WORDS BY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KEVIN LITTLE, @kevinmlittle. PHOTOS BY: MICK CASALS, @mickcasals
Anthony Medina and the infamous Candy Crew (@candy_blading) recently released Ant’s swan song of blading videos appropriately titled “ends“. The video features powerful profiles from some of Texas’ best skaters such as Andrew Broom, Troy Maimone, Isaac Parks, Brandon Bobadilla, Heath Burley, Timona Kasue, Mick Casals and Anthony Medina himself as well as a surprise guest appearance from the U.K legend Dan Robinson.
On top of dropping one of the year’s most entertaining VODs, there was also a photo book that accompanied the release of “ends“, which was beautifully shot and created by the multi-talented Mick Casals. The photo book showed some behind-the-scenes shots of the filming process and snap shots from some of the video’s highlight moments. And Mick found a unique way to bridge the gap between analog pictures and the digital world as the pages include QR Codes that can be scanned on your smart phone that lead you to video clips that accompany those particular tricks as well as b-roll and falls from the video. Pretty sweet, eh? See for yourself!
Our editor-in-chief Kevin Little had a quick conversation with Mick about the creation of the “ends” photobook as well as the filming process behind the video. Check out what Mick had to say and be sure & pick up a copy of the book while you can! You don’t want to miss having this gem in your collection!
KL: Hey Mick! Thanks for taking the time to speak with us about “ends” and your work making the new photobook that goes with it. With the majority of media being driven digitally these days, why do you feel it is important to provide physical print to the skate community?
MC: I think digital media works fine for video projects or articles and blogs. When it comes to photography though it just doesn’t work for me. Even a really great photo only gets a few seconds of appreciation before it’s on to the next. Maybe a photo blog will hold someone’s attention long enough to get to the end. I know people do digital books sometimes too but how many times do those even get looked through? I’m not gonna grab a homies laptop off their coffee table to click through a bunch of photos. It just makes sense to have a physical copy. Especially when you put in a lot of work to get it done.
KL: In the Ends photo book you have helped bridge the gap between digital media and tangible print by including QR codes that link the pictures to the clips from the video. Whose idea was it to include that technology in the “ends” photo book?
MC: I’m pretty sure it was my idea. I don’t remember seeing it anywhere else at least. I figured people are so likely to be distracted by their phones anyway so just make good use of it. Some of them really compliment the photo I think. The extra falls and celebrations put you right in there with the crew.
KL: We know that having extensive skating experience obviously helps your skate photography in knowing the best angles to get for particular tricks, but do you feel that your photography has helped your skating in any ways? Do you think it helps you have a better eye for trick or spot selection?
MC: If it does, I haven’t noticed. It’s rare that I had a spot in mind specifically for a photo. I just tried to get a shot of as many of the tricks we filmed as possible.
KL: In the book you briefly explain that the shots were more about catching the feeling of that particular moment, and you were less worried with the shot being as perfect as can be. Can you go into more detail about that?
MC: I mean sure I tried to have perfect timing or exposure on every shot. I can mention that it’s all on film and imperfections are a part of it but that’s not always true. Film isn’t some mystery and it’s actually quite forgiving with exposure errors. Most of my “mistakes” are just that. I use a lot of different cameras and some really aren’t suited for quick setup action photography. Most of the time the trick is already in the works and I’m racing to get my end handled before they do.
KL: It looked like you were using several different camera setups for creating the photo book, can you tell us a little bit about the cameras that you were using during that period?
MC: The main systems are my Mamia RB67 and my Pentax ME super. There’s a few square photos in there that were taken on my Yashicamat and the two large format photos (the black bordered photos of Ant) were on an old Burke and James 5×7. Definitely a few other cameras scattered around in there but I won’t bore anyone with the whole list. If anyone out there is actually interested in the gear or film side of it feel free to hit me up. I can go on forever about that stuff.
KL: Do you have a checklist in your head of things that you want to capture for yourself or with certain people in your crew or is it just spur of the moment?
MC: I’d say 99.9% spur of the moment. There were plenty of times I was hoping someone wouldn’t land a trick so I could setup in time.
KL: Skate photography is extremely difficult because there are so many variables that are against you when shooting. From the environment outside, to property owners, time of the day etc. Was there any particular spot that you tried shooting and were unable to complete? Or was everything handled at some point in time?
MC: There were plenty that got away from me for sure. Some of the guys just lace it before you get the camera ready. Keep in mind I was usually skating too so there was a moment when I had to decide to take a break and get the gear.
KL: We know that Ant Medina has stopped from producing full length video releases but you and your crew of friends are still quite active in skating. Will we be seeing more content from you in other forms maybe via your website or a blog, possibly?
MC: Not anything I know of yet. I’ll be moving out to Denver at some point in the near future and I definitely will still be making photos so I’m sure there’s more coming. When and what I do not know.
If you have not had a chance to see “ends“ yet, we highly suggest picking up a copy of the video here. All proceeds from the sale of “ends” will be split evenly amongst those featured in the video. Mick’s photo-book, which was shot entirely on film, is also available for purchase over at: mickcasals.com or by clicking the picture below! This is a very limited run so be sure to snag one quick before they are gone!
SEE MORE PICS FROM THE FILMING PROCESS OF ENDS
PICK UP YOUR COPY OF ENDS, AVAILABLE NOW! CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW
