Our latest tech experiment took a nostalgic turn. Instead of relying on our usual cameras, we decided to dust off a relic from 1998: the Game Boy Camera. Why, you might ask? Well, let’s just say a certain mail service has been a bit unreliable, and we needed a backup plan that was as fun as it was functional. This retro camera became our lens for the premiere of Evan Mock’s Red Bull “Skate Tales” episode, offering a unique, pixelated perspective on the night.
The event, held downstairs at The Flower Shop, was a vibrant mix of skateboarding culture and sophisticated ambiance. Surrounded by platters of unusual ceviche, we dove into the low-resolution world of the Game Boy Camera. The resulting images are a “deep-fried ultrasound” of the evening, as I drunkenly described them. While the camera proved to be a challenge, its limitations only added to the charm of the event coverage. We encourage you to take a shot at guessing who’s who in the photos before checking the captions – it’s a fun way to appreciate the unique style of the Game Boy Camera. Of course, we didn’t forget to include a few higher-resolution, “pore and wrinkle-filled” photos for good measure.
Madars Apse, fresh off a flight from Japan, greeted us with a presence that felt straight out of Wolf of Wall Street. Whether it was the whisky or the venue’s luxurious feel, the vibe was undeniably sophisticated.
This is Madars as captured by the Game Boy Camera. While details are scarce, trust us when we say, some classic photo booth poses were struck before and after this shot.
We were stoked to see Father Bop rocking an FTI Xbox hat, a true sign of gamer solidarity. It took a while to get the lighting right with the Game Boy Camera, but Bop was a good sport, even after having to head straight back to the bar afterward.
Father Bop in all his 264-pixel glory, a true retro mugshot.
The cocktail matchup of the year: Espresso Martini versus Aperol Spritz. One for keeping the NYC night alive, the other for a European flair. The debate rages on – which drink is the true hot girl drink of the summer?
Despite his experience as an actor and model, Evan Mock seemed to have a hard time maintaining eye contact with the camera. Just kidding, a bit of lighthearted gossip for the night.
It seems that if you stay in NYC long enough, you either become a DJ or an “abstract painter.” Here’s Evan Mock showcasing his versatile talents on the decks.
I swear this is a photo of two good-looking people. You’ll have to use your imagination to fill in the details of this pixelated image.
Navigating a crowded room with a drink in hand definitely tests your mettle. The open bar timer added an extra level of urgency, making sure everyone was squeezing through.
If I had a penny for every time someone claimed they were good at pool, only to whiff the break shot, I’d have at least 25 cents. Not a fortune, but enough to get me a little closer to that next penny in most bars.
Jiro Platt, doing what skaters do best: ignoring clearly marked signs with a smirk. If I were 18 in a popular bar, surrounded by skaters and beautiful women, I’d be grinning ear to ear. But maybe that’s just me.
Even reduced to pixels, the Red Bull logo is unmistakably clear. Kudos to Red Bull for their consistent branding, even in 8-bit.
Steven Stinson, Evan’s self-proclaimed skate guru, and Carl Aikens, likely a self-proclaimed style guru, were standouts of the night. Steven kept the Blue Park beers flowing, which is pretty much the only way to pass time there.
Carl’s modeling portfolio is undoubtedly impressive, but how many models can say they’ve had headshot work done on a Game Boy? Underwear and fragrance booking agents, get ready to dial.
People have strong opinions when it comes to drinking. Don’t mix light and dark liquors. Drink water after every drink. This is my go-to rule: liquor before beer, you’re in the clear. Beer before liquor, you’ll be throwing up devil horns all night long.
I’m not sure what I was saying here, but I apologize to anyone I drunkenly yapped at or made skate plans with. I don’t remember what I said, and hopefully, you don’t either.
The best part of taking photos with the Game Boy Camera was the questions that followed. My favorite had to be: “Can you airdrop that to me?”
Every bar night should include a 15-minute video intermission, it’s the perfect time to think “Am I really in the friend zone?” or “Was that tequila shot worth it?”
The Game Boy Camera might be a blast from the past, but it certainly spiced up our coverage of Evan Mock’s “Skate Tales” premiere. It reminded us that sometimes, the most unique perspectives come from the most unexpected places.
Photos by: Cole Giordano and Wilson Lucas
Intro and captions by: Ben Komins
