Photographer: Dean Smith

Davros under the bridge, Bar End.

This time round, we have Dean Smith filling out a few Q&As – he’s a mate of Davros’s and has a couple of rad photos in the Deluxe brochure (which reminds me, I must get some more printed…). Along with taking excellent photos of trails, Dean also has the enviable task of taking the odd flash motor out and shooting that as well – check his website for more on that. In the meantime, here’s the Q&A and a few choice trails pictures.

BIO

Name: Dean Smiff Hometown: Guildford, UK Years shooting BMX photos: Four Where you can see my photos: www.deanphoto.co.uk Nikon or Canon, or…? Nikon

What are you doing today? What’s the plan? Packing up all my gear, collecting an Aston V8 Vantage for a shoot over the weekend and then heading to work, where I’ll be sat in front of a PC until 23.00hrs.

Okay, what are some of the trails spots you’ve shot photos at? It’s been a long time since I’ve shot any BMX, especially trails. I’ve shot at Bar End, Oxford and Leeds only, I really should get out more!

What are your stand-out favourite trails spots?  For me, it has to Chertsey.

And are there any others you really want to take photos at, that you haven’t been to yet? Chertsey and those in PA.

For you, how does shooting photos at the trails differ to shooting, say, street, indoor parks, contests, etc? Personally, I find shooting trails much more challenging than other ‘disciplines’. You can almost guarantee that the riding will take place at the worst time of day, having to contend with hot spots all over the place. Gear wise, it would have to be my D3, 80-200 & 3x flashes – if in the woods and the ambient is crap.

Ideally… film, or digital? I’ve only ever shot digital – I know, I know – but ideally, I’d prefer to shoot film.

What tips would you give to people wanting to take better trails photos? Just keep practising, don’t be put off if only get one keeper from a hundred.

Do you prefer shooting trails in the woods, or out in the open? Having not ever shot trails in the open, I’d have to say woods.

What about dirt jumping contests – how do you see those? If we’re talking about comps such as EOD, then they have their place. It’s great to see all the top riders in one place and see them all session. If we’re talking ‘jams’, then they’re great. I’d never take my camera to either though unless I was being paid for it. Far too many cameras and off-camera flashes for my liking.

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? Dave Cotton – Absolute shredder and quite possibly one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met, even if he does smell like a tramp. Mike Aitken – I’ve never witnessed his riding in real life, would be great to capture that style! Chris Doyle – 360 turndowns, 360 turndowns and 360 turndowns.

To see more of Dean’s work, check out his website here…

 

posted by Patrick Best
on 31/10/08