interview by Doozer Korri
photos by Doozer Korri

Why take pictures of yourself?
Necessity. I live in a really small scene. No shop. Handful of skaters. Limited spots. A park that’s barely there. I got my first camera and was pretty hyped, then I was like damn who’s gonna shoot me? Then I saw a Mike Manzoori photo he took of himself. I asked how he did that. He said a remote shutter in his hand. I have seen Atiba does it too. I don’t keep the remote shutter in my hand. I use the remote shutter on my phone and hit the button. I time the trick to the 10 second timer. I just didn’t like seeing a remote shutter in the picture and would definitely break it.

Why interview yourself?
When Skate Jawn blessed me with this opportunity they said it would be interesting to interview myself, since I am the skater and photographer. I thought, oh shit I’m gonna look crazier than I already do. It made me stop and say “I guess that what I’m doing is pretty unique”. I still get embarrassed about taking my own photos. On the other hand I take a lot of pride in it. I’m one of the only skaters in my town who’s out there. One of the oldest too. It’s a humbling situation to be in. I really feel honored to have even one person look at my photos let alone someone to publish them or do a feature. It’s a dream come true and a surreal experience. Life is amazing and this just proves it.

What’s shooting by yourself like?
It’s magic and tragic! I put on some crucial reggae chunes burn a spliff and let JAH do the rest. I find a higher energy and feeling in that moment. It’s like a runners high. You can’t beat inner PMA (positive mental attitude) when you get a properly proper shot. I’m obsessed with photography, skating, music, roots, and culture. A big part of doing photos by myself is what I learned from music. I work and tour with some foundation Reggae and Dub artists. It taught me about the production side of art. There is something you can’t put your finger on when you are really digging deep to make people feel your feelings through your art. There are higher powers involved in my photos and creations. One shot my necklace popped up and made the shape of a heart. My shots are not me alone. It’s a meditation for me, what I’m feeling at the moment. Good or bad. My heart, soul and mind are in every shot.

50% skater 50% photographer when you shoot?
100% skater, 100% photographer, 100% rootsman.

Importance behind the production?
Skating, music and art is a direct link to JAH. The shot in the 2025 Skate Jawn Photo Issue issue was a serious blessing and good example that JAH is real. That spot is my first street spot. To be there 30 years later and get a shot there and in print. That’s why I say GOD is a skater. It’s not a coincidence. It’s not luck.

Photographer influences?
Pricey Hot (Matt Price), Atiba Jefferson, Patrick O’ Dell, Pierre-Antonie Lalaude, O (Otis Barthoulameu) Spike Jones, Michael Burnett, Dave Swift, The Tempster (Ed Templeton).

Digital vs analog?
In music you have the exact same conversation. The choice for me is obviously new technology. The amount of money and film you wasted with old cameras is crazy. The look and feel of a film camera is unique like reel to reel tapes. It’s warm and cozy. Analog tape has a sound and film a look. I definitely see both sides of the coin, but no matter what I was offered I would stay with the latest cameras. I couldn’t take one shot without the self timer, connections, and ease. You can capture so much with a simple camera and catch nothing with a really good camera. It’s how you use it.

What’s the goal in the end?
To share the goodness of JAH through my photos. To share an artist you never heard. To inspire PMA all day in every way. I want to get local kids on boards and to help my community and skatepark. The work I do with my park, having skaters say the events we put on are some of the best times they ever had. To make sure everyone knows JAH is real and that’s my deal. Never going pro but I’m extremely thankful for the flow. Skating, snapping, and vibing. The biggest reasons for doing what I’m doing is for my friend Cody Siem who passed and the skatepark named after him which is in total disrepair. He was a real sk8rat. His memorial plaque has the words “don’t worry be happy sk8 forever” engraved. Everything in my skate life he has been a part of. I have been blessed to experience something he didn’t. Daily I go with my youngest son to look at those words. My son is a sk8rat like him and at three years old was already in print. It inspires me every second. Life is amazing. Life is sweet. There is some magic that I try to put in to every clip and shot to inspire someone.

