Recently I had the absolute pleasure of attending Bedford Camera’s Third Thursday Photo Walk in May 2025, held at the vibrant Matt Hoffman Skate Park in downtown Oklahoma City. As someone who thrives on photographing action and interesting, unique people, this event was a dream come true. The skate park buzzed with energy—skateboarders soaring through the air, pulling off daring tricks, each with their own style, tattoos, piercings, and stories to tell. It was a perfect blend of motion and personality, two things I’ve always loved capturing through my lens.
Over the years, I’ve learned that my best photos come from connecting with my subjects. Sure, I can stand back, observe, and snap candid shots, but at events like this, I find that engaging with people takes my work to another level. I’ll approach a skateboarder with a smile, ask if I can take their picture, and share the shots with them right there on the camera’s screen. It’s a game-changer. Once they see the images, they get excited and start attempting even wilder stunts, eager to collaborate and create something cool together. Admittedly, it can feel a bit awkward for a 65-year-old guy like me to chat with younger folks decked out in tattoos and piercings, but that initial smile and genuine interest usually break the ice.
One of my favorite tools for sparking conversation is my trusty Toyo 4×5 view camera. This beast of a camera, with its old-school charm, never fails to draw a crowd. Most of the younger folks at the skate park had never seen anything like it. I’d invite them to peek through the ground glass, and without fail, they’d exclaim, “The picture’s upside down!” That moment of curiosity always led to laughter and more of their friends crowding around to check it out. It’s a fantastic ice-breaker, turning strangers into collaborators in an instant.
The event itself was a blast—around 40 photographers and 50-60 skaters filled the park with creativity and energy. As the sun began to set, casting a stunning golden and purple sky over the Oklahoma City skyline, I positioned myself to capture the skateboarders’ tricks against that vibrant backdrop. Using flash to fill in the dark shadows, I was able to freeze the action while keeping the rich colors of the sunset in frame. The results were dynamic, and I couldn’t be happier with how the shots turned out.
For this event, I also brought along my 4×5 film camera to take some portraits. Those images are still waiting to be developed in my home darkroom, and I’m excited to see how they turn out. I’ll be sure to share them on the blog once they’re ready. There’s something special about the slow, deliberate process of large-format film photography—it forces you to be intentional, and the results always feel like a reward for that patience.
Photographing interesting people doing cool things is my passion, and this event had that in spades. The skateboarders’ individuality, the raw energy of their tricks, and the camaraderie of the photo walk made it an unforgettable evening. A huge thank you to Bedford Camera for organizing such a fun and inspiring event. Their Third Thursday Photo Walks are always a highlight, and it’s efforts like these that make me proud to support my local camera shop. I choose to buy my gear and supplies from Bedford rather than online because they go above and beyond to foster this kind of creative community. Here’s to more evenings filled with action, characters, and great photography!
