I had lunch in Auburn today with a friend who suggested that I might find the Sierra landscape views I sought at the American River Canyon Overlook Park. I did get a few there but despite the brilliant blue of the sky, it was hazy in the direction of the Sierras and the majestic views I thought I’d find were pretty blah. As I returned to my car, I noticed a concrete wall and some skateboarders. It drew my attention and I discovered a skateboard park there.
I have wanted to photograph skateboarders since I started my blog last year. I have always thought it would be the perfect venue to practice stopping motion. I watched for a while, then asked a few of the guys there if they minded if I took some photos. They were all very polite and friendly and didn’t object and were pleased that I didn’t ask them to pose. In addition to the daredevil moves, I thought the shadows really made these photos spectacular.
I don’t know skateboarding lingo. A quick Google search turned up a couple of possibilities for the move I photographed this afternoon, “air” and “ollie,” although neither one may be correct. I chose to believe that James, the skater I photographed, was doing an “ollie” because I like “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free” for the blog post title better than “Air Force One.” So, James, if you remembered my blog’s name, and you are able find it, please comment and let me know what move you were doing in this photo. I forgot to ask you. And, thanks again for letting me photograph you today.
The first and the third photos were taken a fraction of a second apart. The middle photo was from a previous jump but I loved the shadows in this one and thought it would make an acceptable transition shot between the two and it is my favorite shot from today.
All photos:
Focal Length 200mm
ISO 100
f/10
1/500
Cropped