i’d say bye to digital & use film non-stop but the worlds only moving forwards isn’t it, but I do experiment a lot with film & lomography when ive got the cash, I still have about 60 rolls of 35mm film needing processed, most of which are from when i’ve been in London, Glasgow or Edinburgh & just took my Olympus Trip or my Fisheye Lomo in my pocket to take snaps of the city.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use to shoot?
At the moment i’m using a Canon 40D & a Canon 500D, it’s great having 2 digitals, especially for live music. Use too many compact 35mm’s to name. Got some nice lenses nothing specific, I’m not hugely into fisheyes or super-wide lenses at the moment, who knows, that may change. Using Canon 540EZ flashes which have awesome manual power settings, need to throw some more money at my flashes & get some faster ones. Looking at getting a Medium format camera as my next camera, maybe a Mamiya RZ67.
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to play with?
Honestly, no. Im happy with what I have, pretty lucky to have it, I think too many people feel that a better camera betters your photography when it doesn’t a tall. Better cameras & lenses just make things sharper, if you have a creative style & find the angles that other people aren’t then you’re onto a winner.
How do you go about setting up a shot?
Find a good angle based on the trick, the background & where the sun is, decide to shoot close & wide or far & zoomed, find a nice way to light the rider & the area (if needed) all situations are going to be different thats what makes it fun.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I honestly don’t have an answer for that, i’ve shot alot of amazing things & had some great opportunities, I guess the best is still to come.
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
Tony Watkinson, he’s a great guy, he has a knowledge of photography & is just easy to work with & has some crazy ideas, maybe Luke Marchant too, he’s just 100% style, there is no need for tricks with him.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
I could so easily make a list right now but i’d have to say Matt Beringer just because I grew up watching BMX videos with him in & still do, he’s so different & would probably be a laugh.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
If they look angry I run, if they look calm I chat to them, normally ask if I can finish shooting then move on, if you don’t ask, then you don’t get. Most security persons are cool & are normally more interested in what your actually doing but I once had a bad run in with security at a toys’r’us, the guy wanted blood in return for wall riding his sign.
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
I can’t say I have a favorite, all big BMX photographers are such an inspiration to me.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Maybe a travel photographer, that would be a dream, but I do a lot of design & writing aswell as photography so i would love more than anything to start my own design or photographic studio or maybe a magazine, something with a challenge so im not sat on my arse for the rest of my life.
Where can we see more of your work?
Sadly lacking a real website at the moment so I am making do with good old Flickr.
www.flickr.com/photos/adamframe
STREET PEOPLE JAM
Here are some pics from last weekend’s Street People Jam in Les Ulis, France (outside Paris). Thomas Calliard put the jam on, and the turnout was pretty large. Some of the Animal team came over the Atlantic for the event, as well as a bunch of French locals who were killing it. -RD
In case you missed it, there is also a video from the day over on the Soul website. Go here to watch that.
DIG 70 OVERSPILL: UK NORTHWEST
A collection of unused photos from the UK Northwest article in DIG 70…
PRO SHOOTER: JARED SOUNEY
Name: Jared Souney
Age: 33
Location: Portland, Oregon
How long have you been shooting?
I started toying with it in the mid-90s I guess. Shooting seriously since 1997 or so.
Film or digital?
These days the only film cameras I use are a Yashica T4 and a Contax T2, both 35mm point and shoot cameras. I¹ve had my T4 since Œ98 or so and it¹s an invaluable asset. I learned on film and shot film, medium format and 35mm, for many years. I haven¹t shot much film for action since 2007, and even at that point it was a little medium format here and there. I guess it started trickling towards digital in 2004. Film is/was a great medium, though it¹s often not for the work I do. Ad clients want final delivery very quickly, as do editorial clients. It¹s a lot easier and cost effective now to view work on site on a large monitor and make adjustments from there than it was with small Polaroids.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
From a photographic perspective I guess that one would be totally subjective. BMX wise, I think my favorite thing over the years might have been the Ron Wilkerson interview I did in 2001. That was the last feature I did before I quit Ride, and it was just something I wanted to do for a long time. It¹s fucking Wilkerson. I grew up watching Ron ride in the 80s and 90s, so that was sort of the icing on the cake for me. I was stoked on how it turned out for a quick trip.
I did a little digging to answer this, and it might be a motocross shot of Alistair Whitton we shot on a whim at Woodward a few years back. One footed table on a motocross bike over a hip, with a fisheye. In retrospect he could have killed me. He has bike control, but he isn¹t necessarily a motocross rider. I was inches from his bike, which may not have been the smartest thing, but I was really stoked on the photos. At least all the camera gear is insured, and I am too. It actually ended up running full-page in Transworld Motocross which is sort of funny, since he¹s wearing jeans, something much more common in BMX than moto (those guys love their leathers).
Another favorite is a shot of Stephen Murray doing the loop in his front yard in Riverside, CA for the first time, about six months before his crash in Baltimore. I sent Stephen a big framed print of that shot around Christmas time this year, and later saw a shot of him at home with the print in the background.
Favorite rider to shoot with?
I don¹t think it¹s one person… I think it¹s just good friends. That¹s usually the most fun, and things usually turn out the best when you¹re having fun. It gets to the point where people understand and trust what you¹re trying to do, and you know what you can get out of them, or how far things can be pushed without someone getting hurt (hopefully). When I was living in California it was probably Nate Hanson and Ryan Sher… Those were the guys I was riding with a lot at the time. Then I lived in State College, PA for four and a half years shooting with all the Woodward guys. Those guys out there ‹ Kagy, Robinson, Bestwick, McCann, Stober, McElhinney, Whitton, Napolitan, Warden, etc. ‹ I was just around them all so much, and they¹re all good friends, so working with them is awesome. There¹s a point when guys are that good, you don¹t have to try and make them look good, you have to try to make your photo look as good as they deserve.
Now that I¹m in Portland, I still don¹t really know everyone locally, but I¹ve shot with a few fun people… Chet Blacksmith and Bruce Crisman are obviously unbelievable, and awesome guys. I think I¹ve gotten some of my favorite stuff up here with Roman Tencza. There are so many over the years though. Heino, Taj, Brian Chapman, Dave Young.
Dream rider to shoot with?
I guess in terms of modern guys I¹ve worked with a lot of people I¹ll always wanted, so for me it would be some of the guys I looked at growing up. Grasso, Craig Campbell some of those transitional pioneers between uniform wearing freestyle, and street riding style…
What do you tell security when the try to throw you out of spots for taking
pics?
That¹s changed so much over the years… Way back when, security guards had no real suspicions. You weren¹t going to jump that little bike down those stairs or slide down that handrail. You could be at a street spot for hours with no issues. Now, with this stuff all over the mainstream, they know as soon as they see you rolling up what¹s going on. So there isn¹t any real argument. They¹re doing their job. The best you can do is pack it up and try again later. A lot of times I¹ll just say it¹s for a school project, which sometimes carries some sort of sympathy, but now that I¹m getting old that doesn¹t really work… Although I could pretend I¹m in one of those adult education programs. Maybe I¹ll try that.
Favorite BMX photographer?
Windy Osborne probably inspired me to shoot more than anyone. Beyond that, Spike Jonze took things further as well. A lot of that stuff felt much more raw, but yet much more real than what is getting published today. The more I look at those old photos, the more I appreciate them.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don¹t know anymore.... Everything is changing so fast now. I keep finding new things and evolving my work that way. I always just evolve what I¹m doing into areas I like. I didn¹t really set out to shoot photos professionally. I wanted to shoot photos because I loved magazines, and I wanted to be able to use my own photos in my own design work. Then that got pushed further. Now with technology everything is going in different directions. If I was locked into one medium I¹d be stressing about that. I just think it¹s important to do what I like and evolve as I go.
Where can we see more of your work?
My personal site is jaredsouney.com. I put a lot of work on there. I still shoot for a lot of print magazines, BMX and otherwise. Everything from BMX Plus to Dig to ESPN magazine. I do a ton of event shooting for ASA Entertainment for all their Action Sports World Tour (actionsportstour.com) . That¹s BMX, Skate, and Motocross. I¹ve been doing stuff for a new action sports site called BFD.com which currently has a ton of videos from those events as well as a lot of my photos. Again, that site is a bit of Skate and FMX as well as BMX. I also do a lot of design work, which is actually what my background is. I do print catalogues for Woodward East and West (both Gymnastics and Action Sports). I shoot advertising stuff for companies like AMP, Right Guard, etc. I¹ve got my hands in a lot of different mediums right now, which I¹m excited about. So I guess if you want to see more check out my site or stop by our office in Portland!
SHOOTER: LAURIE WATKINS
Name: Laurie Watkins
Age: 21
Location: Wivenhoe, UK
How long have you been riding/taking photographs?
I’ve been riding bicycle pedal cross since I was 9 I guess so about 11/12 years. I’ve been snapping away for about the last 3 years.
What originally attracted to you to both mediums of expression?
