Познакомься с членом жюри в номинации «Фотография» — БЕН ГИ

How long have you been taking photos?

For nearly 10 years now. I began experimenting with photography when I got my first iPhone and very soon I wanted to try it with a real camera. A friend gave me an old Canon AE-1 for my birthday, this was an analogue camera and it was pure coincidence. I tried it and I really enjoyed the feeling of shooting on film so I never left it.

Which BMX photographers inspire you?

One of my biggest influences was Vincent Perraud. He’s a very good friend and when I got my very first camera he taught me a lot about photography. He was one of the photographers from the French magazine SOULBMXMAG and I grew up looking at his pictures. There is no question for me, he was an influence into BMX photography.

Manu Sanz, a French photographer from the midschool BMX time. I have good memories of shooting in front of his lens when I was a kid, and recently, I rediscovered his work from the perspective of a photographer and I understood better why he is such a legend.

I love Austin Augie’s work. He shoots a lot of different stuff, he has references outside of BMX and you can feel it when he shoots BMX. His eye for street photography brings something new into BMX photography.

Which photographers outside of BMX inspire you?

Too many! I actually look at a lot of pictures outside of BMX.

I love to look at different kinds of photography and let them inspire me when I shoot BMX. I think a good mix of photography can make a difference and help you to become more creative. I like skateboarding photographers like Fred Mortagne, and Pontus, street photography (all the guys from Magnum), fashion photography (Thibaut Grevet) and many others.

What element makes a good photograph to you and what will you be looking for when you judge the photo element of this year’s The Circle contest?

Aside from exceptional circumstances, a good BMX photograph must first be shot at the right time with a good angle to improve the trick and the architecture of the spot. You have to recognize the action at first glance, where the rider comes from, and where he goes. The composition has to be balanced.

You mainly shoot black and white with natural light. Do you ever experiment with flash?

80% of my pictures are black and white. I love that timeless touch and playing with contrasts and lines to compose my pictures which, I think, are highlighted through the use of black and white film. I also like the fact that I can do the whole development process by myself.

Sometimes I use the flash if I don’t get enough light, or if the rider tends to blend into the background, to bring him out. But I like to shoot with natural light as much as possible because I love to immortalize something close to what we have seen with our eyes.

What are the main cameras to shoot with?

I still shoot a lot with my first-ever camera, the Canon AE-1. It’s a cheap 35mm analogue camera. I usually use it for all the stuff around the tricks. I know how to use it by heart and change the settings quickly, etc. It’s perfect for catching spontaneous and decisive moments and lets me be as free as possible to concentrate on the composition. I use it with a 50mm, 28mm and 16mm fish eye.

I shoot with a Hasselblad 500c too, it’s a square format (120) and it’s a legendary camera in the world of BMX and skateboarding photography. Lots of people shot with it before digital. I mostly use it to shoot tricks and classic portraits because I am not as efficient with it as I can be with the Canon. You have to measure the light with a light metre and the focus is less accurate, but the final result is amazing. That's all! I prefer to have less stuff in my bag, only the essentials. Sometimes you have to ride a lot to follow the guys on a street session and I prefer to not encumber myself unnecessarily.

Who are your favourite riders to shoot with?

I love to shoot all kinds of BMX - street, trail, flatland, etc... Each new place is a new playground.

I shot a lot with the Marie Jade crew and it was always amazing. Good vibes and diverse riding from everybody.