From before sunrise, till after sunset, Moneeb Nain is a full time college student, photographer, and fun haver. For being 22 years old Moneeb has put in more work than most for his Diagnostic Radiology degree at Boise State University and top of all this he's become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to lifestyle and motorcycle photography at the same time. Being born in London, moving to Idaho, and halfway through grade school moving to New York where he lived till 9th grade he got to experience many different cultures growing up which helped form his great style. Moving back to Idaho after 9th grade is when Moneeb began to play around with his dad's point and shoot camera which sparked his passion for photography.
"I remember using some perspective shots to "surprise" my dad with an F1 car looking lifesize in the driveway. I'm positive he knew I was tricking him but it felt so good to try it and do a decent job." To this day Moneeb continues to play around with his camera whenever he has free time however it's taken a back seat to his radiology and MRI work at BSU. Currently going for his emphasis in MRI he's been loaded down with more work along with the cold weather slowing down motorcycle season however he stills finds small points in the day to either take photos of himself or take a spontaneous trip and meet someone for a shoot.
Even on our way out to one of Moneeb's favorite spots (conveniently a few minutes from his house) he got a phone call from a fellow motorcycle rider to schedule a shoot. What most people don't realize is that he takes so much pride in his work, showing me some of his current favorites on his computer at home and also showing me his process of how he makes his golden self shot pictures gives me a lot more respect for how much thought and effort goes into his passions. Spending what little time we had with the sun going down Moneeb worked his magic as always, obsessing over every detail, not only in his pictures but also his motorcycle and his miata.
"As far as starting my love of motorcycles, I've always loved them. But it took me a miata and a few more years to develop the courage to buy one that I truly wanted." This is something Moneeb and I have talked about time and time again, and that is that certain vehicles have a soul to them. This soul is what provides such a great connection with vehicles and their owners and for Moneeb a 70's Honda CB750 cafe racer is a bike that has such a strong soul to connect to. The chrome pipes, wire wheels, quilted leather seat, and weathered yellow tank make this bike scream vintage, pair that with a Biltwell Gringo bubble helmet, leather jacket, and a scarf is one badass combination. This kind of style that Moneeb strives for is also shown throughout his miata as well.
The interior of his miata is all planned out, spending hours of picking out the perfect fabric for the door cards and armrest. Matching the stock chrome door handles to his steering wheel and vent rings. Everything has been thought of long before it was physically on the car. "The freedom behind riding and driving, along with the creativity behind building and making them your own is what really made me get into the culture surrounding both of them." Not only has Moneeb poured himself into his customization but he's also stricken with bad luck regularly when it comes to dents and dings on his vehicles giving him a lot of experience with them. The miata has been broken into and parts stolen/destroyed, and just after our shoot his bike was backed into breaking some cooling fins and bending the kickstand.
"Growing up, my parents taught me and my siblings to see the value in trying to repair something instead of buying a new one and replacing it. I was always tinkering with headphones and little toys, learning to solder and find the problems with my dad which we carry on today with my motorcycle and car which I'm really glad about." Not only does Moneeb see the value in all of his material things, but the standard to which he holds his personal relationships makes everyone feel loved and valued as they should be even if you've just met him. For example while I was shooting his vehicles in his driveway his new neighbor introduced herself and Moneeb hopped right over and struck up a conversation and after meeting his parents I can see where he gets this sense of love, pride, and friendship from.
Moneeb may spend a lot of time "hiding" behind his helmet, staying busy with his Radiology degree, and tinkering/editing away between homework, but if you get a chance to talk with him definitely take it as you'll make a great friend that will always lift you up and support you in your endeavors.
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Follow Moneeb - @moneebnain
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