Skateboard Photographer Gage Hellyer

It happens pretty often that I just discover a couple of really good skate photographs and I contact the photographer to ask if he/she wants to be involved with the United Skateboard Photography Project. And that’s exactly how easy it was with Gage Hellyer – here’s his project member page!

Where are you currently located / living?
Currently living in Phoenix, AZ.

Skater: Aaron Jaws Homoki – kickflip transfer

How old are you and how long have you been involved with photography?
I’m 25 and I’ve been shooting for 9 years.

What type of camera do you shoot with?
I’m currently shooting with the camera I started out with, a Nikon d40. I absolutely love the electronic shutter, and being able to sync my flashes over 1/500th. Never had any troubles with it other then iso issues in low light situations. I also use a Nikon D2H for my sequence shots. I’ve caught a film bug lately so I’ve been shooting a lot with my Bronica SQ-A a bunch.

Skater: Bryan Bourgeois – Back Noseblunt Seatbelt

What is your favorite photography accessory other than your camera?
I’m going to have to go with my skyports.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
My 50mm 1.8. It’s just so fast and diverse.

What makes a skate photograph original and unique: basically what is your idea of a good photo?
Straight to point. Good framing and good lighting can really go a long way.

Skater: Blue Headey – switch 50-50

Name the first photographer that comes to your mind and why?
Matt Price! His photos are in my opinion the most innovative. He really never sticks to one style of photography, he can do something completely different and execute it really well.

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about skateboard photography?
I would have to say which spot we want to skate on a day to day basis. In Arizona, the spots are always changing, getting knobbed or skate blocked.

References you have in skateboarding
Thrasher Magazine (Editorial)
Footprint Insoles (Ad; Poster)
Bones Wheels (poster)
Creature Skateboards (Ad; online)
PS118 Magazine (Editorial)
Jart Skateboards (Ad)
Smooth Talk Stuff Co.

Skater: Aaron Jaws Homoki – Kickflip