Networking is essential in this day and age and I can say with confidence that without it, you won’t survive as a photographer. I am not saying that to scare anyone off or make you feel as though you aren’t going to make it because you don’t have a million connections but it is all part of the process and it takes time to get to the point where you have a solid contact list. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you are in complete control of your own personal network and need to constantly be taking advantage of branching out and putting yourself and your work out there. How does this apply to BMX specifically? Well, if you are interested in pursuing BMX photography at any level then obviously you need riders to photograph and the more people you meet, the more opportunities you will have to shoot. Let’s get started.
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Through The Lens Natural Light Contest Photogallery
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Top 10 photos from the Through The Lens photo contest presented by FIT BIKE CO.!
Through The Lens: The Process: Pool Riding
When it came time to figure out what I wanted to do for this weeks column I really wanted to switch things up a bit and run a photo gallery as the main feature and make this edition of TTL a little less-wordy. I recently got a text from Dean Dickinson saying that he was going to be flying down from Portland to So-Cal for a little riding trip and asked if I wanted to meet up at some point while he was out here. I have been friends with Dean for a few years now and whenever I have the chance to shred with him, I make it a point to do so. Dean has a very specific taste in riding spots and empty pools are where his passion for BMX exists. We lucked out and got to come and go on our own terms which when it comes to pool riding is considered a huge success. We didn’t get caught and actually got to spend some time just enjoying the session and that is always something to be stoked on. BMX is full of adventure, sometimes you just have to put in a little work and create your own fun. This is what I saw through my lens during our session.
Click here to go straight to the gallery.
Be sure to check back next Wednesday for the seventh edition of Through the Lens and as always feel free to leave any questions in the comments section or email me at [email protected] and I will hit you back as soon as I can. Also just like last week feel free to leave future feature ideas in the comments as well and make sure to enter your best natural light photo in our first monthly “Reader Contest” sponsored by Fit Bike Co. Hit this link for another look at the details, rules and guidelines. Hurry though; the deadline is on the 30th of this month. I have been checking out all of the entries so far and they look good, it’s going to be tough to pick out the top three for sure.
Photogallery: The Process – Pool Riding
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All photos by Jeremy Pavia – JeremyPavia.com
Through The Lens – What Kind of DSLR Should I Get?
This week’s feature is going to be based on a specific question that I happen to get asked more than the average person simply based on what I do for a living. Everyone out there that is looking to buy a camera typically looks to anyone they know with a little experience behind the lens for some real world advice. That is cool with me but it’s always one of those hard-to-answer questions simply because it really depends on a lot of factors. Anything from your budget, to pixel count, to quality, to brand names to customer reviews to whether or not it features HD video, to company reputation and everything in between makes a difference. If you happen to be one of those people out there that want to make the jump from a point and shoot digi cam to a full-on digital SLR set up then this column is for you. Check it out…
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Through The Lens: The Road to Getting Published
The goal of almost any serious photographer out there is to someday become published and see their name in print. It’s sort of a pinnacle for those behind the lens and the feeling you get from it is actually quite addicting. That might sound weird but it’s true. It’s starts a vicious cycle when it happens and you get so pumped on the idea of your work being forever ingrained on paper that you will do whatever it takes to make it happen again…and again. Getting published is not an easy feat by any means and in no way is it for the faint of heart. It takes a certain level of dedication to photography to make it happen and a sort of persistence that can’t be taught. If you are on the path to becoming a serious photographer and really need that little bit of insider information to break down some walls and make your dreams a reality, then this just might be the feature for you. Let’s get started.
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Through The Lens: Contest #1
**Click HERE to see flyer in full size!
We’re stoked to announce the first Through The Lens photo contest! We have teamed up with FIT BIKE CO. to hook up THREE photographers for their best photos! We’re looking for photographers from any level to submit their natural light BMX photos to our Facebook. Check out last weeks Through The Lens for examples and some tips on how to get the best results if you are wondering how to get it done.
Please submit any photos to our Facebook wall by March 30th at the latest! Also, all photos should be related to BMX.
Once you have your photos, head over to our FACEBOOK PAGE and “Like” us if you haven’t already (Almost 5,500 others have, why haven’t you yet?). Then upload your photo or photos to our wall for everyone to check out. On March 31st we will announce the TOP 3 photos! We will also drop a photogallery with the winners photos along with a number of the honorable mentions right here on the site.
First place will win Tom Dugan’s new signature Clubman Bars and a DL stem.
Second place will win a Crossfit Sprocket and some PC Pedals.
Third place will win the Blorry tee and the Block Insignia t-shirt.
So what are you waiting for? Get to work on uploading YOUR photos to the Facebook Page! These goodies from FIT are good as yours!
*Note: Please do NOT submit photos that you did not personally take. Stealing hard working peoples work is wrong and you know it.
Through The Lens: Shooting with Available Light
Photographing your subject using only available light is actually one of my favorite ways to shoot and can make for some amazing images. Sure the situation has to be just right for everything to work out and it may not always provide you with stellar results but that’s just how it is. A big part of being a professional photographer is knowing when to shoot with or without flash and also being able to determine when the natural light is at it’s best. Another reason why shooting with available light is rad is simply because you don’t need anything but your camera and lens to do it. No expensive lighting set-ups, no weird shadows from your flashes, no light stands to work around and avoid getting in your shot, no extra gear to lug around, and to put it bluntly; no bullshit. Let’s move on.
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