There are so many good photographers out there, all with different perspectives. Simon has been grinding it out down in Aus and has been a follower of the site for some time. He just launched his new website and is a fellow “eyes closed in portraits” sufferer, I asked him a few questions.
Q. Who are you and where are you from?
A. G’day, I’m Simon McLaine. Nineteen years old from Tasmania, Australia. Ya know, that little island south of the mainland? No…? Alright then.
Q. On your website it says you’re obsessed with Canada, what’s up with that?
A. Ever since I’ve been into riding it just seems like Canada is the mecca for all things bike related. Canada actually has snow in winter, and there are cute girls with cool accents. Apart from that… my Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr feeds are filled with posts from the place so it’s always in my head. I’m actually moving out there early 2015. I’ve fallen in love with the place and I’ve never even been there.
Q. Fair enough man, every time I leave BC I want to go back. What got you into photography?
A. My parents brought me back a little point and shoot from their trip to New York about six years ago. I started making shitty little bike clips of the homies, entered one in a school video comp and ended up taking the win. Sold the prize and purchased a DSLR. (laughs)
Q. Do you ride much yourself?
A. Yeah I ride when I can, man… for sure! I was never the best at throwing a whip, but just being out at the trails with a group of buddies is what i’m all about! Can’t beat some single trail though… that’s when I find maximum enjoyment.
Q. I think most people agree with you on that one, just having fun is what it’s about anyways. How do you think this affects your work?
A. I think it adds a sense of fun to my images. To be honest with you, dude… I kind of aim my work at people who don’t ride. If I can make someone see the enjoyment of riding a set of wheels down a trail and want to get out there, then I’m happy.
Q. Other than mountain biking, what other things do you like to shoot?
A. I do a bit of environmental portraiture too. Generally I won’t go out on a photo specific mission unless I’m super fired up, but if I’m heading out somewhere cool with the homies I’ll definitely sling the camera over my shoulder.
Q. What’s your go to setup?
A. Im currently running a nine year old Canon 5d and 24-105mm lens (laughs). In my opinion, I’d rather get the best out of what I have until it comes to a point where I need to upgrade (which will be sooner rather than later). If I could have any setup though, I’d settle for a 1d and a bunch of L primes.
Q. Yikes, 24-105mm, have to work with what you’ve got… Who inspires you / What gets you fired up? (photography and riding)
A. Lately man, I’ve been getting pretty stoked on the work of Chris Burkard. The sense of adventure in his work makes me want to get outside and do something. Cant go past the work of Van Styles, Sterling Lorence and Mattias Fredriksson either. As for riding, Brett and Brandon get me so fired up it’s not funny. Two mates working their arses off trying to better themselves, awesome! The Coastal Crew guys make me want to work harder too.
Q. Ya, I think most people can get behind that. Now for a random one, what colour socks are you wearing?
A. At this current point in time, my man… I’m not running any socks. Badass, I know. Although you can’t go past a pair of 4shaw threads to keep the feet in maximum comfort.
Q. Back to serious, If there were one thing you could change or see more of in mountain biking and mountain bike media, what would it be?
A. In regards to Mountain Biking, I’d love to see more trails. I don’t believe I would change anything as such… judging at contests seems to be questionable, but other than that everything seems to be on point. As for Mountain Bike media, I think there needs to be more support for new photographers. Documenting the progression of the sport is pretty important in my eyes. I mean, yes you have your big names like Sterling Lorence and Sven Martin, but we don’t know who will come through in the next decade. Having more internships would help discover these guys that are keen to get in and do their bit for the sport.
Q. Thanks for doing this, Where can we find your work?
You can scope my work on most social media platforms, or check out my website.
Instagram: @mclainemedia
Facebook: mclainemedia
Tumblr: simonmclaine.tumblr.com
Website: mclainemedia.com
Q. Lastly, Any shout outs?
A. Mum & Dad, my mates, OnlyMTB. Thanks for getting in touch, I really appreciate it.
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Past Photographer Profiles
1.) Bryce Piwek