Matt Cherubino - Photo Journal
This image was from my first day behind the lens on the shoot. I’d just flown into LA from Kathmandu in Nepal the previous day, the juxtaposed landscapes and culture is what really stood out to me. One day looking up at the Himalayas the next in the sandy deserts of the US. Here, Nic trains before departing to Europe all to fly back in time for race day.
A personal favorite, Forrest and his farther Mike work side by side in the Mojave Desert. There's something about that place where time as Forrest puts it, just seems to melt away. I got lost in watching both of them working on their separate disciplines, it’s special what they both have and how they share and spend time together out in the desert.
Afternoon sun catches the flames of dust, I remember this moment vividly, as much as it was about building up to race highly competitively, it was easy to see Forrest is passionate about riding and does it for all the right reasons. Getting out there and having fun, it’s definitely inspiring to see and know not to take everything all too seriously.
Fireworks on the Mexican coast, we were deep into the Baja segment by this frame. Having bought fireworks the previous days, the end neared of yet another large shift on the tools – it really summarizes the trip for me. Whilst we all dug deep and worked hard, there was never a dull moment with crew, I was very fortunate to be able to work alongside people that made me feel that grateful.
Yet another ‘pinch me moment’. The Heli came flying in with the Shotover bolted below, a few of the crew climbed in and the riders took to the beach. What ensued is something I won't forget anytime soon, four riders and a helicopter lapping the beach as the sun dipped below the Pacific. I’ll never forget when my good friend and Producer of the film Harrison Mark called me to ask if I’d like to be a part of the project. Just he described some 6 months earlier, I was standing here watching the scene unfold. Harry is beyond talented and at 22 years old, it’s incredible what he has accomplished. I’m proud of him for what he has achieved in both his career and the creation of this film.
Race Day, Derek rides toward Ensenada in a pivotal moment of the race, it was one of the most inspiring feats of determination and shear will power that I've had the pleasure to witness. Flying alongside him as we left him to head off into the darkness.
Forrest, blue hour at the ranch. Forest isn’t only just a talented rider and surfer, he takes that same passion he has for his talented into his life. Down to earth and always up to work alongside the crew to transform a concept of a shot into fruition. Here, the pastels of blue hour form, without fail, every night displayed the soft gradient of blues above the surrounding rocky mountains.
This image reminds me of the coldness that would snap across the ranch as the winter sun set of the Mojave Desert. Often, a fire would follow along with an incredible meal cooked by the extremely talented Sandy McLennan, who was the focus puller that never missed a beat. It was also around this time that Jam Hassan landed in LA, Australian correspondent and on location Lord Jam made things happen and never failed to keep the mood behind the scenes electric. I couldn't speak more highly of the days we spent out there and the people I got to share it with.
A portrait of Lincoln Caplice, the director in his signature all white linen. Lincoln, is one of the humblest people I’ve met – hearing creative vision for the film and then watching complex and intricate moments form and build to create his story of the Baja 1000 was something special. He was always hands on, carrying gear and helping the team, he wasn’t there to sit back on a chair and point fingers, Lincoln was in amongst it and constantly at ready to capture the story as it dynamically transitioned.
Often, I was standing side by side with Andy Gough. Andy was the DOP, I don’t think he truly knows how much of an impression he left on me. Watching Andy at work was like watching an Artist paint as cliche as that might sound, the way the scenes and moments came together felt both calculated yet effortless. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside him since, without question the DOP I look up to most for inspiration within my own Photography work.
Colton Udall, Derrek Ausserbauer, Forrest Minchinton and Nic Garvin were the riders that formed the Baja 1000 team, 5X. Watching them ride and the dedication they put towards their craft was infectious, to race at that level and put it all on the line wasn’t short of admirable. Being on this production it gave me a first hand experience to see how chasing their dream of winning the Baja 1000, impacted positively over the 6 weeks I was present, a life altering path that brought them all together.