Jay Watson Photography

My first bike was a yard sale gem. It had 20″ wheels and the forks were raked out like a motorcycle chopper. I was crushed when the cranks broke. It was a repair that cost as much as a new bike. The only problem was I didn’t want a new one.

If you are a cyclist you have ridden or read about the epic road rides that start, loop, or end in Palo Alto, CA. A decent cyclist can be out of town and in the country within 30-60 minutes of saddle time. Once you make it over the first climb – you’ll be in the rolling hills of Northern California. A little bit farther – you’re at the coast. Palo Alto is a Bay Area cycling mecca. It’s also the home of Palo Alto Bicycles which is one of the oldest bike shops on the west coast. Below are some outtakes from a photo shoot with the staff of Palo Alto Bicycles. The Northern California roads look pretty good and so does the shop’s new apparel.

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Things seen in Palo Alto:

1) Let’s just ignore the weekend traffic in town.

2) On the roads you’ll see large group rides, pros training, retired racers rolling at the same speed as in their prime, and a random kid on an old 10-speed that’s too big for him gunning it up Old La Honda.

3) A man standing on University Ave with large Foldger’s coffee cans around each ankle. You know – for protection.

4) Cyclists can be spotted wearing full fingered gloves and earmuffs in 95° heat, or riding with nothing but shorts and a cotton t-shirt on early morning winter rides in the rain.

5) Robin Williams once did some impromptu stand-up in the repair shop area of Palo Alto Bicycles. Steve Jobs has also shopped there.

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One wave up. Two surfers sliding down. Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, CA. Nikon 300mm 2.8 w/ TC-17E 1.7x teleconverter.

This makes me smile. Nikon interviewed me and featured 12 of my photos for an article on surfing photography. You can see the entire interview here: Nikon Reflex Action: A Surf Photographer’s Top Tips. The Nikon editors choose lifestyle and action photos I’ve shot of various surfers and California spots. I was really excited about the opportunity, but not sure what tips I could provide. I don’t have any secrets so I kept general sports photography in mind, and a few things I’ve learned shooting surfing.

Surf Photography Tips (some not included in the Nikon post)

1) Study all the focus options and don’t skip the manual. The modern DSLR has infinite focusing options. It’s overwhelming enough to make a person not even try action photography, but practice is the key. Learn all of the focus features inside and out. Memorize them. Have them mastered so you can react quickly to the action without fumbling with your camera. I like to shoot with continuous focus (focus tracking) and make use of the focus lock buttons when needed. This minimizes the risk of loosing focus from body movement or if shooting from a moving boat.

2) You don’t have to shoot at world class breaks to get great photos. Don’t be afraid to make a road trip, but make the most of your local spots first. Surfing is primarily on the coasts and not accessible to everyone. However if you are landlocked practice shooting action sports in your area to prepare for a future surfing trip.

3) FPS (frames per second). Shoot with your camera’s highest frames per second. Nearly every modern DSLR shoots with enough speed to grab action shots in short bursts. You don’t necessarily need 11fps.

4) Lens choices. Put your money in the glass. Fast zooms and fast fixed lenses have faster focus and better optics. The 70-200 F2.8 is a sports standard, but you’ll need something longer for your distance shots. A good back up solution is a teleconverter. The Nikon TC-14E (1.4x) and TC-17E (1.7x) both work very well on the 70-200 F2.8 and the 3oomm F2.8.

5) Don’t drop your camera in the drink and be safe. A camera can be replaced but you can’t. People get swept up in rough business every year throughout the California coast. The stories are horrible. Take your photo blinders off and live to tell the story.

6) Pro level waterproof camera housing for a DSLR is +$$$$, but there are some inexpensive options. If you are already a surfer with an interest in photography, you can get wet, shoot photos, and spend less than $10 a day. See: GoPro camera rentals available at Borrowlenses. Staff photographer for Surfer Magazine Zac Noyle has been posting some great looking work on Instagram shot with the Watershot Inc iphone water housing. It doesn’t get much budget friendly than that. An entry level water housing for a DSLR isn’t much more expensive than your favorite prime lens on the used market. Check the base model by Liquid Eye.

7) Check out the not-so-cheesy surf mags. Follow photographer and editor of Carve Magazine Roger Sharp. Sharpy always shares great info on surfing photography along with his work. Here’s his in-depth buyer’s guide for water housing for cameras and surf photography.

8) The biggest and most important…don’t get in the way of other surfers.

