Visuals > Guetter FMX Sesh By Andy Kawa

Behind the Scenes

Created By: Andy Kawa
Website: http://www.andykawa.com

Camera: Nikon D300
Lenses: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VRII, Tokina 12-24 f/4, Nikon 17-55 f/2.8
Lighting: (3) Nikon SB-800, (2) Nikon SB-600


The Scoop: Shooting freestyle events is always crazy and fun. It’s fast paced, the crowd is going crazy, you have to think really fast, and you NEVER know what’s going to happen next. Shooting at a private session is totally different. While both are enjoyable, each present a different set of challenges...or perhaps a lack there-of.

At a non-event shooting session you have the opportunity to do things again if you botch a shot (usually), direct the riders, set up more elaborate shots, and generally have a lot more time. It allows you to slow down your thoughts and plan out shots as you go whereas during a show you have little to no control over what is happening and planning ahead is essential. You must go with flow and roll with anything that happens adjusting on the fly. As much as I enjoy the fast paced think on your feet style of shooting that events bring, a private shoot is just as much fun in its own ways.

Jon Guetter, the first person in the world to successfully land a backflip on a quad, invited us out to his home for a photo/video shoot. Along for the ride was his brother Derek Guetter, and fellow freestyler Adam Thene. Taking place in literally Jon’s backyard, a day of leisure yet action packed freestyle ensued.

Favorite Photo: I’m going with image #20, Jon doing what is quickly becoming his signature move haha. I love how this one came together! It took a couple of tries to get Jon right where I wanted him in the sky but it wasn’t too difficult overall, it was just a matter of positioning myself correctly when the trick peaked. I really enjoy the framing and how the sun is partially eating away Jon. The texture of the dirt came alive and the super high contrast makes everything pop. Jon throws a pretty sweet Nac Nac too, dare I say he is the McGrath of quad Nacs??

I would like to thank Jon for inviting us to his home to shoot, it truly was a great day and I had so much fun!