Sometimes taking a picture is not just taking a picture.

[brianc]

Sometimes you have the honor to have a picture take you.

A little over a year ago, I went out to support a friend as she raced in a solo MTB race. On the drive to Tucson, she told me that a friend of her's(who was also racing solo) wondered if I would take photos of the race and him in action. He'd just gotten a new Digital Rebel and I was excited to try it out.

During the race I only really had time to shoot the first lap. but that was all it took. As my face was locked in the veiwfinder i franctically snapped images of the lead pack. There were may pro's up front i wanted to get photos of. I manage some good ones. But the picture that found me was of someone I'd meet a few times, through my local bike shop.

Ben raced for my LBS. he was an up and coming 30-39 Expert MTB racer. Through the viewfinder I saw the red and silver of Fat Tire Cycles team jeresy. I yelled encoragement and the image took me.

After the race, I was contacted my a MTB mag. Five of my images were published, including this one. I was on a high. But just as the issue hit the news stands. I heard tragic news that Ben was killed in a MTB race.

Now the image I took of his passion captivates me even more. I'm at a loss as to full comprehend this image. I gave an 8x10 to Ben's Mom.

I recently wrote Ben's mom to tell her of my continued thoughts of Her and Ben. In her replay today, she commented that this picture has forever locked me into Ben's life. And how having it has ment to her.

I guess my point with this post is for an understanding ear. I hope that we all have the opportunity to have a picture find us.

I'm glad this one found me. R.I.P. Ben.