380

Blake Johnson - Photosapien and Technoguru Well it's obvious that most photographers use their own name as their business. Well, I didn't want to be just another _______ photography. Actually there is more to it than that. In early 2010 I was asked to come to a race with some friends that had a sport bike race team. I had been hanging out there for months on occasion after a good word from a long time friend that was part of the team. I ask what I need and when they are leaving and the excitement begins. I had never been to a pro AMA race and I was going to be in the pits with a team shirt on. The weekend turned out to be awesome even though we didn't finish up front. Over the coming months I attended other races and became the media guy for the team. We took a long road trip from the east coast to Utah for a race weekend. Now for people who don't know, race tracks often have different types of tracks in one location. It's kind of a bonus to be able to go ride racing level go-carts after a weekend of work at the races. Now, these are very fast, able to pull awesome g forces, have to wear a helmet and neck brace, sign a waver because you may hurt yourself on these go-carts. Everyone on our team goes out at the same time, and its the most fun Ive had in a long time and doing fairly well at it. After we get out and are walking back to the truck the racer I am helping "Abe" says , skinny can drive.... In that kind of way you say, that boy is bad ass and Im surprised about having to say that. lol Anyway, months go by and I continue helping the team and getting more business because of it. Until one unforeseen evening. I wake up late and see strange posts on the FB page and call people and find out Abe has passed away. Well, over the next few months I do alot of Photoshop pictures so people can have pictures of him they may not have seen before. I do so much that I am building a portfolio now, so I need to make a name for myself. I went back to that day, that I still can hear him saying skinny can drive, and I change it to Skinny Can Draw. Its my little way of being creative while still trying to hold on to a little bit of my old friend. I know I left alot out, but I can for sure say that I would not be the owner of a DSLR if it wasnt for the fact of this pro AMA racer having support for me and allowing me to help. That led me to where I am today with my art. I have played around with graphics for many years, but I never thought I would ever be a photographer. Thanks Abe Stacey