Long Nguyen hails from Albuquerque New Mexico and has recently begun to pursue his passion for sports photography, namely mountain bike photography. He's put together a nice video of some of his favorite shots from last year and tells us why they mean what they do to him.
Enjoy...
What made you want to get behind the lens and capture the moments in biking?
When I started riding in the summer of 2003, I found my dad's old Nikon and just took it with me everywhere I rode. I never really let go of the trigger the whole time. Not to long after that I stumbled across a book named “Faces” made by Red Bull. Christian Pondella who was one of the photographers in the book inspired me to open my eyes and follow my dream of action sport photography. From that moment on there was no stopping me.
Do you get a lot of opportunities to shoot pro riding being that you live in New Mexico?
Yes and no because I am in a weird location.
Yes in downhill racing, because I have the Mountain States Cup Series in my back yard. Having friends like Chris Boice with Yeti Fox Factory who race the series gives me opportunities to travel and travel cheap haha.
No in slope styles, because many of the events are held in Canada or Europe. I would love to shoot events that are similar but the distant is kind of far.
What trips do you have planned this coming riding season?
So far I have the Mountain States Cup Series, Red Bull Burner, AMA Outdoor Nationals in Hangtown and Lake Wood, and whatever that lays in front of me. I go wherever my camera takes me - for the thrill and adventure.
Things folks should know about you?
I love what I do and I am just your average Twinkie Asian friend hahaha.
What are you taking in school?
Photo 188 (yeah)
Calc 1 (boo)
English 219
Accounting 202 (boo)
Intro to Sign Language
Any shout outs?
Friends and families who have made my dream come to life with their support, Ray at South Creek Sports Media who has opened windows of opportunities for me and Jeff Robb with Red Bull who helped me witness the Red Bull Rampage.
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http://www.southcreeksports.com -
http://www.longnguyenphotography.com
Sure, it's not bad, but nothing special. A friend of mine makes pictures like that, and he's 16. But not with these riders ;-)