“Photography is really important for BMX flatland because when we do tricks that even the human eye cannot see, it can really show how difficult and extreme our sport is. Photography is the way to make one trick last forever. That’s why it’s so important – to show flatland in a beautiful way.
Having good photographs of myself has also lifted my career to the next level because when I went to sponsors and showed my photos everybody was blown away. Particular photographers I’ve worked with? I’ve made two projects with Rutger Pauw. One was in 2007. I’m covered in white dust flour and wearing a mask. The photo is amazing – it looks like I’m riding on the moon! Not only was it a hard trick but all the effort he put into making it look like I was somewhere else made it special. He’s a pioneer; this photo has since been copied by many other photographers.
The second creative photo I did with Rutger, I had this long two-meter suit made from parachute material. The idea was to do a trick in front of a fan with a lot of air. It’s a very Asian style. It was a category finalist in the experimental category in 2013 and was printed so big in Hong Kong where Rutger had a workshop at the Winner Award Ceremony. That was crazy to see my photo printed 15m long.
With Predrag Vučković we did a shoot at the Red Bull Air Race last year where I’m doing a trick with no hands with an airplane in the background. There’s a connection between the airplane and the flatland trick I’m doing since my arms look a bit like an airplane. It was a great shot.
With Markus Berger we did this UV project with bubbles where I was painted in invisible paint only visible to the UV and did a trick. That’s pretty sick also as it looks like I’m somewhere else, another planet again!To be selected by Red Bull Illume is huge for photographers. I think it’s not about winning but about being nominated. I know for some it’s changed their lives and that’s pretty cool.”
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The Athlete’s Perspective: Viki Gómez
To celebrate action sports photographers and their work, we talk to the biggest admirers of their work – the athletes. Below, the BMX flatlands rider Viki Gómez gives some love to the photographers he’s worked with.

© Lorenz Richard / Red Bull Content Pool