Motocross with Steve Howard aka Mr. H – January 25, 2010

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Just who is Steve Howard, and how did I get involved in Motocross you may be asking yourself, as you read about my latest adventure.  So pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable, and see how I became involved with Motocross and how I met Steve. 

I gave Steve the name Mr. H… just because the name is intriguing, and there is an air of mystery about who he is, especially as he is an up and coming star in the world Motocross.  Mr. H will be the guy to watch out for… the dark horse, the one who works hard, trains even harder, and loves what he does.  Mr. H rides for the love of the sport… jumping higher and further pushing the envelope with every ride, just because he can.

Motocross is a form of motorcycle racing, which usually it involves tracks comprised of hills, dirt roads, muddy tracks and turns.  A sport I had not followed or was very familiar with.  I did know it involved a bike, a guy who was very athletic, and jumps. 

So as I was working away on my newest project, the phone rang, I glanced at the number.  Not knowing who it was, and not wanting to deal with yet another sales pitch or donation call, I let my voicemail handle it.  A few moments later the phone indicated I had a voicemail.  Ummm… I thought as I listened to the voicemail.

It was Mr. H who had came across my card at a local business.  He wanted to talk to me about photographing him and his bike in action.  Not at a race, just out in the local area, so he could have nice professional photos to seek out sponsorship opportunities.  Well I thought, I had never shot motocross but, I had done flat track races and I had handled bull riding and rodeo events.  So I knew I wouldn’t get injured and it would be a good challenge, and give my portfolio another aspect.

So I called Mr. H right back, and let me tell you this guy was excited.  Wow!  I listened carefully to what he said, what he was looking for, and what he was trying to accomplish.  Mr. H wanted action shots and shots that would promote him as a motocross rider.  I figured anyone with that sort of enthusiasm deserved a chance, and if he was going to take a chance on me… well I would take a chance on him.

So we set the date as tentative, as the rain clouds were moving in.  Mr. H called me mid-week, and confirmed everything for the following Monday.  A time was set, directions were provided, and I had a few days to review motocross shots.

I was curious as to where Mr. H came to the conclusion that I was the photographer for him.  As you can see by my business card… it doesn’t give any hint to being a sports photographer.  And my website didn’t promote motocross as a sport that I had photographed in the past.  Here you can see my business card… 

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So as I pondered that thought, I begin trying to plan the shoot.  Little did I know Mr. H was ten steps ahead of me… Mr. H had the locations chosen, planned for the types of shots he was looking for, and even had some interesting angles for me to try and shoot from. 

The big day arrived and we headed off to our first location.  A drainage ditch made of concrete.  Mr. H was very safety conscious he laid out rocks that would form his runways, explained that he would never hurt me, and that I was perfectly safe.  I have stared down bulls at the PBR, so I honestly wasn’t worried.  But, I reassured Mr. H that I appreciated his concern and that I would make sure to stay out of his way.  Mr. H proceeded to explain some of the shots he was looking for and how he felt they could best be captured.  I was all ears, as I figured he had more experience in the ‘motocross look’ than I did.

Mr. H was so excited; I honestly don’t know how he contained himself.  I focused on my task and he focused on his.  Mr. H was great he rode circles around me… or perhaps I should say ovals.  Jumped out of the ditch numerous times, and just relaxed and enjoyed riding his bike.  It was going really well.  I would show him a few shots, and he liked them.  Mr. H kept telling me they were ‘sick,’ which I can only guess is California speak for ‘cool, or ‘awesome.’  As the photos looked great to me…  Mr. H even had a wall with graffiti on that we were able to capture some cool shots of.

Mr. H then suggested a skateboard park… directions provided I headed off to meet him.  Mr. H had a small dirt jump set up; he practiced a few times so I could get my angle just right.  Mr. H went back into his zone and I into mine, in no time this spot was done.  A cool shot I thought was where Mr. H was in the air and the speed sign was just in front of him reading 25 mph… well I found it amusing.  I hope Mr. H did…

Off to our third location… at last desert landscape.  This seemed to be Mr. H’s playground… he had three dirt jumps set up, and a nice dirt and gravel road to work with.  Mr. H jumped his jumps and I captured the moments… Mr. H still liked what he saw, which was great, as I really wanted to make sure that I exceeded his expectations.

Mr. H wanted to do a hill descend, so I went half way up the hill to capture his descent.  The hill was rocky, and the rocks were loose… but, Mr. H handled his bike very well and we all survived.

The day was still cool, and I had expected to shoot for another few hours.  But, Mr. H thought that was a good place to stop for the day.  Mr. H had considered this a trial run, to see how we got along and to see what I could capture for him. 

We chatted for a bit, before Mr. H disappeared off into the distance.  Mr. H was really excited and couldn’t wait to see the final outcome.  Mr. H was discussing his next shoot what we would be doing… it sounded so exciting I don’t even want to share.  But, I will keep you posted.

I asked Mr. H one last question before he disappeared.  Why did you choose me?  Was it because of my business card or did you go to my website?  Mr. H smiled and gave a chuckle, with a twinkle in his eye, he said because you showed up, and I liked your card.  I said well thank you Mr. H… he said he called many different photographers but, they all charged too much, or couldn’t be bothered to get off their a** and come out the locations.

With that Mr. H wished me a good day and promised to be in touch for a future on shoot.  Thank you Mr. H, it was an honor and a pleasure to work with you, and I am looking forward to our next adventure together.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”