I started riding BMX cause I used to jump stair sets on my shit little mountain bike and it kept breaking. So for the following birthday I got a BMX. Back then we had the ship yard in Wivenhoe which was awesome, we used to build the best ghetto ramps in all the land. We used to have a really strong scene until it got knocked down and turned into a housing estate. Bastards! As for photography I got into that one year when I had a pretty bad accident on my bike. I shattered my elbow and ripped half my face off. I couldn’t ride for quite a while after so I picked up a film slr I found in my dads cupboard and just went out and shot a few rolls of film. I was hooked so a little while later I bought a slightly better 35mm slr.
Laurie, rail hop.
What/who inspires you with regards to photography/BMX and life in general?
Riding wise i guess people like - Stricker, Aitken, Chase and Inman. The usual suspects, ya know?
Photography would be - Eugene Smith, Robert Capa, Philip-Lorca Dicorcia, Stephen Shore, Phillip Jones Griffis, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Hag, Weegee, Alec Soth, Joel Sternfeld. To keep the list short.
Others - Hunter.S Thompson, Timothy Leary, Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, and all my mates I ride with / format my mind with and just generally put a smile on my face.
If you had to pick one subject/theme to shoot, what would it be?
Photojournalism/Documentary.
Explain a little about your darkroom?
Yeah, I bought my first enlarger off ebay for 99p (it wasn’t actually all that bad) and I put a partition wall up across our garage, got some trays from my work for chemicals and I was away. Since then I have upgraded everything some what. I now have a better enlarger which I can print bigger neg sizes with which is awesome. Oh yeah and I just remembered when I first started doing prints I didn’t have a timer so I can count exposure times in my head so each print I had done was completely different. Haha, oh dear.
Do you have future aspirations with regards to photography?
Yeah, I wanna get some work for a magazine at the moment. I do a little bit of work taking BMX photos here and there for various things like Savakas. I also have a pretty big project that i’m about to embark on in a few weeks time which i’m going to be exhibiting in June and would like to get published. Other than that I want to shoot more large format and do some more color process hand printing.
Quick Fire:
Film Or Digital? FILM - Film Is Not Dead!
Brand? Hasselblad
Film? Fuji
Paper? Foma (fibre based for the win)
35mm or 120?(or other format?) Everything man, from 110 to half flam to 35mm to 120 to 5x4 I love it all. Each has its place.
Colours or Monochrome? Mono
Staged/set up or ‘Spure of the moment?’ Spure of the moment.
Digital compact or Lomo? Lomo
Pin Hole or Polaroid? Mate it’s all about the pinhole polaroid bodge combo. Stick that up ya art hole yeah?!
REPO: ANIMAL/TEN PACK TORONTO STREET JAM
DATE: June 6th 2009
LOCATION: Toronto, Canada
WORDS: Rob Dolecki
PHOTOS: Rob Dolecki
Animal/ Ten Pack’s Toronto, Canada Street Jam went down this past
Saturday. A conservative estimate was about 200 people showed up for
the day-long jam (but it probably was a shitload more) on the
outskirts of downtown Toronto, where schools with really good rails
and banks are in abundance, and riding distance from one another.
Every school was slayed, tons crazy riding went down, people sent
themselves, a few people got broke, a couple of people got drunk, lots
of people got giveaway prizes from Animal and Dig, and probably
everyone left with a smile on their face (except maybe the dude who
broke his ankle on the kinked rail) Check out the photos for a
glimpse into some of the riding what went down. - Rob Dolecki
SHOOTER: MIKE ZINGER
Photo: Cassie Kuyper
Name: Mike Zinger
Age: 20
Location: Victoria, Britsh Columbia, Canada
How long have you been shooting?
2 years seriously or at least I would think.
Film or digital?
Both. Film, I will never get the satisfaction from shooting a roll of film as I will with digital. Digital, new technolagy is great, being able to see your shots on the spot is awesome, and the possibilites in post production are endless.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use to shoot?
Right now I’m shooting with a semi working 20D, Canon 1N, various canon L glass lenses, a Bronica SQA medium format system and for lighting ive just been using some old Vivitar 285s .
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to play with?
Hmmm.... I wouldn’t mind one of those newer digital medium format camera systems and a studio to use it in.
How do you go about setting up a shot?
Try to find the best angle and how to light the shot, unpack/setup while wishing everything could setup it self, meter then shoot.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I’m not sure, I hope my best work is yet to come.
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
Isaac Barnes always seems to get stuff done around here.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
Right now… Steven Hamilton, for the creative things he does and rides.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Security is pretty chill here for the most part, usually just say ok, pack up and move to the next spot then repeat.
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
I would have to say Jeff Z is in the top for sure, always producing lots. I’m also into Jeff Allen, Kieth Romanowski, and Brook Reynolds.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’ve always wanted to be a architect but drop out of high school, or a well rounded photographer and get into other forms of media.
Where can we see more of your work?
Currently working on a new site and content at www.mikezinger.com.
RED BULL SOWETO SESSIONS
Red Bull sent over some photos from the Soweto Sessions held in Johannesburg, South Africa on the 24th May, 2009. Here’s what they had to say...
The 75m long BMX course combined elements of dirt, street and natural obstacles designed to push the riders to their limits. The invited Pro riders enjoyed an Open Jam session on Saturday, before the event along with local amateur riders who were encouraged to register and vie for the Wild Card positions for the contest. Over 50 local riders took on the challenge and after a great day spent on the obstacles, the 4 amateur riders were selected.
The crowd streamed in for the 2pm start time of the pro contest which was evenly spread between Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town riders as well as international BMX riders Sebastian Keep and Dan Lacey from the UK. Each rider had two runs, 60 seconds each, to show the judges what they had.
In a closely contested final South African Pro riders Brad & Greg Illingworth, Malcolm Peters, & Colin Loudon showed the internationals what the BMX scene in South Africa had to offer.
Both Dan and Sebastian were impressed by the talent the South African BMX’ers were showing and were in awe of the park built by the local riders, “All the riders in South Africa are really down to earth and welcoming. They are amazing riders and its great to be a part of this. I’m so impressed with the up and coming BMX scene in South Africa.“ said Sebastian.
In the end it was Keep who took the podium in front of a cheering crowd, “This is unbelievable. I’ve never been on a course like this and to win in South Africa is amazing.” Dan Lacey (UK) took 2nd position, his first time on a podium and third place was taken by South African Colin Loudon.
PHOTO OPS: INCLINE CLUB SESSION
May 6th 2009 the Etnies BMX team came to the Incline Club home of Staff BMX Mailorder, in Lakewood NJ to put on a demo. There was a large turn out of local shredders as well as people who ventured out for the event. The Etnies riders such as Brian Kachinsky, Morgan Wade, Nathan Williams, etc. rode their best and were pretty beat from being on the road for the past few weeks. Most of the Staff team also showed up to ride their local park. Augie in his flashy red pants, JJ rocking the Etnies (now on flow), Sean Ricany rippin his new 20” Premium, and Big Daddy back flipping off of the newly installed pole jam at the park were just some of Staff’s features! Local legends also made an apperance such as Brian Foster, Garrett Byrnes, and John Britton.
The spectators were psyched on the riding that went down, the free giveaways, and the autograph session. A big muchas gracias goes out to Donna Cranmer, owner of the Incline Club, for allowing the Etnies team to come through and share their gnarliness! -Katie Munn/Staff BMX
Here are a bunch of photos from some of the other guys that were riding that day.
DIG 70 OVERSPILL: COSTA RICA PART 2
Some more unused Costa Rica trip photos from DIG 70…
DIG 70 OVERSPILL: COSTA RICA PART 1
A collection of unused Costa Rica trip photos from DIG 70…
RANDOM PHOTOS OPS: KING OF SOUTHSEA
KING OF SOUTHSEA
Date: Easter, 2009
Location: Southsea, UK
Just a few photos from the recent King Of Southsea, UK. Where’s Wingham? Photos by Andy Boldry
REPO: JUMP FOR JOY
DATE: March 25th, 2009
LOCATION: Hackettstown Skatepark, NJ
WORDS: Mike Kuhn
PHOTOS: Mike Kuhn and Chris Marshall
To speak about a Jump For Joy without speaking about “Hippie” Steve Wisbeski would be impossible. I am lucky enough to say that Hippie is one of my great friends, even though he is more than twice my age. Hippie is 43 years old, but has the spirit of a 20 year old. If you ever get to spend a day with the hippie, you will be in for a truly epic time. He has more stories than Borders and will keep you laughing for hours. He also kills it on a bike. His major call to fame is not his great stories, jokes or riding, but for his epic contests. Some ladies may argue his call to fame is not for his contest, but for his swagger in the sheets, but that’s a whole other story.
There have been 14 Jump For Joy contests since 1996. The Jump For Joy is more than just the normal contest with kids going ape at their local park; it is a contest with serious roots in bmx. The contests used to take place in Hippies yard. He had a gnarly set of trails and a skate park all in his yard. As the story has it, the people of Animal bikes actually met each other at one of the earlier Jump for Joys. The earlier contest had riders like Taj Mihelich, Van Homan, Garret Brynes, Ralph Sinsi and the list goes on.
