Then I look at most studio/fashion photographs which are amazing but think damn thats gotta be the easy life. Go out on location or better yet find a nice large studio then gather a team of designers, stylist, art/set/jib-jab directors with that gorgeous girl and anyone is gonna snap a great photo. Trust that shoot is fun and the results are guaranteed to satisfy but I don’t see the whole point other then to create that industry itself. I like the old school refined method with the subject of interest, pure location, and a photographer get it done aspect… “Word someone may buy it if it’s good enough, anywhooo…” Well I’m a generalizing bastard but most importantly the Mosley Tribes 2012 campaign is complete with the final edition Look Book printing now. I saw a sample and its awesome. A large collaborative effort from so many gave it a diverse LA vibe. I had a great time working with everyone involved. MT people were laid back and made it easy to get everything done smoothly. They wanted a magazine layout and feel to the Look Book which is cool because I also got to write a little as well. I will shoot different subjects as a photographer other then skateboarding with failures and achievements but none will ever be as rewarding as any skate/photo adventures I embark upon. This year I plan to broaden the horizon, strengthen existing portfolio galleries, keep my third eye open for any big opportunities, and find a lesson learned in every good or not so good situation. Photography like Life and everything else is all what you make of it. Cheesy is good, but not too much its fattening.

December… The year is almost done? “WTF,” kids be sayin’. Does this life coaster only go faster each year? Well thats good I was wondering when things would pick up. Not all my yearly goals were met but several other opportunities brought new challenges and rewards. I just finished shooting a portion of the Mosley Tribes 2012 Campaign. I worked with Victor Garibay who embodies South LA art/skate lifestyle along with Indio Falconer Downey representing a West LA musical/PCH vibe. Two other photographers shot 3 more subjects so I can’t wait to see the finished catalog, counter cards, and anything else printed. I love looking at something I helped create that isn’t just pixels on the computer screen. Something you can touch, carry and share is so cool. Recently The Skateboard Mag posted a Fresh Crops featuring 10 of my photographs. Thanks so much to Austin Mayer and the rest of TSM staff who have helped me I really appreciate it. Then to top it off as if it needs mentioning your boy Meza printed large and hot in Skateboarder Mag.

Meza and friends in MARKISA’ LINCOLN HEIGHT’S MONTAGE

Meza and friends in MARKISA’ DORCY MONTAGE

kickflip front crooks @ Stoner

TSM issue 86 BLACKOUT

Text from article.

Constantly hunting for obscure skate spots, I want something unique. You know … the untouched gem that sets your mind straight into daydream mode. I need a photo of that. Once discovered, it’s only a matter of time ‘til someone gets their licks—nothing holds back a skateboarder.

We came across this water park a while back and heard stories of people skating it but never saw the evidence. Urban legend for all I knew. At first glimpse you see that perfect transition with a polished smooth surface and it leaves you thinking of all the possibilities. How could this place just sit half the year rotting, no one utilizing these colossal fun structures? It’s obviously considered untouchable with the multiple fences and likelihood of an overweight security guard or two walking the rounds. Even so, I rallied together a small group. Stafford came along, and I was wondering what he would think of the spot.

The decision was made: we hopped the fence and explored the grounds. The second we got there it seemed his mind was set but I didn’t know on what. He was staring at it for a while and told me to get photos with the other guys first. Then it came time for Josh to do his thing. I could see the mind fuck he was battling. He wanted the loop and I was tripping on the thought of it. We were all egging him on to make it happen. It took a while before he found his line and built up the courage to go at it.

Watching him warm up was impressive enough—rolling up to eleven o’clock I thought I had a cool kickturn photo. Then as the sound of wheels rolling on fiberglass echoed through the valley, Josh made his turn toward the slide’s spit-out zone. Silence came over us and as Josh was rolling away we broke out in cheers. It was crazy!

A few days later I went back for more photos and within minutes we were handcuffed and arrested for trespassing. Worth it? I have court in a few weeks that may give me some grief for a little while but I also have a sequence of Stafford that will last forever.

SKATEBOARDING IS ALWAYS WORTH IT!

2011 has arrived and with it brings new opportunity for us all. January has been a good start with my first print in The Skateboard Mag, a page in the Active 2011 calendar, along with my first print exhibit at Typical Culture’s 2nd Anniversary party and the month isn’t done yet. I believe our subconscious outlook on life can help shape the environment we find ourselves in. Right now I look forward to seeing what the near future holds and hope my work continues to progress. I’ve been invited to go to Park City next week for the Sundance Film Festival and know I will be inspired by the eccentric people as well as the different projects premiering. Being part of something bigger then yourself is what makes us stonger and this year I plan on doing just that. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far, lets keep moving FORWARD.

Warm up @ Stoner Park

Stoner Park Oscar Meza and Alex Valdez from sergelurks on Vimeo.

Meza gets down with Kogi BBQ!

