Behind the Lens: Kelsey Abbott

One of our newest contributors has bone-deep roots in off-road stemming from her dad who is a long time Kawasaki veteran. Destry Abbott's eldest child, Kelsey Abbott, is not only talented on a dirtbike but behind the lens. Picking up the trade in high school, Kelsey has developed her skills in various areas of photography and has big goals to be an industry photographer someday. Read on to learn more about Kelsey and be sure to click the gallery to view some of her work.

Let's kick this off by telling the Vurb fans a little bit about yourself...
Well, I got a scholarship to run track in Arizona, I'm a full time student, and I'm working at a resort right now. I ride motorcycles, and hope to race in the future, which is a big goal of mine!

So basically you were born with racing in your blood, when did you first race?
My first race was the Adelanto GP when I was about 9. From there I just raced from time to time because I was focused on other sports I had going on.

When did you first pick up your camera and take interest in shooting at races?
I needed to fill a class in high school so I thought photography would be cool! I ended up actually loving it and did it all 4 years, so that's where it started. Whenever our family went out riding I always brought my camera, and shot for fun here and there. I've been around motorcycles my entire life, and always loved shooting them. Lately I'm getting more into it, and looking to head into moto photography.

What do you enjoy most about photography?
I think what I enjoy most is capturing the moments that you want to remember. I always have my camera with me everywhere I go, and for that reason I get to remember everywhere I've been and everything I've done. I like the idea that photo's can speak louder than words.

Of all the photos in your collection, what is your absolute most favorite photo you have ever taken?
Oh wow, thats a hard question! This past summer my family and I went to the beach and there's a picture I took of my parents; it was such a real moment. I think that would have to be my favorite, there's not much too it to be honest, anyone could have taken it, but the memories behind it made  it that much better.

Life as an Abbott, what do you enjoy most about it?
(Laughs) I love it all! My dad has had an amazing career, which has let us all travel and enjoy experiences that some people don't get to, which we're really fortunate about!

Who are a couple of your favorite off-road riders?
Am I allowed to say my dad? He'd be my favorite..(laughs) I'd have to say Sutherlin, Caselli, Soule, Brown, Strang, Robert. I feel bad because I know most of them, it's hard to name them all! All the off roaders are great guys, it's hard to choose!

Where can people find more of your work?
I'm actually working on getting a site together, but for now I have my facebook page where I post all of my photography!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/bbott-images/214474348584125