Features

PHOTOBOOTH: Matt Cordova

Some people are good at whatever they do. Shred on a bike with power, style and finesse, then pick up a camera and produce incredible images that take you right to that place.

BMX photographs that truly capture the feeling of riding aren’t that common – evoking the amazing sensations you get from BMX in a still image is no mean feat. In the case of Matt Cordova, it clearly helps being able to relate to what’s going on in front of the camera.

Just look at the image above: Kris Fox ripping round a bowl corner. Simple enough – but it’s Matt’s use of flash, timing, and tight composition that further purify that moment and make it look so appealing.

Matt Cordova gets it, as I’m sure you’ll agree from looking at his photos. He’s a very talented bike rider, he rides with other very talented bike riders, he’s a very talented photographer… It’s a good system.

Full Name: Matt Cordova
Age: 26
Occupation: Professional BMX rider
Hometown:  Longmont, CO
Instagram: @matt_cordova

Larry Edgar, roasting at the Pala skatepark.

– What’s going on in your life right now? What’s your day to day like?
“Right now life is pretty busy. I own and run a company with my roommate, called Canvas MX. We work hard, from shooting product shots, to our athletes, and building our brand image. Depending on the day, I try to get all my work done in the morning and go riding in the afternoon or vice versa. Always trying to get out and go filming or shooting and getting a sesh with the boys.”

– How long have you been shooting photos and how did you get started?
“I started shooting when I was 19. But I started to take it more serious probably about 3 years ago. I got into it by just being around it.

“What drives my photography is capturing someone’s passion.”

I always had friends shooting while out riding. And then I drew an interest in it. Bought a camera off a buddy and that was it, I’m hooked now.”

– What’s your current setup, what gear could we find in your bag on a usual day?
“It’s a rare occasion that I’ll be leaving my house without my bag. My current setup is a Canon 5D Mark III. Always have my 50mm, 24-105mm, 70-200mm and 15mm with me.”

One of Matt's photos for his Canvas MX brand.

How rad is this? Nathan Sykes gettin' some.

– When it comes to photography, what grabs your interest? Is there a certain aesthetic you are striving for or do you prefer to shoot stuff as it happens, on the fly?
“The feeling you get from creating something is what draws me in. When you shoot a photo and look down at your screen knowing you captured that moment and that’s how you wanted to portray that scenario, it’s a good feeling.

“The feeling you get from creating something is what draws me in.”

I guess it just depends on what I’m shooting. Most of the time I have the idea of how I want something to look. But you have those moments where it’s just on the fly. I think you get some of your best work that way, when there’s no expectation.”

– Do you have a favourite kind of spot to shoot photos at? Or favourite tricks?
“Anything with good light. I’m not picky.”

– What drives your photography?
“For me what drives my photography is capturing someone’s passion.”

– Any shout outs?
“Big shout out to my buddy Kalin for selling me his camera and getting my interest going in photography.”

Check out Matt’s 2016 Round Up and follow him on Instagram.