Tuesday, May 31, 2011

5 Clips with Phil Bartlett

While Phil was down enjoying the Cali sun he got these 5 clips down for The Embassy.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Re-Union Edit (B-Spin Remix)

This was the very first skatepark I ever got to ride after Jason got me into BMX, we figured it would be a good idea to go back to the little metal park that kept it fun and creative for us back in the day. This is the outcome from our little trip back to the Essex Skatepark.

Chase DeHart - Hot Butter Commercial #1

Apparently Chase (DeHart) just started a new blog called "Hot Butter" and this is his first commercial for it. Any footy of Chase is golden in my books.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Afterhours Session at Joyride 150

Eric Favot films this solid edit from Joyride 150 featuring Zak Jarvis, Jeremy Joyce, Will Fisher, Steven Moxley, Jason Aguiar and Himself.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Jayde Cunningham - A-Burg Edit Round 2

Everytime Jayde has a put out a new edit, he has some kind of new trick in it. This one is no exception packed full of the best park riding I've seen out of him to date! Can't wait to head out there and get some footy with him.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Eli Taylor - Embassy Edit

Eli has been sitting on these clips for forever it feels like now, glad to see them come to life!

Chris Heath - Albes Barspin Challenge

Chris Heath from Monroe, Michigan competed in the Albes Barspin Challenge last year and got 30 barspins in 1 minute. It is tiring so huge props for 30!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Mike Gray - Richmond Green Edit

Mike shuts down another sick spot in the GTA for everyone to enjoy.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Cale Best Interview

Cale is a real good friend of mine and also the one that first truly got me into shooting photography in a whole other perspective. I first met him a few years ago in an old shed that Richard turned into a chillen spot. Not to long after I started seeing him at the skatepark more and noticed him shooting pictures, I asked him a few of the annoying questions that every nosy kid wants to know.  Cale is my go to for anything camera related and I got him to take some time (a very long time in this case) and do this interview for anyone that wants to learn a bit about See Best Photographys Cale Best.

The Cale Best Interview
*All photos by Cale unless noted.
Self Portrait on the Road




Name: Cale Best
Age: 28
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Years Shooting: About 10, but 4 seriously






1.) First off, what is it that really got you into photography?
I started shooting in high school after I gave up trying to play guitar. All my friends were in a band and I became their photographer. I was also just getting back into BMX so I'd shoot photos of my friends on my ramp in the backyard.



2.) What does your current camera setup consist of?
I'm currently in the process of buying a new camera; Right now I'm shooting with a Sony a350. I went with Sony because before digital I shot Minolta and had a bit of gear already. Sony bought Minolta and continued on from them, so when I got my Sony DSLR I already had some lenses. I've finally started to have a decent gear collection with 3 good flashes, a 15mm fisheye, a Tamron 70-200mm 2.8, Tamron 17-50mm 2.8, and an old Minolta 50mm 1.7.



Abandoned Van and Shed
3.) Which type of area do you prefer to shoot? (Ex. Nature, Action, Etc.)
My favourite subjects are pretty much anything but portraits. I like taking photos of things I don't have to talk to. Landscape and Night photography are my favourites, but I also do a lot of BMX/Skateboarding, Auto racing, and Hockey. I guess I shoot a little of everything, I tend to have ADD when it comes to photography.


4.) Living in Windsor has some advantages and disadvantages when it comes to photography; Your able to venture into the US but seeing as you don't own a passport yet, what do you do to find new things to shoot?
I've really become bored with the Windsor Area. In the last year I've spent a lot of time roaming around sideroads in the county to find interesting things to shoot, but it's usually pretty sparse. My favourite way to find new things to shoot is taking solo road trips. In the last year I've taken 6 or 7 trips around Southern Ontario lasting anywhere from 2 to 7 days. I usually head North where it isn't so flat like Windsor and just roam around back roads looking for interesting things (abandoned houses, waterfalls, etc). I like to do a little research first to find a few interesting places along the way and find my own places in between.


