My friend Jeff and I then converted the 10-Speed bike into a single track fixed gear road bike...
"Sam DeAngelis's photography has been popping up a lot lately. If you read online rolling media than you've seen his work shooting the NY and NJ scene. Want to know more about him? So did we, so we checked in, and Sam delivered this nice little interview along with some exclusive shots!"
As seen on...
http://be-mag.com/article/1317-Checking-in-with-Photographer-Sam-DeAngelis#comments
Interview by Ben Murphy
WHO ARE YOU? HOW OLD? WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Sam DeAngelis, 24, and I was born and raised in Florham Park, New Jersey. I am currently self-employed as a Freelance Photographer and Illustrator and perusing a Second Bachelor’s Degree in English at Montclair State University in Northern New Jersey.
HOW'D YOU GET STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
Since I was old enough to hold a pencil, in order to expand my talents in drawing and painting, my parents put me into private art classes. This knowledge has been the basis for my seamless transition into photography. Four years ago a friend of mine gave me a Nikon FM10 35mm. I carried the camera everywhere and learned a lot about manual photography. I then upgraded to a used Nikon N80 35mm that I bought off Craigslist. (Not something I recommend!) The camera was great but short lived. So about a year and a half ago I was blessed with my Nikon D60 DSLR. I didn’t have much money at the time and received it as a very gracious birthday gift from my girlfriend and family. Ever since then I have made it a point to shoot rollerblading almost everyday and do what I can to expose local NY/NJ skating to the masses.
WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO TAKING PHOTOS? WHY NOT VIDEO OR DESIGN OR SOMETHING ELSE?
As cliché as it sounds, a photo is worth a thousand words. This is not to say that videographers don’t do an extraordinary job, but with filming, the moment is brief and not given the attention it deserves. This is especially evident in skating photography and videography. With a photo I can capture the most intense moment and facial expressions of a skater exerting all of his or her energy into that one trick. With a video clip the moment doesn’t last long and to me the intensity of the trick and the athletic talent needed to perform such a stunt is often lost within the five-second clip. Photographs from some of the talent in our industry such as, John Haynes and Jeremy Stephenson, encourage you to dive deep within the image. This allows the viewer to interpret the process used by the photographer and take the time to appreciate the work. Videographers don’t get enough credit for the job they do because the action of blading happens so fast. Photography takes knowledge and preparation and at times gives a photographer only one chance to capture the perfect picture in order to interpret the passionate and aggressive nature of rollerblading.
WHAT ARE YOUR INSPIRATIONS?
It is not what but rather who are my inspirations. The amazing thing about the rollerblading industry is that it is filled with endless talent outside of the athletics of rollerblading. Skaters are constantly picking up cameras along with their skates to document their progress. For most skaters these talents develop into lasting careers and constantly contribute to the wonderful worldwide infection that is rollerblading. My inspirations include not only famous rolling photographers such as John Haynes, Wes Driver, Jeremy Stephenson, Adam Kola, and Lui Summer but also upcoming local talent such as: Angelo Ferrer, Ryan Loewy, David Toro, Cesar Macay, and Drew Humphrey. These guys are not only stand up dudes but also the future of rolling photography, as we know it.
IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT, WHAT WOULD YOU SHOOT AND WHY?
Honestly? Rollerblading. (Or Supermodels… but who wouldn’t!) But seriously, I love to shoot rolling and the constant progression. Local New York and New Jersey skaters continue to push themselves just to get an online post with me which is they are very grateful but online shine is usually a short lived high. I am trying to find a way to compensate the guys that are consistently performing under my lens. I am yet to make money, photographing rollerblading, but that doesn’t mean the guys I shoot don’t deserve compensation. Right now I don’t have the money to be paying rollerbladers what they deserve so let’s say from now on, “I will buy lunch for the next ten guys who get me an ill photo.” I know it’s not much but its more than these guys are getting right now!
HOW'S THE NYC SCENE THESE DAYS? WHAT DO YOU GUYS HAVE PLANNED FOR THE SUMMER OF 2010?
