#AskSvenAnything - Episode 2 4

Sven Martin, renowned mountain bike photographer, answers some of your questions in the second installment of #AskSvenAnything. Whether he’s giving a photography tutorial or describing how getting certain photographs was "probably-legal", his answers are inspiring and document the history of our great sport. Take your time, enjoy the audio responses and get lost in the tiny sampling of photos he chose for this month's feature.

A big thanks to Santa Cruz Bicycles for getting behind this fun feature and thank you to everyone who participated in the first round of questions. Stay tuned to @VitalMTB on Instagram for round 3 in early March.

Follow Sven on Instagram - @svenmartinphoto

1. Introduction - #AskSvenAnything Episode 2

2. How Did Sven get into photography, general photography equipment advice, and photo-editing tips based on questions from @harrythompson_1, @ada.m.b, @howzone, @elitott_glynn and @c.lowson

Sven has decades of photography experience, perfecting his craft throughout the years. Newcomers and aspiring photographers, embrace his experience.

3. How did you make the transition from amateur to professional photography, and how do you create industry connections to get paid as a photographer? @alexandersonmtb, @rene_ptz, @wheres_the_charlie

If you're following a passion to become a photographer, earning a living doing what you love will over time and through developing long-term relationships.

4. Thoughts on using flashes during events and how to master off-camera flash photography? @katez.media and @throttlebtcable

The use of flash was a lot more necessary in the days of film and early digital photography because high ISO settings were almost unusable in low-light conditions. As cameras have developed, using flash at events is often inefficient. There are times when flash is required by clients or the mood calls for it.

5. Can a photographer with no contract get access to shoot a World Cup? @vikingo

Any spectator can take pictures at a World Cup, but there are limitations with access on course for the safety of everyone. A little creativity can go a long way, however.

6. What's the most illegal thing you've done to get the shot? @rossmeasures

For legal purposes, we'll just say, "always be safe and follow local regulations," LOL.

7. Results aside, who is the fastest racer male or female or the best could-have-should-have RAW-talent racer? @rossmeasures

TL:DL; (listen), Craig Evans and Tracey Moseley

8. Creatively speaking, is MTB photography better or worse than five or ten years ago? @rossmeasures

It's not so much creativity as is it is over-saturation of so many incredible images on a daily basis, but that doesn't mean creativity in MTB photography has slowed down.

Stay tuned in early March when we give you the chance to ask Sven more questions for episode #3.

Listen to Sven Martin's Inside Line Podcast.