Teen Boarders

[TwistedGray]

Headed out to the local skatepark just after work planning to get a few pictures before the sun went down. A bunch of teens just got out of school and none of them were Tony Hawk'n it, but it was okay...

70-200 2.8IS
1

2

3


8mm Sigma Fisheye
4

5

[FlyingPhotog]

I like where you're going with these...

If you don't mind, can I ask what may seem like an odd question...?

How old are you? If under 25, never mind. But in the off chance you're pushing gray beard status (I'm nearly 48 ), do you get funny looks if you roll up at the local skate park and just want to shoot?

We have both a skate park and a bike park that are (I've read) pretty world class and I'd love to shoot at both but I'm concerned about the ramifications of being an "old dude" with a camera shooting youngsters.

I don't want to get in trouble and I don't wan't to bum anyone out who's having fun.

Thanks in advance if you'd care to comment.

[namasste]

I know its not directed at me but I feel qualified to answer so Ill chime on in. I'll start by saying I'm 41, I ride (leaving tomorrow morning to go ride Woodward) and shoot (with Bestwick tomorrow if he's feeling up to it). Skateparks have a pretty bizarre subculture and some can be quite welcoming and others downright scary, even as a rider, if you are intruding in a locals only type spot (Burnside is a prime example). Best bet is to go the first time with someone local. Even shooting kids, it'll help to have the presense of someone who is known and trusted around the park. Its great practice but most of these kids don't have two nickels to rub together so don't expect much in the way of sales. If you do want to get trusted, tell the kids (and parents if they are there) that you'll take a few shots and get them to them next time you are at the park. Bring a few 5x7 prints and hand em out and I think you see the mood swing your way quickly. After that you may get some parents to buy something. The only time I have ever made money shooting action sports is when its for an event (Gravity Games, Dew Tour and the like) but you are usually shooting for an athlete or outlet then so its different. I guess the bottom line is that I would not just show up and start firing off shots unless you know the kids or are with a local. As I said, all parks are different so maybe its pretty loose near you, but better safe than sorry. If you do just show up, talk to the kids and let them know your story. Many are aspriing shooters too so I'd even suggest talking to them about it and maybe even offering to give a few tips. Again, just build some trust before doing your thing. Hope that is helpful...from one old guy to another (and trust me, unless I am throwing it down, the kids never let me forget how old I really am!)

Originally Posted by FlyingPhotog

I like where you're going with these...

If you don't mind, can I ask what may seem like an odd question...?

How old are you? If under 25, never mind. But in the off chance you're pushing gray beard status (I'm nearly 48 ), do you get funny looks if you roll up at the local skate park and just want to shoot?

We have both a skate park and a bike park that are (I've read) pretty world class and I'd love to shoot at both but I'm concerned about the ramifications of being an "old dude" with a camera shooting youngsters.

I don't want to get in trouble and I don't wan't to bum anyone out who's having fun.

Thanks in advance if you'd care to comment.

[FlyingPhotog]

Scott,

Increadibly helpful, thanks very much.

[DannyLongIsland]

I miss Woodward. What a great spot. Have fun!

[TwistedGray]

I just go out and fire away, moving from area to area...usually the guys there are in groups so one will be like "You shooting for a magazine or something" and I reply "Yeah, of course" then laugh and tell them No, just out shooting for fun.

I am young though, 23, but look like I belong in High School with these guys. The good skaters should be out tomorrow, I hope.

I never run into any issues with parents and any of the skaters either. The park is right next to the school so typically they leave school, skate, go home...

[namasste]

Originally Posted by BronxFireGuy

I miss Woodward. What a great spot. Have fun!

Got some riding and shooting with Bestwick and Kagy BUT will be going for xrays tomorrow...grrrrr 270 transfer that I stomped a left foot on and it just stayed put while the rest me, well, didn't. Woodward owns though so hopefully I'll heal fast.

[leitch]

Originally Posted by namasste

Got some riding and shooting with Bestwick and Kagy BUT will be going for xrays tomorrow...grrrrr 270 transfer that I stomped a left foot on and it just stayed put while the rest me, well, didn't. Woodward owns though so hopefully I'll heal fast.

That's what happens when you try to mix it with the pros, old man! I look forward to seeing some of your shots of Jamie, Scott. Enough of that basketball stuff!

[namasste]

Originally Posted by leitch

That's what happens when you try to mix it with the pros, old man! I look forward to seeing some of your shots of Jamie, Scott. Enough of that basketball stuff!

yeah, no kidding, my heart's on two wheels unfortunately my butt wasn't! They make everything look soooooo easy, I told Jamie it was his fault.

[DannyLongIsland]

That sucks dude, my last trip there(years ago) I had a similar run in with a 360 over the mini spine in the old outdoor street course. (If it's even still there). Good luck and feel better!

[Agnu]

Take it from someone who grew up in skateparks; don't just rock up and shoot. Not only are all the bowls that I grew up around very local only, but they're also safe havens for junkies and drug dealers. Know what happens when you point that big white thing in the direction of someone who sells Meth for a living? It will get very ugly very fast. If you're going to go shoot at a random skatepark, take a skateboard/bike, roll around for a while, hand out durries to some of the locals and eventually once someone lands something say to them "That was fair sick aye, reckon I could shoot it by any chance? Yeah i'm a photographer etc. etc.". Most guys will be cool about that.

Ciggarettes are the most social thing you can do at a skatepark. Nearly everyone there will smoke and nobody there can afford them. If you spark a durry, you'll have about 10 people around you in 5 minutes asking if they can scab one. If you give someone a durry chances are they're going to sit there and smoke it with you...that's when you start conversation.

Remember that these places have a very strict set of guidelines etc., something as simple as dropping in before another dude who was getting ready can get you a punch in the head, especially if you're unlocal. Then again i'm talking purely on Australian skateparks from working class areas of Sydney and other pretty dodgy places, so i'm not sure what it's like in America.

As for the photos, #3 and #5 are the only two which are pretty good. Skateboard photography is very different to anything else you'll ever shoot, but it's also very similar once you work it out. Utilise multiple slave flashes and fisheye lenses. Telephotos and standard lenses have an awesome place in Skateboard photography but compositionally speaking it's much easier to get a good Skate shot with a fisheye than a standard lens. Biggest tip is framing - make sure you get the runup, landing and object of focus in the photo. Make sure you get the entire skater in the the shot, including his board, body, feet, head, arms etc. Also don't pan with them, find what they're going to be doing the trick on, get it on f/5.6-8 so that you have a bit of room to move DOF wise and shoot from there. Timing is the most important thing, on flip tricks you want to get the catch, on ollie/grab tricks you want the peak of the air.

If you need any more advise you can PM me .

[TwistedGray]

I need skaters who have skills!

The last time I showed up on a Sat there were a few guys in the bowls who were okay; I was hoping for the same thing but not so last weekend.

It's quite a local city and a few guys have seen me out there before and I sent some of the kids pictures for their myspace pages, etc. It's more family-friendly at this park them some other parks here. PLUS I drive an ex-cop-car which is always the ice breaker when I walk into the park

I miss Australia; I was there a few months ago for two weeks (on motorcycle)

[TwistedGray]

I tried to get away from the fisheye and away from some of the typical shots you see. I wanted to utilize the telephoto lens. I think I did an okay job but still need to improve.