Anthony Acosta Interview

So as I started to shoot skating one of the first photographers that caught my eye was Anthony. He was also one of the first photographers I went to with the idea of getting up on the blog. Never having done this before I was not sure what to expect, but Anthony came back with a real chill and positive vibe. I look forward to our paths crossing one day but until then...Thanks for all your feed back and willingness to help with this post. I know when and if I ever get posed the question, "who inspires you?" my answer will be first and foremost Mr. Acosta.

Christian

C: Name, age, location, occupation.
A: Anthony Acosta Jr, age 30, Norwalk, Ca, Photographer.

C: I saw your Mag minute on the skateboard mag site, you rip. How did photography find its way to you?
A: I've been skateboarding for a little over 20 years, I was sponsored for a while and was around a lot of skate photographers all the time. I always thought it was the raddest job one could have. I ended up assisting a good friend on photo shoots for a while, and he taught me the basics and gave me my first camera. That was the birth of my photo career.

C: Do you travel much and are you a fan of traveling?
A: I travel often and I love it! I've been blessed to have traveled the world through my job. My favorite spot traveled so far is Nicaragua

C: When you set out to get your work published was that difficult?
A: Fortunately I started out shooting my friends who happened to be top professional skateboarders like Danny Garcia and Daewon Song. Once I had decent photos of these guys, their sponsors always needed photos of them for ads, and that's how I got my first photos published.

C: Self taught, schooling, internships, or some blend?
A: My friend and photographer Joe Toreno taught me the basics, like how to work a camera and stuff like that. But everything else I kinda picked up on my own.

C: When you are not shooting skating what is your favorite thing to shoot?
A: When I'm not shooting skating, my favorite thing to shoot is my family. I have soo many photos of my wife and 17 month old mini me! I love taking their picture!

C: What is the worst, and the best thing about doing a shoot in your opinion?
A: The best thing is that every shoot is different, whether it be locations, subjects, or ideas, hardly any two shoots are the same. The worst part of a shoot could be getting kicked out by security, getting to a spot that's skate proofed, or someone getting injured trying to get a photo.

C: Film, digital or both?
A: Mostly digital, but I just got a Leica M6 that I've been super into for personal stuff!

C: Any photographers you look up to out there?
A: Seu Trinh, Mike O'Meally, Brian Gaberman, Jon Humphries, Atiba, Grant Brittain

C: Advice you might give to aspiring photographers?
A: Advice for someone trying to shoot skateboarding would be to know skateboarding first. You can tell by the photographs if someone really knows skateboarding or not, its very transparent. Same concept applies to a lot of photography.

C: If your not doing it now what would be a dream gig?
A: Working for a travel magazine of some sort. Or a gourmet food judge :)

C: Thanks a ton for your time and for fielding my questions. Any shout outs as the curtain falls on our little interview?
A: Thanks to all the people that have let me take their photo and to my family that puts up with my long hours in the streets. I Also thank Jesus for opening doors for me to be able to do what I love as a job, I am very very very very fortunate.

Art Attack

The kids over at 621 assembled some bands and some art then put em' together to create Art Attack. This event was a great opportunity for some local artists to get their work out and in front of the public. Another note worthy happening was the release of the newest Skidmark zine. Mike and his team are killing it and the mag is very worthy of some attention. The over all vibe was chill and the night was definitely fun. I managed to snag some snaps and network with some folks to help with fresh content on the blog. Check out the photos and stay tuned for artists and photographers who I met at the event. Art, tunes, skating , and good times...big thanks to all those who make it possible!


Christian

Augie Johansen Interview

Give it up for gingers!! I have known Augie for about 2 yeas now and I am always impressed with how a dude keeps it down and continues to show skills on the board. A man who has direction and drive. Lets all watch as August kills the scene with out most people notating and when it all goes down folks will say..."Hey I knew that dude!"

Christian

C: Name, age, location, occupation

A: Augie Reed Johansen, 15, Albany California, hesher

C: How long have you been putting in work on a shred stick?

A: I have just started my fourth year of shredding

C: Most folks who meet you are shocked at your age...you are good cuz why?

A: Probably because I've been pushin it and never stopped trying hard and always have the need to get something new

C: Skate camp huh? I'm jealous! Gimme your best camp story.

