Ink Revolution - Issue #2 interview with BMX pro Caleb Ruecker
One of the highlights for me in 2013 while I was out in Portland, Oregon was getting to meet and work with Caleb. I met Caleb through a mutual friend, who just happens to be a killer model, Lucille Suicide. Caleb and I shot some photos and it was just great conversation. Recently Caleb has been doing some insane long exposure photos in and around Portland. You should check him out on Instagram @calebrueckersphotos You won't be disappointed! Below is the interview that we did in Ink Revolution Magazine, issue #2.
IR: How did you get started in BMX?
Caleb: I have always had a BMX growing
up, but got really into it after I had a bad
skateboarding accident. I fell in love with
BMX and knew it was my dream, my
passion, and my life.
IR: What is your best memory from being
on the tour?
Caleb: Oh man, there are so many! I would
have to say riding for Metal Bikes and riding,
traveling, and becoming friends with all my
peers and all the dudes I looked up to when I
was just a little BMX rat. They are all amazing
memories and I wouldn’t leave any of em out.
IR: Where are some of the coolest places you
got to visit in your travels?
Caleb: Back east and Montreal for sure. I loved
New York and Boston. Fun memories for sure!
I really enjoyed just pushing through different
states with a van full of rad dudes, just seeing
different things go by.
IR: When you were out on the road, how big
were tattoos in the BMX culture?
Caleb: It definitely wasn’t. I remember seeing
a bunch of BMX dudes all bare skinned and
before you knew it they were all blasted out.
It kinda fell into the ‘thing to do’, but you
should never rush anything, especially tattooing
your whole body.
IR: I wholeheartedly agree! When did
you get your first tattoo?
Caleb: Haha. I got it when I was 14 years
old and I got it done in a Hells Angels house.
IR: That’s just what the health inspectors
like to hear. You’re working in a shop in
Portland now, right?
Caleb: Haha. Right? Yes, I work at Lady
Luck Tattoo in Portland, Oregon. I have
been a part of this tattoo shop since 2002
and I love it and everyone here.
IR: That’s awesome bro! What do you do
there?
Caleb: I run the front, aka, I’m the shop bitch.
IR: What’s one word of advice for those going
to a shop for the first time?
Caleb: Always look at the artist portfolios and
do your homework, no matter what you hear
about the artists. And don’t be afraid to ask
questions or voice concerns you may have.
IR: Great advice! What are your upcoming plans?
Any traveling?
Caleb: Yes! I plan to fill my backpack up and
grab my bike and go wherever the pavement
takes me. Not sure where yet, but thats the best
part about taking that leap and going with the wind.
IR: Sounds amazing man! We wish you all the
best on your journey!
I hope that you enjoyed checking out that interview from Ink Revolution #2 with Caleb. All photos were taken by me, TRD Photography. We'll be sharing some more interviews from Ink Revolution magazines, as well as I've got several new interviews in the works as well.
If you're interested in my work, I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. I am booking sessions for February and March currently. Slots are filling up fast. Check out more of my work at the links below.
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Instagram @trd_photography - Twitter @trd_photography - Email trd@trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN