A few weeks ago my business partner and I decided to go for a skate. I left my camera for me to relax and skate for a bit. When it comes to NOT photographing, I usually don’t stick to the plan. It’s really hard for me to do so. My BlackBerry has a camera and if I see a photo opp without doubt I’m pulling it out.

If I don’t have my BlackBerry with me, which is really unusual it’s still okay because I’ve trained my eye to see though the lens without one. If I saw a frame that I would have liked to capture and I didn’t, I take a mental note and write it in my little book of big photograph ideas that I must create.

We made a late decision skate; therefore we didn’t go to MIA Skate Park because sitting in the middle of rush hour here in Miami was not an option. Instead we went to Peacock Skate Park in Coconut Grove and there I met skateboarder Kevin Jorquera.

Something I never understood was why is it so hard for people to meet people; the bottom line is that we are only people. Not to mention that some you meet has their head high up their ass but there’s even a way to get your message across to them. If you suffer from the, “I am afraid to say hello and what I am thinking symptom” it’s time to treat yourself by fighting to change it.

Writing that, I do sound a bit of a hypocrite because a few weeks ago I had taken aback losing my balls when I saw my favorite role model’s (Scott Kelby), favorite photographer, Joe McNally at Photoshop World. I said a bit of a hypocrite because I did, in a short amount of time grew more balls to go over and shake Mr. McNally’s hand and introduce myself to him. (Hello ladies )

Kevin and I made a date to photograph and made these images. What I like about shooting this skater (like most skaters) was the attitude. When I text Kevin to photograph his reply was, “Alight man just tell ask me when you ready.”

When I saw Kevin skate I could tell he live for it. The way he treated every trick, if he didn’t land a trick the way he wanted, he would get back up and practice it until he got it. The same way I treat every frame I shoot until I get that ‘POW’.

Before working with any model whether it be: a skateboarder, surfer, lifestyle model, anyone if I have the chance to (I make the chance to), I love to get to know as much about the model before we shoot. This makes them feel a bit more comfortable in front of the camera. Work becomes just another day with a camera and a friend.

I asked Kevin a few questions via text:

Q. Do you want to be come pro?

A. I want to be pro. No doubt about that.

Q. What’s your motivation?

A. My motivation is probably the joy I get from it. And learning new tricks.

One of my goals is to photograph for Magazines like Transworld Skateboarding, Thrasher and have clients such as Element, Zoo York etc. I pick us those magazines monthly to see what’s being produced and what clients are asking for. From what I observe, there’s no bullshitting with the work and that’s what I like. Knowing that, I push so hard to meet those clients needs so when I work with them it feels as natural as when I am doing it here on my own.

It was a pleasure working with a skater that pushes hard to meet his goal. I can assure you this won’t be the last time you’ll see skateboarder Kevin Jorquea here on the blog!

–

Follow Dwayne Tucker on Twitter For His Updates: Click Here

Similar Articles:

1. I Want It Badly
2. Cop Spat At Skater
3. Take The Damn Photo
4. Frequent Questions Dwayne Tucker is Asked
5. About “Meet Dwayne” and My Past Week In Photographs.