Another year in the books and another 52 TTL features in 2013. I’ve found myself all over the place at times up late on Tuesday nights from California, to Pennsylvania and wherever else I’ve been this year writing and dialing in the week’s TTL. It’s crazy to look back after that many and see which ones got the most feedback and which ones stood out the most to me. I decided that since I am putting this one together on the last day of the year in 2013 that it only makes sense to a top ten list (in no particular order) of my favorite features of the year and give a little insight as to why. I guess in the meantime though, I would like to thank each and every person out there that has ever read a single column and anyone out there that has been down to work with me on these it really means a lot. Thank you; here’s to the New Year and the mystery of what it may bring.
This column was a favorite for me to work on because of the vibe of the crew. They were all so stoked to be traveling and adventuring just exploring spots and creating memories. Josh Betley along with Daniel Tuente, Moritz Nussbaumer, Reto Rominger, and Julian Madrzak made for one hell of a crew. Josh was the only American that hopped in the RV for some travels and the other guys were so pumped to be seeing the States. It was also one of the longest TTL’s seeing as how I interviewed all of them individually so it made for a lengthy piece. Enough talk, check it out for yourself.
TTL 59 – Creative Minds: The Creator of Radical Rick
This TTL happened to be a personal favorite simply because of the subject matter. As a BMX fan, and someone who grew up on Radical Rick, it was pretty amazing to have the chance to interview the creator himself. With any of these features I am always honored to have people agree to work with me, and this one was no exception. Damian is incredible humble, and a serious badass when it comes to artwork. It was wild to see his personal workspace and get a chance to flip through some of the original pieces made for the comic series that ran from 1979-1993 so to say it left it’s mark in BMX history is an understatement.
TTL 61 – 19 Minutes Later: The Boston Marathon
Although there is not much more to say about this piece that wasn’t already said, I felt the need to include it for the simple fact that it was such a life changing experience for me. If you don’t know about this one, or do but just haven’t read it yet, I would suggest doing so. I can honestly say that I have never written anything that personal in all of my years and the fact that I put it out for all to see was an interesting step for me. Be prepared to sit down for a bit to get through this one, it’s a long read.
TTL 62 – Behind the Cover with Dennis Enarson and Chad Kerley
This feature is probably one of the more meaningful ones to me simply because it’s a look behind my first international cover and my first cover as an independent photographer. I also love the fact that this cover is so much different design-wise than anything else that I have seen. Not to mention it features two of my favorite riders out there Dennis Enarson and Chad Kerley. Although I have had plenty of covers before, the fact that it came as a surprise to me also made it a standout moment in my career. But, for more on that check the feature!
TTL 69 – Industry Talk with Ron Wilkerson
Oh, the Ron Wilkerson piece. Well this was my first and only “Industry Talk” feature so far and it definitely hit a chord with some people. I provided Ron with an open-mic platform and he ran with it that’s for god damn sure. It also happens to be the most “liked” feature since I started TTL topping out at over 1,000 likes. Ron is a legend and there is no arguing that. He has dedicated his entire life to riding and if you want to learn a little bit more about him and his perspective on BMX in general then this is a must-read for any BMX fan.
TTL 73 – Eating Raw with Sam Schulte
I chose this piece for a few reasons. One, I really like the photos and although I shoot all TTL’s with available light, these were shot at that perfect time that only a photographer can truly appreciate. Other than that, Sam is a straight up character and lives life according to his rules, which is more than I can say for most people. He has a unique outlook and has some of the wildest eating habits of anyone that I have ever met. But, the dude has done his research and knows what he is talking about. Give it a read to find out more.
TTL 82 – Adventure Talk with Mike “Hucker” Clark
This was an obvious pick for me simply because of who it features. Mike “Hucker” Clark is not only one of my favorite riders to watch ride but he is one of my favorite riders to hang out with in general. We went on a little fishing adventure, shot the shit and this is the result. Hucker travels pretty much non-stop every year so if you want to read a bit about his outlook on adventuring check this one out.
This is another one chosen for the sake of the story. This guy was wild man, I completely caught him off-guard and ended up really pissing him off by shooting a photo of him after he told me that I couldn’t. But, honestly after all was said and done I’m glad that I did. Well, I don’t want to give away too much so just take a look for yourself.
TTL 92 – What You Didn’t Know: Garrett Reynolds
I chose this one as one of my favorites because for one, Garrett is a boss and anytime that I have the opportunity to shoot with him I try to make it happen and secondly, because it’s one of my favorite photos from the past year or so. I like doing the behind the photo features because they are the type of feature that I am into reading personally. As a photographer I enjoy all kinds of tech info and it’s always interesting to see how other photographers work. Check it!
TTL 96 – Creative Minds: Working Freelance VS Daily Grind
To end it off I chose working freelance vs. the daily grind. It’s a topic that always comes up with me every time I talk with someone who works fulltime. It’s a battle that as a creative you need to deal with and figure out what works best for you. Honestly, I still battle with it a bit myself but I’ve definitely seen both sides at this point and can speak with experience on each. Take a look.
That does it for the year in review. Let me know what your favorite column was as I’d love to hear some feedback from the readers out there. 2013 was an interesting one for my photography, and myself and I can’t wait to see what the New Year has in store. On that note, be sure to check back next Wednesday for the ninety-ninth edition of Through the Lens and as always feel free to leave any questions in the comments section or email me at [email protected] and I will hit you back as soon as I can. Feel free to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @jeremypavia.
