About Me
When I was growing up, I never had much interest in photography.
It's true. I was a multi-sport athlete whose only interest in pictures were ones of me playing the sports I loved. In school, I played a multitude of sports while outside of school, I was absolutely obsessed with racing motocross and watching anything that had a fast engine. Many people in my life were shooters themselves, most notably my father, but I had negative interest in learning anything about cameras. Sure they were cool and capable of some really interesting things, but I would have much rather been the subject than the shooter. Like other athletes growing up, I wanted it to be a picture of me on a kid's wall, catching a touchdown or throwing a monstrous whip on a factory bike with my name and number in massive graphics.
Then, a few years after I graduated from college, I started my current job in marketing. It was here that I was given access to cameras and lenses that were beyond anything that someone at my not-even-beginner skill level should ever have, as well as media credentials to a Division 1 college sports program. Overnight, my whole mentality shifted.
Photography began to consume me. I became the primary shooter for the college's athletics program, traveling with the men's basketball team to take pictures during tournaments and sometimes being leaned on to get images for visiting colleges at our home games. The university began to use my photos and only my photos in social media posts and graphics; I could proudly point to any number of posts and say that was my shot (which I often did, much to the delight or disdain of my friends). But, as I gained more experience, I could feel my heart pulling me towards my first love: motorsports.
It took one race.
While I had spent countless hours at race tracks as both a racer and spectator, throwing on a media vest was a brand new feeling that I didn't know I would love. Not only did I enjoy the photography aspect of working races (and the chance to create on a canvas that was very near and dear to my heart), but the business side intrigued me as well, as I worked to find ways to market myself, shake hands with new connections, and grind as much as possible to become the best photographer I could be, both for myself and my clients.
Currently, I primarily cover and work in motocross, but I am also a staff photographer for The Podium Finish (https://thepodiumfinish.net/) where I cover a variety of car racing disciplines editorially. My love of shooting is only surpassed by that of my love for racing in all of its forms. And not just the action or thrills of the sport, but the emotion behind it as well as the unsung heroes that make it all happen. The popular question "How can you not be emotional about baseball?" never applied to me; substitute it for racing, however, then you're right on the money.
I'm based out of Terre Haute, Indiana and willing to travel to events and races in the Midwest, and beyond if the opportunity is right. I'm currently for hire to individual riders/drivers, teams, brands, and tracks. I can provide references from current clients if needed. If interested, or just have a comment you'd like to share with me, please send me a message through my contact form, my social channels at the bottom of this page, or my email directly jakebartonphotos@gmail.com.
If you've made it this far, I just want to say thanks for stopping by, even if it's for a quick look around. Shooting images of athletes doing what they love most, that make their people smile, is one of the most rewarding things I've ever had the pleasure of doing. As a photographer, there is nothing like sharing images with clients that capture a moment they'll cherish forever. To me, that's what makes the 12+ hour days worth it.
Thanks again. Have a good one, friend.
Jake Barton
Photo Courtesy of Garrett Hall at Wins Photo and Design
Thank you!