JBrantley - Through the Lens

Jul 23, 2009

What's up Pinkbike!

My name is Justin Brantley, and I am an action sports photographer out of Campbell, CA. I am very happy that there are so many users and readers here on Pinkbike. The site as allowed me to network with riders and expose my work to people worldwide. I have written an article for Pinkbike about myself including some of the best photos that I have captured over the past year.

Ever since I can remember I have been riding anything with two wheels. I got back into Mountain Biking about a year ago and found my long lost passion, photography. Living so close to Aptos, CA, I traveled there almost daily. I began taking photos of local riders with a small point and shoot camera. I wanted to take pictures of dirt jumpers, so I went to the Post Office and just waited for riders to come. I would show them my little camera and ask them if it was cool to shoot some photos. After meeting so many riders and getting some really cool photos, I got a basic digital SLR camera. My first shoot with the new camera resulted in my first POD. Since then I have been shooting the best local up and coming riders around.

I started off with a small point and shoot camera and I didn't know anyone in the biking scene. I was using a Canon Powershot 870. I shot photos and videos, and had pretty good luck with both! But the photography bug got me and I went out and bought a Canon Rebel Xti. I started off with just the camera, no extra lenses or flashes. I had to learn the manual settings basically from scratch. I have taken some photo classes in grade school, but actually applying it to guys flying in the air took some time. I practiced for a while without the flash, but very quickly got some cheap transmitters and a Vivitar 283 flash. I recently got another flash transmitter and have invested in a new lens. I am receiving investment money to purchase some new equipment towards the end of this July. I will keep you guys updated with my work in the upcoming months.

Big thanks goes out to the riders that have helped me along the way. Guys like Ryan Howard, Cob, Jack Fogelquist, Guy French, Jessie Nickell, Jamie and Keith Morelan, and Old Mike to name a few. And thanks to those photographers that always gave me good advice like Jason Peters, Devin Schmitt, Eric Palmer, Brad Walton, and Bryce Shaw. With out these people I would not be where I am at today! So I thank all of you greatly.

I have put together a collection of 10 photos that I consider my favorites. Every time I shoot I feel that my photos improve and my best work is still to come. Please enjoy and check my photo albums here on Pinkbike and my blog for more pictures.


1. Greg Minnar going down hard at Sea Otter. This was my first big event and had so much fun. This photo won Pinkbike's best crash photo for Sea Otter 09'.

2. Sam Hill racing his way to first place at Sea Otter Dual Slalom.

3. Brandon Semenuk is an amazing rider and at this moment I captured a keeper from the Post Office Jump Jam 09'!

4. My favorite berm shot! Keith is really fast and has some serious bike skills. This is the first berm on Jugs in Santa Cruz, CA, and Keith is pushing it to the limits.

5. Jacob "Cob" Hyde bailing at the step up. This was my first day using my new lens. I got a Sigma 24-60mm f/ 2.8 and it caught this picture of Cob bailing out of a dumped 3. Cob is a great rider and was fine after this fall. He said it was the funnest fall ever!

6. Cob taking a fat dump at the step up after the bail!

7. Guy French inverting by the ocean. It was a foggy overcast sunset and I love the blues that came out in this image.

8. Guy French doing an Indian Air FTW! French is a super smooth rider with a nice bag of tricks!

9. Jack Fogelquist is the man! Watch for Jack at this years Colorado Crankworx! I love the sunset on this this one! I told Jack that I needed a three table and he made it happen.


10.Jack and Guy doing what they do best at the same time at the Post Office! I can't believe the way these guys lined this shot up for me! The timing is epic.

I hope you enjoyed the collection photos I put together! I will be traveling to Colorado Crankworx with Jack Fogelquist to cover the event for Pinkbike. I will be writing up daily articles with pictures, so everyone can follow the action. Thanks Pinkbike, and I hope to see some of you there!

--Justin Brantley
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71 Comments

