SHOOTER: BEN AUSTIN

INTERVIEW COURTESY OF KURT HOHBERGER/BMXUNION.

Full Name: Benjamin Gray Austin
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota USA.  Keep it cold.
Sponsors: None, son.
Years riding: 11
Years shooting photos: 10

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any real early memories that stick out at all?
I used to look up to a couple kids who rode bikes in my neighborhood, and always thought it was cool just cruising around with friends. I got a mountain bike as birthday present, and started jumping curbs and little dirt jumps at a city park near my house. One day, my friend Andy Mark convinced me that it would be a ton easier to jump on a BMX bike, so I went out and bought a used DK from some kid who was giving it up. I still have the same handlebars from that bike to this day, Slams!

Living in Minnesota, you are used to the crappy weather. Have you been doing much riding this winter?
What are you looking forward to riding once the melt down happens? Minnesota weather is something that will always amaze me. It’s -20 in the winter, and can easily get to 100 in the summer. I’ve heard that we have the most varied weather of anywhere in the US, although I can’t back it up. This year, as in most years, I went into hermit mode as soon as winter hit. I’ve been trying to ride at least once a week now, and have been loving it. A lot of times I end up shooting photos in the summer, rather than getting in on a session so it’s nice to be able to ride a little again. 

You have had the chance to travel all over the place to ride and shoot photos. Where are your top 5 places you have been able to check out and why

1. Athens, Greece. Its an amazing country with so much history. Great food, good beaches nearby, and friendly hosts. 
2. Barcelona, Spain. I love to practice speaking Spanish, and Barcelona was an amazing mix of modern and historical significance. 
3. Cologne, Germany. Amazing architecture, and good public transportation makes for amazing street riding. This was my first experience outside of the US.  4. Raleigh, NC. A really good mix of fun people, mild weather, and sweet tea! 
5. Minneapolis, MN. Nothing like home sweet home. Amazing summers, family, swimming spots, trails, and actually knowing my way around the area!

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
I think BMX has been an amazing addition to my life, but I don’t think I would be doing much differently if I never started. I would probably focus a lot more on other creative outlets like music, design, food, skateboarding, etc. I would probably be really out of shape!

If you could change anything about BMX, would you?
There is nothing worse than getting vibed at a skatepark, although I am probably guilty of it myself. Other than that, I can’t complain! 

Did you get into photography because of BMX or how did you get into it?
I got into photography first. I took a black and white photo class in High School, and absolutely loved it. Our teacher, Ms. Lester, ran an amazing class environment that really inspired creativity. She gave us a relaxed way to express creativity, and learn about all of the basics. I took the class 2 more times, and kept learning more, wanted to see what was next. After the class was over, my mom bought me a used Canon for about $100, and I just never stopped shooting. 

What kind of cameras, flashes, lenses, and other parts do you own?
Film only so far, one medium format setup, and one 35mm setup. I think I run a pretty simple setup. Photography equipment is expensive, and I don’t think it’s rational to spend a fortune on your gear. Keep it light. I love being able to quickly capture a moment, and emotion, a time of day, and it’s really tough to do so with 2 rolling bags of flashes and batteries.

Cameras:
Bronica ETR-Si, Canon EOS-3, Canon AE-1 Program (1st camera). I’ll use a little Polaroid camera from time to time, although the film is now discontinued. I also have a little Sony point-and-shoot digital that I’ll take with me here any there just for fun.

Flashes:
2 Sunpak 120J flashes with rechargeable battery packs (cheap, small, and no automatic functions). I’d love to get another more powerful main flash to round out my shots. I use Pocket Wizard radio transmitters to get the flashes to fire from a distance, which allows you to make a more natural and creative use of light. 

Lenses:
The standard for action sports is a fisheye lens. They let you get close to the action, yet still allow you to include much of the surrounding area. It’s too bad they are so expensive! I picked up a fisheye for my Bronica off of eBay, and got one for my Canon as a Christmas gift (thanks Dad)! Other than that, I just have a standard straight lens for each setup. I try to limit using the fisheye, it can be a little creatively constraining at times due to its predictability.

