Spotlight: Mike O'Meally

How old are you? Where were you born? Etc…

I am 32, born and raised in Sydney, Australia

How and why did you get into skate photography?

I started shooting at around 19, it was my first year of art College, and I wanted to shoot skate photos for my classes. The teachers were not stoked, but I did it anyway. The reason I got it into it was because I loved skating, I skated all the time myself, so it just seemed like a natural thing to do. Also I was really impressed by all the US skate mag photos at the time, and I wanted to be able to shoot photos like that.

Who were your main influences?

My main influences at the time were Dan Sturt, Spike Jonze, Gabe Morford and Tobin Yelland. I also really liked Dianne Arbus and a few other Non-Skate Photographers.

How did you get to where you are today as a professional skate photographer?

Basically by making a lot of silly mistakes, but then having the patience to learn what I did wrong and promise myself I would never make the same mistake again (even thought I still do sometimes!) Also carrying a lot of heavy equipment while skating and asking a lot of questions. It hasn’t been an easy road, but I have enjoyed every minute of it. I guess you have to be dedicated to it, and maybe it consumes your whole life a little bit – but, that’s how you have to do it.

You have travelled widely in your career as a pro skate photographer. Where are some of the places it has taken you?

Let’s see… some of the better ones were: Egypt, Brazil, Japan, China, South Africa, Europe quite a few times and definitely back to Australia as much as possible.

You must have some good or bad stories to tell from your travels. What are some standout ones?

Well there are definitely a lot of stories, but perhaps the most memorable thing for me – even though it is not so much of a story – is going to places like Egypt or China, where they haven’t really seen skateboarding as much – and just seeing how people react to it. They are so suprised and amazed, they want to try it out, like grown me for the first time. They fall off, they laugh, their friend laugh at them, they use sigh language to get you to explain how to do it. Experiences like that are something that really stand out in my memory.

As the current photo editor for TWS, and as a previous photo editor for Slam Magazine, what images stand-out to you as you’re favourite or most influential?

Wow, tough question. I don’t think I could name just one. I think the early work in TWS of Dan Sturt around 1989 – 1994 was a big influence on a lot of photographers, and many are still influenced by it and imitating it today. As for Slam, I think some of the stuff of all the Snake Pit era street skaters was pretty exciting in it’s time in Australia. Davo, Cuzza, Al Boglio, Wade Burkitt and a few others. Those were the first really good street photos in Australia. The are some that I really remember as standing out at the time.

What is your favourite/most prized piece of equipment? And what format do you prefer to shoot with?

I don’t think I have just one. But I really like 35mm black and white. Sometimes, the most simple is the most satisfying.

Digital is now becoming a standard in photography (particularly small format), what are your viewpoints on this “revolution” or changing of the guard?

I think it has its benefits, but I am also concerned that it may cheapen the art and skill involved in making a great photo. Also there is something exciting about not knowing what you have until you get the film back from the lab. For business and professional reasons, digital make a lot of sense. I guess I have mixed feelings about it. Maybe I am just too old school?


Who would be your favourite skateboarder to photograph? And why?

Couldn’t name just one. Skating has so many different styles and tricks to pin it all on one person, and that is why I like it.

What is your favourite photograph you have taken? Skate and Non-skate?

Skating, I like some of the stuff I shot while living in New York such as Bobby Puleo. As for non-skate, I was happy with some of the pictures I got in South Africa. But again, for both – it’s pretty hard to name just one!

If a young photographer shooting skateboarding wanted to become a pro shooter what could you recommend they do to attract the attention of editors, to get their images published?

Well obviously, the photos have to be good – that is the best thing you could do to get their attention. But it never hurts to ask them questions either. Who they want to see? which photos they like best etc etc. Also presentation is an often-overlooked factor. If you take pride in your work, package it nicely, label things clearly and just present it in the best way possible, you will give yourself a better chance of getting noticed.

Where do you see skateboarding going in the future?

Who knows? Definitely more parks, but hopefully just as much street skating as well. Seems like that is becoming harder and harder these days.

Do you think the internet could overtake skate coverage compared to the more traditional role of skate magazines?

I think it is gaining popularity for sure, but I think skaters will always like magazines. So I don’t think it will ever take it over completely. I hope not!

Do you still get the desire to skate every now or then?

For sure, I just started to re-learn kick flips this weekend, and then we skated a cement barrier spot that was hard to skate but fun. I skate as much as I can, and I have a few good mates that make sure I never slack off too hard. I think it is important to be able to shoot a good skate photo, that you skate as well.

Time to wrap this up! Do you have any advice or philosophy you would like to share with the world?

I think if you love what you are doing – it will show up in your work. If you are just trying to make a quick buck, people will catch on to you pretty quickly too. I like the old saying – “Shoot straight and love your subject”.

Thanks for your time Mike.