Photographer: Brian Barnhart

Robo at Posh, 2008. Photo Brian Barnhart

This time, we caught up with Brooklyn local Brian Barnhart to talk about one of our favourite subjects – quality bicycle motocross photography – just before he jumped on the latest FBM Gypsy Caravan trip.

BIO

Name: Brian ‘Briz’ Barnhart Hometown: Living in Brooklyn, NY originally from Northampton, PA. Years shooting BMX photos: I’ve been shooting BMX since I got a point and shoot about eight years ago, but didn’t get serious until about two years ago. Where you can see my photos: bbarnhart.com is my website, also AxelRad’s Dust zine (axelradarmy.com/mag.html), and The Last People (thelastpeople.com) Nikon or Canon or…? Nikon

Punjab at Catty Trails. Photo Brian Barnhart

What are you doing today? What’s the plan? About to have some breakfast with my lady, then go ride street and shoot with my boys Grady and Floyd, then come home and pack for FBM’s Gypsy Caravan.

Okay, what are some of the trails spots you’ve shot photos at? Catty, Posh, Keyko, East Side ATX.

What are your stand-out favourite trails spots? All the above-mentioned are unbelievable. I also really miss Nam, Pipeline, State College Trails, and Minersville. They were all really fun and bring back good memories.

And are there any others you really want to take photos at, that you haven’t been to yet? I am going to London this fall, and would be honored to ride some of the trails over there. Some of the French trails from Chase and Inman’s Fit web video look amazing too. I still have not made it to the great northwest yet either. Shame on me.

Brian Foster, Posh. Photo Brian Barnhart

For you, how does shooting photos at the trails differ to shooting, say, street, indoor parks, contests, etc? I don’t think they differ much as far as equipment goes. My equipment bag is not too bulky yet, a body, a couple lenses, two Vivitar flashes, Pocket Wizards to match, tripods, and some other random stuff. I enjoy shooting trails the most though because of the relaxed atmosphere. Shooting street can be stressful due to surrounding people, security, cops, and/or the threat of robbery. Usually you don’t have as much time to figure things out for the perfect shot. I prefer hanging in the woods with friends all day, taking turns between shooting and riding.

Ideally… film, or digital? Digital. I’m too poor/cheap for film at the moment.

What tips would you give to people wanting to take better trails photos? Shoot with your friends a lot to gain experience and figure out your style. Take your time and try out new and different setups, angles, lighting, and exposures. Read.

Dan Ruhe, Posh, 2008. Photo Brian Barnhart

What’s your favourite trails photo of all time? I love to see anything of my friends on home turf. I’ve always enjoyed this photo of Dave King at Minersville, shot by Chris “the dude” Hallman.

Do you prefer shooting trails in the woods, or out in the open? I love being in the woods. Writing this is making me question why I live in NYC… What about dirt jumping contests – how do you see those? Some of them seem pretty cool like Elevation, and Battle at the Belmar. I don’t think that the digging crews get enough creative control at some of the more mainstream contests, making them pretty dull. Riding dirt should be more about the actual jump than the trick. They all can be fun to watch in their own aspect. I have not yet shot a contest, but I would like to give it a go.

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? James P. Nutter, Brian Yeagle, and Mike Aitken. I’m sure you know why.

Jay Lonergan, Posh. Photo Brian Barnhart

CLICK Brian Barnhart’s Website

posted by Patrick Best
on 19/06/09