The Headless Skateboarder, a photo from Utah, Ouest

Photographer's Note

I was amazed at just how much of a conscious recognition I had while taking pictures during this visit back home…I realized just how much inspiration and influence so many of you now have over my decisions looking through the lens. For fear of inadvertently omitting anyone from acknowledgment in that regard, I won’t mention any names as I go through this series…but I’m guessing it’s a safe bet that you’ll be able to pick out certain TE members who would have a big impact on my composition, perspective, subject matter, lighting, etc. That being said, ‘thanks’ to all for helping me improve upon my passion for photography.

Now this picture is not something I normally would have attempted, I generally try to avoid as many people as possible…especially when it comes to one’s in motion!? I was taking pictures of the shop next door, and old family favorite popcorn & candy store from my childhood which has been closed now since about the mid 80’s. Anyway, this guy and his friends were using the small, paved incline to jump and perform skateboarding tricks…and in doing so, they kept flying into my shots.

I was annoyed at first, but then thought I’d get a little out of my comfort zone and see if I could possibly make something out of their activities. Out of the eight or so tries I made, this was about the only one that came out decent enough to post…and it just so happened at the point where his head had “disappeared.” Little punks!! :)

Thanks for stopping by.

mirosu, daddo, macjake, krzychu30, timecapturer, ikeharel, ikeharel, Cricri, worldcitizen, KristinsCamera trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

mirosu (16313) 2013-08-13 4:40

Hi Jason,
I love this street snapshot. You have captured two excellent elements, the man jumping on skateboard, in full concentration on his activity without noticing the beautiful girl watching him. Second element is the girl herself. Now the viewer can guess, is she a friend of that man and watching his performance or is she just a pacer by and waiting until he finish his dangerous jump. Who knows? Greetings Miro

Sergiom (117241) 2013-08-13 5:21

Bonjour Jason,

J'ai bien l'impression que l'on va finir par le voir à drôle de vidéos bientôt. Il n'est qu'un accident qui attend d'arriver. Au moins , l a une spectatrice attentive , à moins qu'elle ne soit une infirmière.

Amicalement

Serge

daddo (28730) 2013-08-13 5:25

Hi Jason. A funny one, even the young woman seems amused. Catchy title and no horse in sight.I like this momentary glimpse into someone's life so far away. Regards. Klaudio.

Nicou (193806) 2013-08-13 7:55

Hello

quel captage et compo sueprbe en pleine action dans lea aire au-dessus du skate quelle vue et compo génial déclenchement au bon moment.
Bravo et amitié
Nicou

No_One (4) 2013-08-13 10:49

Hi Jason,
Headless horsemen, check
Headless ghosts, check
Headless skaters....that's a new one! Cool though, its a good effect and the girl who is watching him does have a look of mild surprise as if she too is not to familiar with this particular breed of headless folk! Its a nice action shot, and you got a nice blur in the skater, enough to evoke motion, but not too much that he is unrecognizable, all while getting the rest of the frame crystal clear. I do appreciate the shot, as I tried to do something similar with skaters in Dublin a few months back and the results were atrocious!

Nicely placed popcorn sign too!
All the best
Noel

mehranjahangiri (347) 2013-08-13 11:29

dear Jason,
true moment and suitable composition.
it is a nice photo.

best wishes,
Mehran Jahangiri.

EstudioChispa (2182) 2013-08-13 12:07

Jason...
The silhouette skater form is classic, and if his head had been up, his form would have been wrong (says me, who hasn't been on a skateboard since they quit using metal wheels). The outstretched arms are enough -- and the great air between his feet and his board is PERFECT! If this is one keeper from 8 attempts, as we have discussed before, that is a good batting average!
Your note intrigues me -- as an observer of sign art (we have a friend who is a serious sign artist!), you say Popcorn has been closed for 25 years or more? That sign has held up quite well.
I also notice the "Graffiti Overpaint Gray" color on the wall -- the battle between merchants and taggers goes on!
And of course, the blonde... girlfriend waiting for their date? older sister stuck with watching the kid brother? I love a foto that lets you write a story, or at least make up some lies!
Best regards,
Russ
Austin, Texas

macjake (97756) 2013-08-13 19:10

Hi Jason
its always fun to go home again and re-live these scenes. What amazed me is how everything seemed to Shrink!!!
For example, the playground i played on as a child. When i re-visited it in my 20's I was in complete SHOCK at how tiny the swings were lol !!!!!!!
I can still remember thinking at the time as a child how dangerous it seemed to be lol

