Through The Lens Archives

Through The Lens: Photographic Evolution

February 19, 2014

Well this week is going to come as a surprise to most of you reading this right now. Photography is a crazy thing, and as unpredictable as it is that’s one of the best parts about it. You never know where photography could lead you. Whether it’s across your city, across your state, across the country, or around the globe it really doesn’t matter as long as you are enjoying the journey. I have been able to meet some amazing people through photography, I have been able to travel more than I ever thought I would have, and needless to say I have been able to make more memories than I can store in my own head along the way. There is a saying that always influenced me in life and that is “the only constant is change.” That means every second that goes by, things are changing right before your eyes. Whether or not you stop to take notice is a whole different story. That’s been my goal from the beginning as a photographer. To always stop and observe my surroundings and document whatever I feel inspired by. Now, the title of this specific TTL might throw you off a little bit, and you may be wondering exactly what the hell the point of all this is. If I have your attention by now, and you have read up until this point, you might as well keep on reading and find out for yourself.

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Through The Lens: Six Reasons To Shoot Film

February 5, 2014

For this week I wanted to do a bit of a follow-up piece to the “Film vs. Digital” feature TTL #99. Although I mentioned many of the benefits of shooting film I figured I would give a little more detail on each. I started out shooting photographs and gaining an interest in photography well before the DSLR burst out onto the scene. I have and always will have a passion for analog photography and even though I constantly mention that my main workflow is about 99% digital I still try to shoot a bunch of film along the way. For instance when I travel to a different state for a commercial project, I will always bring along a couple of film cameras for the ride as well. There is no better feeling than exploring a new city, town or anywhere for that matter with a film camera in hand. I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with digital in comparison; I’m just expressing the love that I have for film. Check it!

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Through The Lens: What You Didn’t Know – Chad Kerley

January 23, 2014

There has always been something intriguing to me about getting some behind the scenes details on a photo. I don’t know what it is about it but I just get stoked on seeing exactly how someone shot a specific photo and get a little insight into the process. I suppose it has something to do with the fact that every photographer shoots a little differently, which in turn makes each story unique in its own way. I can remember studying photos in magazines and borderline obsessing about the way that they were shot and honestly over the years not much has changed. I still find myself getting lost in photos to this day with the same level of curiosity that I had when I first started shooting. With that said, enjoy round seven of WYDK.

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Through The Lens: Last Days in California with Brandon Dosch

January 15, 2014

Well here it is… The one I have been waiting for. I have been talking about this column for months and months now. Every time I mention to someone that I write a weekly column and tell them how many weeks that I’ve been doing it for it reminds me how crazy it is. I can’t recall anything that I’ve done specifically and routinely for 100 weeks in a row and I think that goes for most people. That is why this column is one to remember. For this week I had the chance to catch up with Brandon Dosch and interview him before he starts on his next chapter in life in a new State. Brandon is an amazing rider and has been killing it for years. He has the drive and determination to progress and continue to push his riding forward for a long time to come. He wants to give back to BMX, and understands the importance of making riding look appealing to the younger generation. Take a few minutes to see what he had to say and thank you to everyone who has been down with TTL since this column started. Here’s to 100!

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Through The Lens: Print Vs. Online

January 8, 2014

When it came down to choosing this week’s topic I actually had to run through my archives and see if I ever happened to write about this before. I’m sure there has been mention of it here and there but I have never officially talked about Print vs. Online and gone into detail about the differences between the two. I have worked for both online and print simultaneously for years now and have definitely done so long enough to form solid opinions on both. I have had multiple covers, written countless articles and had hundreds of photos published. Honestly, I guess when it comes down to it I am pretty torn between the two, but we will get into that a little bit later on. For now, we all can agree that print is taking on a new shape and the online world has been doing just that since the Internet went public in 1989. Take a few minutes and dive into what will be my first time openly discussing this subject in any kind of actual detail.

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Through The Lens: 2013 Year In Review

January 1, 2014

Another year in the books and another 52 TTL features in 2013. I’ve found myself all over the place at times up late on Tuesday nights from California, to Pennsylvania and wherever else I’ve been this year writing and dialing in the week’s TTL. It’s crazy to look back after that many and see which ones got the most feedback and which ones stood out the most to me. I decided that since I am putting this one together on the last day of the year in 2013 that it only makes sense to a top ten list (in no particular order) of my favorite features of the year and give a little insight as to why. I guess in the meantime though, I would like to thank each and every person out there that has ever read a single column and anyone out there that has been down to work with me on these it really means a lot. Thank you; here’s to the New Year and the mystery of what it may bring.

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Through The Lens: Catching Up with Jackson Ratima

December 25, 2013

Another week, another TTL in the books. The thing I love most about the column is the fact that I can shoot it, write it, and share it within a matter of days. Don’t get me wrong, my heart is with print but something about that quick turnaround is addicting to me. This week I spent some time kicking it with the homies and catching up with Jackson Ratima. I’ve known Jackson for years now and one thing always remains consistent when it comes to him and his riding; he’s married to the streets. He is known for his creative spot selection as well as his unique trick list. I recently caught up with him during a mellow Sunday session and the following will keep you up-to-date on everything he’s got going on as of late and leading into the New Year.

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Through The Lens: Creative Minds – Working Freelance Vs. Daily Grind

December 18, 2013

This month I hit the two-year mark as a freelance photographer after almost five years straight of working for a magazine full-time, as a salaried photographer/assistant editor and it’s been one hell of a ride so far. I seem to always have this discussion with people and it’s interesting to hear everyone’s varying opinions on the subject of freelance vs. the daily grind. This very column is one of the best parts of working for myself and has been since TTL number one. Now for those of you out there working a 9-5 I have nothing against that lifestyle. If it’s paying the bills and helping you maintain your current situation then I say go for it. There is something about creating that I am addicted to. Whether it’s shooting a photograph, or writing a 4,000-word story I seem to have the need to constantly be working and moving forward. I decided to take a little bit of time and reflect on the differences between the two, and the ups and downs of both since I feel at this point I have seen from both perspectives.

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