Vibram Fivefingers Shoot
July 26th, 2010, on the topic of Sports & Fitness, Sports Print
Keph Sherwin + Monica Carlson - Photographer Mark Gamba
BLOG
Archive for July, 2010
Chloe for Nike.com
July 15th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle, Lifestyle Print, Sports & Fitness, Sports Print
CC Barber
July 14th, 2010, on the topic of Sports & Fitness
photographer : marcus swanson : www.swansonstudio.us
Meet Kumara : Shred Betty of the Month
July 13th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle, Sports & Fitness, Talent Features
Interview courtesy of Diana Sciandra for www.shredbetties.com
Age: 22
Home Mountain: grew up at Mt. Baker, usually at Northstar-at-Tahoe.
Hometown: Mt. Vernon, WA. Land of the tulips!
Years Riding: 10
Results: Nothing too impressive, a couple of Burton Am wins and a lot of losses. Sponsors: Burton, Exit Real World, Smith Optics, Pow Gloves, Coal Headwear, Skullcandy and Bench Clothing.
Kumara is a unique name is there a story behind that?
My dad found the name at some hippie Hindu meditation workshop in the 70’s. Growing up he told me it meant royalty and innocence, and that’s true, but it’s also the name of a Hindu warrior god. And it’s what they call sweet potatoes in New Zealand. I swear my name means something in every language.
What are you up to in the off season? Any big travel plans?
I recently applied for a fashion marketing internship in Sweden and I really hope that pans out. Otherwise I am working on getting my business marketing degree, which is a slow-going process. Also doing some design work, a little modeling, biking lots, yoga, jumping off things into water and being tan. I’ll also take a couple summer snowboard trips to Mt. Hood.
How are you making going to college and snowboarding work?
Not very well, I take classes when I can (mostly during fall quarter) and during winter I focus completely on snowboarding. It’s hard to excel at both and snowboarding is the bigger focus right now, but I know if I keep plugging away at my degree I’ll get it. I love school and look forward to one day being a college grad. A lot of people go to college for seven years.
Where do you go to school?
University of Washington
What do you want to do with this degree?
Eventually, down the road somewhere, I want to start my own fashion brand. A brand inspired by snowboarding, surfing, traveling and all things awesome. I have a lot of creative energy that needs an outlet, I’d like to funnel all that energy into that little grey area where snowboarding meets skate meets surf meets music meets fashion meets high fashion meets art.
I understand you have website, do you use this website for the purpose of funneling your creative energy?
Yeah my website (http://www.kumarakelley.com) started out as a snowboard travel blog and has become a smorgasbord of everything I do; snowboarding, modeling, writing stories and vignettes, making silly lists, putting up various things I find funny, posting videos, showcasing my more fashionable days.
What are your plans for the upcoming season?
Becoming bad-ass.
What advice do you have for girls who are just starting to do competitions?
My advice? Keep up on other things that you love outside of snowboarding, it makes it easier when you lose and better when you win. I perform my best at contests when I am maintaining my yoga practice. Not only because it helps me physically and mentally but also because it reminds me that I have loves outside of snowboarding and that, well, it’s just snowboarding you know.
Most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you on a snowboard?
I obnoxiously and uncontrollably sing when I snowboard, and I have a horrible voice, so that’s embarrassing for anyone who hears me.
What tricks are you working on right now?
I’m trying to dial all four fives. I also really want shifty front five.
What’s your process for learning a new trick?
Haha, ummm, process….. I just kinda throw it and hope for the best. Usually I fall a whole bunch, get super pissed off and scream and stop trying until some later point, and then it usually comes together at that later point.
Favorites:
website: failblog.org
breakfast cereal: Cheerios
snowboard shop: Exit Real World in Oregon, the absolute best. ever.
movie: Big Lebowski
animal: Tiger
park feature: A perfectly shaped 50-ft table top
snowboard buddy: Erika Vikander and Megan Littleton
inspiration: Zach Galifinakis. My friends. Youtube. Travis Parker.