When looking at this scene here, i find myself scanning the entire image. Lots to keep me interested.
looking at the architecture, it seems to be at least 30 or 40 years old?
and that popcorn storefront looks really interesting, i bet it was cool when you were a kid.
speaking of which...cool shot :)
cheers
craig

fabbs99 (17179) 2013-08-13 23:15

Hello Jason,

Great action shot.You pressed the shutter at the right time.Well done.TFS.

Cheers
Farhat

emka (153890) 2013-08-13 23:50

hi Jason,

Avoiding as many people as possible , it is also Craig's attitude. And why?
it is the presence of this skateboarder that makes the photo. and the timing is excellent, he looks so funny in the air and without head. spectacular shot. also the girl looks interested.
Nostalgic the view of this old shop with popcorn. Must be touching for you to see it closed.
I went through salt lake City but without stop.

Warm regrads

Malgo

krzychu30 (15512) 2013-08-14 4:00

Hi Jason,
cool shot my friend!And I agree with Malgo,the presence of the skateboarder and the women makes the scene.They both are perfectly placed in the frame and also perfectly timed.Nice to see how she admire him and his skills.And the skateboarder-well in this pose(with hidden head)he looks like a main character from Sleepy Hollow movie:)

Have a nice day
Krzysztof

timecapturer (49288) 2013-08-14 6:01

Hi Jason
nice action shot and one that is original, intriguing and has visual impact. It is always daunting going outside of your comfort zone but this is a great result, so was worthwhile. It is certainly an image of daily life, not just in the US but here in the UK too where being a kid seems to extend right the way up to about age 45 nowadays! One of the guys I work with has just had the plaster removed from his broken ankle after attempting a skateboard manoeuvre!! Me - I can easily fall over just walking yet alone on 4 wheels
;-).

Brian.

ikeharel (109646) 2013-08-14 6:13

Good morning jason,
That's what happened to a guy who ate too much Popcorn... but I see he was admired by the blond lady.
A terific technique but dangerous one, we see this all over.
Niace taken the moment.
Ike

Cricri (176) 2013-08-14 13:22

Hi Jason
Excellente prise au moment le plus fort, a voir le WS je ne sais ou il est passé :-) mais la prise en valait la peine, j'aime l'explication sur votre note,
Belle soirée
cricri

worldcitizen (15180) 2013-08-14 17:38

Hello Jason,
I am going to choose to believe that this boy really had no head; that would make this a VERY unusual photo! LOL! Great timing on this capture. The guy is midair, and so is his skateboard, while the woman looks on but doesn't seem too impressed. :-) The old PopcorN sign on the side is another cool detail.

KristinsCamera (2384) 2013-08-14 20:32

hah!! you're missing the head and i get dinged for missing feet!! ;)
(just had to say that, jason)

well done to catch him in flight, feet off the board, arms akimbo.
and at least we can say he's not going commando ;)

actually, much as you love the popcorn place, you could even crop it tighter so that we really focus on the boarder.

nice catch!
kristin

marabu61 (11587) 2013-08-15 5:01

Hello Jason
Where indeed has his head gone... ?
I know what you mean by trying to keep out as many people as possible, but sometimes a scene can profit from some live in it, especially with movement included (just have a look at Kasia's last upload, it wouldn't be the same without movement).
But rediscovering ones own home and heritage can be a pleasant adventure as well. Me to, sometimes I enjoy to see my hometown with the eyes of the common tourist.
have a great day
Daniel

serp2000 (47063) 2013-08-16 12:09

Hi, Jason,
your note is full of nostalgic senses and it reminds me "Soldier of Fortune" song - But I feel I'm going older...
Amazing daily life scene, his expression reminds me my old post about Parkour in my city. Who is this girl on the BG? Just a viewer or his girlfriend?
Keep On Rocking!
Serghei