I shot this photo of Alex Kennedy in Berlin Germany. We were there on a six-day BMX filming trip and after five days of riding I couldn't help but notice the toll the riding was taking on Alex's hands.
I also noticed the “forever young” tattoo on his wrists and included it in the photograph. It’s a subtle reminder to never let go of your inner youth no matter what age you are. It's kind of tragic that when some people grow up, they lose the zest for life they once had. It's a nice sentiment and reminder for people to always stay young at heart.
Ricky Adam

About the shot

Biography
I was born and raised in Northern Ireland and first discovered photography at the age of 16 after I took a few photos with a camera from my friend’s dad. I never had the money to buy a camera of my own until I turned 19. As soon as that happened, I was terminally hooked.
I was attracted to the immediacy of photography, I was always good at art and painted a bit at school, but found the painting process too slow. I've always been a collector of things: records, books, magazines – so taking photos is sort of an extension of this.
Being from a hardcore BMX/punk background myself, I began to shoot photographs of friends in the different scenes that I was involved with and made regular contributions to DIG BMX Magazine who are based in Belfast. The mag has a passion for stylistic BMX riding alongside a D.I.Y. punk ethic, so I could really tune into the magazine’s vision. These days, I’m the staff photographer, editor and janitor at their office in Belfast.
I'm lucky enough to be able to travel the world with fellow weirdos, documenting the many unique aspects of BMX life. What I’ve learned is that if you have a real passion for photography or anything else, follow your heart and believe in what you do. It’s 2010, let's keep the energy going. It's all about what's happening today, now.