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Greg Long at Mavericks. Half Moon Bay, CA.

Full post here: http://www.nikonusa.com  A Surf Photographer’s Tips 
Featured surfers in the link: Carlos Burle, Kenny Collins, Greg Long, Peter Mel, and Zach Wormhoudt.

Thanks to Nikon, and to all the surfers for their support.

One of the best things about skateboarding is that it doesn’t discriminate against age. This was proven at the X Games this year in the Skateboard Big Air competition in Los Angeles. First place and second place winners on the mega ramp were separated by 20 years in age! That’s a decent chunk of time. Think how different the world was 20 years ago. Computers, cameras, sports – everything was different.

This isn’t an “old guys rule” or “look out for the groms” post. It’s just a high five to skaters Bob Burnquist (age 35) and Mitchie Brusco (age 15) for showing everyone that skills are more important than age when it comes to clearing a 70 foot gap and getting 45 feet of air off the ground. Or maybe it just doesn’t matter at that height when all you have are 4 wheels and a piece of wood under your feet? Check out ALL of the links below. What do you think?

Skater Mitchie Brusco, at age 15 won silver at the X Games Big Air contest on the mega ramp in LA. After I photographed Mitchie someone nudges me and says,”Hey that kid does 900s on mega ramps.” My reaction – “You’re kidding me. He’s not much bigger than his skateboard. How does he get the speed?”

Well he rips, and this is how: (video of Brusco 2012 x-games).

Bob Burnquist, a skateboarding veteran of big air still raises the bar at age 35. Naturally I was thrilled to finally meet him in person and he didn’t disappoint. Bob is wearing knee high rubber boots in this photo and the only skateboard with him this day was bolted to a surfboard. Here’s Bob in action with some backwards fakie business that won him first place in the big air comp (video Burnquist gold 2012 X Games).

Long live the Scorpion King!

“Introducing…… Dario—oooo   Franchitti—iiii.” Here are some pre race photos of Indycar race driver Dario Franchitti at the office. On this day the office was at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

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Dario (freaking!) Franchitti

Dario Franchitti’s introduction at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (The awesome filmmaker Eric Goodfield at left.)

Dario Franchitti works the crowd.

Franchitti Facts
• 4x Indycar Series Champion: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011
• 3x Indianapolis 500 Winner: 2007, 2010, 2012
• 239 starts under his belt between the CART and IZOD IndyCar Series
• 151 top-10 finishes
• 108 top‐five
• 26 poles
• 31 wins
• Has raced: CART, NASCAR Truck, NASCAR Sprint Cup, AMLS, Indycar
• Born in Scotland
• Married to actress Ashley Judd

Mr and Mrs Franchitti. Ashley Judd with husband Dario Franchitti before the race.

Dario Franchitti during his pre race ritual.

Some Info About Shooting Motorsports

1. Don’t even think about bothering the crew, the drivers, and definitely stay out of the way.
2. Cars move faster than people so bring plenty of media storage cards. You’ll be shooting/editing more than a handful of images and maybe a few thousand.
3. If you take a souvenir home with you from the track, just consider yourself uninvited to ever shoot there again.
4. Better have some liability insurance if you want access. $2,000,000 in coverage should do. This isn’t your local pinewood derby race.
5. Carry everything you need via backpack or speed belt. Your chapstick, sunblock, earplugs, energy drinks, and snacks are just as important as your camera.

Bucky Lasek

The April issue of The Skateboard Mag ran a double page spread with 16 of my portraits in their editorial section called “Exposed.” They even asked me to write a few words about this ongoing series that includes portraits of both pro and amateur skateboarders. It is short and to the point, but I forgot to mention the obvious. It is with a ridiculous amount of pleasure that I get to do this type of work! The 14 year old kid from Baltimore inside is extremely stoked to have these opportunities and to meet some of these friends. This is not just “photography.” It’s part of my life. These images were photographed in San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Encinitas over the course of 6 different photo sessions. They are a small slice from what I have already shot, and I will try to share more when I can.

Ironically there has been some internal pressure building inside over these portraits. I feel like I owe it to everyone who has been photographed to turn this project into something worthwhile. A book? A gallery show? I am not sure. For now I just want to skate and keep shooting, then figure out what to do later. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

Duane Peters

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It’s hard to photograph skaters when I’d rather be skating myself, so shooting portrait set ups instead of action has been my way around the problem. This series began with the idea to document skateboarding friends in Nor Cal, but the project unexpectedly evolved into a collection of something bigger. It’s about roots, history, and concrete. Groms and legends. I’m stoked that everyone has been so willing to participate which I attribute to skateboarding’s brotherhood and for the shared love of a grind. People appreciate the admiration that comes with spending even just a few minutes to be photographed. I just want that respect to come out in the photos, or at the very least show a glimpse of what each person’s skating style is like through their portrait.