The most recent contest had no shortage of talented riders. The pro class winners were Sean Ricaney taking first, Gary Nilson taking second and Ben Hittle and Hambone tied for third. Its not everyday someone who is 13 years old wins the pro class at a contest. Some of the other highlights of the day were Gary Nilson’s topside icepick on the sub box, Ben Hittles stylish maneuvers, and Andre Postell front flipping a mellow pyramid! To make the contest even more epic, Hippie had his friends from Chainsaw Trio play a set during pro warm up. Overall, I must say the most recent Jump For Joy was a radical time and one for the Bmx history books! - Mike Kuhn
LEIF VALIN’S DUMPSTER DOZEN
“Here’s a small batch of photos I found while dumpster diving with my younger brother Sten, we had a good day riding some dirt jumps then some fine dining, followed by a fruitful dumpster dive which included these photos and a fog machine.” - Leif Valin (FBM Hall Of Famer)
REPO: HEATH PINTER’S TRAIL JAM
Some photos from Heath Pinter’s Trail Jam held at Lonnie Paxton’s house on the 14th March. Photos by Shawn Lee.
MIKE AITKEN PHOTO RETROSPECTIVE
Inspired by Mikey’s recent progress we thought we’d bring you a random selection of classic (published and unpublished) Aitken photos from the DIG Archives. You can still help here: http://www.5050bmx.com/MikeAitkenDonationFund-15.html
‘FAST FORWARD’ ART EXHIBIT OVERSPILL
A collection of unused ‘Fast Forward’ art exhibit photos from DIG 69…
KINK 08 FRENCH TRIP REVISITED
Vincent Perraud from Soul Magazine sent us through some unused photos from the Kink French Trip last year…
DIG 69 OVERSPILL: NJ WAREHOUSE
A collection of unused New Jersey Warehouse photos from the One Man’s Trash article in DIG 69.
SHOOTER: BEN AUSTIN
INTERVIEW COURTESY OF KURT HOHBERGER/BMXUNION.
Full Name: Benjamin Gray Austin
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. Keep it cold.
Sponsors: None, son.
Years riding: 11
Years shooting photos: 10
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any real early memories that stick out at all?
I used to look up to a couple kids who rode bikes in my neighborhood, and always thought it was cool just cruising around with friends. I got a mountain bike as birthday present, and started jumping curbs and little dirt jumps at a city park near my house. One day, my friend Andy Mark convinced me that it would be a ton easier to jump on a BMX bike, so I went out and bought a used DK from some kid who was giving it up. I still have the same handlebars from that bike to this day, Slams!
Living in Minnesota, you are used to the crappy weather. Have you been doing much riding this winter?
What are you looking forward to riding once the melt down happens? Minnesota weather is something that will always amaze me. It’s -20 in the winter, and can easily get to 100 in the summer. I’ve heard that we have the most varied weather of anywhere in the US, although I can’t back it up. This year, as in most years, I went into hermit mode as soon as winter hit. I’ve been trying to ride at least once a week now, and have been loving it. A lot of times I end up shooting photos in the summer, rather than getting in on a session so it’s nice to be able to ride a little again.
You have had the chance to travel all over the place to ride and shoot photos. Where are your top 5 places you have been able to check out and why
1. Athens, Greece. Its an amazing country with so much history. Great food, good beaches nearby, and friendly hosts.
2. Barcelona, Spain. I love to practice speaking Spanish, and Barcelona was an amazing mix of modern and historical significance.
3. Cologne, Germany. Amazing architecture, and good public transportation makes for amazing street riding. This was my first experience outside of the US. 4. Raleigh, NC. A really good mix of fun people, mild weather, and sweet tea!
5. Minneapolis, MN. Nothing like home sweet home. Amazing summers, family, swimming spots, trails, and actually knowing my way around the area!
What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I think BMX has been an amazing addition to my life, but I don’t think I would be doing much differently if I never started. I would probably focus a lot more on other creative outlets like music, design, food, skateboarding, etc. I would probably be really out of shape!
If you could change anything about BMX, would you?
There is nothing worse than getting vibed at a skatepark, although I am probably guilty of it myself. Other than that, I can’t complain!
Did you get into photography because of BMX or how did you get into it?
I got into photography first. I took a black and white photo class in High School, and absolutely loved it. Our teacher, Ms. Lester, ran an amazing class environment that really inspired creativity. She gave us a relaxed way to express creativity, and learn about all of the basics. I took the class 2 more times, and kept learning more, wanted to see what was next. After the class was over, my mom bought me a used Canon for about $100, and I just never stopped shooting.
What kind of cameras, flashes, lenses, and other parts do you own?
Film only so far, one medium format setup, and one 35mm setup. I think I run a pretty simple setup. Photography equipment is expensive, and I don’t think it’s rational to spend a fortune on your gear. Keep it light. I love being able to quickly capture a moment, and emotion, a time of day, and it’s really tough to do so with 2 rolling bags of flashes and batteries.
Cameras:
Bronica ETR-Si, Canon EOS-3, Canon AE-1 Program (1st camera). I’ll use a little Polaroid camera from time to time, although the film is now discontinued. I also have a little Sony point-and-shoot digital that I’ll take with me here any there just for fun.
Flashes:
2 Sunpak 120J flashes with rechargeable battery packs (cheap, small, and no automatic functions). I’d love to get another more powerful main flash to round out my shots. I use Pocket Wizard radio transmitters to get the flashes to fire from a distance, which allows you to make a more natural and creative use of light.
Lenses:
The standard for action sports is a fisheye lens. They let you get close to the action, yet still allow you to include much of the surrounding area. It’s too bad they are so expensive! I picked up a fisheye for my Bronica off of eBay, and got one for my Canon as a Christmas gift (thanks Dad)! Other than that, I just have a standard straight lens for each setup. I try to limit using the fisheye, it can be a little creatively constraining at times due to its predictability.
Other Stuff:
Gossen Digipro F light meter. I don’t recommend this model, however, if anything has changed my photography over the years for the better, it is the use of a light meter. I also carry a lens cleaning kit, and a ton of extra film with me at all times.
What is your favorite camera that you own? What is your dream set up?
My favorite camera is my Bronica. They are discontinued now, so they are super inexpensive. The film that it uses is 3 times the size of a normal 35mm frame, so you are able to get extremely fine details and sharpness from each shot. Plus it is able to sync with my flashes at high speed, which means it can freeze fast action like spinning handlebars, or a flipping skateboard. My dream setup would be to have a digital Hasselblad, a few good lenses (straight, fisheye, portrait), and a couple Lumedyne Action Pack flashes. The Hassy is running around $15,000 right now… so it’s a little out of reach!
How do you get your work published? What kinds of tips can you give for some of the aspiring photographers out there?
The most important thing is to keep shooting as much as possible. Keep aspiring to shoot higher quality stuff, emulating the things you like about other photos you see published. Once you get some shots you are really proud of, start reaching out to people with the photos. Whether it is a magazine, blog, clothing company, Flickr account, or whatever… if your shots are good people will start to notice, or at least give you a critique to help you get better. I’ve been fortunate to meet people along the way that have really helped me out a lot like friends who needed an ad shot for their sponsor, or an editor who gave me motivation and constructive criticism. You need to reach out to people and let them know that you are shooting good stuff (and back it up). If I could give one technical tip to new photographers, I would say that you need to get your images as sharp as possible. That means shooting high quality film/ISO, at a high speed (1/200th of a sec or higher), with a flash, and scanning it in well.
Do you make a living from your photography? If not what do you do for a living?
That’s funny; I definitely do not make a living from my photography. Everything I have made has gone back into buying film, a new bag, a new flash, etc. I should probably claim it on my taxes as taking a loss! It’s really tough to make a living as a photographer, and near impossible as a BMX specific photographer (maybe 3 guys in the world). If you want to scrape by, get ready to shoot some weddings, class reunions, etc. to make ends meet while you get on your feet. My full time job is working for Target Corp here in Minneapolis. I work for Target.com, helping out with marketing projects, and selecting the products that are featured in our banners, emails, etc.
Who are your favorite people to shoot photos of? I know you have had the chance to shoot with some real big name dudes too.
I love shooting photos with riders who have motivation, and a creative eye. Some of my favorites would have to be Ryan Barrett, Jay Schlie, Eric Holley, Todd Johnson, Jonah Lidberg, Chris Doyle, Josh Nendza, and all the MN locals.
What are you usually up to when you aren’t riding or shooting photos?
Usually hanging with Brigid, trying new food, watching movies, working on our house, etc. I try to play as much guitar as possible, although I’m still no good. I have a couple friends that play other instruments, so we’ll learn some cover songs and rock out in the basement about once a week. I love to watch college basketball, so I’m psyched that March is around the corner. I’ll skateboard about once a year to remind myself how hard it is, haha.
You went to college didn’t you? Where did you go and what did you go for? Do you feel like college is necessary to be successful in life?
