Photographer: Tim Cooper

When sourcing photos of Frog for this year’s Deluxe brochure, one of his mates popped up and said he had a few good photos – and they turned out to be good. So, being that as it may, a while back we sent Tim Cooper the Q&A to find out a little more. Here goes…

Frog, going large over the hip they built…

BIO

Name: Tim Cooper Hometown: L’boro Years shooting BMX photos: 8 Years Where you can see my photos: Passion BMX online mag Nikon or Canon or? Nikon, Bronica, Holga, Olympus half-frame.

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What are you doing today? What’s the plan? Working at a design studio, chill after work and fix my headset.

Okay, what are some of the trails spots you’ve shot photos at? L’boro old and new, Burlish, Durham, Royd, Alliano’s, Barend, Halesowen, Stiffler’s old woods.

What are your stand-out favourite trails spots? The building that Frog and Robbo do is unbelievable – and crazy – they’re too crazy for me to ride these days though. Royd was unbelievable, as is Durham.

And are there any others you really want to take photos at, that you haven’t been to yet? Brighouse, them boys know how to shape the backs and sides of lips, always make photos look super nice. Catty and Posh for obvious reasons.

Robbo, t-down, Norwich.

For you, how does shooting photos at the trails differ to shooting, say, street, indoor parks, contests, etc? You get far more time to set everything up in the woods so you can take your time get everything perfect and leave everything set up all day without any worry. I know I only have a two minute ride to get from the car to the trails so I can happily take all the lights, stands and cameras I feel I need. So I’ll often take a digi, roll film camera, as well as maybe a half frame or Polaroid or something. As for lenses, a wide and standard are most used.

Ideally… film, or digital? Digital for laziness, film, as long as it’s 120 for the sheer beauty. So much effort getting it scanned etc, but it brings the most happiness.

What tips would you give to people wanting to take better trails photos? I think the technique changes from wood to wood, but lighting is always very important. If the woods are fairly dark you will need a light behind the rider to bring them out from the background more. Step ladders! Get nearer to the height of the rider. Also pay attention to where the light is going on the ground. I will often light a landing or lip with a separate light. Have a barbecue whilst shooting.

What’s your favourite trails photo of all time? Probably one of Bennett. Quite a few photos from the trail issue of Dig.

Do you prefer shooting trails in the woods, or out in the open? Defo woods, a lot harder, but I think you can get more creative.

What about dirt jumping contests – how do you see those? The Red Bull ones look pretty freakin’ rad!

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? Robbo ‘cos he’s got so much flow and I love his little face. Froggy to watch him train Robbo, and Pete to watch him ride drunk.

Frog, BIG! This one’s DPS in the Deluxe 09.1 Brochure…

See more of Tim’s photos at PassionBMX Online.