MangoTree Photography Blog

Xterra World Championships 2008, Makena, Maui

Here are some images from Yesterdays Xterra World Championships In Makena, Maui. I really enjoy shooting the event because of there are so many emotions from the competitors who take on the grueling Maui course.  

Thanks go out Trey, and his amazing staff, who put on this spectacle of an event.  Until next year!

A Hui Hou,

Mike

The Faces of the Xterra

I really like this shot.  The numbers on the athletes legs represents the age division of each competitor. Regardless of age, the course is the same!

 

Olivier Marceau, climbing to the highest sections of the course.

 

Julie Dibens, on her way to a victory in the mountain bike course.

This photo really show how hard the race is.  Even the Pro's have their struggles.

Ruben Ruzafa of Spain crossing the line in 1st place, and a $25,000 check in his pocket!

Photography at the Summit Workshop, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

What a week!  The summit workshop was definitely a great place to become inspired.  I loved the time in the field shooting athletes and lifestyle images until my memory cards were full.  If you get the chance to join next years workshop, I highly recommend it.

Here are some of my favorites from the week.

A special thanks to all the instructors, staff, models,and new friends!

Cycle to the Sun

Here are some images from Sunday's Cycle to the Sun Bike Race in Maui.  For those of you who cycle, you have more than likely heard of this race.  Those of you who have yet to see the craziness, the race starts in the small town of Paia, on the North Shore of Maui, and climbs 10,023 FT. to the summit of Haleakala 36 miles away. The event was organized by Go Cycling Maui, and they did a great job getting everything t go as smooth as possible.  

A big thanks, to all the sponsors, volunteer's and crew who made this race possible.  Look for this race again next year!

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Update:: 10-6-08

Images from the race are now available to view and purchase online.  Go to http://www.pictage.com/535291 to log in and order prints.

  

Donnie's support Rig!

These Boys are ready to race!

The summit is only 36 miles away ladies and gentlemen!

Still Plenty of climbing to go!

Womens 1st place

Chris, Men's 1st Place.

Climbing China

images by Corey Rich.

Here is a great video from the Nike ACG site.  It's from Josh Lowell of Big Up Productions.  Corey Rich was the photographer on the project.  His work can be found all over, including last months cover for Outside Magazine. 

Corey is a great example of a photographer being connected with the sports he photographs. It's like the saying "only a surfer knows the feeling".  The same is true with adventure photography, the best photographers are the ones that are immersed in the culture of the sport they choose to photograph.

Have a great weekend and I hope the clip inspires you to shoot some amazing photos over the weekend.

Aloha,

Mike

Paddleboarding Kilauea?

Here is Pro Surfer CJ Kanuha Paddleboarding off the coast of the Big Island near Kilauea Volcano.  This image was taken by Kirk Lee Aeder flying nearby in a Helicopter.  Smart?  Not very!  Water temps can get close to 200 degrees in some areas.   CJ got within 20 feet of the lava, and escaped with only burns to his feet and melted surfboard wax.  CJ said his "feet peeled for days".

Outside Magazine recently ran the shot of CJ in the July Issue.  Kirk posted his photo setting for this shot in the article.  For those of you who haven't seen the magazine here are his settings. Canon 30D, 70-200 f/4, ISO 100, f/4, 1,2000 sec.</div>

Maui Mountain Biking

While riding my mountain bike on some local trails, I got to talking to a Dad named Troy.  Troy's son Dane is a young up and coming mountain biker here in Maui. Dane is working on getting some sponsorship to help him out with riding clothing and gear.  

I was stoked to help Dane out with some images for his new bio page.  He will be going to Whistler Bike Park in Canada to ride the amazing trails, later this summer.  Whistler is a Meca for Freeride Mountain Biking, and a great place to make friends and network for sponsorship. 

The last few days, Dane and I have been shooting photos on some his favorite trails here in Maui.  The cool part of being a grom here in Maui, is that everyone is looking out for you, and is always around to give advice and encouragement to ride a little harder, and with  jump with more style.

Here are some of my favorites from the last few days.

Maui Activities Club

A while back my friend Brian started the Maui Activities Club here in Maui, to get people together who liked to do similar activities. The club organizes hikes, plays beach volleyball, and surfs. They also have a huge list of other fun things to do here in Maui.

Here are some of the photos from their recent surf activity a few weeks ago. If you are interested in joining the group for some fun activities contact Brian. I think they have plans to go explore Maui on 4wheelers next, sounds fun.

Thanks Brian for putting this together.

XTerra WC Tips part 2

Part 2. Running in the sand. Mmmmmmm, sounds fun...Uh yea Right! Enjoy

2007 XTerra WC Tips from the Pros

Here are some fun tips from the pros. They are good, and sometimes comical! enjoy