I got a 4 yr degree in Business Management from North Carolina State University. I think success is all relative to what your goals and passion are, and I don’t think going to college is the only way to get there. I definitely think college helped me to develop socially and intellectually, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to go.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
One random life goal of mine is to learn how to surf. I’d also love to keep getting more and more of my photography published. It’s really rewarding to see your work in tangible print. I’d like to travel more, both in the US and abroad. Thinking about starting a family in the next couple years too!
If you could change anything about your life, would you?
Mo’ money mo’ problems… I’m loving my life as it is!
If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
End world hunger, and peace on earth maybe? I think it would be awesome if everyone could understand each other’s cultural history, languages, and hopes. Way too many hot-heads in power.
What kind of advice do you have for people just getting into photography?
Shoot as much as possible, keep a camera with you at all times, and experiment. Have fun, and don’t stress about ‘making it’. Making photography your job is a great way to ruin an amazing creative outlet.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my family for always supporting me, thanks to my friends for always keeping me smiling, and thanks to Brigid for always keeping me sane.
You can read an extended version of this interview here at BMXUNION.
RANDOM PHOTO OPS: PRIMO TORONTO TRIP
Some unseen photos from last year’s Primo Toronto trip by Tommy Blanco. Go here to read the full story.
DIG 68: AUSTIN TRAILS OVERSPILL PART 2
Just a few of the unused photos from our Eastside and Redbox trail articles in DIG 68.
DIG 68: 9TH STREET TRAILS OVERSPILL
Just a few of the unused photos from our 9th street trail article in DIG 68.
NIKE 6.0 BANKSGIVING 08’ FLY-OUT COMP
Some photos from the 08’ Nike 6.0 Banksgiving fly-out comp.
DIG 68 UK TRAILS OVERSPILL
Just a few of the unused photos from our UK trail article in DIG 68.
SHOOTER: SHAWN LEE
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Name: Shawn Lee
Age: 21
Location: Santa Clarita, CA is where I currently reside but I call the Temecula/Murrieta region my home.
How long have you been shooting?
A year and two months. I did shoot film in high school but just for a semester.
Film or digital? (why)
Digital at the moment. I chose that due to the easy learning curve and you don’t have to spend tons on film and processing. Also, I don’t like waiting to see results. I am trying to shoot film here pretty soon though. I just picked up a new film SLR so I’ll be on both sides of the spectrum now!
Best thing you’ve ever shot? I can’t narrow it down to just one photo. When everything works out and I get a finished product I am happy about. Also when you capture those one of a kind moments. Those are always good.
Fave rider to shoot with?
Joe Riley, the Babbel brothers, Matt Colisch, Aaron Schultz, all the boys in Murrieta.
Dream rider to shoot with?
Probably Mike Aitken or Chase Hawk at a nice set of trails.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Can we get the shot and then leave? Please?
Fave BMX photographer?
Scott Papiro and Rob Dolecki.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Happy and content with life and all it has to offer. And maybe a millionaire! Haha.
Where can we see more of your work?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33618220@N04/
DIG 68 RANDOM PHOTO OVERSPILL
A collection of unused trail photos from DIG 68.
VANCOUVER ISLAND TRAILS SCENE
The Courtenay trails, aka “heavy nettle” have been going strong for eight years now and have been evolving the whole way, with just a hand full of diggers that can claim the trails as their own. Due to the high clay content and the rainy winters on Vancouver Island the trails only run about five months a year in the spring and summer. With three other sets of quality trails within 2 hours of each other running at different times throughout the year, the island’s trail riders can maintain a steady diet of riding and digging. - Jeff Meija
SHOOTER: VAN CHARLES
Name: Van Charles
Age: 15
Location: Baltimore, MD
How long have you been shooting?
I’ve been taking pictures for a couple years, but only seriously for a year.
Film or digital?
I’d have to say Digital. I love film, especially now that I’m shooting medium format, but knowing you have the shot is too important for riding. If I’m shooting portraits or something, film hands down, but for riding and journalism digital takes the cake.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
That’s a tough one for sure. I’d probably have to say the Homecoming Football game at my high school. It was the first time I felt like a “real photographer.” I got to get on the field with a professional photographer my school had hired. It was just a really good feeling shooting next to someone who’d been shooting their whole life.
Fave rider to shoot with?
Gotta’ give that to my boy Jeff Grueninger. He’s always willing to help me get the shot.
Dream rider to shoot with?
Hmm, anybody on the Metal team. I love shooting wild riding like theirs.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
I tell them I shoot for BMXPerception (I know it just a forum, but they don’t!), or I tell them that I know they’re doing their job and that I’m doing mine. Usually I can get one more photo before we leave.
Fave BMX photographer?
Jeff Allen. I love his photos.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
An interpretive dance artist, haha. But if that doesn’t work out I’ll be joining the Police force.
Where can we see more of your work?
www.heyvancharles.com or www.flickr.com/vancharles.
SHOOTER: JAY CAGNEY
Name: Jay Cagney
Age: 19
Location: NYC during the school year, and North Jersey for the summers.
How long have you been shooting? I’ve been messing with manual cameras for about 6 years now, but got a little more serious about it 3 years ago.
Film or digital? (Why) Ah both. I love shooting film, and I love shooting larger formats. The simplicity of 4x5 is great. I feel that I work pretty well with digital though, and not paying for film and developing all the time is definitely a plus. I still don’t own my own digital camera though, and you can’t beat true black and white film.
Best thing you’ve ever shot? Hard to say since there’s been so many moments, I guess it would be when we talked our way into shooting the Union Square Street Sessions, which was a snowboarding contest. Got to hang out on top of the drop in ramp with top names and drink as many red bulls as we liked.
Fave rider to shoot with? Chris Johnsson, he doesn’t mind trying things over and over so we can get the best picture. He also is in the first photo I ever got published.
Dream rider to shoot with? Probably Seth Kimbrough, I looked up to his riding while growing up and he’s still out there staying on top of his game. Seems like a good dude in general.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics? Depends on the guy, usually that it’s for a school project or can we just get one more try or we just tell him were leaving and pretend to pack up.
Fave BMX photographer? Rob Dolecki, I love looking at the posters he’s done for animal. Also some great stuff in the DIG trails issue.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I’ll see where photography takes me, but it doesn’t really matter as long as I’m happy.
Where can we see more of your work? Never got around to making a website, so www.flickr.com/jaycagney.
SHOOTER: CHRIS PETRIE
Name: Chris Petrie
Age: 23
Location: Aberdeen, UK
How long have you been shooting?
I guess about 3 years.
Film or digital? (why)
I like digital, just for convenience. Would be cool to do some Medium format stuff though.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
One that comes to mind is Lewis Watson doing a curved wallride over Mingo and James Hitchcox, they’re pure sh***ing themselves!
Fave rider to shoot with?
Simon Gibb or pro Bandy.
Dream rider to shoot with?
No one in particular, perhaps just some trails guys with great style - there’s no trails here, which is a shame, so I’ve never had the chance to do any trails photos.
What do you tell security when the try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Haven’t had too much bother with it, maybe next time I’ll ask if I can take their photo though!
Fave BMX photographer?
Have quite a few, probably Keith Romanowski though.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Hopefully not stuck with my 9-5 routine!
Where can we see more of your work?
www.chris-petrie.com
DUBLIN TRAILS JAM
So, we had a jam at our trails in St Annes Park in Dublin, Ireland on the Sunday before Christmas. Yes I know, the combination of Ireland, winter, the shortest day of the year and a trails jam doesn’t exactly sound as if they go hand in hand, but it all worked out so well. With the help of a blow torch, some tarps and a lot of work from a dedicated few, we pulled it off. The turn out was massive; much bigger than we ever expected. People travelled from all over the country for a little Christmas trails treat. Happy days. -Stephan Bernie
All photos by Hiro (visiting from Japan)
SHOOTER: CRAIG TULL
Name: Craig Tull
Age: 24 years old
Location: Maidenhead, UK
How long have you been shooting?
I’ve been taking pics for about 4-5 years now.
Film or digital?
I’ve never shot film so i’d have to go digital. There is something very nice about the look of film shots though but I’d just get tangled up in the film that you put in the camera.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I’m not actually too sure. There are a few photos that stick out in my head but anything with a blue sky are definitely my favourites.
Fave rider to shoot with?
Just a rider that is either VERY smooth and makes things look as photogenic as possible (Luke Maskell) or just someone that is truly burly and makes my pics look scary (Liam Houghton).
Dream rider to shoot with?
Chris Doyle just for all the photogenic smooth style he possesses.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
I rarely ever go to spots that I can be chucked out of cos I know where to shoot and where not to shoot. But if I get caught in the situation somewhere foreign to me, i just am as nice as possible and see if it gets me anywhere. If not, then that’s fine. I’ll just move on.
Fave BMX photographer?
It has to be Chris Hill-Scott (http://www.quis.cc). I love how he always has something new and fresh to look at. He has a very unique eye for BMX photography.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I am grown up and I’m not where I want to be yet. I want to be a BMX photographer for a magazine or team just traveling about having a good time and just making enough money to barely survive. That life would make me happy.