5.) Last year you came out to Sarnia and picked me up and we got to take some shots there, aswell as Chatham; Whats the farthest you have traveled mainly for photos?
Most recently I took a week trip around the Peterborough area. I found some interesting abandoned places on the internet, including an old quarry filled with about 400 feet of water. The weather wasn't great and I didn't get to explore it as much as I wanted to but I got one good photo of it at least.
Abandoned Quarry in the Peterborough Area
In 2007 some friends of mine set out on a trip to see a game at all 30 Major League Baseball parks in just 28 days and I was able to tag along for 12 of the games as their
photographer. I made it as far as Arlington, Texas and Denver, Colorado and many other major cities along the way.


6.) Every once in a while I see some film shots; How come you still like to shoot film where as digital is taking over?
I haven't shot much film recently, though I always mean to. I think every photographer still enjoys shooting film. It just feels right, I guess. It's like how a lot of people still love listening to albums on vinyl, but I wouldn't consider myself a film photographer, I never really learned much about it even though I shot film for years.


7.) Do you print your negatives yourself?
Film Shot of 1am Fog
No. But I've always wanted to do my own darkroom stuff. I feel like a bit of a poser as a photograper because I've never developed any photos myself.


8.) There is a ton of photography courses out there; Have you taken any?
I almost failed photography in high school. haha. When it came time to go to college I didn't really know what I wanted to take but I ended up taking Journalism at St. Clair College here in Windsor. I honestly didn't care for it much as I never learned much about photography. There were only 2 poor photography classes and a lot of stuff I didn't care about, but I got the diploma and went on to teach myself about photography.


9.) Other then photography, what other hobbies do you enjoy?
I ride BMX, of course. Though not as much as I used to, thanks to getting old. I also race go-karts. Real go-karts, not those amusement park ones. haha.


10.) What is BnE?
BnE is Bacon and Eggs, BaconEggs, Bake and Eggs, etc. haha. Richard Carson and I came up with it as a joke idea (from Bathin' Apes) to make shoes with bacon on one side and Eggs on the other. We started calling our bmx "crew" Bacon and Eggs and it just grew from there. What it is exactly now, I don't know.


11.) I noticed you use to race BMX just like you race go-karts now. When did you decide to stop racing BMX and take it up with four wheels?
I raced BMX from age 6 to about 11. I just had enough of it I guess. I got into Mountain biking for a bit but I wasn't crazy about it. Then I started karting at age 12 until I was 16. Then I got back into it a few years ago when some guys built a dirt oval on a farm to have some fun. But it has grown a lot since and is quite serious now. I've always been into racing. My dad raced stock cars and go-karts and it was just a matter of time before I got into it.

Cale driving the #68 Go-Kart
Photo: Laura Berry

12.) Do you drive the number 68 because your scared that if you chose 69 you'd have to turn around?
Hahahaha... No, it was the number I was assigned when I started racing in 89'.


13.) Unlucky 13, will the world end in 2012?
Haha, Probably not. But I've always had a morbid fascination with the end of the world. Thats why I like abandoned places so much, they make me feel like I'm the last person on earth sifting through the remains of civilization.



14.) You also use to have some killer chops, will they be making a re-appearance in the future?
haha, I'm sure they will at some point. But right now I'm just working on a monster beard.

Alleyway behind Hotel
15.) There is a handful of photographers from Windsor that all have their own type or style you could say; What would you describe yours as if you had to put a name to it?
I've never been good at talking about my own work, but my favourtie kind of photos are the ones you can really look at and imagine yourself in. Thats why I like landscape photography so much. Thats not really a 'word' but its the best way I can explain it.


