T.D.W. SNAPSHOT - CLEGHORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is an integral part of our sport and our lives. It is those moments frozen in time that serve as evidence of our experiences. We here at T.D.W. love a great photo just as much as the next person. Our goal has always been to feature user photos and industry photographers on our site. If your a seasoned pro or a fledgling amateur with a nice collection of work, please contact us about being featured on TheDirtyWheel.
Since it has been a while for a photographer feature, we felt it was past due and we took an inside look at TheDirtyWheel's very own Special Contributing Photographer - Jason Cleghorn. Jason owns Cleghorn Photography and you have probably seen his work with the Pro's like Joe Lawwill, Eric Carter, among many others. He was responsible for numerous photos on site last year including the Features we did on JENSON USA and KHS Pro Kevin Aiello. Without further ado but with much thanks we present a SNAPSHOT into our man behind the lens. 1. How did you first get into Photography? How long have you been practicing Photography? I've always loved photography but never really got into it till 2008 when I bought my first DSLR. Before that I just had a little point-n-shoot camera. I would take lots of pictures of my youngest son when he started racing BMX around 2006. Then, in late 2007, my oldest son started racing downhill at Southridge in Fontana, CA and my youngest followed him in 2008. I started taking pics of just them coming down the hill. Then before long I was taking pics of just about everyone coming down the hill and posting them on MTB forum web sites, all with my little point-n-shoot camera. I was really enjoying myself and wanted to go further with it. So, I bought a Canon Rebel with a couple of kit lenses, took a couple photography classes and started my business and web site around 2009. Since then, I have upgraded my equipment to include the Canon 5D Mark II and 3 different "L" series lenses. I still have so much to learn about the technical and creative side of photography, but I love every minute of it. I learn something new just about every time I take my camera out. 2. What type of Photography is your Favorite? (Action, Portrait, Macro, Etc.) I really enjoy all aspects of photography. I think my favorite would have to be action photography. There's nothing better than getting a shot of someone flying through a rock garden and getting that feeling of speed and seeing the focus in their eyes. Or getting a shot of a determined XC rider as he/she suffers up a steep climb. I want to be able to feel some kind of emotion when I look at a picture, whether it be an action shot, or a landscape, or a portrait. I'm not interested in mindless snapshots, which I have to admit I'm guilty of sometimes. A photograph needs to tell a story. Like the old saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words", right? 3. What was the highlight of 2011 for Cleghorn Photography? The highlight for Cleghorn Photography in 2011 would probably have to be my first wedding I shot in January. I was extremely nervous. I just bought my 5D MKII and barely had enough time to get used to it. I did have a good friend of mine help me. He's not a photographer, so I just gave him my old Rebel and told him to just start shooting! I'm really critical of myself and when I look at those pics now, I can see all the things I could have done better. Like I said before, I've still got a lot to learn! 
4. Tell us what is the single most important piece of gear in your arsenal? This is a tough one. The whole package is really important, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be my 5D MKII. And my lens cloth! 5. What is your background in Cycling? Do you ride much? I rode BMX when I was a kid living in Anaheim, CA. During the summer my friends and I would ride the riverbed trail to the beach and back. Riding back always sucked after a long day at the beach! Then I got my drivers license, started driving and the bike sat in the corner...Gently weeping. Then around 2004 I was finally able to quit smoking and bought myself a mountain bike. It felt so good to be riding a bike again. Now I try to ride a couple times a week. More during the spring, summer and fall. Less during the winter. I really can't handle the cold to well! Raced a few XC races but really just enjoy taking pictures of the races, especially my kids racing! 6. Any projects/plans for 2012 that you want us to be aware of? So far I've been fortunate enough to work with Eric Carter, Waylon Smith and Kevin Aiello. I'd like to do more shoots like that in the future, with pro and amateur racers. I'm also going to try doing some video. I've had my 5D MKII, which can shoot HD video, for a year now and rarely even used that feature! Oh and I'm definitely looking forward to doing more projects for The Dirty Wheel! Whatever it is I do in 2012, I just want to keep progressing with all aspects of my photography. I don't think the learning will ever stop and having those "AH HA!" moments keeps me motivated! As of this interview Jason has received his media credentials as lead photographer for TheDirtyWheel's Sea Otter 2012 coverage team. He also hints at wanting to attend Red Bull Rampage this year, which sounds like a fine plan to us. Enjoy the work of Jason Cleghorn , the first 2 photos below are peek at the 2012 Hyper Bikes - Eric Carter/Waylon Smith shoot that just wrapped a couple weeks ago.
2011 CLEGHORN PHOTOGRAPHY SNAPSHOT
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