  • + 15
flag NS831 (Jul 10, 2009 at 23:57)
JB. You take the best pictures ever.
  • + 13
flag j-brantley (Jul 10, 2009 at 23:58)
Thanks Dude!
  • + 5
flag jamisbowtech (Jul 11, 2009 at 8:44)
awsome article. mad props!
  • + 5
flag sorbet (Jul 23, 2009 at 0:28)
Sick Article dude! Nice on making front page... Canon rebel xti pride ftw! Keep it up man!
  • + 7
flag gnartail (Jul 23, 2009 at 0:35)
you have a gift my friend
  • + 4
flag timlake (Jul 23, 2009 at 4:32)
Cob looked like he had fun taking a fat dump after his bail.
  • + 1
flag bigburd (Jul 24, 2009 at 3:32)
lets hope he didnt make a mess in his slacks
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag SavageMountainAnimal (Jul 11, 2009 at 0:06)
I really like all the pictures they definatly are some of the best out there now and its awsome how you have amazing riders to practice shooting with.
Although my favorite picture of your is for sure this one http://jbrantleyphoto.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/img_6686.jpg.
not sure why it has never been posted before.
  • + 3
flag j-brantley (Jul 11, 2009 at 0:29)
I appreciate it man! You like that one of Jack doing that massive tailwhip uh? That's Jackthemaniac for ya!!! Thanks again dude!
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  • + 1
flag PBPphotog (Jul 11, 2009 at 0:09)
Agreed. I'm hoping to maybe make it down around that area sometime this summer to shoot, for now I'm stuck in the tri-valley.
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  • + 2
flag naturalhigh (Jul 11, 2009 at 0:20)
Keep it up JB!
  • + 2
flag j-brantley (Jul 11, 2009 at 0:25)
Thanks Dude! I am excited to see some of your pictures, now that you are taking more time to do photography!
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  • + 2
flag jackthemaniac (Jul 11, 2009 at 0:45)
JB you own!
suchhhhh a dialed article!!!
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  • + 1
flag allenstoddard (Jul 11, 2009 at 1:26)
ya JB! killin it man!
soooooo sick, keep it up
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  • + 1
flag natephillips (Jul 11, 2009 at 21:07)
Ya JB!
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  • + 1
flag j-peters (Jul 11, 2009 at 23:28)
nice job jb your work has improved 100 fold
  • + 1
flag j-brantley (Jul 11, 2009 at 23:34)
Thanks Dude!
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  • + 1
flag me2menow (Jul 12, 2009 at 0:52)
these should all be pods bud tup
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  • + 1
flag gromhit (Jul 12, 2009 at 16:12)
tup nice pics and article.
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  • + 1
flag orangebiker4life (Jul 23, 2009 at 0:20)
sick photos dude
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  • + 1
flag the-lemon (Jul 23, 2009 at 0:21)
JB your the best!!!! we should shoot soon! getting a new bike
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  • + 1
flag konarider92 (Jul 23, 2009 at 0:38)
JB, you have some kickass photos man! Keep up the articles, i enjoy them for im working on one day being a sports action photographer too.. check my album, let me know what ya think!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag phunkt (Jul 23, 2009 at 0:54)
thanks for sharing - respect i know what you mean.
  • + 1
flag j-brantley (Jul 23, 2009 at 0:57)
Oh and thanks to you Phunkt!!! Your work as always been an inspiration for me. Thanks for all your help bud!
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  • + 1
flag MisterRogers (Jul 23, 2009 at 1:07)
Great article Justin !! Miss ya at Cali bro. Have fun at Crankworx !!
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  • + 1
flag callumm (Jul 23, 2009 at 1:08)
Guys got talent with a camera!
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  • + 1
flag slugster (Jul 23, 2009 at 1:28)
Good Stuff Justin!!.......
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  • + 1
flag ericpalmer (Jul 23, 2009 at 1:55)
Sweet, nice one Justin! Fully agree with J-peters... ur stuff has improved like mad the last lil while!
Oh & thanks for the mention Wink
  • + 2
flag j-brantley (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:38)
Thanks Eric! Stoked for you and your new lenses! I think we all are loving the clarity!
  • + 1
flag ericpalmer (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:48)
haha, thanks!
yeah man, def a good investment & is good to finally be able to view a full res pic at 100% & not wanna cringe.
  • + 2
flag almostwise (Jul 24, 2009 at 6:07)
JB and EP - two of best on PB Salute
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag sam-davies (Jul 23, 2009 at 3:18)
Nice article, you started off basicly exactly the same as how I am starting, first with a compact asking local riders of you can take photos of them, then moving onto a stock SLR with no flash which is the stage I'm at now. WIth the risk of sounding like a homo: hopefully I'll be taking photos of your standard soon enough Smile
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  • + 1
flag Taylor16 (Jul 23, 2009 at 4:22)
wow.. thank you for the inspiration. All those were shot with the xti?? Amazing
  • + 1
flag j-brantley (Jul 23, 2009 at 8:26)
Thanks and yes all XTi!
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  • + 1
flag bikerdre (Jul 23, 2009 at 5:31)
Great photos
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  • + 1
flag pbrRiper (Jul 23, 2009 at 6:25)
props bro.. your pics and your style are boss, hope you see you at crankworx colorado
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  • + 1
flag cneums (Jul 23, 2009 at 6:28)
sick shots man, nice work!
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  • + 1
flag norcofreerider8 (Jul 23, 2009 at 6:30)
You're the man Justin.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag EricBirk (Jul 23, 2009 at 6:52)
really really nice pics, super crisp, good angle, great color. I love the berm shot for the shadows, looks fantastic.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag oldmike (Jul 23, 2009 at 6:59)
you've come a long way with the fotogs...keep it up.
  • + 1
flag j-brantley (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:46)
Thanks Mike!
How have you been!? Hope all is well and hope to see you soon!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Mazekwon (Jul 23, 2009 at 8:05)
Great Pics of course, it's crazy to see the progress of your photography in like 2 years, i am excited to see all the pics with your new equipment too.
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  • + 1
flag OlSkoolJake (Jul 23, 2009 at 8:11)
Great work buddy! Proof that practise hard work pay off in spades. Looking forward to more in the future.
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  • + 1
flag sanjosedre (Jul 23, 2009 at 8:50)
Sick work coming out of the 408! What are you using for flash transmitters?
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  • + 1
flag patto (Jul 23, 2009 at 8:57)
Your work is stella mate! Photos are amazing and you should be proud! And also... Proof those "inverts" are unturndowns... Silhouette of the last shot makes it look like such a turndown! They are not inverts Wink Still, such good shots!
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  • + 1
flag califreerida16 (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:03)
Your pics are amazing! Keep up the great work dude!
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  • - 2
flag prettym1k3 (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:05)
TAKE THE TRAIL NAME OFF OF THE SANTA CRUZ PICTURE.
  • + 4
flag j-brantley (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:10)
CHILL OUT DUDE! WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO JUST SAY THAT??? YOU THINK BECAUSE THE NAME OF THE TRAIL IS ON THERE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO FIND IT THAT DONT ALREADY KNOW ABOUT IT? DO YOU WORK ON THE TRAILS???
  • + 5
flag Mazekwon (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:15)
LoL now i know i just need to drive to california and go to the santa cruz district find the trail "Jugz" to RIDE THAT BERM!, that berm is like no other berm LoL. i HAVE To RIDE IT.
  • + 4
flag ericpalmer (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:53)
hahaha... the G-Spot has a name, but thousands of men still can't find it! haha
Take Justin's advice & chill out man!
  • + 2
flag windowlicker (Jul 23, 2009 at 10:14)
I am pretty sure even if you knew what direction to go in and there wasn't anyone else on the road, you would have no idea where to go.
  • + 2
flag SavageMountainAnimal (Aug 5, 2009 at 0:28)
Mazekwon's comment was prime.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag nsfrench77 (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:50)
justin, you da man, thats all any of the comments need to say
  • + 1
flag j-brantley (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:52)
Hahah, Thanks French!
Stoked for Whistler???
  • + 1
flag nsfrench77 (Jul 23, 2009 at 10:52)
dude you know it, i was pissed i couldn't go shoot with you guys i had to get a strep throat test to make sure i didn't need antibiotics before we left, how does that republik gear look?
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  • + 1
flag lescart (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:55)
You know how i feel about your shots dude! Loving the passion now lad too. Keep em coming or else!
  • + 1
flag j-brantley (Jul 23, 2009 at 10:00)
I forgot to thank you in the article LES!!! Man you have helped me so much! Your work is in inspiration to any and everybody man! Thanks again.