16.) Who do you look up to or are influenced by?
I don't have a lot of photographers who I could point directly to as favourite, or influences, but Troy Paiva (www.lostamerica.com) really got me interested in night photography. Donnie Johnston (http://twentythreephotography.blogspot.com) here in Windsor got me interested in the abandoned places, but I dont have the balls (or passport) to go exploring around Detroit like he does. And of course my girlfriend, Laura Berry (www.lauraberryphotography.com) who is an amazingly talented photographer always keeps me inspired and motivated.


17.) Have you had any photos published in magazines, books, etc.?
Published photo of Richard Carson in Dig BMX Magazine
I haven't had much published. Though I haven't made the effort really either. Thats something I really need to start working on. I've had one photo published in the "readers photos" section of Dig BMX magazine. I also have many photos in the book "Major League Anxiety" about my friends baseball trip I mentioned earlier.

18.) If you could have any setup in the world, what would it be?
Thats hard to say really, because digital photography is always changing. But it would be nice to have a full frame camera and plenty of fancy lenses that I probably wouldnt buy even if I could affored them. It would also be nice to have a decent film setup with my own darkroom.


19.) Any advice for other young photographers that want to take up photography as a hobby or career?
I think the best way to learn is just shooting. It's never been easier than it is now with digital. I learned way more in my first year shooting digital than I did in almost 10 years shooting film. Plus the internet can be a wonderful teacher too. I wouldn't say its a better way to learn than school, but I've tryed the classroom setting and teaching myself was definitely the best way for me to learn.


20.) What editing programs do you typically use to edit?
I've always just used Photoshop, but recently I've been using Adobe Lightroom. I shoot RAW so its a much easier way to edit a large amount of photos at once. I've never like doing a whole lot to my photos in post processing, because I like to keep my photos realistic, but sometimes I like to experiment and get a little creative with my editing.


21.) Where is someone able to purchase your photos?
I have some of my photos at Nancy John's Gallery and Framing here in Windsor (http://nancyjohns.com). Other than that, if someone is interested in one of my photos they can email me and I can have anything printed at pretty much any size. My work can be viewed on my website (WWW.calebest.com), on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/seebest or my blog (http://seebest26.blogspot.com) and my email is calebest@gmail.com. I'm also on facebook. However I don't have, and don't plan on getting, a cell phone.

Thank you, Chase for wanting to interview me and for putting up with my procrastination of completing it.

New Years Eve

Monday, May 23, 2011

Zak Jarvis & Jason Aguiar - Joyride 150

Another solid edit coming out of Joyride 150, this time from my homies Zak and Jason. I always dig Zaks style and I'm a huge fan of goofy footed tailwhips so this edit hit the spot nicely.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Ryan Eles' Birthday Edit

Just caught this one on facebook, Ryan Eles is finally making his way into the street moves and he's not holding back. Be sure to keep an eye on his opposite manoeuvres aswell. Wish him a happy birthday if you haven't already, the kids legal now!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Nike 6.0 - The Pool

In the case that you haven't been following The Pool on Ride BMX, Vital, The Come Up or any other bmx related site here is your chance to catch it. Even if you have already seen it, invite some friends and tell them to watch it because this contest is on a whole other level with Kyle Baldock, Chad Kerley, Dennis Enarson, Drew Bezanson and so many more killing it!

Thanks to ride for putting the best clips from both Qualifying and Finals into one crazy video.



If you would like to watch all the action, go to Ride BMX.

Friday, May 20, 2011

2nd Annual BnE Bike Jam

Tomorrow is officially the 2nd Annual BnE Bike Jam that will be going down at Forest Glade Skatepark in Windsor, Ontario.

For anyone that doesn't know about it and feels like coming out here is all the info you will need:

When: May 21st, 2011
Where: Forest Glade Skatepark (Windsor, Ontario)
Time: Meet at 1:00pm

There will be little contests throughout the jam with prizes being given away from:

Sour Fever Clothing

Belle River Source For Sports

Bicycle World


I'll be sure to have the updates from all the little contests and photos from Cale Best asap.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Garage Edit

During the BMXFU 420 Jam that happened last month, a few of us drifted out to Cambridge to shred my buddy Jordans garage aka The Garage.

