BMX Union

New LNKF Steez

February 10, 2008

New LNKF shirts will be here on Friday. All pre-orders will ship on Friday and Saturday. Heres a look at em then hit up our webstore at http://lnkf.bigcartel.com

*click for larger versions*

Team roster for ’08 is as follows:

Grant Castelluzzo
Jeff Dowhen
Jeremiah Hughes
Mike Hinkens
Erik Ream
Jordy Kilpela

Bro team has become too long to list.

And we still hook up the band “Spare the Rod” (myspace.com/sparetherodnoise)

Lots of roadtrips and media stuff planned for this year including a Props appearance and a few jams. Bars and sprockets should be back in full effect within a few months. For everyone wanting one you will have to wait til then. If you are wanting a shirt and cant order one through the store for some reason, just email me and we can figure something out. ayjay.anderson@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone who supports us, we really appreciate it!!!

Sam Adams Interview

February 9, 2008

Sam is one of my favorite photographers and has a bunch of photo’s in the new Ride Photo Edition. His stuff is sick and I knew instantly I wanted to send him an interview. Hear what he has to see and check out a few of his pictures:

Name, age and location?
Sam Adams, 21, Albuquerque, NM

Photo setup/s?
I have a general bag for BMX and most basic assignments that includes; a Canon MKIIn camera body; a 15mm, 16-35mm, 85mm, and 70-200mm lenses; a Canon 580ex flash, a Quantum Q-Flash w/ battery pack and three pocket wizards.

I have other lights and gear for portraits and some long glass for sports.

How long have you been riding?
I started riding back in middle school when my dad took me to the BMX track here in ABQ and I just fell in love right away. So I raced for about 3 years until the local skate park, Los Altos, opened up and that’s when I started riding park and dirt almost exclusively.

How did you get into photography and how long have you been shooting BMX?
I got into photography my sophomore year in high school, so about 5 years ago. I need to take an elective that year and photography sounded like it would be fun. So I signed up and from the moment I shot and developed my first roll of film I was hooked.
BMX at the time was my life, it was all I did; so when I started taking photos I did it to show anyone who didn’t ride all the cool places that my bike took me and the unique lifestyle that we as riders lived. I believe that idea or wanting to show the lifestyle and locations we end up at shows up in my photos more now then ever though.

I noticed you have a full-blown website with a very impressive online portfolio. Is photography something you live off of or do you have another job?
At this point I don’t have another job, all the income I make comes from photography. However, since I am student and I live at home (yes, I live at home), so I don’t have a lot of bills to pay so I don’t have to worry about making enough to live on right now. I did have a job as a bike mechanic at the university’s bike shop last semester.

Do you see yourself making a living shooting photos?
Making a living from photography is my goal. Right now I am a full time student at the University of New Mexico (UNM). So school takes up a big amount of my time. So I shoot and do as much freelance work as I can outside of school.

Who do you most enjoy shooting photos of and why?
Well my friends are my absolute favorite people to photograph. I have unlimited access and can shoot anything at any time with them. They allow me to try new ideas and techniques, and I can screw up or take a long time and not have to worry about a client getting mad.

In the digital age, where post processing on programs such as Photoshop and Aperture is becoming the norm, are you quick to utilize the technology or do you believe that a shot shouldn’t be touched and it is what it is? Just tell us your general feelings on the debate.
Hum, that is a hard one. I’ll answer this in two parts. First off, this is the digital age and you have to be quick to utilize new technology to help keep you on par and up to speed with everyone else. So I would say yes, I am pretty quick to utilize new technology.
So my second answer is when it comes to working on photos in Photoshop or Aperture it really depends on a few things. I work every one of my favorite images from a shoot through Photoshop. However, the amount of work done depends on the final location of the image.
By location I mean where is this picture going to end up. If I am on an editorial assignment, such as for a newspaper, then very little work is done to the image such as simple tonality adjustments and cropping; absolutely no altering of the image content is done (ie. adding or removing things, selective color, added blur, etc.). However, on the other side if this image is for commercial or personal use anything goes. Generally I keep most of my adjustments as minimal as can be and try and do everything in camera.

