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Interview: Harookz
17th October 2005 - James
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There are a lot of younger guys coming up the ranks now and making themselves known as MTB photographers, films like The Collective really show that there is an artistic line you can persue with mountain bikes. Harookz is one of these guys. I'm sure living where it's all going on it has its advantages, the North Shore really has taken off in a big way, and it is very photogenic. But that doesnt detract from his skills, his photos are just amazing.
Its difficult to describe his style.. its more about the way he finds the angles and by knowing whats going on around him to really take a brilliant photo.
Anyway, I wanted to find out a bit about the man behind the lens..
FTMB: Name?
HN: My real name is Haruki (Noguchi) but everyone calls me "Harookz".
Age?
I turned 23 this year... damn... time really does fly by when you're having fun!
Location?
Vancouver, B.C. Canada, the "hood" in SURREY to be more specific.
Evan Holmgren, Surrey, B.C
How did you start taking photos?
I grew up mountain biking and snowboarding on the beautiful north shore mountains of Vancouver. During high-school, I'd flip through bike and snow mags to stare at the photos while my teachers went on and on about useless shit. After graduating from high-school,I poached my mom's point-n-shoot camera whenever I went shreddin' with my home boys to try and replicate the shots in the magazines... my photos sucked! 2 years of messing around with cars went by when a friend of mine lent me his SLR which allowed me to shoot in full manual mode. I kept shooting for fun, teaching myself along the way, and now I'm here still playing with cameras.
Digital or film?
Both Digital and Film have its purposes. When I shoot product lines for catalogs, of course I'm going to shoot it digitally... it's so much quicker for both myself and my client. An epic hip-booter session with the bros in the alpine... golden light... big shit goin' down... I have to shoot it on film! I definitely prefer film over digital. Film just looks so dope! Don't even get me started on how much I dislike digital B&W...
Who do you look to for inspiration when youre taking photos?
Sterling Lorence always has and always will be my mentor, I mean... the guy KILLS IT! I'm also pretty inspired by the top dawgs in the world of Skateboard and Fashion photography.
Self-portrait with Jesse Roberts, Surrey, B.C
Natural or man made trails?Which is better? Or do they have their own merits?
Nothing beats man made trails that fully utilize the natural landscape. For example, take Tyler Morland's trail (the one that he rode in the Collective). Everything he built accommodates what mother nature has created for us. I'm fully aware that some people don't have a choice but... I'm not a fan of circus-like stunts erected on flat ground.
Of all the riders youve worked with, who is the best to shoot?
I can't narrow it down to just one rider because every single rider I've worked with has been outstanding in their own way! "THANKS" to all the riders I've shot with!
Favourite MTB product and why?
Boxxer forks, go for a rip on a pair and you'll find out why!
Bicycle Rockers studio session
Looking forward to in 2006?
2006 is looking super busy which is a good thing, I'm stoked! There are a lot of trips being lined up but I have to keep things on the DL for now. Stay tuned to my NEWS section on www.harookz.com for the latest info.
Brad McKay, X-processed slide film, Vancouver, B.C
Mark Gliege, Vancouver, B.C
Ian Duncan, Kamloops, B.C
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