G2photosmx.com

Glenn Gardner

Hometown:

Born & raised in Miami, Florida 1959

Hometrack:

Seminole Tribe Motocross

FLmx: How'd you get into motocross? You ride too?

Glenn: I started riding motocross in 1972 on a Honda XR75 at Ameila Earhart MX park in Hialeah, Fla.. I raced all around the state at various tracks up until 1985 when I got married and due to the financial drain, had to give it up. I had also loved photography when I was in my late teens and had to give that up due to lack of funds as well. I started my own business in 1992 (swimming pool service & maintenance) and as it grew, I became able to start doing the things I wanted to do again. So I am back into MX and back to my photography. I have two boys, Dillon & Kyle and they got into the sport in 2002. I got my first digital camera in 2002. It was a Sony point & shoot, and I have been updating my equipment as I can afford it. Photography is like an addiction to me. I love capturing moments of time. It just feels right, and that is why I do it. Yes, I do ride too. Mostly practice days at Seminole MX and I race the FTR harescramble series.

FLmx: Compare mx photography to the work you do in other sports, like horse racing - are you partial to mx? Is it more difficult to follow the fast pace?

Glenn: I find MX to be the easiest thing for me to photograph. There seems to be a certain thing I want to see, and when it happens, I just push the button. I have taken so many MX photos over the years, that I do enjoy doing other things just because it is different. I have always dreamed of going pro, but have yet to even get a photo pass to get onto the track at a professional event. I keep hoping that someone might see my work and possibly give me that break. I have had some luck in the past with FLMX , Racer X and a few others. I have got onto the track at a few amateur events in the past, but the photos of pros have been taken from the spectator side of the fence.

FLmx: Do you have any favorite riders to photo?

Glenn: Yes, the ones that are humble, nice and have great MX style.

FLmx: What kind of equipment do you use?

Glenn: I use Canon equipment, exclusively. I have a main body & a back up. Three zoom lenses, five flash units, and a bunch of small gadgets in my camera bag.

FLmx: Do you have any special tricks or tips that you use, that you can share? What makes your work stand out?

Glenn: I'm not too sure my work stands out, or I would probably be working as a professional. But, I do think that what makes my stuff mine is the fact that I use a flash most of the time and I try to shoot very tight (fill the frame), I also do my best to make sure my photos are not taken at eye level.

FLmx: How did you come up with the G2 logo?

Glenn: The G2 logo starts with my name. Glenn Gardner...G squared. Been doing that since I was a kid. As for the shield, I wanted it to have an MX connection so I decided to use the highway road sign thing, just like Racer X does.

FLmx: What is one thing that keeps you going out there on the track when it's blazing hot?

Glenn: The main thing that keeps me going, is that I absolutely love what I am doing. It feels like it is what I am suppose to do. I must say it has also given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. As far as the heat, I'm a Florida boy, what heat? And don't forget, I'm a poolguy, I'm in the sun all day!

FLmx: Talk about Seminole Tribe Motocross as you are the official photographer?

Glenn: Seminole Tribe Motocross, I must start by thanking Mr. Jack Gorton, director of Seminole MX. He has given me the opportunity to feel at home there. I was there on opening day four and a half years ago, and from that moment I have been submitting photos to them to try and show what is going on there. So they gave me the title of track photographer. Although I do not get paid, they let my boys & I ride in exchange for my services, just like many of the others that volunteer their time there. It feels great to be a part of the track and the group of people that make it all happen there.

FLmx: You also develop web sites?

Glenn: I am not too good with the computer thing, and would not know the first thing about website construction. I belong to a photo web host by the name of Smugmug. For a small fee, I have the ability to post and sell my photos with the look and feel of it being my own website. It is, and has been the best way for people to view my work..

FLmx: What are some of your most prized photos?

Glenn: My favorite photos are the ones of people enjoying themselves when doing the things they love to do. And if you have been to my site, you might have noticed, I love to shoot scenic landscapes. I also have the opportunity to provide photos for the Florida Trail Riders (FTR). That gives me access to many beautiful scenic opportunities.

FLmx: Sponsors?

Glenn: My sponsor, would have to be my family .My dear wife Elaine, who I've been hanging out with for the last thirty years, we met in 1978, and my two wonderful boys Dillon & Kyle. With their support and understanding I am able to spend the time I do, doing the things I love. My dream has always been to be a professional photographer.

But, if that does not happen, that will be OK with me. My photography journey so far has led me to so many memorable experiences and I have met so many wonderful people.

I would like to thank all the people, who continually help me, for their support. And for all the people viewing the photos I love to take. If you have some spare time, please go to my site and see what I am talking about at G2photosmx.com. Thank you FLMX, for giving me this platform to tell my story, you guys rock.