Interview by Zach Moeller.

When did you start shooting photos? And what inspired you to start shooting film?

Since I started skateboarding, I always wanted to record it, being influenced by the skateboarding videos I was watching. I was hanging out with older guys who got video cameras and were into editing and shooting photos. It was only years after I started skateboarding that I got my first camera. I was probably 18.

Do you remember how your first roll of film turned out once it was developed?

Yeah I remember the first roll of film I shot. It was from a compact camera that I got for my birthday right before a trip with friends, and I got this overwhelming desire to fix these memories on something material.

Do you develop your own film? What’s that process like?

After shooting the first couple rolls I was immediately interested in the development process. I liked the idea of doing everything myself without anyone seeing it or involved in it. The process is in two main steps; developing the picture, and fixing it into the film so light won’t affect it anymore. It’s chemical reactions.

Do you always have your camera on hand when you go out skating?

I don’t have my camera all the time when I go out skating, it depends what “mode” I am in. If I go out to try a trick I wouldn’t bring it to be focused only on my skating. When I’m on a trip I always have it though.

Has traveling inspired you to shoot or did you already enjoy shooting photos before you began traveling the world?

Traveling is a big part of my inspiration. I never shot pictures before I started traveling and because I have a bad memory I thought that it would be an easy way to remember things.

What camera are you using?

I have a couple of cameras, but I like the compact one that you can use without focusing to capture the immediate moment.

What type of subjects are your favorite to shoot?

I don’t have specifics that I like to shoot more. It’s just stuff that I think could look cool or interesting while I’m shooting. The main subjects are the streets, friends, and moments I live.

Do you always shoot in black and white?

I mostly shoot in black and white because the developing process is easier than the color, and like I said I want to do everything myself. I’m not ready to play with the “color film world” yet, and I have a lot of things to explore in black and white. 

The cover and Eastern Europe article you shot in issue #47 were sick. How often do you shoot skating?

It’s pretty rare that I’m shooting skate pictures. I like what gravitates all around it.

Are there any photographers who inspire you?

I’m really into Japanese photography, so Takuma Nakahira or Tamiko Nishimura are the ones coming to mind right now. Also the contemporary photographers Todd Hido, Paul Graham, and Daisuke Yokota. 

How many zines have you put out and what makes you want to keep putting them out? 

I think I’ve done eight zines so far. I like having something in my hands and the whole process of producing something is interesting, and you learn something about yourself in a way.

What was up with that slam in the “Boom” clip on that huge hubba?

I went to try that trick three times and tried only four or five times each because I was too scared. I was close and didn’t want to come back because I was thinking about it too much, and I wanted to get it out of my head. I went all in on that one, but I didn’t lock in. Since the top of the ledge isn’t straight I slipped out.