Mike O’Meally is a name synonymous with authentic and avant-garde skate photography, particularly within the Australian skateboarding scene of the 90s. His unique ability to capture candid moments has made his work not just visually striking but also historically significant. O’Meally’s lens presented a raw and genuine view of Australian skateboarders, interacting with their urban environment, solidifying his place as a true documentarian of the culture.
A Photographer’s Journey
While many with his experience might be found in academia or consulting for large corporations, O’Meally remains deeply connected to the skateboarding world. He’s a photographer who carries with him a wealth of global experience and an archive of film negatives documenting some of skateboarding’s most important historical moments. More than just a photographer, he’s a storyteller, a connector of people, and a keeper of skateboarding’s rich history.
Sydney (Un)Scene: A Look into the Archives
O’Meally recently showcased his work in an exhibition titled “Sydney (Un)Scene” at the Pass~Port store in Australia. This wasn’t a collection of his greatest hits, but rather a selection of “rejects” from his early days, taken in Sydney between 1992 and 1998. The show features a mix of imperfect shots, light leaks, and strips of film, offering a raw, unfiltered glimpse into his creative process. These images, initially deemed not good enough, now possess a naive charm that O’Meally appreciates with hindsight.
The photos were compiled from old rolls of film, scanned and laid out in large collages. O’Meally had stored the film in brown paper envelopes from the lab, saving both the best shots and the offcuts. This discovery of “uncut gems” led to the exhibition, highlighting the value of even the most seemingly flawed parts of the creative journey.
The Art of Archiving: Film vs. Digital
Archiving is essential for preserving photographic work, whether film or digital. O’Meally emphasizes the importance of diligence in both methods, noting that both can be lost forever through neglect. Film requires physical care, keeping it free from dust and mold, alongside digital scanning for a fail-safe archive. While he admits to some lapses in labeling and dating his early work, O’Meally recognizes archiving as a crucial skill for anyone who wants to use their work in the future.
Embracing Imperfection and Remembering the Past
What O’Meally finds most exciting about his photo show is presenting something in an unconventional way. It’s a departure from the usual polished collection of classic skate photos. By showcasing his imperfect shots, he highlights the beauty of the process and the value of revisiting the past. The exhibition serves as a time warp, a reminder of old spots and the early days of his photography, offering new lessons to be learned from past mistakes. Additionally, the show features a display case filled with objects and ephemera from that era, adding another layer to the nostalgic experience. The exhibition was dedicated to the memory of Keith Hufnagel and Wade Thompson.
The Frustration of the Lukewarm Skate Photo
While missing a trick can be disappointing, O’Meally reveals that an equally crushing feeling comes from capturing a landed trick that just doesn’t translate well into a photo. The “lukewarm skate photo” is, in his opinion, worse than a completely blown shot. This sentiment speaks to his passion for capturing not just the technicalities of skateboarding, but also its energy and essence.
Skate Photography in the Age of Instagram
In the digital age, where magazines have diminished and Instagram has become the dominant platform, skate photography has evolved. O’Meally acknowledges the many talented skate photographers working today and the high quality of their work. Instagram has become a normal medium for viewing skate photos for a younger generation, but there are still other outlets for displaying skate photography like zines, books, and exhibitions. While he acknowledges that the medium has changed, O’Meally believes that the state of skate photography is better than ever.
The Power of Still Photography
O’Meally sees value in both still and video photography. However, he believes that still photos engage the imagination in a unique way, leaving room for interpretation and curiosity. A great still photo captures the viewer’s attention and yet leaves them wanting more, contrasting with video that can be more explicit.
Mentors and Influences
O’Meally was fortunate to have mentors who generously shared their expertise and encouragement, including Andrew Currie, Lance Dawes, Tobin Yelland, and J Grant Brittain. These established photographers played a significant role in guiding his early career.
Inspiring Photographers and Skaters
When asked about current photographers to watch, O’Meally provides a comprehensive list, including Sam Muller, Oliver Barton, Ben Colen, Matt Price, Jake Darwen, Alex Papke, Sam Ashley, and Alex Pires, among others. He also acknowledges the legendary influences of Lance Dawes, Gabe Morford, Tobin Yelland, Grant Brittain, Spike Jonze, and Daniel Harold Sturt. Beyond skate photography, O’Meally admires the work of Magnum era photographers, Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Boogie, and Danny Lyon, demonstrating his broad range of inspiration. As for skaters, he enjoys working with anyone who has a good attitude and a great idea, highlighting a few of his favorites like Wade Burkitt, Currie, Huf, Keenan, Puleo, Pluhowski, Pappalardo, Dill, AVE, Tom Remillard, Lucien Clarke, Blondey, and Beatrice Domond.
Fond Memories in New York City
Reflecting on his time in New York, O’Meally recalls the simple joy of skating all day with his friends and ending it with a slice of Ray’s pizza. This memory embodies a universal experience of youthful adventures in a new city, the type of experience that stays with you forever.
Echoes of the Past in Modern Skateboarding
O’Meally believes that the influence of past eras, particularly the raw energy of skateboarding in New York, is still visible in today’s skateboarding scene. He notes that the power, style, and originality of that time period continues to resonate with skaters who are passionate about their craft.
The Promise of a Photo Book
When asked about compiling his iconic photographs into a book, O’Meally expresses that it’s something he would like to do one day. This leaves a promise to fans that one day, we may be able to experience his vast collection in a different format.
Conclusion
Mike O’Meally’s contribution to skateboarding photography is undeniable. He has captured not just the tricks, but the spirit and the culture of skateboarding. His willingness to share his work, even the imperfect parts, offers an invaluable insight into the evolution of both his own career and the world of skateboarding itself. His approach to photography, archiving and storytelling makes him a key figure in the history of the sport.