Where can we see more of your work?
I have a site located at http://www.craigtull.com. Take a look.
DIG 67 OVERSPILL PART TWO
We had a lot of photos left over from last issue. Here’s the latest batch.
SHOOTER: JOSH BECKEMEYER
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Name: Joshua Beckemeyer
Age: 23 Years old
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
How long have you been shooting?
Been shooting since I was ten or so. Always had a camera with me as a kid. I don’t know why, I just felt like it was a cooler toy than most of the other shit I had.
Film or digital?
I bought my first digital SLR 2 years ago. I sold it after eight months. I still borrow my brother’s digital SLR for a week or so once in awhile, but shooting film is my preferred way.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
The SunySavage Team human pyramid on the FBM gypsy caravan trip. It took 17 kids from six or more different states to meet, travel in four cars across hundreds of miles, arrive in one place all together, come up with and collectively agree on this idea, and execute it in spite of extreme pains and fits of laughter, for this photo to actually happen.They held it for about six seconds, long enough for me to shoot it. Everyone was psyched, and I was just in awe of it after it was over.
Fave rider to shoot with?
Probably Geoff Simmons. He’ll always do it twice if you need, and he’ll always make it as clicked as possible. He goes out frame alot though.
Dream rider to shoot with?
Joe Rich or Matt Beringer.
What do you tell security when the try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
“Can I get 5 more minutes?” If not, then “Later.”
Fave BMX photographer?
Keith Terra and Sandy Carson
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Self-employed.
Where can we see more of your work?
Maybe in a magazine one day. Not much on the internet.
NIKE 6.0 LIGHTNING BOLTS ART SHOW, LA
A few snapshots from this evening’s Nike 6.0 Lightning Bolts art show in Los Angeles…
RANDOM PHOTO OPS: GRADY CORBITT
“These are not my best work, but it’s a good taste of BMX and partying from the past summer.” -Grady Corbitt, NYC, 12/10/08
RANDOM PHOTO OPS: SANDY CARSON
Random photo update from the hard drives of Sandy Carson. For more of Sandy’s photos, check out http://www.sandycarson.com
RANDOM PHOTO OP: THE LAMPSHADE
WORDS: Max Anderson Young
PHOTOS: Brendan Vail
Ever since I started riding, the world has looked different to me. Everyday objects have morphed into ideas and questions of what if, or just imagine. And every so often you have the enjoyable encounter with one of these dreamt of obstacles. In my happenings, these stunt-able objects are often found on dumb luck. The homies I was rolling with on that day, (Chet, Brendan, Snotty), may have known we were going to find some rad shit to ride but I sure didn’t.
We were cruising through an industrial area scoping out a few ride-ables when we came across what looked like a humungous lampshade set on its side. This thing had to be about twenty feet tall with perfect transition. Unfortunately, who ever constructed the lampshade also realized that it would be an amazingly fun time to ride, so they took the liberty of tack welding a few heavy awkward pieces of scrap metal at the bottom to prevent shredders from shredding.
After standing around for five or so minutes discussing the amount of fun and awesomeness the lampshade possesses, Snotty took action. With the aid of a 6ft long square pipe the tack welds were quickly busted and the metal scraps were ready to be removed. The metal pieces were so heavy it took all four of us just to push them out of the way.
In the end we had the freedom to ride the lampshade. Do what you want.
RED BULL MICHIGAN TRAILS CARAVAN
Words and photos by Sean Newton
This was one of two stops that Michael Lawless, who is a Red Bull student manager, had in mind for a fall Michigan jam. The first stop was at the legendary 248 trails in Rochester Hills, Michigan, built by the VanOrman brothers. If you live in Michigan, you know of them, but if you don’t, they are truly a site to see. The second stop was in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the Grizzlies trails. Built by Jeff Degryse and Mike Lawless. These trails are truly amazing, nestled in the woods of Kalamazoo, within city limits. I actually showed up with my camera gear, walked into the woods, looked at the first hit and just laughed. I could not believe someone would actually hit some of the stuff I was looking at. Sewage puddles in between 25-foot hips, 8-foot lips, and if the gaps weren’t enough to scare you, the jumps, and paths are so dialed, that it seems like they were going at mach 10. It was truly an amazing site. Since then, I have been back to shoot photos of just the jumps. Works of art made out of clay......
PHOTO OP: CLASH! LISBON EXTREME SHOW 08
DATE: October 17-19, 2008
LOCATION: Lisbon, Portugal
WORDS: Paulo Martins
PHOTOS: As credited.
The first edition of The CLASH! Lisbon Extreme Show went down in Lisbon, Portugal a few weeks ago.
The idea was to create a space that brought together all the activities, lifestyles and subcultures related to action sports in the new millennium, including skate, surf, bodyboard, kitesurf, windsurf, snowboard, parkour, BMX, music, street art and urban culture. It was a stacked weekend, with tons of events happening from start to finish, including the first Hell Track BMX Freestyle Jam.
The organization invited 15 riders to compete in a jam format that take just about two hours on each day of the event. The remainder of the time, anyone with a BMX bike was welcome to ride the course. It was definitely not a classically structured comp by any stretch of the imagination. It also allowed time for all of the uninvited riders in attendance to ride the course, and I can definitely say that a lot of good stuff went down throughout the weekend.
In the end, the jam commenced among a friendly “contest” atmosphere, with everyone together, ahving fun and laughing. There were 15 riders technically competing, but they were also having fun doing it. And in the end, Xavier Ortega (Spain) took first, Daniel Serra (Portugal) too second, and Ruben Alcantara (Spain) took third. The prize money was divided slightly different from the norm as well. The 15 riders divided the purse, with specific prizes for different categories, such as best trick over the jump box, best trick done, best trick on the wall, best hip trick, the best trick on the spine, etc.
Despite occasional rain showers, the weekend was a huge success, and I can only look forward to next year’s Clash! Lisbon Extreme Show, not to mention the Hell Track Jam…
REPO: POTOCZNY TRAILS MIKE AITKEN JAM
DATE: October 25, 2008
LOCATION: Potoczny Trails, PA
WORDS, PHOTOS: Mike O’Bryan
Would it rain, or wouldn’t it? In Western Pennsylvania, that was the question being raised last week leading up to the jam Mark Potoczny and others were organizing to help raise money for Mike Aitken’s medical bills after his incident a few weeks ago. To be honest, we would have still got together regardless if it rained or not. It did rain.....all night in fact. And while you would normally think that a ton of rain the night before a TRAIL jam would cause a wash out, it didn’t. Not all the runs were able to dry up, but a couple of the main lines did. And despite the cold fall weather and impending rain, we still had a good group of people show up to ride and raise money for our fallen rider and friend.
You also would have thought that considering there were five Aitken jams this weekend (and a Red Bull contest) we would have trouble getting enough companies to contribute. Well, guess again. We were amazed last week when package after package came in from all over the country. We had so many parts from so many companies that we will be having two more jams (details below), and will be putting a complete bike together that will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Mikey.
On Saturday alone, we were able to raise $1700 to help Mike with his medical bills, and given the upcoming jams and bike auction, we can only hope that we can help that much more. Thank you Mark and the Potoczny’s for hosting the jam, the companies who contributed; and to the riders, from young beginners to the seasoned pros, who all showed up to help out. Props to the companies who helped out: Hoffman, Mutiny, WeThePeople, Fit, Fly Bikes, Fox, Eastern, Shadow Conspiracy, Subrosa, Solid, Sputnic, Odyssey, Lotek, S&M Bikes, Kink Bike Co, Red Bull, South Park Cycles, Props, InkDivision Tatoo, DK Bicycles, Verde Bikes, Levi’s, United Bike Co. (Apologies if I forgot anyone.)
Upcoming Jams: Another jam at Mark’s trails in Imperial, PA on November 8th and another at Tim’s in Erie, PA (date TBD).
Get well Mikey!
RANDOM PHOTO OP: MORNING GRASS
Words and photo by Dima Storogenko
Sometimes changes in your life could open to you to a completely different world. Here I am in July. After a wedding and honeymoon, I returned to work and got fired on first day, without any reasons why. (That’s a good start for the new family.) But I wanted to do something for myself, so I decided to build a skatepark in my town for everyone to ride. We rented tractors, cleaned the spot, built quarters, jumps and all stuff. And you know what the best part was? When people came to say thanks. Then I opened a BMX mailorder and started working hard on the new project. I also bought my first digital camera and went on some roadtrips. And traveling to new places was one of the best times ever. When you’re on the road in Russia, you can find amazing things, such as undiscovered fullpipes, wallrides and lost signs of the USSR in the middle of nowhere. This particular year broke every existing record for bad weather. Snow, wind, storms, but still, there’s something inside that keeps the Russian scene going. And that’s all that life can give to you in a moment. Aside from snow showers for tommorow. But that’s life… -Dima, Russia
REPO: 2HIP MEET THE STREET
Photos / write up by Kyle Emery Peck
I recently had the great pleasure of attending the infamous 2-Hip Meet the Street jam put on by none other than 2-Hip’s Ron Wilkerson. This year, the jam was held on Treasure Island. The setting was a bit different compared to where the last jam was held four years ago. The atmosphere was much more laid back, and the layout allowed for a bigger ramp setup. Everyone could also get way more loose without worrying about noise complaints, police, etc. The weekend of the jam also happened to be the two days in the year that the Blue Angles do their air show over the bay in San Francisco. So that meant that while the jam was going on, the Blue Angels would fly in formation directly overhead. But instead of boring you with a play by play rundown, I’m just going to give you some of the highlights that I observed. Can’t wait for the next one!
