Money Shot Week 8 Winner
John Gibson's Selections
Words by John Gibson.
I'm pretty chuffed to be rounding out the preliminaries with a judge we haven't put to work before. John Gibson handled the selection duties for week 8. Gibby is one of the most prolific and established mountain bike shooters there is and his work has influenced many of the other photographers whose shots you will have seen recently. John is Kona's number one photographer and living proof that you don't need a brand new and frequently updated Web site to make it in the world of mtb photography. Gibby was also one of the original shooters to bring the North Shore scene to the world's attention, working with Mitchell Scott on bike mag's lead out story in 1998.
Thanks John. It's an honour.
For This week's winner a Syncros Derived seatpost and their new FR saddle.
John Gibson Podium Picks
First off right out of the gate I have to say I was impressed by the variety of photos I saw here and the efforts all the photographers took to get these photos. Also it was really great to see the variety of locations from all over Europe and the province of British Columbia. Good job riders and photographers.
Judging this contest was not easy and I initially picked 14 shots for my final list which got cut in half for the final seven. So congratulations to everybody for getting out the door, taking photos of people riding their bikes and making it happen. That’s what it’s all about.
My favorite photo of the bunch was the Epic Hip shot of Brock Fraser shot by Devan Wyka. Brock has great style here and there’s a good feeling to this photo with the lighting and dust flying everywhere. Gold medal. Top of the Podium.
Money Shot Week 8 winner. Rider ~ Brock Fraser. Photo ~ Devan Wyka.
Jan had some other good shots in week 8 but I liked this shot of his the best. Sometimes it’s not the biggest trick in the book that makes a good photo. It can be about lighting, weather or three buddies heading for a ride.
Snow Riders in Poland. Riders ~ Dano Peto Fero. Photo ~ Jan Tekel.
Nice composition and lighting. And great riding by young Dustin Greenall in Kamloops. It’s obvious the photographer took great care shooting this photo and that’s why it makes the top 3 on the podium.
Indian Air at Carcass Valley Kamloops. Rider ~ Dustin Greenall. Photo ~ Matt Miles.
Capturing the spirit of mountain biking doesn’t always involve shooting pictures of people riding their bikes. Sometimes it’s about those other moments when the riding is done or hasn’t even started. Anybody that’s stood around a campfire after a good day of riding can appreciate this photo and that’s why it made the podium.
Rally Camp. Fruita CO. Photo ~ Eddie Clark.
I’ve stood and looked at these signs at the Kamloops Bike Ranch wondering how it could make a good picture...Andrew Packman beat me to it. First off I see great humour in this photo. On top of that you’ve got a great trick by Mitch Chubey. Nice job on the off camera flash on the sign as well.
Kamloops 9-1-1. Rider ~ Mitch Chubey. Photo ~ Andrew Packham.
Even though this it’s pretty obvious the rider is about to wipe out I appreciate the technical merits of this photo. Anytime you use flash I would advise to Proceed with Caution! There’s evidence everywhere of photographers that use too much flash or just don’t get it right. However Steve has done a great job here and I am impressed with this shot. Great job.
I Street Utah. Rider ~ Nick Vandine. Photo ~ Stephen Lloyd.
This shot had some good things going for it. First off I really like the fact that the photographer has shown some of the surrounding environment in the scene. The rider has great style and Norbert got the shot at the right moment.
One thing though. As far as composition goes the rider is dead set in the middle of the photo and most armchair quarterbacks would knock this photo down for that reason alone. I think though that possibly Szasz is fighting these ‘rule of thirds’ composition rules and blatantly shaking his fist at the establishment. For that reason alone Norbert Szasz makes takes a spot on my podium.
John Gibson
Budapest Hungary. Rider ~ Zsigmond Cholnoky. Photo ~ Norbert Szasz.
Thanks John!
That is it for the preliminary eight rounds of Money Shot 2008. After this we'll choose two finalists from April, one wildcard entry to the finals and then cut them loose to upload galleries of five images each. From those galleries we'll choose the winner - who'll win press access to every event at this year's Kokannee Crankworx at Whistler (which of course includes lift access so you can ride when you have a minute), lodging at Bear Back Biking's sweet chalet, $500 to spend as you like and the use of a 2008 Norco Shore to keep you ripping in the best bike park in the world. You'll have to get yourself to Whistler but once you are there you'll be in good shape to soak it all in.
The Winner of Money Shot 2008 will be on assignment for nsmb.com at the event, submitting photos to us daily and sharing his vision of Crankworx with the world.
To see all the shots from week 8 click here. To see all the Money Shot 2008 entries click here.
What do you think of Gibby's choices? Any predictions for the April finalists or the wildcard? Present your case here...
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