Nashville’s Andrew White has been quickly becoming one of my favorite photographers in BMX. Over the last few years he has really developed into one really talented photographer and I think it’s safe to say he’s on track to be one of the recognizable names like Jeff Z, Rob Dolecki and Justin Kosman. Since I’ve been really digging his photos, I figured it was due time to find out a little bit more about the guy and check out some of his work. So here it is… Photos: Andrew White.
Name: Andrew White
Location: Nashville, Tenn
Sponsors / Hook Ups:
Senior Contributor at DIG Mag. Also BMXFU flow team/BMXFU media pro team. I get parts from my buddies plus Jim C and Paul Robinson at WMT who have helped me out as well.
Years riding: 13
Years shooting photos: I’ve been shooting friends of mine with to some extent the whole time, but 4 years would be most relevant answer to where I am today.
What was it that first sparked your interest in BMX?
I guess initially it was because my best friend in 6th grade did it, so naturally I wanted to do it as well.
What about photography? Was it because of BMX? 100%.
The first “real” camera I got I took straight to the skatepark.
First Camera: Nikon D50
What’s your current setup?
Canon digital/35mm bodies, Canon lenses, Bronica Medium format setup, Alien Bees and mixed canon and Nikon speedlights, Pocketwizards, Apple machines, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and bridge.
Do you have a dream setup at all or are you pretty content with what you have now?
There’s always something else to get. I’d love to get the Elinchrom quadra flashes and a medium format back like Dolecki. A panoramic setup would be awesome as well. But as of now, I can make the photo I envision happen with the equipment I own so it’s not like those are a necessity. I’d rather spend my money on plane tickets vs. equipment.
Over the last few years you have had the opportunity to shoot with a large number of BMX’s top guys. Who are your top 5 people to shoot with?
I’m spoiled that most of my 5 live in the same city as me. Nathan Williams, Alex Magallan, Corey Martinez, Shane Weston always amaze me, but if we were to lump Nashvillians together the list would be them, Van Homan, Garrett Reeves, Dave Thompson, and Russ Wadlin. Each for their own reasons that I could go on forever explaining.
Do you feel if you didn’t have guys like Corey, Nathan and Seth around that you wouldn’t be where you are today?
Totally. I’m extremely fortunate to have them around me. I learned how to shoot BMX photos with those guys as my test subjects. Pretty amazing for sure.
Who are a few guys you haven’t had the chance to shoot with yet, but would like to?
Albert Mercado, Drew Bezanson, Chase Hawk, Hanson Little, Dan Lacey, Enarson, Garrett Reynolds, David Grant, Dakota, Burns (next week!)… so many I haven’t shot yet.
Where are 5 of your favorite locations you have had the opportunity to go because of BMX and photography?
At this point I haven’t been overseas, and haven’t been to any wildly spectacular places (many great places, just not any show-stoppers). I really enjoy NYC and Canada. Hopefully this will change in 2012.
If you had to pick a favorite trip or particular photo shoot that you did in 2011 as your favorite, which would you pick and why?
Look for it in the next Ride BMX… Can’t give anything away now except it’s a timeless trick, great scenery, perfect light, crisp… maybe we can go back once the issue is out and clarify.
Photography is a constant learning experience from how to shoot certain spots, tricks, shooting at different times of the day, lighting and about a million different factors. What’s something you recently learned?
Lightroom. My workflow is 1/5th the time it used to be with Bridge and photoshop. No more weeklong photoshop binges.
Who were or are some of your biggest influences when it comes to your photo work?
BMX: Walter, Dolecki, Z, and Fudger. All for their own reasons.
Non BMX… Too many but I hate when people say that, so in no order, Peter Yang, Marco Grob, Patrick Hoelck, Local buddys Eli McFadden and Bradley Spitzer, and Carlos Serrao. Carlos is probably my favorite at the moment.
Do you shoot much outside of BMX? Weddings or anything like that?
Nope. Weddings are miserable. I told myself I wouldn’t do weddings for the first 4 years of doing the BMX gig so that I’d focus solely on BMX (I don’t plan on it now that I’m halfway to 4 years). The money is so good but it’s a bit of a trap for photographers. No disrespect on people that do it. I just don’t have the personality to do them either.
Who are some of the brands and magazines you have had the opportunity to shoot for over the years?
Dig, Ride US, Ride UK, ESPN, Cream, Case, Carne for editorial. Advertising: many of the companies in BMX.
How’s your schedule looking for 2012? Any trips you are looking forward to?
2012 should be a great year. I’m the Ad photographer for the WMT brands (WTP, Almond, Eclat) so there will be plenty of trips with them plus my work with Dig. I really want to get overseas this year. That’s my goal.
Let’s say a brand would like to have you shoot some photos for them. How should they go about getting ahold of you?
andrew@andrewwhitephoto.com
I know a lot of weird opportunities come up for photo jobs. What’s the weirdest thing you have been asked to shoot?
I shot a private collection of rare Aston Martin’s, but the all time weirdest one is detailed in the G Sport article in DIG 82.
Spots aren’t always located in the safest of places. Have you been caught up in any sketchy situations ever while shooting?
South Bronx was very nerve-racking but thankfully nothing bad happened. I actually have been meaning to buy a little pepper spray can for my camera bag. Got that idea from Chris Zep. Need to do it before my next trip.
Staying as busy as you do, do you find much time to ride or are you pretty much always stuck behind the lens these days?
I don’t ride that much anymore. Got injured a ton and lost my motivation to huck myself. I still love to flow parks and trails but I’m not jumping on any rails. I get the same satisfaction I used to get doing a rail by shooting a photo of a guy doing a rail. Exact same feeling.
Did you go to college for photography? Do you feel college is necessary for a career path like this?
No I got a degree in finance. College is great but not for photography unless you’re doing some intense film work. I’d recommend instead assisting for a photographer doing the type of work you’re interested in and study business at school.
What kind of advice do you have for the people looking to pick up a camera?
Barrier to entry for photography is non-existant these days. Pick up a camera, get a free website or flickr or blog, and post your stuff. Study other people’s photos. How did he light it? Frame it? Long lens or Wide? Digital or Film? Keep on learning and you’ll find yourself at a point where you can see a setup and know exactly how to shoot it the best way possible.
Where can people keep up with you and your work? Do you have a Facebook fan page, Twitter, website or flickr? www.andrewwhitephoto.com has my portfolio plus links to my tumblr, tearsheets (flickr), and twitter is @andrewgwhite.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to every rider who let me take your photo. Thanks to every magazine and company that bought my photo. Will Smyth, Jeff Z, Walter, Paul Robinson, Bancroft, Beddows, and many more.
Anything else you want to say?
For all the TMs reading this, I really want to travel overseas in 2012…..
Check out more of Andrew’s work by hitting his website, AndrewWhitePhoto.com.
You can find all the above photos in larger size below.
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