This is an outline of my Creativity + presentation earlier this year:

Skateboarding has enabled me to become a better photographer.

Skateboarding culture is fast, passionate, full of risk and pain; but most important, it is a culture that embraces creativity and individuality.  My complete absorption in this lifestyle during my youth gave me the tools I needed to thrive in a fast paced creative industry; here’s why:

1. Perspective
Skateboarders look at the world through a different set of eyes.  In my own work, I see and embrace unexpected angles and unique perspectives.

2. Resilience
Nobody becomes a great skateboarder without taking some slams and developing thick skin.  Each failure brings you one step closer to success.

3. Authenticity
Skateboard culture has been widely co-opted by companies who want to be “cool.”  When you are not true to yourself, and you are not coming from a place of authenticity, everyone suffers.

4. Individuality

Individuality creates style and in turn amplifies the beauty of everyday life.  Photography becomes truly magic when the subjects feel comfortable and their individuality is able to shine through.

Adaptability

Skateboarding requires a great deal of quick adaptation, along with keen balance and graceful counteractions when faced with a variety of obstacles.  Day or night, rain or shine, a good photographer can create beautiful work in any condition.

 

Tools and Tricks

A deep bag of tricks, and a hyper familiarity with one’s tools is essential for a versatile and well rounded experience when riding a skateboard.  A versatile photographer needs to have an expert touch with a wide variety of tools, as well as the creative savvy to implement unique tricks.

Creativity
Skateboarders continue to create new tricks and take skateboarding to new places. Creativity is essential for elevating your art. Here are some examples of how I have used photography as well as other mediums to build on new ideas.