Give us a few stories where something crazy has gone down while you were trying to shoot photos. BMX and Non-BMX.
Oh boy where to start? I’ve been chased by cops, arrested, yelled at, trespassed countless times, chased by people who want to shoot me, followed police pursuits, watched houses burn down, run from wildfires, photographed fatal accidents, etc. The list just goes on and on.
One of the best things about being a photographer is that every image has a story. Anyone could point out an image of mine from any point in time and when I look at that image it takes me back to the time when I shot it. I can remember the whole story behind the shot. So I am going to kind of dodge this question because if I tried to tell you a story it would end up taking 3-4 pages. But instead I invite anyone who ever has a question about a photo to ask me and I’ll be glad to tell you.

Most amazing place you have ever shot photo’s:
Once again, so many places it’s so hard to choose. However, probably the most beautiful places I’ve photographed are Vancouver, British Columbia and Big Sur, CA.

As opposed to a lot of other photographers out there, you have an educational background with photography. Do you feel that it gives you that edge or are some people just amazing without photography courses and school?
The only thing going to a photography school gave me was lots of time to shoot. Photography isn’t something that can be taught in school, I believe. It is something that has to be practiced and studied all the time. All photo school gave me was lots of time to practice and study. If you’ve got the drive and motivation to go out and shoot without having to be told to, then you’re a lot better off then a lot of the kids that I went to school with.
My best learning experiences came from real life learning experiences such as internships and assistantships. Those are your best choices if you really want to learn how to be a better shooter.

Describe your ideal shot…. anything goes.
The best thing about photography is the ideal (perfect) shot never exists. You should always be striving to make everything better. You have to be your toughest critic.
The best thing about it is I’ll never get bored. There is always something I can do better.

Do you find yourself shooting more 35mm, digital or medium-format?
Primarily 99% of my work is digital. It is just so much more cost effective for me and it is just how the world works for the most part. I do shoot film every now and again when I want to change things up a little bit.

What are some recent projects you worked on or some you are currently working on?
Right now I am working on a project for the Daily Lobo, the school paper at UNM. We are doing a feature on various athletes here at school and I am shooting a portrait of them. It is an idea that I proposed to the paper to help switch things up there a bit and to allow me to give me a chance to work on making some unique portraits.

Shoutouts and Thanks:
With out my parents support (and rent free living at home haha) I wouldn’t be where I am now. They have been great. Also, all my friends from ABQ who have been there for me when I need them. Especially, those who have given me the time and freedom to practice shooting. As well as anyone else who has supported me and helped me get to the point where I am today.

Oh and of course AJ for giving me this interview to do when I should be doing homework (this is so much better then college algebra, trust me).

Check out Sam’s website at: SamAdamsPhotography.com

BMX filming: A cost effective way

February 7, 2008

It is 14 degrees out, snowy out, and I don’t have class or work today…

*Click to see big

So I was sitting around and I got thinking about my camera set up. It seems like Youtube and Vimeo has a hundred new videos on their sites a day with kids riding BMX. It is insane how good some of the videos are that pop up on there are, but then again there are A LOT of video that after 5 seconds I start searching for a new video to watch instead. Then there are kids out there who complain “I can’t get a dvx or super nice camera so my videos won’t be good. That is where I kind of have to laugh because it is so easy to get stuff for cheap and still make it look good. My set up total, for everything was about $650? That is a rough estimate but I cannot imagine it is much more than that.
This is my filming set up.
Panasonic GS320- $375

*Click to see big

Sunpack 5800D Tripod- $25

*Click to see big

Handle- Custom Made $10

*Click to see big

Kenko Fisheye .43x- $40
Cokin Wideangle- $30

*Click to see big

Adobe Premiere-…. Yeah you can find ways to get this..
Firewire Cable- $40
Mini DV Tapes- $20
Camera Bag- $20
Total: $560.. that is rough because shipping and stuff was not included.