The New York City scene is bursting with talent and vital industry representatives. Art of Rolling owner Angelo Ferrer is working towards his first full print issue, which is just the beginning of a successful enterprise within the rollerblading industry. Skaters from all over New York and New Jersey have the opportunity to show off their talents within Ferrer’s picturesque magazine. iRollNY creator Craig Benabu is doing big things to get NYC blading to the masses. His website, iRollNY.com, is updated daily with the latest news in rolling along with updates on the hottest equipment and apparel. You can always expect the sickest street competitions coming out of New York City and gives us just another reason to skate every weekend this summer. This includes the competition titled “Battle My Crew” which is back after a several yearlong hiatus. New York City native, Hyper Mike, owner of hypermikenyc.com, is doing big things trying to expose local skaters and give them the online time they deserve. David Toro has been working with an amazing media team he developed called ODNY. They use the latest in web design, photography, videography, and graphic design to bring you the future of rolling websites in NYC. Of course, you can’t forget that we have New York representative Billy O’Neill and his outstanding frame company Create Originals. They are currently working on big things for the New York City scene and you can expect to see a lot more of him and his company this summer! Lastly, you can’t forget the opening of Pier 62 Skate Park at Chelsea Piers, New York. The opening of this spot is exactly what we need to step New York City competition rollerblading to the next level. Along with Pier 62 there are several cement skate plazas being built throughout the five boroughs in NYC. NYC is where it’s at in 2010 but watch out for New Jersey too… BOOM!
SHOUT-OUTS?
Of course! First and foremost I have to shout-out my beautiful girlfriend and family for literally supporting everything I do with skating and photography. Next, I need to shout out all of the amazing local photography talent that has taught me everything I know about action sports photography. These guys include Art of Rolling Magazine owner/photographer Angelo Ferrer, photographers Ryan Loewy, Cesar Macay, David Toro, and Drew Humphrey. These guys have supported me all the way and I couldn’t have done it without their knowledge and talents. I need to shout out to all of my homeboys who have changed my life as a photographer: Tim Franken, Carlos Jaquez, Pat Bernet, Franco Cammayo, Thumper Nagasako, Adam Killgore, Woodward East’s Mike Bennet, Twenty-Six Letter Clothing owner Joey Zitelli, Scribe/Con Artist Brand owner Daniel Fabiano, Street Mechanics Apparel owner Michael Scott Peterson, iRollNY C.E.O. Craig Benabu, ImagyneThat.com’s Joseph Perez, Justin Eisinger at ONE Magazine for all the support, Ben Murphy at Be-Mag for the great opportunity, and especially Tri-State Skate Shop owner Craig Kieffer. The scene out here in NY/NJ is constantly growing and progressing so I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. There is so much support with everything we do and if I forgot to shout you out know why. The New York and New Jersey scenes are doing it BIG so no matter who you are or where you are from you should come out and skate with us... The time is NOW.
PUBLISHED!
Posted on May 23rd 2010
Hudson River Park - Chelsea Piers, NY
Pier 62 Skate Park is designed for some serious flow skating. With the smooth cement, variety of obstacles, and abundant transitions, you find yourself lacing the whole park in one run. Pier 62 is filled with your favorite obstacles and a variety of coping styles for all types of rollerbladers. The park also evokes a creative mind when piecing together tricks for a line. Pier 62 is city owned and funded so the entrance is free. The park doesn’t require any padding and has proven to be a great place to skate or just enjoy the view on the Hudson River. Best of all… It’s located on the West Side Highway, which is close to several of NYC’s most famous street spots.
Here are a couple of the featured shots...
Check out the full post on...
http://www.believeinone.com/?p=649
The Contest Write-Up…
"Today wasn't like every other day.
Well, of course I went to work... at the same dead end job. The one that I spend sitting at my desk praying for the weekend to come early. Waiting for the chance to be myself, have a good time, and get out of these dark clothes; which is just a costume in order to come across as a "hard-working individual.”
Give me a break!
Well, today wasn't like every other day because, today I the got confirmation of my salvation... Today is the day my Bonnaroo tickets came through the mail!
Bonnaroo... Now, this is the place to let my hair down, spend time with close friends, and indulge in the presence of some of the world's most talented performers. Soon I will be off to Tennessee, a land far away from the sounds of my arrogant boss and running copy machines. Before I know it I’ll be at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, to fill my head with the sound of screeching guitars and wailing artists.
So no, today certainly wasn't like every other because today is the day I received my ticket to freedom…
This is going to be an unforgettable weekend."
-Sam DeAngelis
