Photographer: Kevin Conners

Mike Gonz railin’ at Area 51…

This time round, we catch up with Kevin Conners. He’s shot a ton of rad photos for the likes of Premium, Haro, and of course a few of the key mags in this world. Lately, since he’s been living back east and working at Staff, he’s been riding and shooting a crapload more trails… and that’s good enough for us.

BIO Name: Kevin Conners Hometown: Baltimore, but residing in Brick NJ Years shooting BMX photos: About 5 or so Where you can see my photos: Staff BMX ads, Premium and Haro ads, Ride UK, Ride BMX, and the Internet of course. Nikon or Canon? Canon for 35MM and digital, Bronica for Medium format

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Brad Gethard, 360, Area 51.

What are you doing today? What’s the plan? Right now I am supposed to be working on a few new sweatshirt designs, and a new business card for Staff. After that heading home eat some dinner, mess with Janis the kitten then do some more work on whatever I put off all day at work. Then probably head over to a friends to drink some of their beer since my fridge is running low.

Okay, what are some of the trails spots you’ve shot photos at? Area 51, Catty, Murrieta, and numerous others all over the place.

What are your stand-out favourite trails spots? Well I went to Catty the other day and that place is heaven, so smooth locals are rad etc… But the local spot is area and there is always a good vibe back there.

And are there any others you really want to take photos at, that you haven’t been to yet? Yeah, actually I really want to go to that spot in Australia seen in the Odyssey video. It just looks amazing.

For you, how does shooting photos at the trails differ to shooting, say, street, indoor parks, contests, etc? Trails to me are actually a lot better than shooting anything else, nudes aside. I usually do one or two things. If it is going to be for Staff or someone else I bring the whole kit and caboodle, including the Medium, the Digi and the 35, plenty of ISO 400 B&W. The flash bag – 3 Q flashes, a 555, and some peanuts, tall light stands etc… On the other hand it is always more fun to just bring the 35mm with the long lens out, all B&W. If it was up to me that’s what I would always shoot.

Riley, no-hander…

Ideally… film, or digital? Film, is hands down better. The colours are real, the negative is real. Plus it is just more fun to shoot you actually have to take your time and know what you are doing. It is just nice to know in the box stuffed in my desk is something tangible a stack of negatives rather then on a hardrive having an image. The digital is all work though, every company out there wants digital ‘cause of ease of use so I always get stuck shooting that way too much.

What tips would you give to people wanting to take better trails photos? Biggest thing is finding any natural light especially if you’re in the woods. Flash set up is key with trails; you have to watch out for tree branches and overall lighting up the actual jump not just the rider. Other than that it is all about finding ways of using the trails set up to your advantage.

What’s your favourite trails photo of all time? One Keith Terra shot – it was B&W from Posh, I believe it was Stauffer and of just a big old whip. And really properly exposed.

Do you prefer shooting trails in the woods, or out in the open? Trails in the woods any day. So much more going on, and a lot funner to set up for.

What about dirt jumping contests – how do you see those? You just said it right there! “Dirt jump contest”, they are good for trick progression but the majority of them turn into a box jump contest. The day you see BF win one again I will pay attention to them again.

If you were going to, say Catty Woods or Bar End, for a photo shoot for one day with just three riders – who would you pick, and why? Catty Woods are too amazing to turn down. I would have to say Brandon Turner, Brad Gethard, and Jennings. All three of them are super laid back and fun to be around in general. Plus they know how to throw a proper whip and make it look right.

Brandon Turner, table 360 at Murrietta.

Kevin currently works at Staff BMX… click it.

 

posted by Mark Noble
on 11/09/08