You can get a lot of stuff on Ebay and forums like Bikeguide.org and The Come Up Board in the For Sale sections where people are always selling good stuff and willing to trade for parts and other random things… Always a way to get something you want for cheap, and used is not neccesarily bad.
I have been filming and editing stuff for like 4 years… I have never had some awesome camera to use, I never felt like I had a need unless I was doing a DVD. Web edits and everything can turn out the same as the high quality if you save the settings right and the filming is smooth it will turn out just fine.
If you don’t want to find a way to get Adobe Premiere, or Final Cut Pro, or one of those expencive editing programs, you can use Microsoft Movie Maker, or iVideo or whatever Apple calls their video editing, just don’t use the cheap titles that spin and move and stuff, that will make it look bad.
With how much technology has progressed in the recent years, camera prices have dropped substantially. The camera I have now, if it was two years ago probably would have been in the upwards of $600. So you can get a 3CCD camera which is good quality without going broke. You can find great information on cameras on those forums I listed up above. For example this thread on bikeguide Video Camera Information Thread has a lot of really good information! Or how to make a Steady Cam handle
There is also this thread with more Filming Advice than you could ask for on how to film and edit really great videos.
This is more than enough information to help you get set up on putting together some good edits, gets some friends together and show the internet what you are up to. Many riders go unknown then a video of them pops up on youtube and then they are well known riders who end up sponsored.. I know I heard of Mike Spinner probably a year before he was pro from videos of him on youtube.

Also check out Skateperception.com it has a lot of real good stuff to get you going. Plus for some reason Skate videos are a lot better than most BMX videos?

Also, when looking for camera gear, make sure you check out BH Photo & Video. I tell you this because a lot of those really good prices on cameras on websites are frauds and they will end up screwing you over. If you don’t go with them, check this website before you buy Resellerratings.com. This site allows you to check what previous customers went through getting their order.

8th Annual Bicycle Film Festival

February 6, 2008

The EIGHTH ANNUAL BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL is now accepting entries.
Deadline For Entries Is February 19th(-ish)

We are looking for films with a strong theme or character of bicycles. This includes all mediums and styles such as animation, experimental, narrative, dοcumentary and music videos.
The BFF is held in over 15 cities around the world including Tokyo, New York City, Los Angeles, Milan, and London. In 2007 the total BFF attendance was nearly 100,000 people.
BFF is a celebration through film, art and music. Past BFFs has been have included works from legendary artists such as Jonas Mekas, Michel Gondry, Mike Mills and Jorgen Leth. The emerging artist is showcased as well.
The Bike Film Fest is expected to be a huge success in 2008. All cities have been selected and dates for NEW YORK are May 28th – June1st. All other dates will be set within the month.

For more information and entry forms, visit the BFF website: http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com
hit it up. doesn’t have to be banger after banger… make it a day in a life. here’s your chance to show off them film making skills.
do a roadfools style road trip and dοcument it.

Albes Sale!

February 6, 2008

I posted the flyer about the Albes sale that they are having…. Well just an FYI it starts today and runs until the end of the month. So Check their site everyday and maybe you will find something you wanted for super cheap. It’s going to be good stuff not the old stuff you usually see more places putting on sale.

If I am not mistaken, I think it might be this Kink Frame for $89.99… 2008? must be?

Edit: actually I lied, it was this Fly Pantera Fork for $39.99 …

The Come Up DVD review

February 3, 2008

The Come Up is on the top of the BMX websites, and when there was word of a dvd coming out, I couldn’t believe all the different reactions people had. I really don’t see why so many people hate on new things, people they don’t know, and everything. However, there was also A LOT of really excited people who wanted to see this DVD, including me. When Adam asked if I wanted a copy I was stoked, so I am doing this review.

(clickable)

Now if your on the message boards and everything, I am sure you saw a few days ago somebody uploaded the video to google, which sucked, but I peeped it for a few minutes to get a feel for it and couldn’t wait for mine to come. It is down now so you gotta buy a copy to see it.

The DVD is 46 minutes long and like 23 minutes of bonus stuff. So when I was watching this I wrote stuff down to remind me what I wanted to say.

(clickable)

To start the DVD out, it shows a little of what to come, and then a big 3 crash on some stairs where the dude walked away, but I guess he messed up his spleen or something? Alex Platt is real good, to be honest I never knew who he was until this dvd came out and I have a feeling people will see a lot more of him. He has the first part.

