Skateboarding photography is at a turning point. The traditional avenues for showcasing photos in print magazines are diminishing, with many images now living and dying on social media platforms like Instagram, never experiencing the tangible form of a printed photograph. To counteract this trend and celebrate the enduring appeal of physical photographs, Thomas Busuttil, a Paris-based photographer and skateboarder, along with co-founder Stephane Borgne, created a series of yearbooks featuring photos from skaters in Paris, London, and Berlin. Their latest edition, The DPY CityTriptych Yearbook Vol. 4, captures the essence of 2020, masks and all, and can be found in skate shops worldwide and on the De Paris Yearbook website. We spoke with Thomas to understand the motivation behind the yearbooks, the creative process, and what makes them unique.
Thomas Busuttil, skateboard photographer and co-founder of De Paris Yearbook
The Importance of Physical Media in a Digital World
Why create a physical yearbook when most people view photos on their phones? Thomas explained that he’s been pondering this question deeply. He believes that skateboarding, having become mainstream, is now developing its own subcultures and counter-narratives. The yearbook acts as a physical manifestation of these narratives, telling stories through carefully curated photos that would be lost in the endless scroll of social media. On the internet, the connection between the photographer and their work can be lost, especially when photos are shared and reshared without context. In the yearbook, the photographer’s name is always visible. Thomas specifically avoids publishing photos online first, as he feels that the photographers aren’t compensated fairly for online usage, only print and exhibition. Furthermore, the context of a photo online often gets lost between unrelated content. The yearbook ensures that photos are viewed in full frame, within their intended narrative, and that the photographer’s work is honored. It’s about connecting with people who value the full story and appreciate the art of skateboarding photography.
2020: A Unique Year Captured
Given the extraordinary circumstances of 2020, the latest yearbook stands apart from previous volumes. Thomas acknowledges that the year, marked by masks and restrictions, impacted the skateboarding community, and that is reflected in the photos. However, he emphasizes that the yearbook also documents moments of freedom and positivity amidst the challenges. It presents a real, raw snapshot of the skateboarding experience in that time, capturing both the limitations and the resilience of the skate community.
Thomas Busuttil with Thibault Lenours
Photo: thibault lenours
The Choice of Cities: Paris, Berlin, and London
The decision to focus on Paris, Berlin, and London was deliberate. These cities, connected by train and sharing similar weather patterns, offer a unique continuity. Unlike larger, more commercialized skate destinations, these cities demand a bit more effort to discover spots and create meaningful skate experiences. The cost of living in cities like London and Paris also adds another layer to the culture. As Thomas mentioned, it can be more challenging to make a living as a skater in these cities compared to somewhere like Barcelona. This leads to a different relationship with skateboarding, where it becomes a form of relaxation and escape from the everyday hustle.
Curation and Authenticity
Sourcing photographers and their photos is a crucial part of the yearbook’s process. Thomas, having been involved in skateboarding for over two decades, uses his extensive network and knowledge of the industry. He values organic connections and seeks out photographers doing innovative work. The majority of photos published in the yearbook are previously unpublished, reflecting Thomas’s commitment to avoiding “the best of Instagram” approach. Instead, he focuses on showcasing genuine skateboard culture through the eyes of skateboarders and photographers. Each year, they change art directors, all of whom come from skateboarding backgrounds, ensuring an authentic perspective.
De Paris Yearbook spread featuring Lucas Allard and Victor Cascarigny
Photo: Thomas Busuttil – Lucas Allard, drop dead | Photo: Thomas Busuttil – Victor Cascarigny, frontside Ollie
Featured Spreads and Their Stories
One particularly interesting spread features a non-traditional spot, pyramids located on the way to Cosanostra skatepark. Thomas explained that despite passing by these pyramids since 2004, he never considered them until a recent session with skaters from Titus. The spot, which is surprisingly difficult due to steel strings between the blocks, and steepness, provides a fresh perspective on Paris. The photos illustrate the creative ways that skaters engage with their urban environment. Thomas notes that the spread captures more than just skateboarding, but the unique ways skaters use typically overlooked Parisian spots.
De Paris Yearbook spread featuring Marius Moreau and Val Bauer
Photo: Thomas Busuttil – Marius Moreau, kickflip | Alex Pires – Val Bauer, back smith
Another spread highlights a spot that Thomas has been skating for 15 years, emphasizing his connection to the local skateboarding scene. He appreciates the evolution of this spot and particularly loves the story behind the photo of Val Bauer, who, along with Joseph Biais, managed to get access to the spot, fix the pole jam, and keep a copy of the key. This spread encourages exploration of the suburbs and highlights the hidden gems outside of the typical skate spots. Thomas’ advice is to “Go explore the fucking suburbs, don’t stick to Republique when you’re in Paris.”
Funding and Ethical Practices
The yearbooks are funded through partnerships with brands, focusing on companies that actively contribute to skateboarding. Thomas aims for respectful collaborations, rather than traditional advertising. He highlights the importance of working with brands that are not just profiting from skateboarding, but are genuinely part of the culture. The goal is to produce a quality product that resonates with the skateboarding community without resorting to aggressive commercialization. Thomas believes that the community appreciates that they are “real skaters behind this” project. Most skaters understand the process and are proud to have their photos and their work preserved in the physical book.
De Paris Yearbook books
Supporting Photographers
Thomas emphasizes the importance of paying photographers for their work, although at €30 per page, it’s not a big income. While some photographers offer their photos for free, Thomas and the De Paris Yearbook team are determined to support them fairly. They understand the value of their work and the importance of preserving skateboarding culture in a high-quality format. He also mentioned the importance of being included in the General Library of France, emphasizing the lasting legacy of these yearbooks for current and future generations. The yearbook preserves a particular moment in time, especially a unique year like 2020, and captures how people behaved before the full effects of Covid changed the world.
Conclusion
The De Paris Yearbook stands as a testament to the importance of preserving skateboarding culture through physical media. Thomas Busuttil’s dedication to showcasing authentic skateboarding experiences, supporting photographers, and fostering a sense of community, makes this project a valuable contribution to the skateboarding world. By creating a platform for untold stories and undiscovered spots, The DPY CityTriptych Yearbook Vol. 4 goes beyond simply documenting skateboarding, it celebrates the spirit of exploration and the rich culture that makes skateboarding unique.
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