09/03/2026
Before seeing the attached photo and scrolling by because quads are "lame", I ask you to please read the story below:
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I know most of the followers on this page are motocross riders, some who vehemently despise quads on motocross tracks, but the real OG's know that this page wouldn't exist without quads.
Quads gave me a ride to events, quads gave me my first (and only) paycheck from photography, quads gave me my first (and only) press assignment, and most importantly: quads gave me more time with my dad.
In 2012 I was hired to photograph the entire QuadX series for ATVRiders.com. Being 16 at the time this was by far the biggest responsibility I had had up to that point, and felt like it would be my big break to get more publication gigs for moto outlets.
I learned a huge amount from the experience: mainly that having responsibilities and expectations meant I had to shift from shooting photos I wanted to create (unbound by restriction or commentary), to creating photos the publication wanted to publish.
Instead of finding creative locations and expressive photos, I had to give the publication photos that would work with the articles they were writing for the series.
I went into shooting round 1 not knowing this yet, and I learned a big lesson after submitting the photos and getting a call from my client. I learned to adapt, and that lesson has stuck with me in my professional life outside of photography.
The second biggest lesson I learned was that it was very unlikely for me to make a living doing this. Thankfully, at the time, my dad allowed me to do this. He drove me to all events, covered all expenses, and even let me keep the paycheck I earned, even though he spent more money than I earned to drive me up and down California and Arizona once every few weeks for 10 rounds.
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Now for some back-story on the photo for today's post: it was round 8 at Speedworld MX in Arizona, which meant shooting night races to stay out of 110 degree heat during the day.
I had only shot on track at night once or twice before this, and I remember my biggest fear was causing an accident on track from the flash (thankfully it ended up never causing any issues).
This is one of my favorite photos of all time, and unfortunately, its out of focus. Thankfully, the tools available in the big 2026 are a lot more advanced than they were in 2012, and I can just about let go of the regret of the original shot missing focus.
*the original unedited RAW image is posted in the comments for comparison.
Fun fact, if I recall correctly, the rider here had a broken leg at the time.
Photo: 2012
Location: Speedworld MX
Rider: Jamie Vandarra