WHAT’S KOGI BBQ AND WHAT’S IT LIKE HAVING A FOOD SPONSOR LIKE KOGI?
Well it’s Korean BBQ/Mexican food all in one. Your getting some delicious flavors in your mouth all at once witch will blow your mind. I love the food and everyone treats me like Family so it’s rad. I have to get the BlackJack Quesadillas whenever I go. The green sauce they put on top TOPS any sauce I’ve ever tasted. The PacMan burger is delicious too, spicy pork burritos, I would eat anything they gave me cause everything is super bomb. People trip when they find out that I ride for them or when I roll up cause they take care of me right away. It’s dope! Damn I’m craving some right now just thinking about it. Follow them on TwitterKOGI and get some BBQ!

YOUR THOUGHTS ON YOUR PART IN STAY GOLD’s FLOW BONUS?
I was pretty stoked that I opened the flow section. I wish I wouldn’t have broken my arm a month before the deadline. I was waiting for the last month to go out and get a few bigger tricks that I wanted but I’m still really happy with the way it turned out. Just a little taste of what’s coming.

ANY PROJECTS YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Recently I’ve gotten the chance to be part of a few more music videos. Gonna make a short Soletech TF video for the Emerica website sometime soon. Putting together a full part for the Mainline Skateshop video that will be out later 2011. And hopefully have a Mag Minute dropping.

Blog smog extras for you . . .

Peep this Dirty montage with all the homies and Meza closing it out.

The Official Dirty Montage from ChitoTafyFilms on Vimeo.

Get the full story HERE.

Vans Downtown Showdown 2009

For me this is my favorite skate event each year and this time I was lucky enough to cruise early with Chris (GonzGoneWild) and help the Vans crew set up. It was cool to watch everything come to life in the fake city of Paramount. It’s by far the most unique place I’ve ever seen a skate comp held. I enjoyed cruising around and meeting some new friends. Its fun being caught up in the moment and watching everything that goes down. Catching it through the lens is difficult so during the contest I really just kicked back and let the good times roll.

HOW WAS YOUR TRIP TO AZ? BEFORE THE CONTEST DID YOU THINK YOU’D FINISH AS WELL AS YOU DID? WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT EVERYTHING?
That trip was amazing man. Chris Gonzales introduced me to some rad homies that I actually became really cool with so that hole week went by smooth. Couldn’t have gone better. Throughout the week before the contest I had a bruised foot so I was a little bumbed out, not so confident in myself you can say. To tell you the truth I was a little intimidated that there was going to be so many talented skaters out there. So my hole attitude about the contest was to just go out and have fun and try my best. I was throwing IcyHot on my foot constantly and just had fun skating with the homies. If it wasn’t for You, Chris, the Mainline crew, and all the AZ homies that was there giving me support and giving me that positive energy I wouldn’t of pulled it together and took 5th. So I thank all of you guys!

MUSIC VIDEOS! . . . HOW WAS IT WORKING ON A PROJECT WITH EMINEM AND LIL WAYNE?
Yeah it was a random gig. All the homies were out skating when Kico gets a call from our friends Danny Minick asking if we wanted to come out and do some work. I guess they just needed some skaters or what not. I Really like Lil Wayne’s music so I couldn’t believe it at first. I thought Kico was just messing with me but sure enough we were on set for the music video. I’m supper hyped that I was given that opportunity to have a few clips in their music video. I had an amazing time for sure!

A day in San Clemente with Mr. Meza

Plus a few more from various other excursions . . .

If you didn’t catch it on FuelTV then peep this New Pollution episode featuring Oscar.

Miles Wood Typical Culture interview

The digital shop is up and running so peep the goods, fill up your cart, and share with your friends.
WELCOME SKATEBOARDS

Chris Gonzales . . . Adapter

I’ve known Chris for sometime now and he was the first real homie I met who was truly down for skateboarding 24/7. He has become one of my best friends and over the years I’ve come to know him as an adapter to any situation. We met sometime in ‘99 at the local skate shop where he worked, Hanger 94. Everyone knew him as a shredder so naturally we started skating and shooting photos together practicing different techniques with my 35mm family cam. Chris has always been able to find unique street spots and bring a creative view to the daily skate sesh.

So why do I see Gonz as a great adapter? If Chris ever feels a situation is wrong he quickly makes it right. Back in the day little Chris quit high school I’m sure not because he knew what he wanted to be but because he saw a different path. Growing up in El Cajon is chill although tough to get away from. As he adapted to the hustle & bustle of modern life he moved on to get a job at SoleTech selling the goods. Now we all know that money is the devil and dealing with it (especial sucks if it’s not yours) melts your soul so Chris found a way truer to himself. So Gonz dropped the fake money and became a Visual Merchandiser for Vans where he only dealt with the fun stuff… making sure Vans was pimped at your local shops and did a damn good job. Recently he’s become Vans Apparel Rep throughout the mid-west living the road life. If you see him during any event he’s probably bbq’n gourmet hotdogs and making sure your stoked on waffle grip. He has a knowledgeable understanding of nature and is a great person to have around if your out in the wilderness. Say armageddon really happens someday soon, I bet there would be Gonz residue that survives and starts forming into some new species. He’s fuckin GonzGoneWild!

Now when we hang out things are no different. We still skate to have fun shooting pictures with our digital and film cameras. So this is why Gonz is an adapter, he makes things happen. I mean you’re here now peeping my blog and he made this.

GonzGoneWild blog