Hola, How is it going so far? Times are rough right now, slow start to the winter and magazine budgets are low. It's hard to be a rookie photographer in the snowboard industry. I'm working my ass off and trying to make great photos so I don't have to get a job at the grocery store.
Are you stoked with your new job at Active/blog? Yes I am! I was on their pro team for the past 6 years, and am staying in the family by writing and showing photos on their website. It's a good outlet for behind the scenes photos from film trips, or just to give news about riders that other websites might be scared to talk about.
How often do you visit the Active headquarters in Socal? I make a couple trips to southern California each year. Usually I go late spring after the snow has melted, to bring my photo submissions to the magazines and also to take a break from the mountains. I go back in the fall during the SIA tradeshow to see all the movie premiers and to party with the homeys.
Now that you are behind the lens, how many days you still shred? I unfortunately don't get to ride that much now. When I go on rail trips, my bags are already so heavy with camera gear I don't bring a street board. Plus on those trips time is valuable and I don't want to take away from it. I bring my board on park shoots though and take laps with the riders. I get to ride the most when the weather is the worst though, the days when nobody wants to film.
Your old girlfriend use to be pretty hot, How is your situation with the ladies? It's difficult for relationships in the snowboard filming scene. I travel so much that I don't get much time to get to know the girls, especially in the areas where we work. I've been dating a little bit, but I still am shy around hot girls. I usually need a drink to take the edge off so I'm not totally awkward. I'll find my dream girl someday, and hopefully won't let her walk right by. It's the story of my life.
Favorite people to shoot? Anybody who's motivated and has style.
What would you do with one million dollars in your pocket? Roulette table on black. ...or a wild ass champagne party, you are all invited!
Any particular plans for the season? Yes, work with anybody, anytime, anywhere.
You work freelance or for a company? I'm freelance currently. It leaves me with the option to shoot with anybody, and have the photos go to any publication. Although at the moment, I probably would take a staff position if one was offered to me.
Favorite riders to work with? Honestly it's with the People crew, but that's because those are my homeys that I used to film with. They're like family really. But when they are booked with another photographer, I'm down to work with any rider or crew. I had some great times with MDP, Technine, Autumnline, Standard, and TWS last year and hope to again.
When did you decide to stop being pro snowboarder? I think that day was decided by my (former) team managers actually.
When did you decide to become photographer? I've been a photographer for years now. I've been shooting with my friends and getting shots published since the Neoproto days, but took it up full time about 2 years ago.
What is harder, to wait in the cold for the photographer to be ready or be a photographer in the cold waiting for the rider to be ready? Probably waiting for the photographer. Especially when you're nervous and have only a moment of confidence. If the shooters aren't ready it sucks. But it can be the opposite too. If the rider isn't ready and you're dependent on the weather(clouds/sun/wind), you can miss the moment that you need for the photo to come out right.
Who has the best method? Pat Moore, Zac Marben, Nick Dirks, Josh Dirksen, Joni Makinen.
Future plans? Stress less.
How was your bike trip with Pierre Minhondo? Amazing! I'll put the photos up on Flickr in a minute. Here's the link to them- http://www.flickr.com/photos/robbiesell/sets/
Where did you go on the bike trip? We started at the northern border of Oregon, and went along the coastline to San Francisco. We were full minimalists, just carried enough supplies to keep warm for camping and basic repairs. We took tons of stops too, being full tourists to make it fun. 830 miles in 10 days.
How is your daily routine during the winter? Stress. Breathe. Relax. Smile. Repeat.
How is it during the summer time? I live it up. I live in Reno. You can do anything in Nevada, any time of the day.
Are you happy with Obama as PRESIDENTE? Yes, very.
What do you think of The new upcoming movie of Todd Richards? You think he deserves it ( AHHAHAHAH)? Hells yeah he deserves it!! Todd is such a badass. That guy has accomplished so much in snowboarding. I'm a huge fan of his style. I remember so many years ago seeing him hit this jump that Standard Films had at Squaw Valley, it's burned into my memory as the best switch backside 360 tailgrab ever done. And he's one of the coolest guys I've met too. I was lucky while I was pro for Quiksilver that I got to go on a couple tours with him. I can't wait to see his movie.