Dig Photo Issue flipper Joel Hulsey announced the pro finals because, according to himself, “I was too drunk to qualify.”
Baygame homie Nick Black was injured, but taking rebel runs during pro finals, so Mike ‘Bubba’ Krnaich took it upon himself to regulate by hurling 90mph bottles of water at him. Nick was also a little drunk and fell into the baby pool double next to the van setup.
Everyone that tried to backflip the step-up fell trying.
Kurtis Elwell won.
There was no box jump.
And finally, although people were falling left and right, no one was seriously injured.
Congratulations on 25 years 2-Hip!
PHOTO OP: BACKYARD 2002
From 2002 through 2005, Seventies Distribution organized a UK comp series known as the Backyard Jam. The Jams, held throughout the UK (including Brighton, Hastings, Derby, Telford, Coventry and Sheffield) were a monumental success, attracting riders from throughout the world and packing the stands. But at the end of the weekend, when everyone had vacated their hotel rooms and headed home, the Backyard crew was busy dismantling the course. Tear down typically lasted throughout the night and into Monday morning, when Fids would pilot the fork lift and load the dismantled ramps onto a flatbed truck destined for Hastings. The photos above depict the before (from the ‘02 Derby Jam) and the aftermath (from the Seventies Distribution parking lot in Hastings.) So if you were driving along the motor way in October of 2002 and noticed a truck full of ramps, then you probably caught the last remnants of an amazing contest weekend…
DIG 67 PHOTO OVERSPILL
Unused photos from Dig issue 67. Out soon…
DIG 66 UNSEEN: FBM GYPSY CARAVAN
Dig 66 photo overspill: FBM’s Gypsy Caravan Tour
REPO: LS6 NIGHTCRAWLERS JAM
5.10pm: Danny “fadge” Clayton 180 flyout over a lucozade bottle on top of a lightstand. winner.
5.30pm: Danny Fadge impressing the crowds with a 360 to fakie.
5.45pm: Sergio Doncatraz downside footjam at the international swimming pool.
5.35pm Hyde park shredder Lee, downtable/euro/mx. whatever, its good.
5.50pm: Mole, wallride to Bars at the international pool.
9.00pm: Mole Barspin on the lawcourts banks.
9.45pm: Jamble, short run up to a big gap.
10.00pm: Thanks to Zeal and 4down for the prizes! A few happy faces.
SHOOTER: SEAN NEWTON
Name: Sean Newton
Age: 24
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan (America’s high five)
How long have you been shooting?
About three years.
Film or digital?
Jumping on the band wagon, and saying digital. Just because of the safety net it provides, and the instant gratification it provides. Film is superior in it’s natural format. I barely do any photo editing, but when I do, and it’s to get myself out of a bad picture mistake, it’s nice.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
A BMX jam for a good friend of mine who passed away, Glenn Seals. Everybody came together and had a jam and raised money for his family, and it was really awesome to see everyone pull together to help out his family.
Fave rider to shoot with?
Tyler Deschaine, for the simple fact that he is a great rider with a really good artistic sense. He has no problem with doing a trick over and over again to get the right shot.
Dream rider to shoot with?
Brian Foster.
What do you tell security when the try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Try to reason with them, most of the time they are cool in my area. If they are really jerks about us being there, we will just come back later. But most of the time, since the “scene” is pretty small in my area, they are pretty cool. I get a lot of questions. They ask if I do it for a living....
Fave BMX photographer?
Rob Dolecki, the Brian Foster photo doing the bubba scrub in PA Woods is, in my opinion, the best BMX photo of all time.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A photographer. Hopefully one day my dream can become a reality.
Where can we see more of your work?
No website yet, but I do have www.flickr.com/photos/srn_photo
DIG 66 UNSEEN: ATTENTION STALYBRIDGE PHOTOS
Photos shot during the filming of the BMX video ‘Attention Stalybridge’ - Featured in the Videostore section of Dig issue 66.
Photos / captions: Sean Malone.
INTERBIKE 2008 PHOTO FEATURE
Our own Ricky Adam made it out to Vegas this year, and we put him to work in the products department. Here, without further adieu, is Ricky’s first batch of product photos, along with in-depth explanations on what exactly you’re looking at. Check out issue 67 for more from Vegas ‘08, available in a few weeks....
Click a thumbnail for large image and description.
T-1’S NEW RUBEN FRAME
The long awaited revision of the T-1 Ruben frame. According to Joe Rich, Ruben is a little miffed at not being able to ride the frame yet (because it was on display at the show) but rest assured, the frame is in transit to Spain as we speak. So we’ll soon see Ruben Alcantara on one of T-1’s first Taiwan-constructed frames, of which, T-1 has pulled out all the stops on. Features include an integrated seat clamp, removable brake mounts, custom Ruben stickers (top tube or down tube versions), revised dropouts, slimmed down seat and chain stays, Spanish B/B and a weight of 5 pounds.
STOLEN
New from Stolen Bikes for ‘09 is an updated version of the Sinner complete bike. The Sinner is an affordable, street-ready complete featuring a full 100% cr-mo frame, fork and bars, Stolen grips, cranks, stem and Pivotal seat combo, Odyssey tires, four pegs, a 25-9 gearing and, as mentioned before, a price that won’t break your bank account. In fact, Stolen’s completes are a steal for the price. I told you my jokes were bad…
ST. MARTIN
St. Martin is the flatland division of France’s Superstar, and they’ve consistently pushed the bar when it comes to progressive flatland frames and components. New to the line for ‘09 (so new that I don’t know much and can’t find any info) are slotted alloy flatland pegs in both smooth and knurled versions and a new alloy front hub with lateral cut-outs for weight savings on the hub surface. The hubs also feature a female bolt-on system and in case you’re not a flat guy, Superstar has a similar hub that’s slightly more street tough.
SNAFU
A long, long time ago, I used to watch this video called the GT Demo Tape, which was hosted by a guy named McGoo, who acted as the GT team manager throughout the ‘80s. Through thick, thin and that weird one-legged fork phase, McGoo has been a staple in the BMX industry, helping to organize comps, writing columns in magazines and for the past ten years, steering Snafu’s component direction. New for ‘09 are Snafu’s infamous Concave pedals (in new colors), Snafu’s J-Bar alloy post (in new colors and sizes for both track and mountain bikes) and new colors for Snafu’s infamous Mobeus detangler, which has by and large the industry standard for detanglers these days. Tried and trusted components from a guy who’s seen it all in the BMX industry and still knows how to have a laugh at the end of the day…
ODYSSEY
Purple rain, purple rain… Pretty simple here. Odyssey have a new colorway dubbed Purple Rain. Included in the new Prince-influenced range are Odyssey’s Director Forks and Lumberjack bars. It is, quite simply, an easy way to deck your bike out while paying homage to a pop music legend from Minneapolis. I’ll go out on a limb here and guess the next Odyssey colorway. Raspberry beret? Sorry guys, I never said my jokes were good…
NICE/FBM
Nice Brand is FBM’s semi-new component brand that was introduced last year in Vegas, and Nice has stepped it up for the upcoming year. New to the line is a drivetrain side hub guard (lower left), two Pivotal seat versions (one in hemp), Jenkem frontload and topload stems, Miso grips, seat clamp and Rising Sun sprocket. Nice components are available as after market components or on FBM’s extensive line of complete bikes, which are in stores now. Oh yeah, almost forgot the FBM hub guards, which can be found on the bikes of many a big name BMX pro. Good stuff, as always, from FBM and Nice.
MADERA
This is your good ole tried and trued Madera cassette hub, hand-painted by select members of the Madera team. And you guessed it right; these babies are gonna be super limited. But if you’re a Madera fan and appreciate one-off products, then Madera has you covered. And in case you didn’t know, Madera hubs are made in the USA by Profile Racing, so these things are built to last.
KINK BADGER BARS
KC Badger might’ve been the only BMXer on hand with white pants at Interbike, but I won’t hold that against him. KC’s bars from Kink have been in production for the past few years, and these are the updated version two. Features include a smaller 19mm crossbar, 11 butted cr-mo, improved heat-treating, 12 degrees of back sweep, 1 degree of up sweep, an 8” rise, a 27” width and a weight of just 23.1 oz. Plus, you get chrome!