Then it is followed up by the DOTC trip, which is Adam and his friends, JJ Palmere, Hoang Tran. Hoang does the slowest, longest curved wall I have ever seen. Some dude does a Berringer style backflip out of a grass bank, and the riding in general is just good a lot of bangers.

Ben Hittle is good, his style is great and he rides really fast. His last clip is of a backwards manual, which I think is probably the longest I have ever seen without a freecoaster.

The Sputnic section is good, a lot of good stuff from Tony Malouf and Tony Neyer, they even have a lot from Casey Strong who was just added to the team.

The Bonedeth guys are wild, I’m assuming you have to have a big sprocket to be in their group, but thats not a bad thing.. Pretty gnarly drop off a U-Haul into a grass bank.

Nicky B is a guy I have never heard of, has a interesting style but good, Joof is another unknown who has clips in it, he rips! I want to see more of him.

MassBMX part was cool they seem to be a pretty tight crew a lot of different styles.

Shadow part, Seth Kimbrough and Karl Poynter, enough said, well actually, Karl does the longest tire slide in the history of tire slides. I laughed a lot everytime I saw the guy filming in the roller blades.

Steve Croteau..I don’t know about this guy. Could have had a better part from somebody else, luckily there was a mix with Lino Gonzales and some others in it.

Shitluck is awesome, they have a lot of fun. There was a lot of random clips of people, like the fatest cop (or security gaurd probably) in the world. Good riding of course.

JJ Palmere…You know this is good… He hopped over a sleeping dude on a bench, didn’t he do that in his props bio?

Yeah Savage trip, Ben Hittle rides trails like a champ, and Alex Platt takes slams like Kachinsky, you will like this.

Credits were good, funny clips of ghetto girls and other things.

Bonus- Adam has a short part at the end, he rides better than 99% of the Annonymous shit talkers on his site. A bunch of companys have parts which are good, and then Spam has a part, double pedal grind? awesome.
Crashes, Slideshow, and Baltimore DC trip all have good stuff worth checking out, the slide show really shows what the BMX lifestyle is like.

There I just summed up all of the parts from my notes.

Filming and editing: The filming was smooth and easy to watch, and the editing was chill, no special effects or anything really like that.

Music: I was reading other peoples responses to the music and I think people are too opinionated and stuck to their favorite music. I really liked it, it had a little of everything and it went with the riding. I figured it was going to be bad from all the e-thugs talking bad, they were wrong.

Overall: This video is good, Adam has a lot of people he can get to be apart of a video, and that was just it.. a BIG variety of riders that makes it super fun to watch. I am not a big street dude, however, I still was into the video, I think it was just a good feel for everyone that was apart of it. That makes the video have a good feel to watch. One of those videos you want to go ride after watching.

I think this video has been a long time coming and finally it is out. I guess this is where I should say buy it or don’t? .. Seriously, there are a lot of people out there who hate the come up because it is “the come up,” and I think people should change their attitude at least so they can check out a pretty solid video. $15 bucks isn’t a lot of money for a something you will watch more than once for sure. Buy it, you will not be disappointed.

You can pick a copy up at:
Albes
Dans Comp
Staff

Albes Sale

February 3, 2008

Flip always has some awesome stuff going on over at Albes… If you remember the February contest they had the last two years that got shut down you know the kind of deals they were giving out.. well they found a way around it and are doing it again.

So make sure you start checking their site everyday for super good deals on stuff. Click that picture for all the details..

Also while your their check out the Brandon Dosch Video they got posted

PHOTO UPDATE

February 2, 2008

bunch of photo’s I had laying around:
Levi Weert by Francis Delapena in Boise

Levi Weert by Tal Roberts in Boise

Cody Law by Tal Roberts in Boise

Jordy Kilpela (360 to fakie) shot by ME at Level 2 Skatepark, Houghton MI

Jake H. (270 invert) shot by me at Level 2 Skatepark, Houghton MI

Jordy Kilpela (tuck to fakie) shot by me at Level 2 Skatepark, Houghton MI

Jake Geisel (double tire) shot by me at National Skatepark, Milwaukee WI

Grant C (downside whip) shot by me at 4seasons, Milwaukee WI

thats enough for now. check out this vid from Levi Weert. He is a shredder: