Christian
C: So thanks for being here, lets start with the basics. Name, place, age, and what you do.
B: Bill Tomlin, Upstate NY, and I'm a 20 year old photographer.
C: I came across you on Skate Perception. Are you new to this site?
B: Indeed I am new to the site, I joined about a week ago.
C: What brought you there?
B: I have lurked and contributed to many online forums in the past. One of my favorites, wheelsandwax was shut down due to people lack of knowledge joining by the boatloads. I came to perception to get some critiques on my work. Even though it is mainly scrutinizing sixteen year olds, I love the input, it makes me a stronger photographer.
C: Lets talk about your photography. How did you get started doing the skate stuff?
B: I have been skateboarding since seven years old, so when I picked up a camera two years back, skate photography made sense.
C: Biggest challenge when shooting skaters?
B: The filmer.. Sometimes kids land the trick and are over it before I am done setting up.
C: A fan of digital/film or both?
B: I love film, however I never shoot skating with it. Soon I will make the jump.
C: When you are not shooting skating whats your fave thing to shoot?
B: I enjoy shooting people being people, I also enjoy architecture.
C: Do you travel much?
B: I have traveled a fair amount as of late. In the last two months I have been to Philly, DC, South Jersey, Baltimore, and Suburban PA in three trips.
C: How does that treat you?
B: Traveling is always fun. I love observing the differences in culture, as subtle as they may be. Weather I am driving, all stressed out because I am not sure if I have enough gas or I am chilling in the van drinking, taking a trip with homies old and new never gets old. Also a big fan of all of the different types of architecture.
C: I have to say the Topic East Coast publication and blog are dope. What got you motivated to do that?
B: I love magazines, period. So, I thought it would be fun to make my own.
C: Are all the contributors east coast?
B: Yeah, all three of them. I met David Stuck at Manny Mania in NYC, David is a great guy who has done so much to help, he is also an amazing photographer. Rob Collins I met on a trip to Springfield, Mass. Crazy kid with serious skills on a board.
C: What is your primary means to get this mag into peoples hands?
B: It is carried by various in the north east. You can also order a copy directly from me. Order form
C: I would assume you put in some plank time?
B: If by that you mean skating, yes, some say too much..
C: Hey Bill I just want to say thanks for being on the blog and I wish you all the best on your endeavors, any shout outs as we sign off?
B: Thanks for the opportunity. I'd like to thank David Stuck, Rob Collins, Mike Hiskey@Hype, Dan Scott@Keystone, 50, DP, Harry, Sivan, Eamonn@Convoy, Drop In Skate Park, and many more..