G-SPORT
The Ratchet hub. G-Sport spares no time or expenses when it comes to product development, and this is their latest release. Don’t call it a cassette hub though. The Ratchet is a solid one-piece driver, with oversize ratchet rings and pawls built around a 20mm G-Sport axle. The hub comes RHD and LHD ready out of the box, and the steel axle version comes with a lifetime warranty. Aside from that, the Ratchet is lightweight (1lb 3.9oz.), strong and Aaron Ross approved…
2-HIP GROOVETECH SYSTEM
2-Hip’s new Groovetech system insure that your bars will not move, ever again. Accordingly, the Groovetech system utilizes a splined system (similar to splined cranks) which holds your bars in place on the stem, and your stem in place on the forks. 2-Hip has been working on this system for the past 18 months, and after going through the patent process, Ron W. and the 2-Hip crew plan on licensing the system to other companies for use. It might look a little different from everything else out there, but then again, we all thought 25t sprockets looked weird ten years ago....
FEDERAL
An updated Hamilton frame from Federal Bikes. This particular ‘09 Hamilton features a heat-treated front triangle, double butted top tube, down tube and seat stays, top tube sizes of 20” and 20.5”, a 13.75” rear end, Mid B/B, removable brake mounts and guides, plus colors of black and black/red. I should also mention that there’s two versions of the Hamilton. The heat-treated front triangle version is lighter (20.5” - 4lb 11oz), but carries a slightly higher price tag, while the non heat-treated version is slightly heavier (20.5” -4lb 13oz) but more affordable.
BELOE CRANDALL PARTY SHOES
A new slip-on vulcanized shoe from Beloe Footwear and FBM’s Steve Crandall. The Crandall Party Shoes feature Beloe’s pedal-friendly outsole, exclusive artwork from Crandall and the ability to run out of gas on the way back to Ithaca (that last part isn’t necessarily true.) Also on hand from Beloe were Nathan Williams new shoe The Verve, which is a mid-top design, and available in either leather or suede with either a vulcanized or a cup outsole.
SHOOTER: HEATH HOLDEN
Name: Heath Holden
Age: 28
Location: Tasmania, Australia. Last few years I’ve been on a pretty amazing, random wander. I’d like to thank Commonwealth Bank for all their support!
How long have you been shooting?
About four years, very casually the first couple, now I’m addicted and can’t seem to get enough of it.
Film or digital?
I shoot digital 95% of the time, mostly because my budget doesn’t allow for film and processing all the time. With digital you still kinda have that wait time (depending where you are) to see it on a big screen to know if it’s a keeper or not cause digital screens suck. I want a 6 x 17 panoramic camera loaded with Velvia 50, for landscape, I think you know what I mean.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
Bike related: Tied between locals shredding at Catty Trails, PA woods and Redbull Elevation 2006 in Whistler, Canada. Other: North American wildlife. (Right now I’m on the Spirit of Tasmania (a massive red and white boat) drinking beer heading to Melbourne to drive with Random Mike to shoot at the UCI World Cup mountain bike event in Canberra, Australia, I love shooting anything involved with bikes and action.)
Fave rider to shoot with?
Haven’t really had the chance yet to spend a lot of time with one particular rider, Luke and Leigh from here in Tassie would be the winner of this question.
Dream rider to shoot with?
I think Ruben Alcantara would be a fun rider to shoot a bunch of stuff with.
What do you tell security when the try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Give them some shit to test the water. If they are hot headed, it’s easier to leave and know that you will be back the next day.
Fave BMX photographer?
I like Joe Rich’s photography. When those guys came to Tasmania years back on their T-1 trip, somehow it triggered something and that’s when I started to look at photos as more than just a snapshot. That was the begining.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Easiest question all night! I don’t want to grow up! But it’s bound to happen so I’m working hard towards making a living from photography. Also, I’m really interested in earth science/geology, so maybe a science degree in the future.
Where can we see more of your work?
Check it out at www.heathholdenphotography.com and you will see some prints in a few random cafe’s in Devonport, Tasmania!
REPO: SLADES FARM JAM, DORSET UK
Photos: Adam Frame
Words: Tim March
Anyone that’s tried to put a jam on this year more than likely will have had the words ‘cancelled due to poor weather’ as part of their patter that would have to have been relayed to all crews travelling to various parts of this rain sodden island this summer. The Stephen Murray Benefit Jam at Slades Farm in Dorset this year was no different. Leroy from 5710 and Dead End bikes had done his best to put this event on earlier in the summer but two cancelled gigs had already gone down before he managed to finally coax the ‘Shining One’ out on Saturday and we had our Cake and managed to eat it too. Darryl Charles MC’d for the day there was a fly out comp in the bowl and a best trick comp as well as the usual shredding that all and sundry attempt whilst full of lager, chips, crisps, burgers and hotdogs. Thankfully there were no fatalities but someone did get a peg poked up their nose in a skin trimming exercise gone wrong. There were nearly some fights but everyone seemed to be in such good spirits that they fizzled out like a cheap damp firework. The surrounding grass banks were full of friends and family for a wall of sound atmosphere when someone tried a stunt and pulled it, or not as the case maybe. Lewis Monks (freshly kicked off Vans) won best trick with a backflip off the 1 foot kicker: quids in for £30. A bunch of cash was made in the raffle so that will help Stephen pay for some of his medical bills and upkeep and everyone who came seemed to be happy enough just to be riding on a sunny day in Dorset in one of the oldest skateparks in the UK.
SHOOTER: PAUL WARING
Name: Paul Waring
Age: 19
Location: Liverpool, UK
How long have you been shooting?
Seriously, I’d say about two years, but I had cameras before that and I’ve had a slight interest in photography for a while.
Film or digital?
Pretty much all digital. I have nothing against film. It can be great, but for me personally, and my work, digital is just so much more convenient. I love shooting and seeing what I’ve got, as well as letting everyone else being able to see straight away.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I’d like to say it’s still to come. BMX wise, a lot of people I shoot with are learning new stuff and getting amazing so fast, that whenever I shoot with them, everything is so much better than last time!
Fave rider to shoot with?
Well, I’ve got a couple. I generally enjoy shooting with people who are going to do something amazing. But it’s also good to have somebody who is patient with me and doesn’t mind doing it “one more time.” If I want to shoot photos, I’ll generally phone Bengo or Harry Main. One for park, one for street, and they never seem to slow down learning new things.
Dream rider to shoot with?
I wouldn’t say I’d like to shoot with one certain person. But I would love to follow a Props Road Fools or a similar roadtrip with amazing riders. Maybe one day…
What do you tell security when the try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Well, I find most of the time, they don’t listen to anything. But I generally try telling them that we’re shooting for a magazine (even though I’m not...)
Fave BMX photographer?
There’s a few. Rob Dolecki is just amazing. I really like Ricky Adam’s stuff too. I tagged along on a 2-Hip UK tour for the Leeds leg of the trip, and I just enjoyed watching everything that was set up. I love watching how other photographers work, and watching one of the best was great teaching for me.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Well, I’ve been getting more and more into the fashion side of photography and some commercial stuff too. I know that there isn’t a lot of money in BMX photography, and I really enjoy shooting other things too. If I could make a full-time living out of shooting photos, I’d be the happiest guy in the world.
Where can we see more of your work?
I have my Web site, www.paul-waring.com. It has quite a bit of BMX stuff on there, and also a load of my other work. Check it out…
DIG 66 UNSEEN: BSD ROAD WORTHY PHOTOS
BSD Scottish road trip photo overspill from Dig Issue 66 - Which you can check out RIGHT HERE
SHOOTER: VINCENT PERRAUD
NAME: Vincent Perraud
AGE: 26
LOCATION: Rennes, France
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING?
Five years.
FILM OR DIGITAL?
Both but I prefer film from far. Especilly medium format, but it’s so expensive. I keep digi for light test and contests.
BEST THING YOU’VE EVER SHOT?
It’s always different, but always a new experience.
FAVE RIDER TO SHOOT WITH?
All my friends who are okay to do one or more tricks for me. Anto Lille, Ju Leyreloup, Les Tarbais, Keulu, Max Charveron, Tibert Pally, Arthur Dietrich and the Strasbourg guys. And the flatlanders from my hometown.
DREAM RIDER TO SHOOT WITH?
My friends are the best!
WHAT DO YOU TELL SECURITY WHEN THE TRY TO THROW YOU OUT OF SPOTS FOR TAKING PICS?
“We didn’t know know this was private property!” In general, they usually let me shoot “the last one.” Or we hide and wait until they go, then finish up.
FAVE BMX PHOTOGRAPHER?
Hadrien Picard, Manu Sanz, Rob Dolecki, Jeff Zielinski, Chris Polack.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
I want to earn a little money and continue to chill with my friends!
WHERE CAN WE SEE MORE OF YOUR WORK?
Soul mag (3615soul.com) and my shitty flickr.com/vincent-perraud. I’m too lazy to do my own Web site...
SHOOTER: TOM BING
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Name: Tom Bing
Age: 21
Location: Leeds 6, England
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING?
