Judge 2010
Dylan Doubt
PHOTOGRAPHER/PHOTO-EDITOR, COLOR MAGAZINE (CANADA)
“Don't be a dick. Learn how to edit your photographs and shoot with interesting skateboarders.” That, quite frankly, is the secret of getting yourself noticed according to Dylan Doubt, photo editor of Color magazine.
Dylan’s interest in photography started, bizarrely, with a foot fetish: “I was photographing my own feet as a child, then skateboarding since I was 12 so documenting it came naturally.” From touring around and photographing skateboarding, motorcycling and bikes, Dylan started to think of photography as a career after some misfortune. “After having my camera bag stolen, I was forced to replace it all with better gear”.
After going high-spec, Dylan worked at SBC skateboard magazine from 2000 to 2006 before moving on to Color magazine. Highlights for him include interviewing Rick McCrank, photographing Deer Man of Dark Woods and making a video feature for antisocial as well as photo tours in Europe and New Zealand.
Remembering a time when a “decent film camera and a high speed black and white film was a decent start,” Dylan describes the current photography scene as a “technological rat race” even though it is “easier to get started.” He is therefore nostalgic for times past and always carries film as back-up. “I miss the feeling of sitting in the lab waiting to get film back. It can make or break the whole day.”
As for life as a photo editor, Dylan distinguishes being at home in Vancouver and out on the road:
At home: “I get up, put the kettle on, check e-mail, ride a bike to the office, more e-mail, look at photos, meet with editors, mock up features, ride bike up hill, pick up my child from school. On the good days, I'll get myself out in the streets with some good friends, go skateboarding and shoot photos.”
On tour: “When I am on the road, the situation is a little different. I wake up, go find a delicious coffee, check e-mail, try to get everyone moving, go skateboarding, drive, more skateboarding, have a quick snack, do more driving, get kicked out of a couple spots, do a bit more skating. Hopefully by the end of it all, I’ll get a delicious meal and a few good images.”
Asked about his impression of a great photo, Dylan describes it as “an image that either makes you want to get up and DO something or one that haunts you for days, weeks, months, years.” As for what he loves about photography, it is “being able to create an image that will be around long after I’m dirt.” Linked to this desire to create lasting images, he was happy to get involved with Red Bull Illume as it offers a world-wide platform for action and adventure photographers to get noticed: “It’s always nice to get this kind of work showcased.”