Small Town vs Big Town?
I like a little of both. I’m blessed to get to travel and skate. Richmond I owe this feature to! I hit Venue skate shop, and my youngest son, the sk8rat he is, saw a copy of Skate Jawn. I told him we have to pay for it first. Maury the owner said “nah man its free!” A little moment meant something as meaningful as this. I saw the submission email and started sending pictures. In little cities I like that I know all the spots, and times they are busy, or seeing someone I know and chilling. Having someone text “I saw you skating” or shouting what’s up as they drive by. Can’t beat the good ole “do a kickflip”. Downside is the spots get old since it is so limited and not many people to skate with. You have to push yourself to find new inspiration. Small town syndrome. I appreciate my community and the people to the max. A little town is like your bed. Very comfortable. Big city is like a party, you might end up on the couch or floor but it was worth it.

Necessary necessities for shooting alone?
-Camera with wifi or Bluetooth connection are crucial.
-A phone or some other device to connect to your camera.
-Tripods! They are a skaters best friend. Buy a pack of them. You will smash all of them. No question.
-A weight for the tripod. One more for in front of the camera.
-Lots and lots of ganja. How much? Enough to ram jam the sensi party with rastaman. Your patience is gonna be tried. Over and over and over.
-A vest or jacket with lots of pockets. Seems simple but Neil Young said he had too many harmonicas so he had to get a jacket with lots of pockets. He is the KING of self production.
-A symphony of SD cards. Buckets and buckets of backup batteries. You’re gonna be shooting hundreds of shots sometimes. Way more than a normal photographer.

What’s your technique?
I try to get one shot, not just burst mode but it’s hard. I go between single shots and bursts depending on the situation. Rarely do I get a proper sequence. It’s hard to get the full trick in that time frame shooting alone. At night it adds even more elements of frustration and set up situations. I have a ten second timer. Being a musician helps, it’s a split second. Then I keep trying till I hit the sweet spot as far as how fast to roll up and exactly the moment I want the trick captured. It really does help my skating as far as I have to maybe hold a trick longer or style it out more. To get in that time frame of being in the shot and where I want. Always guaranteed I will have the worst skate face and have to redo it just to get another even worse skate face. If you are gonna take pictures yourself try it in places people and cars aren’t. You have to work with some limits. You’re not gonna ollie El Toro and shoot it yourself. You would probably never catch the shot. Maybe. That would be a hell of a battle, doing both.

Social media situation?
My Abuna (Priest) said technology is good in good hands. That’s what I’m about. Use what you got to promote PMA and push it all day, Everyday. In every way. I never had IG until a couple years ago. I signed up and the first person I searched was JAH Penny. I couldn’t believe it. All my inspirations in one place and very accessible. I love asking questions to photographers and skaters. It’s the reason you’re reading this. I maintain a PMA roots and culture style and push it properly. You can’t beat that PMA when your reel gets JAH Penny, Kareem, or Dae hearts. That’s real love. Even better when you get the share, follow and message! Inspiration for inspiration to the nation in every generation.

Bless ups?
JAH and the holy trinity first. Always. Nothing is possible without higher powers. My amazing family that supports me. My Empress Jahmaya holds it down like James Brown. My three youth. Sister Luna, JAH Levi and JAH Juju. Techne Skateboards, Flip, Reflex, Satori have supported my works. Chris Carter, Colin McKay to the max. All the crew in Grand Rapids and Cody Siem Skatepark. All my posse worldwide.

Last thoughts?
Skate Jawn gave me a challenge. A self evaluation. I was unsure what the outcome would be. Tons of lessons and blessings I found. This was as difficult as shooting my own photos. I feel more pride than I thought I ever could before this. More humbleness knowing a lot of people might not be able to handle the whole in your head shooting, skating, and timing. It’s not for someone who can’t multitask. It’s a lot of energy, determination and passion to shoot your own shots and be in such a small skate scene. I skate my little town every night, camera in tote, in a euphoria of excitement. Everything is for a higher purpose. Little fish, little pond where you get strong. In the place you belong. I’m thankful JAH created creation and in the foundation left man to his imagination. What a wonderful world.

Maximum blessings and respect to everyone in every aspect.