On The Spot: Bikesutra interviews Warwick Patterson of Formula Photographic (www.formulaphoto.com)

You've probably seen his photos wherever you've seen mountain bike race shots. Having served clients such as Intense, Giant and Norco Bicycles, as well as BIKE and DIRT magazines, Warwick Patterson is also the man behind DHrace.com and MTBFilms.com and recently became the editor of LAUNCHmtb.com. We interview this talented photographer from Whistler, BC, Canada, whose photos exude the same high level of passion and quality that he puts into taking them.

BIKEsutra: What is your background? How did you get started in photography?
Warwick: My parents used to shoot auto racing back in the 70's, so there was always cameras handy to play with when I was a kid. My first SLR camera was an old Olympus OM-2. I started shooting mountain biking for fun with my friends back in my hometown Ottawa, and when I moved to British Columbia I was able to shoot with better riders in better locations. I sold a shot to Norco, and realized I might be able to make some money at this.

BIKEsutra: What were some of the initial hurdles you faced in your path to becoming a successful photographer?
Warwick: Definitely the biggest hurdle regarding being a professional photographer was learning the business side of things ­ how much to charge, how to submit photos to magazines, and all the accounting and invoicing stuff. People think that photographers just go out and shoot every day, but in reality we spend most of our time on the phone, at the post office, or behind the computer handling assignments and sales. I'm always learning.

BIKEsutra: We read that you have been covering World Cup events and culture since 1996. What initially made you get into this?
Warwick: I raced myself for six years, so I've always been a big fan of racing. It's what I know best and I was at the events anyway, so I brought along my camera.

BIKEsutra: What is the most dangerous event or worst experience that you have ever covered/had?
Warwick: I've never really had a bad experience while taking photos, because you learn from everything that happens. I've had the odd roll of film that didn't turn out, or the occasional photo shoot that didn't work, but nothing serious. I guess the most dangerous thing I've encountered is a small avalanche that swept me off my feet like a truck hit me and sent me down the slope about 100 feet. It was really just a large slough, but it made me realize how powerful Mother Nature can be. Watching someone get hurt while they are riding for your lens sucks too. It's happened a few times and I always feel guilty for some reason.

BIKEsutra: How do you use film and photography to show to the outside world how cool mountain biking is?
Warwick: I just try to look at a scene through the eyes of a riderhow can I portray the rider's perspective, and the feeling of being in those surroundings.

BIKEsutra: What equipment do you normally work with during photo shoots?
Warwick: Whatever will fit in my camera pack! I'm always adding to my arsenal of equipment when I can afford it. I really like getting new toys. Mainly, I've got my Nikon F100 body, 80-200 lens, 35-70 lens, and 24mm lens. Plus, a couple of flashes with ancient radio slaves, a handheld light meter, Cokin filters, and other odds and ends.

BIKEsutra: How do you divide your time between MTBfilms.com, LaunchMTB and DHrace.com?
Warwick: Long 'To-Do' lists, re-written every day! Seriously, it's a juggling act, which is why I've started to really prioritize and decide what I want to focus on this year. LAUNCHmtb is a new thing for me, so I'm excited about that. The Circus video was a project I've wanted to do for many years, so now that I've got it out of my system I'm planning to concentrate more on still photography and writing articles again.

BIKEsutra: What was the most enjoyable country you have been to and why?
Warwick: Maribor, Slovenia was really fun. Probably just the adventure of getting there made it so fun ­ flying into Austria and taking a train across the border, not knowing a word of Slovenian or German and not being able to tell the cab driver in Maribor where I wanted to go (I had forgotten the name of the race hotel). The girls were pretty, the race tracks were excellent, and I left there feeling as if I had found the hidden jewel of Europe.

BIKEsutra: Name one of the best things about living in Canada.
Warwick: Skiing in the morning, and riding your bike in the afternoon ­ in British Columbia anyway. Oh, and the common love for hockey we all share when it comes time for the playoffs.

BIKEsutra: What do you do for relaxation, when you don't want to think about work?
Warwick: Sit outside in the warm sun at a coffee shop, watching people in the street. I try to do this everywhere I travel because you can learn so much about the culture and lifestyle. I also like driving because I can crank the music and just think to myself.

BIKEsutra: Your job brings you to some exotic locations, allows you to meet cool people and you get paid at the same time! Is there anything about your job that you don't like?
Warwick: Having to chase down unpaid invoices, and all the other paperwork. I wish I had an unlimited supply of film in the fridge, and I could just shoot whenever and whatever I want without having to worry about making money. That said, there's not a lot I can complain about.

BIKEsutra: What advice do you have for aspiring photographers who want to do what you do?
Warwick: Shoot lots of film, ask lots of questions, and if you are trying to become a professional photographer, CALL yourself a photographer. If you meet someone at a dinner party and they ask you what you do, don't say "Oh, I work at the gas station, but I really want to be a photographer." Instead, tell them that you're a photographer, and only working at the gas station to make some extra cash. Try and find a photographer who will take you under their wing and let you be an assistant. I didn't get to do this, but several photographers have really helped me when it comes to pricing, technique, and other things. Most photographers are more than willing to teach you things, because it helps the industry as a whole if everyone is doing business in a professional manner.

BIKEsutra: Do you think you could "teach" someone to do what you do? Or does one need a certain level of talent before learning from you?
Warwick: There is a large technical aspect to shooting photos, like exposures and composition basics, which you can learn through books, courses, and experience. Some people have a natural eye for composition, colors, light, and shadows, and others don't! I think you need to have somewhat of a good "eye" to be successfulthat part is hard to learn.

BIKEsutra: Describe your work philosophy.
Warwick: Sleep in, shoot some photos, make some money[laughs]...I don't know. I like to think that I do business in a very professional manner, and give my clients more than they expected.

BIKEsutra: Do you ride a mountain bike? What is the setup?
Warwick: I've got a GT I-drive XCR2000 decked out with freeride parts like QR20 Z1's, fox coilover shock, and other beefier parts. It used to be Dave Watson's slalom bike, and I love it. I'm in the process of building up a Be One team DH frame, with Manitou Dorado and other fancy parts. One of the perks of this job is that I can get parts and other bits and pieces that help fuel my mountain biking lifestyle.