If you pay attention the the names of photographers when you look through magazines and websites, there is a good chance you have heard of Ben. If you are from Minnesota then there is a real good chance you have had the chance to meet him. You would also know he is a real good guy. It seems like these days if you ride BMX, you shoot photos, film, or edit at some point in your life also. I had the chance to shoot Ben some questions, so check it out and leave a little love for him in the comments! After the interview make sure you check out BenAustinPhoto.com. After you read the interview, check out Dig to see even more photos of him!
Name:
Benjamin Gray Austin
Location:
Minneapolis, Minnesota. Keep it cold.
Sponsors at all?
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. It’s 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!
If you could go on a trip right now spur of the moment, who are the people you would invite, and where would you go?
Ryan Barrett, Chris Doyle, and Cory Muth. We’d go on a month long trip to Australia…never been, and I need to learn how to surf.
Who are you usually riding with these days? anywhere in particular you find yourself locked inside at?
I’ve been riding at a local skatepark called 3rd Lair as much as possible. It’s set up for purely for skateboarders, and makes you think outside the box. I have yet to be bored.
What is it about BMX that keeps you into it after all the years?
It’s hard to come up with an original answer to this question. I love to meet new people, and I think BMX has an usually high concentration of characters. I also love seeing new places, and being outside enjoying the day with my friends.
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 a 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!
You have had a lot of photos in magazines and other places like your recent work on Defgrip. When were you first published and how many times has that happened since?
I think my first published BMX photos in were in the 2004 Hoffman Bikes catalog. There were 2 shots of Ryan Barrett (who rode for them at the time) that made it into print, and I remember being so amazed when I got a call from their art director to let me know he wanted the slides. Since then I have done additional work for Hoffman, Eastern Bikes, GT, and Drive. I’ve contributed work to RideBMX, Dig, VitalBMX, Defgrip, Manmade Clothing, and a number of others here and there.
Have you ever had any photos that have nothing to do with BMX published in other magazines and places?
Not really, although I’ve considered trying to shoot more work outside of BMX. My first published photo was actually a for a daily campus newspaper when I was going to college in North Carolina. I had a ton of random assignments for the newspaper and yearbook covering everything from Girls Soccer, to Design School parties, and fraternity events. Pretty random, but I learned a lot about photojournalism and self-reliance from the experience. If you don’t capture the shot assigned, you are screwed…and that is a scary thought. Too much pressure for me, I’ll stick to shooting what I want, when I want.
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.
Were you aware there is another Ben Austin who is a photographer from Australia?
That’s crazy, I had no idea! I knew there was an Australian swimmer with the same name, but this is eerie.
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.
Who or what are some things you would like to shoot photos of someday that you haven’t had the chance to yet?
I’d love to get a chance to shoot at Bondi Beach with some friends…and maybe Mat Hoffman for good measure.
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!
In your own opinion, what is your greatest accomplishment so far in your life?
Meeting my favorite person in the world, Brigid. I think if I had no material possessions, no money, no job…I would still be having a blast just hanging out and talking about life.
Do you have any favorite websites?
defgrip.net, weather.com, google (mail, maps, shopping), definitely ebay, facebook, and wikipedia.
You win the powerball, what are the first 5 things you spend your money on?
1. Invest like crazy (boring, I know). Stocks are crazy low right now!
2. Sell our broken down house and move to a nice area closer to the city.
3. New shoes (I have an addiction).
4. Coke and salty snacks for Brigid.
5. United Way.
If you could change anything about your life, would you? If yes, what and why?
Mo’ money mo’ problems…I’m loving my life as 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. Waaay to 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 fam for always supporting me, thanks to my friends for always keeping me smiling, and thanks to Brigid for always keeping me sane.
Anything else you want to say?
Keep it real.
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