Photos: Nick Tellez

One thing we’re always on the look for are photographers that are shooting amazing photos that you may not have known about. The other day we spotted some photos of Nick Tellez’s on the Cult website and we quickly realized that we had blown it. It turns out that Nick has been shooting some really good photos for a while now and had some how missed it… Until now. Some of you, like ourselves, might be more familiar with Nick through his riding. Over the past few years we’ve had the opportunity to see him crush it in videos as he still does today, which is probably why we failed to notice his other talent.
We decided it was a good idea to hit up Nick and talk about his photo work, how he got started, where it has lead him so far and most importantly, get some more eyes on his work! Check out the interview below then check the PHOTOGALLERY for a better look at his work!

Name: Nick Tellez

Location: Costa Mesa CA

Sponsors / Hook Ups: Cult, Vans, Fox

Years riding: 10

Years shooting photos: 7

Dakota Roche

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
When I was about 10 years old I watched Dave Mirra land the first double backflip on TV. I was hooked right then and there. Begged my parents to buy me the games, action figures and even a full face helmet. I even took the visor off like Dave did, haha.

How did you get into shooting photos? Was it something you picked up because of BMX?
Going back to those early memories, it all started with point and shoot digital cameras mainly to take photos of my buddies and I riding. I was getting better and better at it and eventually picked up my first DSLR camera when I was 19. Mainly used it to for video at first. Then I started experimenting “Manual Mode” with photos. As soon as I got the hang of it, new doors started opening.

What was your very first camera?
Canon T3i

What are you currently working with today?
Right now I’m shooting with a Canon 7D and a 5D Mkii,  L lenses, off camera flashes, triggers and studio lighting. I do all my editing in Adobe Photoshop on a Mac or iPhone.

Do you have a dream setup or are you pretty content with what you have?
I’m actually pretty content with what I have right now. Strobe lighting is maybe one thing I wish to add to my setup. My own little at home office is something I’ve been dreaming about lately. Basically an empty room with a desk and all my studio equipment.

So we kind of blew it and didn’t realize you made the transition from rider to photographer over the past few years. Was there ever a moment where you decided you wanted to be on the other side of the lens versus a sponsored rider?
A year ago I had a pretty gnarly crash. Broke my wrist in 3 places and rung my bell pretty good. It was kind of a wake up call for myself. I asked myself, “If I keep riding like this, would another injury be worth it?” Eventually I made the decision to take it easy and focus more on something else I’ve had a passion for that still keeps me tied to BMX.

Dakota Roche

Aren’t you originally from the Northwest? When did you move down to California?
I’m actually from SoCal. I made a temporary move to the NW about 3 years ago. It didn’t go as planned so I had to make a move back home.

Do you feel like that move was beneficial to your photo work or was it just something you wanted to do thanks to the weather and everything?
To be honest I kinda drifted away from photography when I came back home. I was more focused on riding up until that hard slam I took. As soon as I recovered from that, I got my ass back into photography and stuck with it ever since. I guess things happen for a reason. Things have been falling into place this past year because of photography. The weather for sure and everything else SoCal has to offer definitely helps.

Based off your work you have a pretty well rounded set of photos based around two wheels for the most part. Is “action sports” all you shoot or do you get into weddings and everything else?
I actually do some freelance on the side shooting portraits, sports and even a few weddings this year. It’s a lot of work but a lot of fun. Surf photography is something else I’ve gotten myself into. Growing up I’ve always been inspired by surf art and photography. I use to paint and draw a little of it myself. Every now and then when good swell rolls through, I’ll wake up early and head down to the beach to snap a few photos of the waves and some of the locals I know.

You have had the opportunity to shoot with a bunch of pros and cover events in the past like the Van Doren Invitational most recently. Who are a few of the riders you have had the chance to shoot with in the past you were really stoked on?
Shooting dudes like Sergio Layos, Corey Bohan, Chase Hawk and Dakota Roche at the Van Doren Invitational was a treat in itself. Those 4 dudes I can watch all day riding a BMX bike. Dakota Roche though seems to be one who stands out to me. Every time I’ve been given the chance to shoot with him, I’m blown away. Whether he’s in my photos or someone else’s, the dude is always on another level and always changing the game. 

Any riders you have wanted to shoot with but haven’t had the opportunity yet?
If I got the chance shoot some of my influences from over the years like Mike Aitken and Ruben Alcantara, that would be pretty rad.

Have you taken on any jobs shooting photos for brands, magazines or websites? Who are some of the clients you have worked for in the past?
I’ve been given a few jobs and opportunities in the Road Cycling and Motocross Industry. Vans assigned me to a few projects this year, as well as Cult.

Did you ever go to school for photography or was it all self-taught? How important do you feel college is for a field like this?
For me it’s all been self taught over the years. A lot of late nights reading and watching free online tutorials. If you have the ambition, dedication and patience, you can still achieve so much without the college experience. Maintain a professionalism and eventually your hard work will speak for itself.

Who are some of the photographers that really influence your work?
Derek Bahn, Justin Kosman, Vince Perraud, Jeff Z., Chris Tedesco, Clark Little, Ray Collins, Danny Munson, Corey Wilson.

Every photographer has their own style of how and what they like to shoot. What would you say yours would be?
Composition, mood and balance are the things I pay close attention to before taking a photo. I try to give the audience a unique point of view on my subjects giving each image their own unique story.

What is the weirdest thing you have ever been asked to shoot photos of?
Haha, oh man, knock on wood it hasn’t happened yet. I’ve gotten some weird offers though.

You recently became a father. Congratulations on that. Do you feel like that has had an impact or effect on your photo work or just your look on life?
Thanks! It honestly hasn’t changed anything. If anything, having a child with my best friend has given life a whole new meaning. I’m so thankful to have a girl who supports everything I do. Without her support, I wouldn’t be able to keep pushing forward with my photography.

Approximately how many photos have you shot of him so far, haha?
Haha, too many.

What are some of the current projects you are working on? Anything you’re especially stoked on?
I just wrapped up 2 days of the Van Doren Invitational. I was honored and way stoked to be part of that. Shortly after when all that was done, I was beyond stoked to see all the Instagram posts from riders and brands who shared my photos. Was not expecting any of that. I had a big smile from ear to ear for a few days, haha.

What kind of advice do you have for the people out there looking to get into photography?
Getting started is the hard part but once you get going, you’ll start to find your place in photography. Be creative and set yourself apart from the rest.

Where do you hope to take your photography work in the future? Any goals or anything set for yourself?
It would be awesome to have my work take me on the road or across seas. A huge goal of mine is to turn this passion I have into a life long career within the next 5 years.

Chase Hawk

Let’s say somebody is digging your work. Are you available to take on some jobs?
I’ll make sure I’m available!

How can people keep up with you and check out more of your work?
They can follow my Instagram @nicktellezphotos and you can also catch most of my work on my website www.nicktellezphoto.com. It’s updated at least once a month.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Shout out to Robbie Morales, Jerry Badders, Mike Faello for giving me a flexible work schedule haha, my beautiful woman, my parents and my mentor Stan Sievers. 

Anything else you want to say?
Go watch Black Fish.