Tag Archives: BMX
AANGLES Digital Download
Tagged AANGLES, Alex Duleba, BMX, Brandon Begin, Denim Cox, Dustin Arp, DVD, Freestyle, Justin Shorty, Nick Seabasty, Ryan Howard, Scott Marceau, Sean Morr
“SLOW LEAK” AANGLES Promo
2nd Nature’s Bike Night web video.
Whats Good! 35 minutes North of NYC lays upon 2nd Nature Skatepark. During these freezing cold winter months, skaters & bike riders have no other indoor to shred.(Beside 5050 )
Thankfully 2nd Nature allows BMX riders to come shred 8-12 PM on Wednesday nights. It’s sick because you get a tight knit group of riders from the surrounding metropolitan area. A Couple of the guys from Merritt & locals decided to throw down in front of the camera.
The camera I used to shoot this chopped web edit is a Nikon D750 with a small arsenal of lenses. I paid 15 bucks for admission to film but it was worth it to get a couple tricks in for a 4 hour session. To be honest, it was one of the best moments this winter. ‘Twas my first time this year at 2nd Nature, and won’t be my last until it warms up. I managed to put together this tight knit filming rig that packs a punch at a decent price. (Excluding the body/lens).
- RODE Video GO Mic $85.00 -Ebay
- Neewer Aluminum Camera Cage- $60.00
- Some Chinese DSLR filming light. $30.00
This is what I documented. Enjoy.
-Zach Honahan
“The Animal House” Photo Journal
Check out a collection of photos shot by Ralphy Ramos during the filming of The Animal House.
TCU TV – The Photographer’s Discussion
A while back, I had the chance to get a few established photographers in the industry together to talk shop. I had a loose list of topics we could hit and Jeremy had a list of his own. We didn’t get to hit nearly as many subjects as we would have liked to, but that’s usually how these things go. I think we did pretty well with the time allotted and we’re hoping that any aspiring lensmen will be enlightened by our discussion.
If there are any specific topics that you’d want us to hit for the next discussion, please leave them in a comment below.
1:09 – Jeremy Pavia introduction
2:47 – Chris Mortenson introduction
4:28 – Josh McElwee introduction
6:25 – Jeremy’s “Through The Lens” column from The Union
9:21 – “Film vs. Digital” (actually we discuss Dean Collins and teaching for a while)
11:22 – We actually start discussing the film versus digital thing
13:26 – Shoutout to the darkroom
18:53 – What’s your favorite f/stop?
21:31 – “I just wanna capture the moment and sometimes the moment is shitty”
23:00 – No more hanging posters
24:11 – “Print vs. Online”
25:08 – Gregory Crewdson
28:48 – Readership
30:16 – Vinyl vs. MP3
30:55 – The Albion
31:55 – Props on VHS
36:04 – Josh’s story
37:45 – DIG/Focal Point
40:57 – A watered-down industry
43:35 – The process of shooting/choosing what gear to carry
46:13 – Getting the shot
49:22 – Fuck barspins.
50:35 – A collaboration between photographer and subject
55:19 – Riders getting hurt while shooting
57:01 – Shoutout to Kiraly
58:34 – RideBMX‘s 1 o’clock photo project
1:04:19 – Let’s talk about gear
1:08:57 – Advances in photo technology
1:12:25 – How to get your photos noticed
1:13:44 – Looking outside of BMX
1:15:43 – Experience
1:17:14 – Final thoughts and comments
Posted in BMX, Gear, Interview, Podcast, Tech
Tagged BMX, Chris Mortenson, Jeremy Pavia, Josh McElwee, Magazines, Photography, Scott Marceau, The Come Up
Photographer Spotlight: Greg Moliterno
Multitalented lensman / rider showcases his favorite grind and even threads the needle between the wall and pole with just nearly enough room for his Bob bars. Photos: Nick Jones
“What can I say about Greg Moliterno?.. Greg is more than just one of those photographers who hits you up to go out and shoot, he’s more of a homie who wants to chill and ride and just happens to be amazing at what he does. He’s also one of the rare combos of person that has a good eye for not only photos but filming and putting together videos as well. I’m always hyped to get a clip or photo with Greg cause I know it’ll be on point and the happiness he shows of the final product just proves how much he loves doing bmx and his friends. ” – Nick Seabasty
The basics…name, age, location, affiliates, crews, gangs, whatever…
Greg Moliterno, 32 years old and living in Tempe, Arizona.