Other Stuff:
Gossen Digipro F light meter. I don’t recommend this model, however, if anything has changed my photography over the years for the better, it is the use of a light meter. I also carry a lens cleaning kit, and a ton of extra film with me at all times. 

What is your favorite camera that you own? What is your dream set up?
My favorite camera is my Bronica. They are discontinued now, so they are super inexpensive. The film that it uses is 3 times the size of a normal 35mm frame, so you are able to get extremely fine details and sharpness from each shot. Plus it is able to sync with my flashes at high speed, which means it can freeze fast action like spinning handlebars, or a flipping skateboard. My dream setup would be to have a digital Hasselblad, a few good lenses (straight, fisheye, portrait), and a couple Lumedyne Action Pack flashes. The Hassy is running around $15,000 right now… so it’s a little out of reach!

How do you get your work published? What kinds of tips can you give for some of the aspiring photographers out there?
The most important thing is to keep shooting as much as possible. Keep aspiring to shoot higher quality stuff, emulating the things you like about other photos you see published. Once you get some shots you are really proud of, start reaching out to people with the photos. Whether it is a magazine, blog, clothing company, Flickr account, or whatever… if your shots are good people will start to notice, or at least give you a critique to help you get better. I’ve been fortunate to meet people along the way that have really helped me out a lot like friends who needed an ad shot for their sponsor, or an editor who gave me motivation and constructive criticism. You need to reach out to people and let them know that you are shooting good stuff (and back it up). If I could give one technical tip to new photographers, I would say that you need to get your images as sharp as possible. That means shooting high quality film/ISO, at a high speed (1/200th of a sec or higher), with a flash, and scanning it in well.

Do you make a living from your photography? If not what do you do for a living?
That’s funny; I definitely do not make a living from my photography. Everything I have made has gone back into buying film, a new bag, a new flash, etc. I should probably claim it on my taxes as taking a loss! It’s really tough to make a living as a photographer, and near impossible as a BMX specific photographer (maybe 3 guys in the world). If you want to scrape by, get ready to shoot some weddings, class reunions, etc. to make ends meet while you get on your feet. My full time job is working for Target Corp here in Minneapolis. I work for Target.com, helping out with marketing projects, and selecting the products that are featured in our banners, emails, etc. 

Who are your favorite people to shoot photos of? I know you have had the chance to shoot with some real big name dudes too.
I love shooting photos with riders who have motivation, and a creative eye. Some of my favorites would have to be Ryan Barrett, Jay Schlie, Eric Holley, Todd Johnson, Jonah Lidberg, Chris Doyle, Josh Nendza, and all the MN locals. 

What are you usually up to when you aren’t riding or shooting photos?
Usually hanging with Brigid, trying new food, watching movies, working on our house, etc. I try to play as much guitar as possible, although I’m still no good. I have a couple friends that play other instruments, so we’ll learn some cover songs and rock out in the basement about once a week. I love to watch college basketball, so I’m psyched that March is around the corner. I’ll skateboard about once a year to remind myself how hard it is, haha.

You went to college didn’t you? Where did you go and what did you go for? Do you feel like college is necessary to be successful in life?
I got a 4 yr degree in Business Management from North Carolina State University. I think success is all relative to what your goals and passion are, and I don’t think going to college is the only way to get there. I definitely think college helped me to develop socially and intellectually, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to go. 

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
One random life goal of mine is to learn how to surf. I’d also love to keep getting more and more of my photography published. It’s really rewarding to see your work in tangible print. I’d like to travel more, both in the US and abroad. Thinking about starting a family in the next couple years too! 

If you could change anything about your life, would you?
Mo’ money mo’ problems… I’m loving my life as it is!

If you could change anything about the world, what would you change and why?
End world hunger, and peace on earth maybe? I think it would be awesome if everyone could understand each other’s cultural history, languages, and hopes. Way too many hot-heads in power. 

What kind of advice do you have for people just getting into photography?
Shoot as much as possible, keep a camera with you at all times, and experiment. Have fun, and don’t stress about ‘making it’. Making photography your job is a great way to ruin an amazing creative outlet. 

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my family for always supporting me, thanks to my friends for always keeping me smiling, and thanks to Brigid for always keeping me sane.

You can read an extended version of this interview here at BMXUNION.