It’s always awesome checking out work from a new photographer that we’re not all that familiar with. A few months back, we started taking notice of Fernando Rodriguez Marmolejo’s film and photo work and we were nothing short of impressed. We have worked with Fernando to bring you the full “Motivacion 2” DVD and Photogallery a few weeks back and figured it would be rad to learn more about his work. Today, we’re stoked to present you this new Portfolio giving you a look at his work and to find out a little more about him!
Name: Fernando Rodriguez Marmolejo
Diego “Mono” Navarro hop barspin in an elevator in Madrid, Spain.
Location: Seville, Spain
Years Riding: 7
Years shooting photos and filming videos:
6 Shooting photos. Filming… My Vimeo says 4 years, but seriously for about 2, haha.
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
I’m coming from MTB Downhill bikes and I was always looking at the people doing bigs spins at the Seville Skatepark. When a friend of mine lent me his bike, it all changed… I landed my first 360 and a few weeks later I bought my first BMX.
What about cameras? Was it because of BMX or was it something you were already into that you brought together?
It was because of BMX. No one had cameras and I was the only guy interested in that area. I still remember my first shoots at the park. It was so funny.
What was your first camera?
A Nikon D40 with the typical 18-55mm
Javier Graciano – Sevilla Drome.
What is your current setup looking like these days?
It’s a secret! Haha, I’m joking! I have a not very professional setup these days, but I don’t have any money…
Photo Cameras: Nikon D700 / D300
Filming Cameras: Canon 550D / 600D
Lenses: Nikkor 16mm F2.8 / Nikkor 28mm F2.8 / Nikkor 35mm F1.8 / Nikkor 50mm F1.8 / Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8 / Samyang 8mm F3.8 (for Film)
Lights: 2 Metz 58 AF1 / Nikon SB900
Triggers: 3 Pocket Wizards Flex TT5 / Pocket Wizard Mini TT1
Video Light: Chinesse Led Light
Tripods: 2 Tokura Basic for the flashes / Opteca for Video
Bag: Burton Focus 30L Backpack
Battery & Cards: A lot of them, haha.
Do you have a dream set up or are you pretty content with what you are working with?
At the moment I’m so happy with my setup, but the only thing that I need is more flash power… Some Elimchrom / Profoto / Broncolor pair of lights would be perfect! I will try to get this year… For video, I wanna try to film with the new Panasonic Lumix DSLR Camera. It looks nice!
Alright, so Fernando! We’ve been seeing your photos and videos popping up a lot lately. We’ve been enjoying your “Motivacion 2” video that you have been releasing sections for. Can you tell us a little bit about that project and how it all came to be?
I’m so proud to made this independent project. This began 2 years ago when I started to film with my friends for nothing in particular. It was just for fun. About 4 month later, I had a lot of clips and a lot of riders and I thought about making a Spanish video, with riders from all the cities with no brands or crews, just Motivation. So, that was where the name came from. “Motivacion 2” is the second part, with more filming, riders and cities filmed in a year and a half.
David Pastor – San Fernando Cadiz Train Station
Do you have any plans of doing another full-length video in the future?
I’m working now in the third part right now. It could be finished by 2016. Who knows! I’m also currently working on a video with Monster Energy, but I can´t say much as far as details yet. It could be soon.
You’re also always dropping some dialed photos online as well. Have you had your work featured anywhere special like magazines, ads or anything like that?
Yes, I´m a contributor from a Spanish MTB / BMX Mag, Wallride Magazine. I´m always looking for a big photo opportunity to make something with a bigger magazine like DIG or Ride BMX…
We noticed you shoot a lot of other “action sports” like skateboarding, motocross, skiing, snowboarding and even roller blading. What is it about action sports that you love shooting so much?
I just need to feel the adrenaline of shooting photos. It doesn´t matter the sport. I just get that feeling. I prefer to shoot BMX or the Skateboarding because the moves are more beautiful or artistic for the shot. MX is really nice, too. That velocity and mud motivates me a lot!
It seems like every photographer and filmer have their own unique style that you can sometimes guess whose work it is without even seeing a name. What would you say is unique about your work or your personal style?
I don’t know… Probably the colors. People always say to me that my blue colors are so unique… But, I don’t consider it to really be my unique style.
You’re pretty well rounded with street, park and trails work. If you had to pick a preference, what would you say your favorite aspect of BMX is to shoot? Any reason why?
I prefer Street definitely because you can find a lot of different stuff like ramps in a building, or a ledge in the middle of no where.
Adam Kun – Sevilla
Who are some of the more notable riders that you have had the chance to work with in the past? Any that you were especially psyched on?
I appreciate style a lot. That is why riders like Diego “Mono” Navarro, Sergio Layos, Ruben Alcantara or Javi Castilla always got me psyched with every move. Steezy, homie!!!! “Mono” could be my personal favorite rider for a shooting sesh. His style is RAD!!
Who are some of the riders that you haven’t had the chance to work with yet, but would love to at some point?
Wow… For me would be a big pleasure to have a sesh with Chase Hawk or Dennis Enarson. You can go with them to a street, park or dirt spot and they´ll always kill it.
Who are some of the photographers and film makers that really influence your work or you just enjoy checking out?
For me, people like Ryan Fudger or Jeff Z influenced me a lot in the beginning. I really like Skateboarding photographers like Sem Rubio or filmmakers like Joe Simon or Rich Forne…
Have you had the opportunity to travel much because of BMX and your work? Where are some of the places you have had the chance to go?
A little bit. All over Spain and Portugal of course, the UK, France and Germany are other places. I would love to travel to U.S.A, but there’s no budget right now.
Let’s say you got a huge budget and could take any 5 riders on a week long trip to anywhere in the world to film and shoot photos for a project. What riders would you bring, where would you go and why?
I never thought about something like this… But, Thailand could be a nice place. The project could have 2 or 3 ramps/obstacles to put in different spots, and will make it unique. For riders that I would choose… I need some words: responsibility, friendship and style. Ruben Alcantara could be the brain of the team, he has a unique vision to find spots… Sergio Layos, Mono, Courage Adams and Miguel Cuesta. That trip could be cool, haha.
Do you find much time to ride these days or do you find yourself stuck behind a lens more?
These days I spend more time behind the lens. Six months ago I had a Knee surgery and I’m still working on it.
Kike Rico – Crooked Grind Fail
Do you shoot anything outside of BMX and action sports like weddings or anything like that?
Just a little bit. I don´t really like the weddings or photo books for girls or anything like that. Just with friends. Now I’m working with some brands shooting for their brand catalogs, like shoes, sunglasses or clothes….
What’s the weirdest thing somebody has asked you to shoot?
Provably a Tattoo on a mate’s balls… (testicles)
Are you available for freelance work?
Normaly yes, if I don’t have to work for Monster these days.
Do you have a job outside of photography and film work?
Yes, I have been working for Monster Energy Spain for 4 years now. It’s a really good job and I’m always working on projects with action sports.
Do you have any events or cool projects with Monster Energy that you can tell us about? It seems like they are always getting involved with different BMX events these days?
Yes! Every year since 2009 I’ve been organizing BMX event in my home town, Seville. In 2013 I made a big change. I went from giving 4500€ to the top 5 in each category, to giving out a 5€ bill to every single rider who lands a trick. I called the event “Money for Trick”. I made this because it’s always same riders that win in the Spanish events and with this way, everyone can win something. I make 2 stops a year. For 2015, we will be in Lisbon (1500€) and Málaga (1500€) giving away money.
Where do you hope to take things in the next few years?
My dream is visit U.S.A to take some photos or videos for any brand. I hope to at least travel around Europe with my projects and work on some new ones.
Alejandro Pitu Benalmadena – Malaga, Spain.
How can people keep up with you?
You can find my stuff by:
Website – dmarmolejophoto.com
Facebook – Facebook.com/FernandoMarmolejoDmarmolejophoto
Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/user3754099
Instagram – @marmophoto
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
First off, I’d like to give a HUGE THANKS to The Union for given my this opportunity showing my stuff around the world. Secondly, thanks to every single rider who has done a trick in front of my lens and anyone who has helped me in my short career as photographer/filmaker… Especially to my Mom.
Anything else you want to say?
Just that I hope to travel to the USA, meet up and drinks some beers with you guys!
Finally a sentence that I always say, “LESS PRO, MORE BRO!”
Thanks always for support me.
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