Whatcha workin with?
canon 5d mkii, nikon fm2n, hasselblad 500 c/m, olympus mju 2, ricoh ff3 af, nikon lite touch af, canon 15mm fish, canon 24mm 2.8, nikon 50 1.4 , hasselblad 80mm 2.8, canon 85mm 1.8, nikon 105 2.5, hasselblad 150mm 4, tamron 70-200 2.8 , 6x vivitar 285‘s doubled up, minolta 118x, pocket wizard plus 2’s and mini tt1, shutter release, minolta light meter, right angle viewfinder and various tripods
Dimitri James, whip fakie
What got you into photography?
I got into photos being hurt a few years ago i was around some guys shooting photos before always seemed interesting to me
What inspires you to create?
Seeing the big picture
What are your ideal conditions for shooting?
Anything really
Cory Wiergowsk, wallride to euro
Any favorite spots to shoot at, people to shoot with?
Here today gone tomorrow spots, jibs, set-ups. Shooting with someone you haven’t shot with is cool always good getting something with my friends too
What problems do you often come across as a photographer?
cops pocket wizards flat tires
Shane Cecil, euro
You film as well, what’s in the bag?
Panasonic hd, opteka fish, step up, small tripod, skateboard
What are you currently working on?
I have a full length all street video I’m working on and I’m the middle of a few other video projects too. I’m putting a book together “Smithsonian” its an all smith grinds book compiled of photos from multiple photographers. Talk to me for more info.. I’m also having a small showing of point and shoots which is tba. I’ve been shooting with Bobby Kanode for “lightworks” if you haven’t seen the trailer you need to.
Cory Wiergowski, pegs up no foot can
Any tips or advice to beginners?
Only advice I could give is have good time with your friends, shoot whatever you feel like.
Where can people see more of your work?
Instagram.. Vimeo.. I’ll have something else up soon I promise.
Posted in BMX, Photo, Weekly Work
Tagged Arizona, BMX, Canon, Greg Moliterno, Spotlight, Weekly Work
Chasing Light with Vince Perraud
Interview and editorial photos by Chris Mortenson. All other photos credited to Vince Perraud.
I’ve been a fan of Vince’s work for quite sometime now. His photographs are more than just pictures of people doing tricks. He is capturing the culture that surrounds BMX in one of the purest ways I’ve seen in. Be it using natural light or throwing a small strobe in the mix, his photographs capture what it feels like to be out riding with your friends and enjoying all the adventures that riding bikes can bring. When I found out that he was coming through Los Angeles for the Couch Riding trip I set up a time to link up on a roof in Hollywood and watch him make some pictures with flatlander Matthias Dandois. After hanging out with Vince I can say he is one of the most humblest of people I’ve met and I can’t wait to see what he creates in the future.
For the people who might not know you, can you please just give a little introduction?
Yo What’s up! I’m Vince Perraud I come from France and I take picture for something like 9 years now, a bunch of BMX… and I never meet up Jean De Crepe aha.
You have a pretty big collection of cameras in your bag, could you talk a little bit about this and how you came to have such diversity?
Ah yes I have a bunch of cameras because all of them have a specificity and it’s fun to use!! OK I have to admit all of them are half fucked so I need all of this to shoot! It depends on what subject I’m shooting. It’s just cool to vary from fucking digital.
What is your favorite camera to shoot with and why?