Chloe + Keph for Mission Hockey
July 13th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle Print
www.missionhockey.com
Talent Feature : Michael Gasperson
July 7th, 2010, on the topic of Talent Features
How did you get started in the sports modeling industry? What intrigued you about SLU that made you want to join the agency?
I got my start in the sports modeling industry after a successful career in the NFL. While I was playing football for the Philadelphia Eagles, my wife, who is originally from Portland, Oregon, submitted a few photos of me to SLU. Upon receiving my photos, both SLU and myself thought it would be a great relationship to pursue. I started modeling for SLU about a year ago. The most intriguing thing about SLU is the fact that they are able to reach across so many different markets and really generate the most exposure for their talent in the entire industry.
What are some of your favorite sports and why? 
I grew up playing many sports, but the ones that have stayed with me along the way have been football, and volleyball. I also enjoy doing many outdoor recreational sports such as wakeboarding, boating, hunting, and fishing.
Describe some of your favorite project/shoot experiences.
My first and definitely my most memorable shoot has to be when I went to Boston, MA to shoot the Spring 2010 Catalogue for Abercrombie & Fitch. Not only did I meet a lot of interesting people, I got the opportunity to shoot with one of the most well-known and talented photographers of our time in Bruce Weber. I also enjoy going to the Nike campus to shoot whenever the opportunity arises.
What kind of physical regimen do you follow to keep yourself fit for sports modeling?
I do a lot of weight training and resistance training as well as a multitude of other cardiovascular activities. I recently started swimming again and competed in a team triathlon at The Wild Canyon Games in Antelope, Oregon in the beginning of June. I enjoy active living and believe that exercise doesn’t always have to take place in a structured fitness environment. Some of the best workouts I’ve had, have been spur of the moment outdoor workouts that don’t take much thought at all.
Nutritional regimen?
I enjoy challenging myself to eat as healthy as possible. I have a pretty large sweet tooth so sometimes it can be a real battle. I can say that I’m the first to reward myself with a delicious dessert though.
Can you tell us the mentality you bring to a shoot, in light of the demands and expectations of the project?
I always take the mentality that I’m going to have the most fun and make this enjoyable for everyone type of attitude. The best shoots I’ve been on are the ones where everybody is feeding off the positive energy of each other. Another important asset to have is the ability to focus and to “get in the zone.” This relates directly to my career in professional sports.
How about some information about yourself, i.e. personality, future goals, and aspirations.
First and foremost I am a husband and a father. I have an amazing wife that exceeds every dream I ever had of 
what a wife should be. We have a beautiful two-year-old son who has a personality larger than life. He brings so much joy to our life.
Currently, I am a volunteer firefighter aspiring to take it to the career level. Fire Fighting is such a rewarding career and I feel blessed to have such a large group of positive individuals around me to call my brothers and sisters.
What do you enjoy most about sports modeling?
I love how many different people you meet. I love the challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone on occasions. I love the fact that I can make the most out of any job I book. I love the flexibility. I love the way I feel after I get done with a shoot and someone says, “thanks for being so much fun!” Those are the things you remember long after your modeling career is over.
What words of wisdom would you give to those who want to get into the business?
Be persistent, be tough, and don’t change your personality because you think it’s how someone would want you to be. Always be you. Be honest and true to your morals. And most importantly, have FUN doing it!
Behind the Scenes w/ Teva
July 7th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle Commercials, Lifestyle Print, Sports & Fitness, Sports Print
As promised, here are some ‘Behind the Scenes’ pictures from the Teva shoot in Fiji. SLU’s Lauren Rudge, Hunter Wyndam, and Gretta Kruesi were on locaton for 10 days! In addition to a very active shoot, that required them to hike, jump, run, kiteboard and swim… They also got to do some volunteer work, and donate shoes to some of the remote villages in Fiji.
