From skateboarding to music, art, and sports, Atiba Jefferson has spent decades documenting different cultures through his lens. We caught up with the legendary photographer to discuss his second Vans collaboration, the evolution of skateboarding, and the connections it creates.
──ATIBA JEFFERSON
[ JAPANESE / ENGLISH ]
Special thanks_Vans Japan
VHSMAG (VM)： This is your second collaboration with Vans. Looking back at the first collection, what did you take away from that experience, and what did you want to do differently this time around?
Atiba Jefferson (AJ)： The experience of the first collection was amazing, but I would say it was a big learning experience and what happened differently the second time around was that I was really comfortable working with the whole team at Vans so I think it just went a lot smoother the second time around.
VM： The collection is called "United Through Skateboarding." You've built relationships across skateboarding, music, art, and professional sports throughout your career. How has skateboarding opened doors to these different worlds?
AJ： I think skateboarding has opened so many doors to different worlds because I think a lot of the world really respects skateboarders and understand that skateboarders have a very creative and different outlook on things.
VM： You've photographed some of the biggest names in skateboarding, music, and basketball. Despite how different these worlds might seem, do you find similarities in the people and cultures surrounding them?
AJ： Yes, I think there's a lot of similarities especially with creatives and I also think with photographing skateboarders, musicians and athletes, a lot of them don't like their picture to be taken so you really have to work with your subject to make them comfortable.
VM： This collection features both iconic images and previously unreleased photographs from your archives. How did you go about selecting the images, and did revisiting your archives bring back any particular memories?
AJ： I start with picking photos that I know are of skaters that have relationships, and have skated in, or for Vans, before and then it's really just who I think fits the shoe, the color way, and the vibe.
VM： The Skate Sk8-Hi features your photograph of Geoff Rowley. Can you tell us the story behind that shot and why you chose it for the collection?
AJ： I picked this photo because Geoff has an amazing history with Vans and it's a photo that is over 25 years old, so I like that it has a lot of history. I love the photo. The story behind the photo is a session that was Andrew Reynolds and him, and it was something he did really fast. I shot cross process film and it became a cover of Transworld skateboarding.
VM： The Premium Authentic 44 features a photograph of Arisa Trew's 540 at the Vans Pool Party. Having documented so many generations of skateboarders, how do you feel about the current generation and the direction skateboarding is heading?
AJ： Arisa is amazing. It's really cool to see her progress so fast. The current generation and future generation of skateboarding are amazing. It's progressing at such a fast pace compared to what I've seen in the past so it's crazy to see what is going to happen in the future.
VM： Rowan Zorilla has his own shoe in the collection, reflecting your longtime friendship. How did your relationship with Rowan begin, and what makes him special to you, both as a skateboarder and as a person?
AJ： Rowan and I met on Baker sessions. Rowan, if you know him, is just a really cool down to earth person. He's kind of an old soul. I've always got along with him so well but as a skateboarder, he's so creative. He's got great style and he's gnarly. He's the total package.
VM： You brought in your longtime friend and artist Lauren Halsey to create a custom logo. What do you admire about her work, and how did that collaboration come together?
AJ： Lauren is someone that I really admire and look up to not only as an artist, but as someone who does so many great things for her community and I knew right away, she was top of my list to work with on this collabo and it was great. It was a dream.
VM： The campaign features Lauren Halsey, Flea, and Rowan Zorilla, who all come from different creative backgrounds. What was the idea behind bringing these three together, and what was the atmosphere like during the shoot?
AJ： Flea has been a long time friend, but I also have been a huge fan since I was a kid and just always loved his style and knew photographing him would be amazing energy and style. Flea, Lauren, and I volunteered at a community center in Watts so we had already been hanging out and then the vibes were always really good and I knew bringing Rowan was just a perfect fit. The vibe on set was amazing. They all clicked and got along. It was great to look over and just see such an amazing talented group of people just shooting the shit and being homies.
VM： The collection draws inspiration from the Lakers and Dodgers, while also featuring your signature pink. How did you approach the colors and designs, and how much creative freedom did Vans give you?
AJ： I just pick colors that I like. I know that sounds simple, but really that's all it is. I don't really care about what's a hot seller. I just like to go off what I like. Vans gave me tons of creative control, and I really really appreciate them for that.
VM： One interesting detail is the camera pocket on the cargo pants. As someone who's constantly taking photographs, what makes a good piece of clothing for you, and how involved were you in developing the functional details?
AJ： I am definitely more of a function over fashion person. I really like pockets and I think that's something that is a very important part of a pant. I like deep pockets, I like zippers, I like cargoes, so things don't fall out. I was very involved in every step of the way of developing all of the apparel. The team at Vans was amazing.
VM： You've spent decades documenting skateboarding, from legendary pros to the next generation. Has your approach to photographing skateboarding changed over the years, or are you still chasing the same feeling you had when you started?
AJ： I think it's still always going to be the same feeling when you see your photo in print. It's like one of the coolest things ever but I think my approach changes with age, it changes with experience. I still really love it and I think I love it even more because younger you, you are kind of blind to how hard things are to get just one trick - and I think the older you get, you really appreciate that.
VM： Skateboarding has become increasingly connected to mainstream fashion, art, and professional sports over the years. You've been part of that crossover for a long time. How do you feel about the way skateboarding has evolved, and what do you think we've gained or lost along the way?
AJ： I think the way skateboarding has evolved is amazing. Tricks are gnarlier than they've ever been. I think the industry is obviously going through some growing pains right now, like the rest of the world, so I don't like that part of it, but we've seen it go up and down like a roller coaster so I think you just kind of go up from here.
VM： These days, everyone has a camera in their pocket, and skateboarding is documented and shared almost instantly. In an age of endless content, what do you think makes a photograph truly memorable?
AJ： I think what makes a photograph truly memorable. It's a photograph that everybody talks about and especially in this day and age on social media. It's probably a photo that gets reposted a ton.
VM： Through projects like this Vans collaboration, your photography reaches people who might not necessarily follow skateboarding. How important is it for you to introduce skate culture to a wider audience while staying true to its roots?
AJ： I don't believe in gatekeeping. I think if people want to get involved with skateboarding, that's an amazing thing because I really hope the happiness it brings me when I skate can be felt by other people as well.
VM： After everything you've accomplished, is there anything you haven't done yet that you'd love to explore?
AJ： I really want to learn how to speak Spanish.
Atiba Jefferson
@atibaphoto
A photographer from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Known for his iconic skate photography, his work spans music, art, and professional sports. He has played a key role in connecting skateboarding with the wider creative world.