Depends on the mood but I would say the good old Bronica SQ! It’s medium format so the 120 film gives a good result, nice depth of field and you can synch at 1/500…and it’s cheap too!!
When out shooting do you have any special process you go through while making images, or do you let things happen organically?
I would say improvisation but now I try to work on it, like check the location, best time to shoot with the good light etc…
Do you find inspiration in photography outside of BMX, and if so, do you find it easy to adapt that inspiration into BMX photography?
Yeah I try to check all sort of photography, like music, architecture, fashion… and mix it because to make nice pics for any subject you have to work on the composition, light etc… But bmx is really free and there are so many aspects to the culture, I don’t necessarily think about it, but bmx (same as skate) photography is really creative!!
I’ve noticed in your newer work, you are shooting with a lot of natural light vs. strobes. Can you just talk a little bit about the shift and how it has affected your shooting style.
Ah yeah I shoot more natural cause my flashes are fucked!! You have to make choices also when you travel by plane, it’s really annoying to be limited on stuff you can bring with you overseas, so recently I was less into flashes and I tried to work more with ambient… and it takes less time to set up so you don’t piss of the riders. You ready already! It’s better for lifestyle too!
Who are some of your favorite photographers outside of BMX?
I have a bunch of various inspiration but the ones that are always sick are: Foster Huntington, Scott Pommier, Chris Burkard, Kenneth Cappello, Brian Gabermann, Eric Antoine, Michel Sedan, Jérôme Tanon, Kristina Fender, Fred Mortagne, Mike Piscitelli… in no particular order.. My favorite at the moment is Purienne.
Do you have any personal projects you are working on?
Good question! I would say going to vacation with my girl…
Do you think it is necessary to study photography to understand how to create good images?
Hum not sure, most of the dudes I know never study photo… but it’s a good advantage to know the sport well when you snap bikes for example…
How do you think the ease of image sharing has effected photography within BMX?
I don’t know, everything is going faster and faster. It can bring more ideas or creativity but I feel like it’s too much nowadays…too much shit and the good stuff are flooded in middle of crap… it’s also harder to stand out…
When was it that you felt like you really hit your stride and found your vision as a photographer?
I’m still searching ahah.
Do you have any advice for the up and coming shooters of the world?
Go out with you friends and snap instead of chilling in front of the laptop! 😉
Photography below by Vince Perraud.
Posted in Interview
Tagged BMX, couch riding, France, Matthias Dandois, Photography, redbull, Vince Perraud
“Not Just For Calling” | The Hadrien Picard Interview
Photos by Hadrien Picard interview by Chris Mortenson
Hadrien Picard seems to be able to do it all. Transitioning between the role of photographer and videographer is no easy task, however he seems to do it effortlessly and beautifully. Recently he has been pushing the limits of filming by shooting all his films on Nokia Lumia phone. Filming things on a phone is not a new concept, but with camer/phone technology getting better and better they are starting to turn into a necessity for any filmer/photographers bag. I caught up with Hadrien to find out more about his filming process and what he thinks about this new territory camera phones.
Can you give us a small introduction about yourself?
I am Hadrien Picard. I’m 31 and live around Paris. I’ve been riding for 20 years but I’m still terrible on a bike. I’ve been shooting photos for 16 years & thank god I’m a little less terrible at that. I’ve started to film around 7-8 years ago. I never thought I’d say this but I have the chance to be a pro photographer and filmer.
How did you make the transition from photographer to videographer?
For me, video has always seemed like a close cousin of photography. It has always interested me.
I’m not sayin I did everything in photo, very far from that, every day I realize that, but it was less a challenge for me at that time. I had a DV camera for a couple of years but something changed when video mode start to be included in DSLR. I was totally amazed by the quality and; the feel of the images from the 1st DSLRs that could film like the D90 & 5DMKII. So I bought a 7d and started to play with it. I did a couple of vids here and there, then I won the Nike StandBy Barcelona which helped me to look like a « legit » filmer haha.
I still and; will always shoot photos. It’s honestly cool to do both, it’s hard but it’s really rewarding for yourself to think you have done both. Video is a lot more work than photo, so I’m really happy when I can shoot photos ONLY.
What’s your current filming set up like?
I still have my lovely JVC HM100 but the majority of clips I film are with a Nikon D800 and; a Sony FS700 that maybe, besides my flat, is the most expensive thing I have ever bought. I’m pretty happy with it!
How did you start filming with the Nokia camera/phone?
They contacted me because they were looking for someone who was good in photo and; video in our sports.
Nokia used to be involved in BMX years ago so they knew BMX, skate and; snowboard are really photogenic/videogenic. They wanted people to shoot with their Lumias to show their cameras capabilities. I think they also like the spirit of BMX, skate and; snowboard. We met in the end of 2012 and; we talked about what we can do and Nokia Pureviews, and a creative community based around shooting with their Lumia lines, was born.
What are some of the challenges with filming on a phone? and did you have any hesitation putting down a video camera for a camera phone?
Those things are really light, which is good for your back, but I also thought that it can be a problem for stability. You have to pay attention to even small shakings but it’s actually less than I thought. There is an optical stabilisator inside that does great job.
Obviously a smartphone is and; will never be a DSLR : the sensor is small (even if the 1020 has a pretty big one) and; you can’t change lens. Some actually can but what’s the use having a smartphone that is big like DSLR at the end?
For sure it’s not a FS700 but overall I think the images look pretty damn good. Some riders were a little stressed to send it in front of a smartphone but when they saw the images they were confident about the result.
Your films are all very well done. How much does editing and post come into play? and could you give a little insight into your editing process?
Thanks!
I think editing is at least as important as filming. Photography is very exigent at the moment : a photo is good or bad. Period. But you can actually make a good video from not so good clips. The real difficulty of filming compared to shooting photos is that, even if it’s at the minimal scale, it’s not a movie, you have to think a little to what kind of shots you need if you want to make an intro, show something particular etc…
A photo could be great by its own but a video is an addition of a lot of clips so you have to think a little before & after about how organising it!
Music is also a third of the clip. It’s super important. It’s funny how I’m not a specialist in music but I really like to follow the most I can so the clip at the end is a perfect mix between sound and image.
I didn’t do any film/photo class so my editing process may not be the best! I don’t rename anything, I drag and drop all the clips I have in the time line and; from there cut and; select them and then bit by bit make the edit.
With camera and phone technology getting better every year, how do you think this is going to change the way we make films?
It has already changed a lot of things! Thanks to DSLR we can achieve a look that was impossible before. Things will become more and more close to perfection and; cheaper and; cheaper. But at the end, even with a Red Epic, if you suck you suck. It will never change that.
Smartphone speaking, they have 3 huge strenghs that may cause some big trouble to camera manufacturers: The image they make is getting better and; better and; can be usable for a lot of projects. Another strengh of the smartphone is that you carry it EVERYWHERE. It does so many thing it’s obvisouly already in your pocket, so you can shoot very fast whatever happen in front of you. « The best camera is the on you have » Remember. And finally phones are connected. Really important for geeks like us haha. But it’s true that more and more cameras can be connected. I bought a small panasonic that’s so smart it can send the photos to a phone via a wifi networks it creates. Crazy!
Do you have any other big projects coming out this year?
I have some really, really good stuff coming this year with Nokia…
Do you have any advice for future filmers out there?
Go out and shoot! Don’t wait, don’t be shy. If you want to learn, it’s 1000 times easier now that before thanks to digital and internet. Look around you to understand how things works but always remember not to copy/paste what is fashion today. Create your own style.
Posted in BMX, Interview, Uncategorized, Video
Tagged BMX, Hadrien Picard, Nokia Lumia, soul bmx, videography
Push It A Stop 