500px invites Studio Contributors and select stock contributors to submit to themed ‘Contributor Quests’ in an effort to promote and recognize our network of talented photographers. Our second Contributor Quest captured the energy of jumping subjects—read on to learn more about the photographer and the winning shot.

Want to participate in our next Contributor Quest? Apply here.

The story behind the shot:

The best stories in life are often unplanned, and this one is no different. I had just finished shooting a few weddings and had limited time left before the ‘Jump’ Contributor Quest deadline. So I met up with a friend and local graffiti artist that had just finished a meeting.

Without any props or special backdrop, we started the shoot, using the clothes he had on and the book bag he had brought with his supplies. It reminded me of high school: he was wearing ripped jeans and a Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt and looked as though he was heading to class. I was inspired by the simplicity of it all. We rushed to our local university in town and started looking for areas that would really set the tone and create the storyline.

We came across some steps with a railing in the middle of it and rich brick walls in the background. We decided to shoot spontaneously—an action / lifestyle shot; someone rushing to class. With a bookbag in one hand, he used his other hand to propel him over the railing, capturing the urgency of this storyline—the “dash to class.”

After a few takes in the midday summer heat, we had captured a number of solid shots. I used a Sony A7RIII and an 85mm 1.8, which is the same combination I use for all of my lifestyle, commercial, and editorial work.

Dash to Class by jhampden1 on 500px.com

The best part of the shoot:

What I loved most about this was the lesson: it is so easy to get enamored with the newest equipment, growing clientele, and detailed concepts and ideas, but nothing beats simple, spontaneous sessions like this one. It reminds you why you started your craft in the first place.

Follow Jason:

500px: jhampden1
Instagram: @jhamp_photography