Shooting Skateboarders

So this past weekend I went to the Burnside Skatepark in Portland and when I got there a couple of guys outside the park, who were skaters, said i should have something to bribe the skaters to let me take there pics. They suggested beer and weed, and other nonsense.

Is this normal? I know i can take there pic if i want to cause it is a public place but has anyone else ran into this situation?

just sounds like some skaters heckling you. i would have brushed it off and snapped away

i would have but that skatepark can be kind of sketchy and i am a photographer for a reason.

They said black label brings them gifts often

Shoot away, print a few small prints and give them out next time you're there and they'll love you forever. You'll create friends forever and they'll defend you as well...

Sounds like they were just joking around?

No these guys were serious. So no one has run into this before? Bad idea with the crushed leaves. Good idea with your friends maybe but not people you dont know.

lennyp06 wrote in post #5845135
No these guys were serious. So no one has run into this before? Bad idea with the crushed leaves. Good idea with your friends maybe but not people you dont know.

I'd say if you're that uncomfortable w/ the park don't go there again. Getting the shot is never worth the stress that people like that can cause.

Burnside is a well known "locals only" skate park. The guys there eat, sleep, and smoke Burnside. If they don't know you then they don't want you there.

as per title..
agreed.. shoot them all!

jokkinggg

SurfKahakai wrote in post #5845648
Burnside is a well known "locals only" skate park. The guys there eat, sleep, and smoke Burnside. If they don't know you then they don't want you there.

A lot of skateparks are like that.
What I noticed is a photographer whos just a photographer wont get the same welcoming as a photographer who skates also.

Did you go to the skatepark alone though?

I'd suggest going to another skatepark and you should get better results. The Newberg park is pretty similar as far as it being a crete park and in my experiences there as a rider a few years ago had a friendlier group of people. Burnsides pretty sketchy. Go there with a buddy, or someone who's a local if you are really interested in pursuing a shoot at that park.

I would never go to Burnside if I weren't a local or didn't travel with a local.

places like Burnside and FDR (in philly) are pretty hardcore... I myself never have a problem shotting at these places... but then again i'm scarier lookin then most of the locals...lol... I would hang out with your camera, dont hang back to far as to not look like some weirdo taking candied shots... I also wouldnt try setting up remotes, just shoot with a hand held corded flash... you will get the vibe if its cool after a few shots... never ask "can I take you photo"... thats just creepy, at least in the skateboard world.... most time after taking a few shots, some of the better dudes will some times jocky to start doing better moves to show off.... even the coolest guys like to have there photo taken... I have only once been ask not to take someones photo.... it was Chris Cole , that little @#$@* .... and after watching him fall 1000 time trying the same sh*t over and over I seen why he didnt want me to.... lol.... so anyway go shoot those punks...

HauntFreaks wrote in post #5852617
places like Burnside and FDR (in philly) are pretty hardcore... I myself never have a problem shotting at these places... but then again i'm scarier lookin then most of the locals...lol... I

That helps in a LOT of situations! I rarely have people tell me 'No, you can't take pictures...' :p

Thanks everyone. Burnside sounds like it is not a good place to practice skate shots, and I think what I will do is just practice at a smaller skate park and then build up some confidence and go shoot burnside.

Growing a beard and throwing in some earrings prob isnt a bad idea either. Maybe put my hair in dreads? Haha