Adam first caught my attention with his natural light color 35mm photos in the Flickr group. Everything of his I remembered seeing had impeccable composition and great geometry. Being able to create dynamic photographs without the use of artificial lighting is a challenge for sure, but Adam finds ways to showcase the subject and keep the image interesting.
Where do you live/where are you from, what’s your age and how long have you been shooting?
I was born and raised in Erie, PA. I’m 19 years old now and I got my first camera in 10th grade. I quit wrestling after 9 seasons that year so I could focus more of filming and photography. My coach told me it was the worst idea I had ever had but I think its going pretty well.
How long have you been riding?
I got my first bike in the summer of 7th grade so about 5 years? Give or take, I didn’t really actually ride ride until 9-10th grade.
Robert Christianson, Erie PA
What was your first camera?
The first camera I ever had in my hands was some point and shoot I stole from my sister back in fifth grade, me and my friends took pictures of each other jumping off of the swings in my grandmas backyard. I don’t know why but we did, a lot. My first actual camera was the 550D my mom got me in high school because I wanted to go to film school.
What inspired you to start shooting in the first place?
I really just like to make cool stuff. As a child my dad did a lot of painting and crafts and my teachers used to call me “creative” and “artistic”. I guess shooting photos and videos just became my outlet.
Philadelphia
Who are some photographers you are into?
There’s a lot of guys that I really look up to, some are friends and some are just people I’ve heard of but, Ryan Souva, Travis Mortz, Chris Mortenson, and Nick Jones are a few.
Have you ever shot with flashes?
Yeah, I take a set of flashes almost every time I have a digital camera, but usually when I shoot film I just have the camera, a lens, and a few rolls.
Cory Schneider, Mercyhurst PA
What is your favorite film?
I dont usually shoot with expensive film. I almost always buy Fuji superia 400 because its cheap and available anywhere. Plus the colors are nice.
What is your preferred f/stop?
Usually shooting BMX/Skate stuff I try and be around 7.1 or higher. Very shallow depth of field has its time but when it’s some dude throwing bars down a stair set, I want as much in focus as I can get.
Bryan Kleckner, Warren PA
Do you have a favorite trick to shoot?
I like the simple stuff, it’s nice to shoot banger tricks but you shouldn’t always stress your self when your shooting photos. If everything I shot had to be perfectly timed,well composed and well exposed first try then photography wouldn’t be all that fun to me.
Do you think you’ll stick to natural light or can you see yourself gearing up soon?
I always like to experiment with new things and other ways to shoot, but for right now, I’m really into the simplicity of just going out and shooting.
Tommy Crail, Erie PA
What is the most important factor for you when you’re making a photograph?
I like things to be straight. Poles, the horizon, ramps, rails, everything. My biggest pet peeve is when something is noticeably crooked.
Do you carry both color and b&w film with you?
Almost always color. I just haven’t got around to trying that much black and white stuff yet.
Cory Schneider, Penn State
Do you shoot any video?
Yeah, I consider myself more of a video person than photos I just shoot more bmx than anything because it’s what I’m around all the time. I started doing music videos and weddings about 3ish years ago. All my stuff is on my website, www.adamcookmedia.com
Trent Culver, Philadelphia
Push It A Stop 