Through His Lens: Coleman Camp

Meet Coleman Camp, a passionate photographer and multi-sport enthusiast whose creative lens captures the intersection of action and artistry. Whether he’s racing through ultra-style cycling events or exploring the quiet corners of New York city, Coleman’s ability to blend athleticism with creativity shines through in every shot. Read more on Coleman's story, below.

coleman camp photographer


Imagine you're being introduced on a podcast—what’s your story?

It’s funny because both photography and sports have always presented themselves to me rather than the other way around. I grew up curious, always supported by my parents who encouraged me to try everything. I wasn’t very athletic growing up. I didn’t play baseball or soccer, and I spent more time looking at flowers than playing the game. I was more interested in weekend camping trips with scouts and fishing trips with my dad. 

In the background of my childhood were my parents' 90s Trek 2100s and Gary Fisher mountain bikes. They didn’t ride anymore, so cycling was just family bike rides for ice cream and stories from their younger days. I had a bike growing up but mostly used it to get around my neighborhood, and after slamming my front brakes out of the saddle, I didn’t touch a bike for a year.

In high school, I got into photography, documenting my friends skating and making music for early Instagram and YouTube. My best friend's dad, a photographer, told me, "you’ve got the eye for this." That clicked for me, and I realized photography was actually something I could do- if I took it seriously.

I ended up going to the Savannah College of Art and Design, bringing my new REI hybrid bike- my graduation present- along with me. I was drawn to the energy of Savannah, loved the city, and I quickly gained confidence in my photography—realizing that if I followed my instincts rather than mimicking someone else, my work would be authentic and exciting. 

That’s when cycling came into play. My freshman year roommate, who was on the track team, convinced me to try out for the new cycling team at school. He knew I commuted by bike and loved riding around town casually. A few months later, I took third place in my first race, and that’s when I got hooked.

courier NYC running and riding socks

How did cycling and photography collide for you?

Savannah was a turning point. I was living in a new city, cycling was now part of my daily life, and my passion for photography was growing. I began to see how they connected. Photography allowed me to capture the experiences of my bike rides, while cycling taught me the discipline of pushing my body and mind.

Those two passions—cycling and photography—became entwined. Cycling gave me something to aim for, and photography allowed me to document it all.

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You’re in NYC. How do the textures, shapes, silhouettes, and landscapes of the city and its surroundings influence how you shoot action sports?

New York City is both exciting and overstimulating. I find myself always looking for the quiet spaces in the city, or getting on the bike to head upstate and get out in the woods. To me, there’s two sides of the city: the calm inner spaces and the attack of the streets with energy, excitement, and movement. I always find myself looking for places that are simple and ordered, or places of calm surrounded by the energy of the city.

Being outside in NYC usually means there's somewhere to be or something to do— running to hit a pace, cycling hard to get miles in before work, or meeting a friend— and while that drive kicks me into gear, I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy. Much like photography, where you’re expending energy searching for the perfect shot, then capturing it and finding stillness, which feels like another way of finding balance.

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How does having multiple passions or hobbies shape you as a person, as well as your perspective on the world? 

I’ve always cherished my having interest in multiple places, but I’ve found there’s a centrality to what I get into: it all centers around using my hands. Growing up my dad slowly built up a little workshop full of tools where various projects for around the house were made and fun projects for myself were tinkered. It became a part of my mindset to be able to say “if I want or need something I’m capable of making it as long as I think it through and have the right tools for the job.” 

When I decided to study photography I found a huge interest in historic processes and darkroom printing, which are obviously very hand heavy compared to digital works. And during that time is when I got into cycling which overtime became a very serious part of my personality and life. I got so curious about the cycling industry and a little burnt on the art world that I decided to restructure my life. 

I now also work as a bike mechanic, and that’s opened up a whole new world for me. Cycling and photography were separate at first, but once I immersed myself in the cycling industry, my photography transitioned to more commercial sports work. 

Maintaining multiple interests keeps my mind active and engaged. I’m a cyclist, but to stay well-rounded, I’ve added running and yoga, which has been the most important thing I’ve picked up for both mind and body. While juggling these pursuits keeps me primed, it’s easy to get out of balance, and I’m not perfect, but I’m always dealing it in—like a good espresso, which is another passion of mine, but that’s a conversation for another day.

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What was the last thing you were a beginner at, and how did learning that new sport or creative medium help you grow?

I recently started learning to sew—something totally different but also about working with my hands. I’ve always been into gear, especially backpacks, and wanted to make my own. A couple years ago, I bought a sewing machine, knowing nothing about how to use it. I spent a month making basic tote bags and watching YouTube videos to learn.

Eventually, I made my first prototype gravel bike frame bag, and then a fully functional one. While they’re simpler than a backpack, I’m still honing my skills with custom frame bags. Sewing can be tedious, and some designs get complicated fast, but it's been a rewarding challenge.

Learning sewing has reinforced that it's okay not to know everything. I get frustrated when things don’t go right, but sewing has taught me that mistakes are part of the process. It's a reminder to keep improving and to not get stuck. This mindset is also reflected in my yoga practice. It reminds me of my grandfather, a doctor who maintained his license and went to classes regularly after closing his practice, simply to keep his mind active. That’s how I want to live—constantly learning and growing.

coleman camp cycling & sewing

In what ways do your athletic pursuits impact the stories you want to tell through photography?

As I've gotten deeper into the sport of cycling I’ve been drawn to long, ultra style events, the kind that push my body to its absolute limit (we like to call it “Type 3 Fun”. I’ve discovered  that I really love night riding during multi-day or night races.When the violet curtain falls before the adventure of darkness puts my mind in a special meditative place to engage with the night grind and when those hours of silence have passed and the morning suns’ glow erupts with the morning singing of birds my exhaustion is wiped away and I’m re-energized for the continued effort. 

One of my favorite frames I’ve shot came from a similar transition- I was at an all day shoot, and I’d captured some great shots during golden hour, and we’d pretty much wrapped. The sun started to set and the sky lit up in color, and I got the same boost I get from those sunrises or sunsets on the bike, and I scrambled to capture the feeling before it slipped away.

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What was your "jump the tracks" moment that made you go all in on being a photographer?

It wasn’t one defining moment, but a series of steps. I was really into art for a long time, and cycling was a separate passion. But when I got certified as a bike mechanic and worked in a shop, I realized the overlap between cycling and photography. 

The cycling team I ride with now is made mostly of creatives from different backgrounds, so there’s an arts foundation to many of the ways we approach our team aesthetic and mentality on the bike. We're serious and committed while explorative; it feels really wholesome and well-rounded to associate with a group who all thinks in that way.

coleman's cycling team

Anything else?

I’ve always been into gear, especially for outdoor activities. I think the gear you choose speaks to your approach, and socks are no exception. They’re an underrated piece of kit but can make all the difference in comfort and performance. Courier’s focus on intention in design is something I really appreciate. It’s a brand that speaks to both my creative and athletic pursuits. Intention in action—that’s something I live by.

 

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Follow Coleman Camp here.

Are you a photographer, videographer, or illustrator who lives at the intersection of creativity and running, cycling or mountain biking? We want to work with you- submit your info here.

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