Skate Park Photography; Need some advice.

[Sandskimmernewbie]

Hey all! I have recently gotten into photography (Got a Nikon D50 w/ 18-55mm and a 70-300mm lens) and I was wondering just how to go about getting shots of guys skating (Trick skating) in skateparks. I went the other day, but I am only 13 and most are 16-18 and, though I hate to admit it, are a little intimidating. Coming from a skaters point of view (Because I know some of you skate), what would be the best way to go about taking photos? Stay sort of out of site, or sort of direct them?

Basically, if someone you didn't know came into the skatepark without a skateboard and just a camera, would you want that person to be out of your way or have him trying get really good shots when he is close up and talking to you about tricks and stuff, and telling you what he wants shots of?

Finally, should I get like e-mail adresses to send out some photos? Or what?

Thanks!

[Luff]

You should probably ask them before you try to take pictures. You'll have to be up close and if you're there without them knowing, they'll probably get pissed. Just go talk to them.

[skimminOB]

i agree with luff, and i think about the skating thing just bring a deck and skate a little bit and get to know the guys that way and then be like, hey yeah i'm sort of getting into photography, do you think i could like practice taking pictures while you skate? and they'll probably be just as stoked as you are because i'd definitely be like, hell yes you can.

[Sandskimmernewbie]

The only thing is I can't skate for my life...

This is the only pic I took when I was at the park. I didn't really feel like climbing the fence to get shots.

http://images20.fotki.com/v380/photos/1/1064114/4483024/D50206-vi.jpg

[Luff]

Definately gonna have to get inside to take pictures.

Some guys owuld probably be stoked if you got good pics and offered to send them. Just ask.

[Sandskimmernewbie]

Yeah, I will. Should I show them the pics after I take them from display on the back if they are good? Or what?

[Walruz996]

You have to climb the fence to get in the park?

[flskimboarder]

ya go ask. and they'll probably be like heres my email or you can give them a link to whatever you are going to use to host and they can check them out. and get there names or something so you can put there names on the pic maybe. they'll probably be stoked to get pics for they're myspace.

[Walruz996]

they'll probably be stoked to get pics for they're myspace.

haha, Most of the time when I take photos at the beach I email the people the pictures and show them, always hear a few, "New myspace pics!" or "this is going right on myspace!"

[Scrub]

me and my friends love when someone takes pics. We are probably more friendly to kids with cameras than anyone else in the park. We are more than willing to hit spots where a guy will film us. Once you get over the initial fear of introducing yourself, you will be the most popular guy in the park!

[Sandskimmernewbie]

Alright, so now I know I probably won't get mugged. Thats always good.

"You have to climb the fence to get in the park?"

Not usually, they just closed it down for the winter, and we had a rediculously warm day and they got lazy and didn't open it. So I am assuming they just climed the fence to get in.

Haha, I loved the myspace comment. My friend is always like "Lets take myspace pics." I don't really get it because what is the difference between "myspace pics" and regular pics? Meh, don't even try to explain.

Anyway, it is good to know VictoriaScrub that you guys generally like photographers. How do they usually go about introducing themselves? Like shake your hand or something? Because I thought that might be a little weird...

[witness]

http://www.askmen.com/money/successful/Gifs/05a_success.gif

There are many repulsive handshakes, the wet one probably being the worst handshake around, so try to keep your palms dry. People get nervous, especially before an interview, so just remember to keep your hands dry and wipe your sweaty palms.
Here are two tips in order to keep your hands dry.
1. Wash your hands before going to the interview and keep your palms open until the time comes to shake hands with the employer. Make sure not to close your fists, because that's what generates the heat and sweat.
2. Wipe your hands before the handshake. Carry a Kleenex to wipe your hands, as this will help you absorb the excess moisture and allow you to give a dry handshake.

http://www.askmen.com/money/successful/Gifs/05c_success.gif

I am sure this happened to you before. Someone takes your four fingers, not allowing you to really lock your hand with theirs, and then squeezes your hand hard. That is really frustrating and should be avoided. This can happen easily when rushed or simply by accident. My advice to you is to apologize and ask the person for a second handshake. It might sound awkward, but people actually remember this and will appreciate the respect derived from a real quality handshake.
http://www.askmen.com/money/successful/Gifs/05d_success.gif

This type of handshake is classic. You know how guys and their egos are; they have to be the strongest male around. Some guys really like to squeeze your hand as if it was a lemon. Don't get me wrong, I like a sturdy handshake, but it has to be comfortable to the receiver to some degree. Just save your testosterone for the gym and moderate your grip.
http://www.askmen.com/money/successful/Gifs/05e_success.gif

These days, people need a manual to decode some of those weird handshakes. I see kids twiddling, slapping, clicking, and dancing with their fingers, and they actually consider these handshakes. Please grow up and be men. No more hocus pocus; a simple, firm handshake, will do fine. A handshake is a very simple gesture, but can be a determining factor in interviews and social gatherings. Just make sure you firmly shake the person's hand and look at them straight in the eye. This is a simple, yet effective tip which will hopefully allow you to make a great first impression.

just give a skater one of these and ask them if they mind being photographed. god google has everything

[jake]

i took pics of skating for an assignment. fucking easiest 75 dollars ever. im really shy, so i kinda hung back until they noticed me and then i went up to them and explained what was going down. they were so stoked

[Sandskimmernewbie]

Haha witness, you think google has everything... Try Cha Cha. Lol!

[ballen]

what i do is i go in with a couple of my friends and start taking pictures of them and if there is anyone else there that is really doing a good job then i take a couple shots of them. after i take a couple of shots of them i'll go show them the shot if its good or they'll come up to me and ask if i got a good shot.

just go in there and introduce yourself to couple of kids on that mini and ask them if you can take some pictures of them skating. they'll more than likely say yes.

[sloskimmer]

Just go up and ask if they'd mind if you shot some photos of them. I'm always happy when college student ask to take pictures for school. Just ask them for their email address and send them to them.

[dlux]

My question is: Why did you drop that kind of cash on camera equipment before figuring out where to shoot and how to approach people? Should have practiced with a lower budget set up. And also, at 13 years old, where did you get that kind of money?

[Sandskimmernewbie]

My question is: Why did you drop that kind of cash on camera equipment before figuring out where to shoot and how to approach people? Should have practiced with a lower budget set up. And also, at 13 years old, where did you get that kind of money?

I had a lower budget set-up... A Nikon CoolPix 990. It was my mom's old camera, and that is where I got into photography. I got sick of it after 2 years and decided to get a D50. Anyway, I got the D50 for chirstmas (The lenses came from my grandparents, though) as my only present, basically. Oh, and I knew how to take shots, I just never really tried portrait photography because people bore me. I just decided that it might be fun to try and take some skate shots.

[dlux]

Ah, well, thats tight your parents hooked you up with a gift like that. Just make sure you put it to good use at the beach and show everyone shots.

[Sandskimmernewbie]

Yeah, its pretty sweet. This summer ill bring some surf/skim shots. Though unfortunetly the waterproof housing is twice as much as the camera, so I will have to buy that myself, lol.

Off to mow lawns! Haha.

[Richard]

i have done photography for skateboarders (not only friends of mine, also complete strangers)

and the thing is
go to them
tell 'em you like their riding and if they're cool with you taking pictures of it.

most of the guys wíll be stoked about it

good luck!

[Scrub]

if your holding a camera don't worry bout the handshake, just throw some compliments out and ask to shoot. they will be super pumped.

[skimminOB]

have you taken any pictures yet? post them up when you do man