- Jay Watson

Included in this gallery: Grant Brittain, Bob Burnquist, Steve Caballero, Eddie Elguera, Bennett Harada, Christian Hosoi, Daren Jenkins, Jason Jessee, Bucky Lasek, Keith Meek, Darren Navarrette, Pat Ngoho, Zach Miller, Duane Peters, Dave Swift, Sergie Ventura,

Christian Hosoi

Three facts about these skaters:
1) Duane Peters would make an excellent boy scout leader.
2) The first time I saw Bucky Lasek skate was at a street skate contest at Patterson Park in Baltimore, MD roughly 25 years ago. He won first place. I was disqualified for jumping off the judges table.
3) This is one of the last photos taken of Dave Swift (in the gallery) before he got his front tooth fixed.

A big thanks to Grant Brittain, Steve Potwin, Bucky Lasek, Judi Oyama, and Pineappleluv for the support.

Below are a few sports images from a shoot for Magellan GPS that were photographed at locations in the Santa Cruz area. The campaign will be used for advertising and promotion of a new fitness product line by Magellan called Switch. Five Bay Area triathletes were the talent for this lifestyle shoot that mainly included running and cycling at some terrific spots. These athletes really made the difference for the action shots and were patient enough to let us light them and try various options for each scene. Thanks to the amazing Judi Oyama from Maximum Impact for taking care of the location scouting, styling, casting, and excellent production work! My assistant on this gig was Nils Carlson who did a great job tracking subjects with the strobe and for handling the long day like a champ.

Fact or Fiction?
Did two seagulls really steal our sandwiches while Nils and I were working during our lunch break? Yeah it really happened. Those birds are like wolverines with wings and a license to do whatever they want. It was kind of sad, but very funny. “There goes our lunch!”

Athletes in these photos: Eric Clarkson, Tommy Zaferes, Josh Bjornstad, Stephanie Hocom, Elle Washburn.

Triathlete Tommy Zaferes running at Rio Del Mar Beach.

Magellan GPS Switch. Triathlete Eric Clarkson cycling in Santa Cruz, CA

Triathlete Josh Bjornstad.

Runner Stephanie Hocom running with the Magellan Switch.

Triathlete Elle Washburn at Rio Del Mar Beach.

The Magellan GPS Switch campaign.

Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta

These images are from the Petit Le Mans Race at Road Atlanta. They are outtakes from a shoot for the online gaming company Simraceway. If you are a gamer or race fan check out their product. They are very passionate about auto racing and have worked with some of the best drivers in the world in order to develop their game.

The camera work for Petit Le Mans involved hiking with an overloaded backpack full of gear over the race course for 12 hours. It’s another example of how some of my assignments are more similar to a construction worker’s job as opposed to the preconceived vision of a photographer working in a plush studio. Photography always seems to involve some level of sweat. If I am not building a studio set on location then I’m probably lying in the dirt somewhere with a camera. It’s not always pretty. Shooting auto racing is loud and somewhat physical work. It has given me a glimpse into the sleep deprived world of sports journalists. The air travel, early location scouting, and race schedule lead to a full weekend of work, but a few preparations can help make it more comfortable.

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Entering turn 2 at Road Atlanta. Petit Le Mans

How To Survive Long Shooting Days On Location. What’s In My Camera Bag?

Items that get me through long shooting days include: trail mix, chap stick, suntan lotion, Cliff bars, ear plugs, Tic Tacs (has to be mint flavor), Advil, and 5-Hour Energy drinks. All this stuff goes in my camera bag and I wouldn’t be caught without these life savers. If it’s over 85 degrees, skip the sandwich.

A Tank Worth Carrying:

The Nikon 400mm F2.8 lens. This monster weighs 16lbs and requires an extra carrying case, designated backpack, or it has to be carried over your shoulder while mounted to a monopod. Well worth the haul. Even with good access to the course the 400 opened up some creative doors.

In the image below of cars racing in a line, the Nikon 400mm F2.8 allowed me to shoot directly through a fence without it being noticeable in the final image. The fence is still there, but it so blurred out that it becomes invisible. This would not have been possible with a standard 70-200 F2.8 zoom lens.

