Thursday, October 7, 2010

Behind the Shot: Ruben Lenten

The latest issue of IKitesurf Magazine features Dutch superstar Ruben Lenten and his struggle to overcome injury. Many of the images come from our work together in the Gorge this summer- which wasn't much. I figure in 5 days together we shot on the water for maybe an hour and a half.


My stoke in creating images comes a great deal from the subject themselves. For years it was easy to accomplish with Ruben.

2008 and Ruben feelin' it.

Unfortunately he has been in a tough place the last several years and as a result, it's become a challenge for me as well.

If an athlete is injured and isn't in the moment what can a photographer do? The answer is very little- especially with Ruben. There is no cajoling, or coaxing possible with pain. Ruben has intense pressure from sponsors to produce insane imagery. Compound that with injury... and you have a major formula for frustration. Especially for Ruben... all he wants to give is 100%... um make that 200% (check out 1:13 here.)


Behind the scenes my 5 days with Ruben were spent in a controlled chaos... from dawn to dusk I'm getting hourly weather reports, texts from marketing directors and company owners asking what's happening. I'm managing videographers, jet skis, a 40 foot boat, a helicopter and the logistics of keeping multiple vehicles all together and ready to go on a moments notice. While keeping the vibe upbeat and pressure low.


Sometimes what's best is to not push the button, to not make the call. To put the phone down and say it's not worth it. Let's forget about the helicopter, jet skis, the monster boat. Forget about kiteboarding... it's not the most important thing in the world.

Concern for your friends' well being and happiness is. Cause if kiting isn't fun, then why do it.

In the end with the time we did shoot we accomplished exactly what was needed. More importantly we were able to enjoy the time and leave enriched by the challenge.

Ruben psyches up

boom


soul session

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