This setup is tight and you'll only truly know it until you ride it.


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Couple Leftover Shots

Just came across these two shots that I took recently of Brabant and Spank. Thought I wouldn't let them go to waste and get them up on the site.

Jason Brabant - Barspin


Jason has been use to busdriving those bars around for however long he has been throwing barspins.

This was an exception that got him stoked more then anyone that was riding that day.

Spank - Can-Can







Finally got Spank to come downtown and do some riding.

Here he throws out a Can-Can to start out a line.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Charles Clark Square Part 2

As promised here are the other photos I got while at Charles Clark Square with the gang.

Josinah Makotoko - Heelflip





If you guys remember the Black & Yellow edit from a few weeks back, well Josinah is back at it again.

This time she comes thru with a Heelflip.

I can't take full credit for this photo although as Corey was the one who actually took the snap after I set up the flash.







Ian Kanyenda - Hardflip





Sticking with the checkerboard ground and keeping the flash low.

Ian Kanyenda delivers a solid and stylish Hardflip for again Corey to take.

I was really hopeing that the chess pieces would be around during this to have them setup but apparently its just not summer yet.








Here's one more paparazzi shot of Ian getting ready to skate.

Ian Kanyenda

Monday, May 16, 2011

Charles Clark Square

I may be within biking distance now of Forest Glade Skatepark for the second time in my life but that doesn't mean that I enjoy the bike ride to get there. It does beat paying $2.40 to take the bus since there is spots along the way to ride and keep my mind off the annoying long easily 40 minute bike ride.

So basically after I endured the long bike ride to get to the park and meet up with whoever was there, I come to find that Josinah, Corey and Ian were just about to catch a bus to go downtown and meet up with me.

I laughed and was tired from the bike ride so decided to catch the bus downtown with them to shoot some photos. I haven't had time to go through all of them so I'll leave with just one today but feel free to check back tomorrow to see the others!

Corey Shuker - 360 Flip

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Another Street Endeavour

A couple days after our session with Cale, it got me excited to get my camera out and start shooting a little bit more.

Jason Brabant - 180 Barspin
Now alot of people have been giving me hate on Pinkbike for the above picture because of it being on a memorial placard. So to everyone that thinks it's disrespectful and whatnot, note that we are simply riding with our tires and we have not used pegs or anything else that would deter the monument.

Jason Brabant






During our session here, Jasons girlfriend called which allowed me to get some paparazzi shots in the meantime.













To finish off this little post is another angle of Jason throwing a 360 down the drop at the abandoned warehouse from yesterday that I happened to snap.

Jason Brabant - 360 over debris

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Windsor Street Session

Last week, Jason Brabant, Trevor Torok, Jason Kreski and I went out pretty much everyday clockin clips and one of those days Cale Best met up with us to shoot some photos.
Jason Brabant - Wallride to 180
Photo: Cale Best
Above: Jason throws down a wallride to 180 to close off the end of a quick line.
This happened to be one of the most productive days out of the week, aside from a couple flat tires.
Chase Davidson - Table Air
Photo: Cale Best




Left: One of the spots we hit was the Coulters Banks which pretty much is a must stop if you've never rode them before.

After not riding them for some time we were shocked to come back to the bottom being quick cemented and we took full advantage of the work fellow skaters put time into.











Trevor Torok - Tire Grab
Photo: Cale Best




Right: Yet another spot I've been keeping tabs on was this abandoned warehouse that has always had one of the smoothest ledges in the city.

Now with one part of the building destroyed sets up a perfect gap/wallride for us to enjoy some more.

Here Trevor takes one grab at the tire in one of the biggest drops he's done.









We made our way to the last spot on our little trip around the city which has a couple ledges, rails and gaps like the one below. I've drove past this spot so many times saying I wanted to gap over the hydrant and I finally got it done so I was stoked on the picture no doubt.