And big thanks to Dennis Katinas as well!
  • + 1
flag lescart (Jul 23, 2009 at 10:05)
Jeez, im very flattered here lad, all i can say is its been cool talking and seeing whats being done by you. Cheers.
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  • + 0
flag lescart (Jul 23, 2009 at 9:56)
Also, i tried but couldn,t pick a fave out of the 10 shown!
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  • + 1
flag nfiorito (Jul 23, 2009 at 11:11)
great stuff! I like the sunset one and the blue ocean background one.
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  • + 1
flag dhslug (Jul 23, 2009 at 11:27)
I saw this blog post a little while ago and i'm pumped for you that it made the front page!

I browse your pics way too often dude
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  • + 1
flag denuchinator34 (Jul 23, 2009 at 13:06)
ya justin!.. Im always lovn all ur shots... AND i no ur gunna get some SICK shit at crankworks!!!
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  • + 1
flag brockanderson (Jul 23, 2009 at 13:23)
awesome write up Justin!
you've had amazing progression behind the lens.
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  • + 1
flag urbanDJ5 (Jul 23, 2009 at 14:27)
ahahah a lot of those should make POD for sure
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  • + 1
flag Johnny2bags (Jul 23, 2009 at 14:39)
Very amazing photos. You have some serious talent
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  • + 1
flag davidt (Jul 23, 2009 at 15:29)
Nice... I enjoyed reading this... Maybe i should do one as well.. :-) what flashes are you running again?
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  • + 1
flag stephenlw (Jul 23, 2009 at 16:15)
Sick JB, those pictures are so good!
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  • + 1
flag jessenickell (Jul 23, 2009 at 17:51)
sweet! a magazine should pick this guy up, maybe? deline. where u at decline, where u at, grab him b4 some one else does!
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  • + 1
flag fall0ut (Jul 23, 2009 at 18:05)
great pics, it must take a dumpload of dediccation to get the right ligting, timing, location, etc. keep up the good work!
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  • + 1
flag mezzer661 (Jul 23, 2009 at 18:12)
awesome set of photos! very inspiring! hope that could be me one day!
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  • + 2
flag recklessness (Jul 24, 2009 at 5:46)
You rock Justin!! Thanks for the consistently awesome pics!!
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