Location: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, under I95
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5 comments:
Nice examples of a very specific "youth" culture. I don't think images like these are limited to American (I assume you mean North "American") culture. Beautiful light on the top image and I love how in the second he blends in as if he wouldn't belong anywhere else.
I am surprised at how much I enjoy these. I really like how the environment is chaotic, yet you have made it seem flat and somewhat orderly. Maybe these have have been seen a million times over by skateboarders and skateboarder photographers, but knowing that it was you who took them (and assuming that it was a bit out of your element) they appear fresh and new. I really like the bottom one the best...it is a great example of the subject fitting in and pretty much becoming part of his environment.
As similar as these are, I see two very different images. In the bottom image-- the light is exceptional, but not enough to get me past some basic graffiti and a somewhat typical skateboard scene. Its not a bad image, but I would never expect to see this anywhere outside a boarding magazine (where it would go very nicely). The idea of the person merging with the environment, as others have mentioned, is true. And while these details elevate it above your average skateboarding photo, it stills pales next to the top image. The first photograph takes everything wonderful and raw and exuberant about the merge of these cultural identifiers-- graffiti, clothing, a sport and the lifestyle it implies-- and builds from there. The drastic shadows create a kind of spotlight centered on the wall, highlighting the subject. And in those shadows are those two great shapes of fellow boarders/audience, sitting on the horizon of this abstract, layered stage. Thats what makes this more than a skateboarding photograph.
These feel almost like paintings to me. I'm sure that has alot to do with the graffiti and what not, but yeah, these are very interesting.
I don't think it matters to know that this is out of your element accept for the fact that I think you really did much better than photographers who's element this is. I don't know how much you know about skate boarding you seem more aware and conscious of your surroundings then most people who only photograph this do. again maybe I'm rambling but they just seem to say... understanding. Interesting and great job. I was really surprised to see your subject!
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