Chase Davidson - 360
Photo: Cale Best

Friday, May 13, 2011

Michael Gray Joyride 150

If you don't know by now who Mike Gray is, get use to that name cause after this edit you'll be tellin everyone about it.

Spoiler Alert: 540 Tuck Airs!!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Zack Gerber Street Edit

Zack is so good that I had to put this edit out on here today. So much rad clips in this one!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Site Update: Internet is Back

I just got internet into the apartment today finally so I plan to have the site updated as usual and back to normal in the next couple days. To everyone that has been checking back day-to-day, thanks for the patience and I hope your still stoked on everything I've been posting.

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday May 10th I will have the first post; Some BMX Street shots of Jason Brabant, Trevor Torok and Myself takin by Cale Best from See Best Photography.

And the following day will be some shots of Jason Brabant again with me behind the lens this time.

Thanks again, Chase

Friday, May 6, 2011

Torey Pudwill - Battle Commander

Torey kills it in this episode of Battle Commander from The Berrics.
Smooth and tech is whats up in this one!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Sour FUver Day Edit

Some of the BMXFU guys met up with some of the Sour Fever guys to produce this day edit with some dialed tricks. I'm real stoked on every clip in this one, especially Ians Cannonball over the freeway hip!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Shitluck "Love It or Leave It" DVD Promo

I've always been behind Shitluck and know seeing this new trailer for an upcoming full-length. You bet I'll be picking up a copy!


More BMX Videos

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

30 Minutes To Tom Dugan

Now I know this video has been on all the major sites already, and you have most likely seen this. To those of you who havent seen this then now is your time. Tom Dugan kills it plain and simple, he wears shorts and goes way higher then most.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Eriks Next Door Ramp Jam 2 .0

Last saturday, Erik Dunn and his family hosted the Next Door Ramp Jam 2.0 for everyone to come out to and enjoy. Unfortunately Alex Passa and I couldn't make it out till later on in the evening but we didn't miss too much. By the time we got there the Beginner and Intermediate games of B.I.K.E were already finished and they were waiting for Alex and I to start the Expert game.


After warming up and getting use to all the ramps the game started, but we decided to mix things up a bit. Instead of playing the $4 entry on the ramps, we broke the game into two sections for $2 each including "Flat" and "Ramps".

Chase Davidson - Tailwhip
Photo Cred: Cale Best (See Best Photography)


The first game came down to Jason Brabant and I battling it out for the last letter, I managed to stick a Tailwhip to end it.

Jason and I had agreed beforehand to split the winnings between us for whoever won so he walked away with some extra cash aswell.






Jayde Cunningham - Barspin
Photo Cred: Cale Best (See Best Photography)




After the first game wrapped up we started the ramp game of B.I.K.E were everyone threw down some solid stuff but it came down to Jayde Cunningham taking the win with a 360 T-Bog over the box.




Even though the games were done, a few of us weren't quite finished doing stuff we had in mind for the games.

Trevor Torok - Barspin Disaster
Photo Cred: Cale Best




Here is a couple other photos that Cale shot during the Jam, this one of Trevor getting stoked on barspins and trying some Bars to Disaster on the box lip.














Gonna finish off this one with a backflip from Alex off the little 2 foot kicker.
Alex Passa - Backflip
Photo Cred: Cale Best (See Best Photography)
If you would like to see all the other photos from the jam, feel free to check out Cales Album here: Ramp Jam 2.0 Photos



Site Update: No Internet Nearby

As a few of you may know, I recently moved into the big city of Windsor, Ontario. Its great to finally get out of the little town I've spent most of my life living in and finally get to ride everyday finding brand new spots to ride left and right. The best part of it all is being alot closer to all my friends for sure! But with every thing there is usually a downfall and this one would be having no internet for the time being.

I plan to set up the site for some new stuff for the next couple days but without internet it is hard to maintain and keep it up-to-date so bare with me.