Location: North County San Diego, CA. Originally from Geneseo, Illinois
How long have you been shooting photos?
11 years, since I was 14 just messing around.
How about video?
3 years.
What is your photo camera set-up from cameras, lenses, flashes, etc.?
Cameras are Canon and flashes are a hodge podge of Quantum, Profoto and Elinchrom.
What about your video set-up?
Video is a stock Hvx200 with the Lensbastard and a ladder dolly for that movement.
Do you prefer Film or digital?
Digital is great for fast turn around and archiving. It offers a lot of control after the fact and you don’t have to send a guy down a rail any more times than you have too. Film is great, but the turn around time doesn’t fly for most of my gigs and digi is 99% requested. I’m lucky to get to use both for a lot of work projects.
If I remember right you are filming in all HD now right, or do you play around with a few different cameras?
Nah, it’s just HD. It’s hard taking both units on trips, but somethings are better suited for a video representation.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
Best thing was a Rob Wise S&M advert a couple years ago; grind to hop over barspin. That was the gnarliest thing I’ve ever shot in my opinion. My favorite photo is always the next one I haven’t shot yet.
Favorite rider to shoot with?
Mackay and Guettler… and Adam Banton.
Dream rider to shoot with?
Taj, and I did 2 years ago. Thanks to Odsy. So psyched on that trip.
What do you tell security when the try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
As little as possible. Just leave and be better next time- play your game, not theirs. Theirs ends with you in handcuffs and yours ends with a clean photo later that night.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Older people. Morgan Meredith. People that work hard.
What is your travel schedule looking like for 2009? It seems like you are always off on a trip?
Lots of US trips. Lots of filming. As soon as I get this cast off my arm I’m gone. I’ll be going to NJ next week. I just got back from Australia where I broke my hand. No surfing. Immediately bummed. The trip went great, Dave Dillewaard has the hot spots.
Where can we see more of your work?
You can see more of my work all over the place. A lot of the Vans North America stuff from the past couple years is mine. I shoot a little for Dirt Rider magazine and Ride here and there. I’ve got a a couple things for Dig this year and most of my videos are on Bnqt.com. Red Bull has been an amazing company to work with over the last 3 years with their brand building events and athlete projects. My portfolio site is www.justinkosman.com where I do a little blogging about work and recent projects too.