Turn 4. Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta

Dusk laps at Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta

Since Le Mans races are either 12 or 24 hour sporting events, I had the opportunity to shoot motor sport racing at dusk. This is also a time when the track is considered faster for several reasons. Tires have good traction since the course is still warm, visibility is better than overhead mid day sun, drivers are familiar with their lines, and as the air cools engines run a little quicker. The headlights also became highly noticeable. They’re moving at laser speed. This unexpected light show overtop of the pounding engines was not a sensory overload. It was Petit Le Mans, and unlike any other experience I’ve had on the job.

Porsche Teams. Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta

The “Esses” at Road Atlanta

Below are portraits of two time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon (2005, 2011) shot at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. Mr. Wheldon is an INDYCAR race driver from England who is currently living in Florida, and driving for the team of Bryan Herta Autosport (owned by former driver Bryan Herta). These images were shot for Simraceway which is an online simulation racing game. It’s available for free in beta, but a kick ass game controller is right around the corner! I am not a gamer, but after seeing a demo of Simraceway this past weekend I can see why a race fan might get addicted to this one.

The second image is from a studio set up we built inside a garage bay not far from the racetrack. The coolest thing about shooting the 2x Indy winner was seeing his professionalism on set. He was all business! However once the shoot was wrapped up he was personable, humble, and incredibly thankful. I dig that.

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A portrait series of surfers from Santa Cruz, CA photographed for the book titled Cold Water Souls by author Chris Nelson. Outtakes, selections, and archives on Northern California surfing below.

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Zach Wormhoudt, Santa Cruz, CA. Cold Water Souls

Zach Wormhoudt represents Santa Cruz well. His father Ken Wormhoudt, built the legendary Derby skatepark in 1976 that has been featured in classic skate videos and magazines. The park still stands today as a mecca for skaters visiting Santa Cruz and is a landmark to local residents.  Zach is also a humble and well respected surfer in the lineup at Mavericks and has won a Billabong XXL Award for the biggest paddle-in wave one winter.

California skate culture owes a big thanks to the Wormhoudt family. Not just for Derby but for all of the amazing skateparks Wormhoudt Inc has built up and down the state. It has made a huge impact in the lives of skaters young and old with me being one of them. I’ve worn out plenty of shoes, gone through numerous decks and wheels, and had some great times with friends riding these parks. So what do you do when you get to photograph a person who has played a role in your life by building bowls and pools that you previously only dreamed about? You come with gifts, a handshake, and gratitude.

click to enlargeZach Wormhoudt surfing Mavericks Half Moon Bay, CA. Cold Water Souls

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Cold Water Souls, by UK author Chris Nelson is NOW available at select book shops, surf shops, and on Amazon.com

update:
Cold Water Souls (1 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (2 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (3 of 4)

A portrait series of surfers from Santa Cruz, CA photographed for the book titled Cold Water Souls by Chris Nelson. Outtakes, selections, and archives on Northern California surfing below.

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John Hunter is one of the product designers at O’Neill Wetsuits. In fact he created the exact same wetsuit that I use – the O’Neill Mutant. For that same reason, I can say that John has made a significant contribution to not just me but to many other surfers. He makes the cold stuff much more tolerable. John is extremely dedicated to his job, his love of surfing, his love for Santa Cruz, and he has an insane quiver that I am dying to see.

The O’Neill R&D department is old school and legit! It consists of the Pacific Ocean right in their own back yard. Non surfers see a wetsuit as a weird neoprene monkey suit, but once someone points out all the features they’ll be surprised at how much technology is used just to provide warmth and freedom of movement to surfers. As for genius product design, take a look at the Zen Zip on the O’Neill Psycho wetsuit – yup another Hunter design.

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Darryl “Flea” Virostko at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, CA.

Darryl Virostko is a cold water legend. I have not had the privilege of meeting him, but will hopefully someday get the chance. This cat has definitely lived an epic life. There have been some injuries and demons, but the three time winner of Mavericks should never be counted out as long as he is in the line up. This image of Flea was taken at the 2010 Mavericks contest. He took a terrible spill in the first heat, but here he is in the first heat of the semi finals with a few tricks up his sleeve.

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Cold Water Souls, by UK author Chris Nelson will be published world-wide January 25, 2011. It will be available at select book shops, surf shops, and on Amazon.com

update:
Cold Water Souls (1 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (3 of 4)
Cold Water Souls (4 of 4)