Photographing BMX Riders
Adrenaline, Grit, and Art

There’s something raw about photographing BMX riders mid-air, right in that moment where they defy physics, commit fully, and hope the ground is kind. It’s not just the thrill that draws me in, but the split-second stories, courage, calculation, and creativity, all suspended in a frame. These athletes risk injury with every take-off and landing, and yet they make it look effortless. That sense of pushing the body beyond fear is something I’ve always been drawn to across many sports I shoot.

UK skateparks are more than just concrete bowls and rails, they’re tight-knit communities with their own rhythms and unspoken rules. BMX riders and skaters often share the same space, and there's a real etiquette involved: who drops in when, how to respect each other’s lines, and the camaraderie that comes from repetition, fails, and triumphs. As a photographer, being invited into that space means being mindful of the flow, knowing when to step in and when to step back. When I photograph BMX, I want the viewer to feel the height, the tension, and the grace. It’s fast-paced and often unpredictable, but that’s the magic. These are athletes at their most creative and the images should reflect that same energy.