From the Archives: Skateboard Photography on Film

For a skater, their skateboard is a partner present in both thrilling and humbling moments. For a photographer, the camera is an everyday accompaniment through highs and lows as well. This is one reason why skateboarding and film photography make a great duo.

Skateboards and film cameras are both, literally and figuratively, modes of transportation. A skateboard takes you there, and a camera helps you remember how it felt to be there. These are forms in art and sports that allow us to experience life and its extremes – danger, freedom, and liberty – letting us discover the balance of it all. To celebrate this, we rolled through the Lomography Online Magazine skatepark and collected stories that embody the impact of this beautiful combination.

Skate Photographer Joe Brook Shoots with the Petzval Lens

From being a skateboarder himself, to a photographer for Thrasher, Rolling Stone and more, Joe Brook has made a name in the West Coast skate scene. In this 2015 article, he talks about finding himself, improving his skills, and shooting with the Lomography Petzval 85 Art Lens. Joe also mentions that, in both film photography and skateboarding, there are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you should always be ready for.

“The only pressure of my job is sometimes skaters do their tricks one time only because they can get hurt, so you have to be as good as they are behind the lens. You don’t want to miss the shot!”

LomoAmigo: Mathieu Aghababian and the Lomo'Instant Wide

Mathieu Aghababian takes the challenge of capturing ephemeral experiences up a notch by opting for an instant camera, specifically the Lomo’Instant Wide. Hailing from Paris where skateboarding is common, he has learned to practice it as well. Mathieu combines his interest in skate photography with his love for portraiture, capturing as much emotion as possible.

Mark Nisbet's Dynamic LomoChrome Turquoise Skate Shots

Working in the skating industry and being a Lomographer for numerous years, Mark Nisbet took the LomoChrome Turquoise ISO 100-400 film out on a ride. His neatly dynamic shots show his philosophy of putting fun above all. A true Lomographer at heart, Mark encapsulates what it means to elevate the everyday life and to go out and make things happen instead of merely waiting for the perfect timing.

“Skateboarders are very much of the moment. You just send out texts and see who’s feeling into it that day. I prefer using experimental films over the standard. I would like things to look more like a painting or art work.”

An Analogue Skate Session in Vienna With Sophie Köchert

Austrian photographer Sophie Köchert spotlights the Brettl Bande, a Vienna-based group focused on shaping a skate environment where girls feel worthy of taking up space in the community – because they are. With this cause in mind, Sophie’s photographs bring out the softness of the gritty sport. As in other fields, gender dominance must be challenged and diversity encouraged.

A Protest on Wheels: Joan Michel's Skaters With a Message

As an artist whose works shine a light on mental health and the authentic self, it’s no surprise that Joan Michel chose to bring the Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera to a protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in Harlem, New York. Skateboarders took their voices to the streets – the place where we get exposed to social issues the most, and also the place that they know best. Joan captured the historic day in black and white, which she feels suits monumental events. This article dates back to 2020 when the BLM protests urged people to stop turning a blind eye to ongoing injustices.

“The fact the world is more awake than ever to protest about social justice for people of color and I’m in the epicenter of it all, nothing beats that.”

There is much more to photography and skateboarding than just experimenting with techniques and trying out new tricks. These are fields that build communities, empower individuals, and make the world a better place in all ways, big and small.

Thank you to our featured artists for sharing their stories!

In your opinion, what activity makes a good partner for film photography? Let us know!

written by kylavillena on 2024-05-17 #people #culture #skate #gallery #skateboard #archives #petzval #lomochrome-turquoise #lomo-instant-wide #simple-use Share Article