A: Hahahaha well it would probably have to be the time when we were walking into our group's cabin and we saw this crazy looking bug run across the floor and out of pure reaction my friend stomped on it hella hard and squashed it, turns out it was a super poisonous spider and that we were really lucky that he squished it before it got into our sleeping bags

C: You are going again this year what do you hope to get done on this tour?

A: I really just want to have it be my highlight of my summer and just have a great time! Oh yeah and I want to get front blunts.

C: Ok so let me hear the dream sponsor line up.

A: Any Deluxe boards, Thunder, Spitfire, Fourstar, Swiss bones, and ADIDAS! they're the best

C: If you had to pick...skating or chickas?

A: Goodness that is a tough question! Ummmmmm I'm gonna have to say skating because there is never drama with skating

C: Gimmie the skinny on being a red head.

A: Being a redhead is my biggest pride! I honestly don't see anything wrong with it. Did you know that only like 5% of people are red head and the amount is shrinking! Best advice for all the haters is enjoy while you can!

C: Your fave place to skate right now?

A: Anywhere and everywhere! It also depends on what kind of mood I'm in whether its heshin the gnar or gettin tech on a ledge, I'm really liking the Emeryville ledge and the Berkeley park will always be the best

C: Any tattoos in the near future?

A: I want to get roll forever on my wrists and at some point I want to get a big silhouette of the golden gate bridge on my back, and I want to get a pool with a skeleton doing a boneless in the deep end. That would be rad!

C: Where do you see your skating in 3 years?

A: I honestly have no idea, I just know that if I'm still skating (which I will be) I've been super content with my life so far, I'll be a senior so I'll still be around here unless something pops off.

C: Word up homie thanks for your time. Any shout outs as we wrap this up?

A: No problem, I just want to say thanks to my mom, Randall, Peter, Ari, and all of the people I skate and hang with, you are the ones that make it enjoyable.

Rob Collins Interview

Out hunting for the next interview on flickr. Looking with a sharp eye and being patient...what's that over there? Keep an eye on this one, ok now's my chance! "Click, Bang". Got em'. Young buck Rob Collins is the next victim on the blog. I stand next to my trophy with a satisfied grin on my face...ah the thrill of the hunt.

Christian

C: Name, age, location, occupation
R: Rob Collins, 16, Longmeadow Mass, Graphic - Website designer and Skateboard photographer.

C: How long have you been shooting skaters?
R: About 2 1/2 years

C: I see you work with some folks and have some published work. How did those connections come about?
R: I've had a few published photos in the past and I'm working on some more. Bill Tomlin from Topic East Coast mag has helped me out a lot. I look forward to continue working with Bill on Topic East Coast. Big ups to Bill!

C: Formal training or pick it up and get it on?
R: Pick it up and get it on!!

C: Any folks/photographers provide inspiration out there?
R: Yes, Hendrik Herzmann's work is really sick. also Arron Smith is amazing.

C: When your not shooting skating what is your fave thing to shoot?
R: People and Places

C: Are you traveling much to get content?
R: I try to travel as much as I can to shoot but sometimes it doesn't always work out. But when I do travel I usually come back with a photo I'm hyped on.

C: Best thing about going on a shoot?
R: Seeing my friends having fun and ripping at the same time.

C: Worst thing about going on a shoot?
R: Setting up all my gear just to be kicked out 3 minutes later.

C: A piece of photography equipment you can't live with out?
R: My whole bag haha. I have it on me at all times. But if I had to pick one, it'd be my vivitar 285 HV flashes.

C: Film or digital or both?
R: Digital 100%.

C: Thanks for your time Rob, I really appreciate you fielding my questions. Any shout outs as we finish this up?
R: No thank you Christian. Id like to thank Mom, Dad, Dan & Frank @ Theory, Matt Hood @ Gifted Threads, Bob @ ipath. Nate Greenwood, Nate Plumb, John Santaniello, Brendan O'Connor, Bill Tomlin, Joey D, Stevie Wheeler, Brett Richard, Bill Colburn, Dave Durfey, and everyone from western mass I'm forgetting I couldn't have gotten anywhere without any of you!!