I’ve been shooting and developing my own pictures since I was 16. BMX wise, on and off since then, but only really a few months more seriously.
FILM OR DIGITAL?
Mainly digital now, although I have always shot film until a few months ago. Digital is cheaper, after the initial cost, and doesn’t use gelatin, which is a bonus! I’m glad I learned with film though. Digital has changed photography a lot. Any geek can make a photo look amazing if they know Photoshop well enough. All I know is how to do the things I understand from the darkroom really!
BEST THING YOU’VE EVER SHOT?
A bird with a .22 air rifle by accident once when I was about twelve.
FAVE RIDER TO SHOOT WITH?
Any of the Leeds riders.
DREAM RIDER TO SHOOT WITH?
Blimey, I dunno, I think It would probably be Jason Levy!
WHAT DO YOU TELL SECURITY WHEN THE TRY TO THROW YOU OUT OF SPOTS FOR TAKING PICS?
Usually that manners go a long way. There are too many security guards who take their job too seriously and talk down to you like you’re just a kid, and that really gets on my nerves! But before you know it, it normally gets to the point that the police are about to be called cause all the riders here are gobby idiots!
FAVE BMX PHOTOGRAPHER?
There are a lot of awesome BMX photographers. Nathan Beddows and George Marshall are real good friends of mine and I really like their work. Ricky Adam shoots so much good stuff too, other than just BMX. I especially like his documentary on LS6 where I live. It’s mint. Basically the ones I know are my favorite because I can relate to what they have been doing a bit more than someone on the other side of the world.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
I wanna do something that helps people, or informs people of some of the fu*ked up things going on in the world. I want to have seen some stuff, been some places, have some stories to tell and be happy!
WHERE CAN WE SEE MORE OF YOUR WORK?
www.tombing.co.uk.
www.ls6bmx.co.uk.
REPO: A COVENTRY CONFRONTATION
Date: August 24th
Location: Coventry, UK
Photos: Tom Bing & Ben Turner
The Coventry jam was the brainchild of Mute at P5. They’ve a few sessions all around the UK, each getting better with age, but this was the most amazing to date.
Arriving to a mass of clicking cassettes and loose chains, we started off at the transport museum, as it was an easy place to meet, before the sea of riders travelled across Cov’. Around 200 riders snaking through the streets was a good site to see.
The riding, as of any jam, was nuts. My favourite trick must have been 180 whips off the benches, followed by a crack addict security guard being shut down by 200 riders (many of whom have all had a beef with said security in there time). A nice irony.
The jam went well and with no injuries except for Jard Robbin. He looped out from a 13set no hander to a grazed up ass. He wont be reading this sitting down.
The next jam will be in Wolverhampton and will be the last of the year.
If this was anything to go by, we will be having a ‘mint sesh’. - Ben Turner
DIG 66 OVERSPILL: 6.0 MEET THE PEOPLE
Dig issue 66 Photo overspill: Nike 6.0 Meet The People Jam, Cologne Germany....
For more info on issue 66, CLICK HERE!
Ricky Adam Photos
EMPIRE OF DIRT PHOTO OVERSPILL
Photo overspill from the Dig issue 66 Red Bull Empire Of Dirt 2008 feature.
Click here to see more on issue 66...
DIG 66 PHOTO OVERSPILL
Unused photos from Dig 66
PHOTO OP: TILLY’S STORE LEVIS DEMO
Tilly’s store Levis Demo, Tustin, California , August 10th 2008.
Photos by Rob Dolecki
REPO: D.S.A.B LIVI JAM
Location: Livingston Skatepark, Scotland
Date: August 2nd 2008
Words: Grant Smith BSD
Photos: Ricky Adam
The call came at 9:30 AM. “It’s Colin here. Let everyone know it’s dry and sunny in Livi!”
Every year, there’s a Livingston skateboard jam. It’s always well attended, but for some reason or another, the bike jams that have happened there have always sucked. That is, until Captain Colin Weir of the crazy DSAB crew decided enough was enough and took matters into his own hands.
The day consisted of a myriad of small comps. We missed the longest manual but got there just in time for the Walla Death challenge. For those that don’t know, Livi has a big curved flatbank with a wall about 4-foot tall on top. On the backside of the wall is a 20-foot drop, making any tricks on top of it almost death defying. That didn’t seem to bother Paul the Sword though; he fufanued and abubaca’d the beast. Meanwhile, Ginger Pete (aka Carrot Byrnes) got his leg over on a near slam and Sean Lavatory finished it all off with a wallride to whip.
Next up was the best trick comp (with bars backwards!) This started as a bit of a mini ramp style jam until the whips and flips started flying. By the end of it, I could hardly think of a trick that hadn’t been done or attempted with the bars the wrong way round.
Mike from 20twenty was on site all day selling bicycle parts from his market stall and the Red Bull girls showed up to hand out cans of high-powered caffeine. But luckily, they didn’t witness a certain un-named rider atop the new Red Bull Mini.
Later in the day, there was a big bowl jam with highest air and best trick. Most riders don’t really ride this steep pool, so it was good to see people getting into it and actually enjoying the hang ups and flat bottom landings.
And to end it all, Colin donned the leopard thong (see pic) and did a 180 from the wee bowl to big bowl to elbow damage. I can’t think of much worse than crashing and grinding along Livi’s gnarly concrete nearly naked. I heard the screams of pain as we left the park and headed home. What a day! The Livi bike jam was reborn and will hopefully become a yearly event.
SHOOTER: BRYCE PACKHAM
NAME: Bryce Packham
AGE: 19
LOCATION: Idaho, Utah
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING?
About 10 months. I got my first camera last October.
FILM OR DIGITAL?
Digital. I know I’ll eventually migrate over to film, but for right now digital just makes more sense.
BEST THING YOU’VE EVER SHOT?
That’s really a tough question. I’d probably have to go with a shot I took of Bryant Shepherd doing a whip over some caution tape. It was one of the first photos I ever took and I was so stoked when I saw how it turned out. That was sorta the photo that hooked me.
FAVE RIDER TO SHOOT WITH?
I’d have to say it’s a tie between Bryant Shepherd and Josh Hult. I like shooting with Bryant because he is a super creative rider and I always come away with unique shots. Shooting with Josh is fun because he blasts every trick and just goes as high as possible, and he is super cool about doing stuff over and over until I get a shot we’re both pleased with.
DREAM RIDER TO SHOOT WITH?
I’d love to shot some stuff with Sean Burns.
WHAT DO YOU TELL SECURITY WHEN THE TRY TO THROW YOU OUT OF SPOTS FOR TAKING PICS?
I feed them something along the lines of this being my job and we’re doing it for a magazine.
FAVE BMX PHOTOGRAPHER?
Rob Dolecki (duh) and Keith Romanowski’s photos have both had a pretty big influence on me.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Someone who doesn’t hate their job.
SHOOTER: LLOYD RAMSAY
Name: Lloyd Ramsay
Age: XXXI
Location: The Cradle of Civilization
How long have you been shooting?
About 2 years now. I have always written then one day I needed some photos to go along with AST Dew Tour coverage...upgraded myself to writer+photographer.
Film or digital?
Digital. Everything in my life has been within the digital spectrum having worked with computers from an early age. I never learnt film although I should have. I never approach something creatively in a conventional manner. This hopefully makes me different. I would love to figure out a way to bring in analog corrosion to digital images to add something unique to them. This is an idea I have shifted over to photography based on an interview Trent Reznor did a few years back. He passes signals through various boards that are damaged to create a sound that has uniqueness lurking in the shadows.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I think my best work is yet to come. Never being 100% happy with anything I have ever shot pushes me to progress and explore my potential. Satisfaction is the death of desire.
Fave rider to shoot with?
There have been so many awesome people I have worked with I cannot narrow it down to just 1 person. I make a point to never work with people that have bad attitudes so I set myself up for only positive experiences.
Dream rider to shoot with?
Before I lost my work visa and had to leave the States I was keen on doing a behind the scenes of the new 2Hip warehouse in Santa Cruz. Ron W has a very unique look and persona so I wanted to try do the shoot with the theme Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. I never got to pitch the idea to Ron but I think the theme totally suited the subject.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
I have been pretty lucky and not had many hassles with security. There is no way they can comprehend why I would want to take a photo of an adult on a tiny bicycle jumping down some stairs so why argue. Life can sucker punch you pretty good sometimes so who knows if I could end up guarding a building one day to put food on the table. At the moment all my shots are taken in Africa and over here you can take your bike through a plate glass window of a department store without a cop budging.
Fave BMX photographer?
Use Google Maps to find Maidenhead, UK aka Maidenhood. There lives a guy called Craig Tull. He barely gets to ride anymore because he is shooting all the time. What I like about Craig’s work is that it is clean, well composed and he works so hard at it all the time. He has a site: http://www.craigtull.com. It is not within the bounds of the question but I cannot write about Photographers that are amazing without mentioning Garth Milan. I would clean his equipment and sleep on his floor for a year just to be able to learn from him.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I might rock this Peter Pan compl