Matt Markese Rail Ride
I’ve been thinking about doing something like this recently, but never really had the time to figure it all out. Basically, what I want to start doing is featuring some photographers who are just getting into it but already shooting pretty solid photos. Think of it like a Shooter on the Dig site, but with guys who are newer to photography and not as established as the guys that get featured on Dig. John O’Connor recently sent over a few of his photos and I figured this would be a good chance to try it out. If you have some photos or know somebody coming up in photography get in contact with me…
Name: John O’Connor
Location: Des Plaines, Illinois
Years riding: 3 years, maybe?
You got into shooting pretty recently, what made you want to pick up a camera?
Well around last summer, I saw my friend shooting photos and always loved when I had photos taken of me and saw how sweet they turned out, so I did some research on digital photos and pretty much found what I thought would be a great start to getting into it…Basically I saw the Rebel XSi and figured it would be easy to use and what not and had my sights set on it. The only problem was I wasn’t ready to drop $800….the funny thing is, I told my girlfriend how awesome it would be to have a camera like this and telling her lingo she didn’t understand….All she needed was the brand and model number and she bought it for me as a present, Love you girl!…I was PSYCHED!
What kind of gear are you working with so far?
I have a Canon XSi with the 18-55mm lens kit, 3 Vivitar 285 hv flashes and some cheap remote triggers (never failed me yet, and have exceptional range) …I’m going to Florida in May so I gotta save money for that, so when I get back, I plan on doing some major renovation as far as my set up goes…..such as buying that Canon 15mm/2.8 fisheye lens, pocket wizards at some point, and battery packs for all my flashes
You have a few real good sources to help you with getting your basics all figured out. Who are some of the guys you go to for help?
I basically had no technical knowledge of shooting photos or even knowing what the buttons did on my camera when I got it, A LOT of trial and error went down before I got the hang of even how to shoot. The biggest help out of anyone would be Jake Geisel…Jake has helped me so much with dealing with my shit its crazy, hours of facebook chat and phone calls with him has led me to the pics I shoot now…He basically broke everything down into terms I can understand, and never gave up on something until I completely understood it, he should be a fuckin’ teacher…Thanks Jake!
Who are some photographers that you are real into their photos?
Im real psyched on Jake Geisel…his photos are awesome, (the only photographer ive ever seen shoot live) and I like the way he goes about it.
Walter Pieringer….I mean c’mon, how can you not like his photos, to me Walters stands out as being one of the best BMX photographer…Another photographer I like is Dave Sowerby he shoots some crazy good photos, im into that. Lastly, I’d have to say Devon Hutchins, hes probably got some of the sickest Texas/Austin/Trail photos ive ever seen taken and it only drives me to want to spend a couple days down there to see what its all about
What is it about shooting photos that interests you over lets say filming?
Well, I’d just like to say this, Tony Malouf and Jeff Wescott are the best Filmers/Editors in the industry right now…Hands down…Everything they do is proper, from not chopping heads to the present distortion…..just had to say it….to me I am into anything, Tony and Jeff have taught me what they know about filming and in complete confidence, I could pick up there cam and shoot a 2nd angle for anything they’re filming for…Filming is sweet and all but I have way more fun shooting photos. Knowing that your the first one in the world out of anyone to review what you shot right after you shoot it, and it comes out how you wanted it to, that smile you get on your face when you know its perfect, that’s why I love shooting.
Where do you want to take it?
I really want to just have the world see my photos. I like sharing my photos with however many eyes happen to see them. Just don’t want to have the ol’ copyright problem. Ha. Already, I have a web feature called Uncle Dook’s Photo Shack ( www.gullyudps.blogspot.com ) featured right on the Gully Factory and I hope that helps to promote further….Another thing I would like to do is have a published photo in a magazine or have one of my photos be used for an ad. I just get really psyched people who appreciate my photos, so if your one of those people, all I wanna say is Thank You. Thanks to Kurt for this interview it means a lot to me that he acknowledges my love for photography.
If you would like to get featured shoot me an email with a few of your photos and your background to KurtHohberger @ Gmail.com
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