One of the great things with the internet is the fact that very different car cultures are all represented and available to us with just a few clicks. If you really want to get a great flavour of the Californian low riding scene then the place to head to is the blog of Jae Bueno. The site acts as both a document for Jae's experiences in and around the Californian scene and a place for him to share his fantastic photographs.
We grabbed a few minutes of his time to find out a bit more about the man behind the site and what inspires him.
What is your history with low riding culture? Were you bought up with it, or did you get into it later in life?
Growing up in East Los Angeles I was exposed to the lowrider culture at an early age. I would see lowriders daily. I've always had a interest in cars especially custom cars. In high school I drove a Cal Look 1969 Volkswagen and after high school I got into the Import Scene and drove a fixed up Honda Civic. Throughout my teen and adult years I attended various car shows including lowrider show and documented them with a camera. A couple of years ago I decided to get more serious about my photography and though the lowrider culture would be a great subject since there is so many great subjects.
How did you get into the photography side of things?
I've always liked to take photos to document the car shows I've attended so as the technology got better I kept buying the latest and greatest camera. Eventually I happen to be at the right place at the right time and started to contribute images to Lowrider Magazine which also drove me to step my game up and get serious about my technique and equipment.
What equipment do you use?
I'm a Nikon shooter. In my bag today is a Nikon D300 body, Nikon 17-55mm 2.8 lens, Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens, Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR lens, Sigma 10-20mm Wide Angle lens and a Nikon SB-600.
The 17-55 2.8 stays on the D300 body 99% of the time.
As well as cars you also take great portrait shots, which do you prefer to do?
Thanks! Portraits are a new medium to me so I will have to say that cars are my preference.
Who/what is your inspiration?
My family inspires me to keep at photography. They are my biggest supporters. I also have to say that the cars and their owners inspire me as well. When you see how much work has gone into the building of a car you want to try your best to capture the beauty of the car.
Low riding culture is worldwide, are people in California aware of European's building low riders from Mercedes and the like, what do they think of that?
People in California are aware of the car culture in Europe. Because of the Internet we are only a mouse click away from being in touch with someone from another country. A lot of lowrider clubs have chapters in Europe so they are kept aware of who is building what and who they are using for the build. You will always have a segment of the culture that thinks a lowrider should be an American car from the 40's to the 80's and then you have enthusiasts like me who appreciate individuality and creativity.
Which do you prefer, the traditional bombs, or the later more widely recognised low riders?
That's a tough one but I will have to say the more "traditional" lowrider.
Going low or bouncing high?
Going low. I think hopping contests create unnecessary drama in the lowriding culture.
What sort of people are building low riding cars now?
These days you have people that run multimillion dollar companies, recording artists, clothing company owners and of course your everyday hard working individual.
Any chance of you making a book of your photography?
I've thought about it and I just might do it when I think my photography is up to publishing standards and people will actually want to buy a book with my photos.
Any shout outs, thanks, etc. etc. you want to send out?
I'd like to thank my wife Stephanie and my kids Caila & Julian. Without their encouragement and understanding I could not be the photographer I am today. I'll send thank yous to the rest of my family and friends. I have to also thank John Jarasa, Joe Ray, Tanisha Brown for allowing me to contribute to their publications. My fellow LIL photographers, Big Fern, Danny D, Tattoo Tony and the rest of Lifestyle Car Club, Eric Valdes, Marco Patino and Nikon for making such great products!
We'd like to thank Jae for taking the time to do the interview and for sharing his photographs with us.
Don't forget to check out his site : http://jaebueno.wordpress.com/
Posted on: October 28, 2008 04:14