I shot this photo at the very first Maloof Money Cup in South Africa.  It was quite a wild experience and I have to say one of the best photographic jobs I have ever had.  Being a life long skateboarder and not only seeing but also getting to photograph some of the top professionals from around the world, how could it not be.  Felix Arguelles(left) was a top pro from back in my days of skating and here he is with Manny Santiago(right), one of the top pros from today.  Manny has become a high-light for the spectators here in South Africa for what is now known as the Kimberley Diamond Cup, he’s always having a good time, even if he’s competing in the final.

The opnening ceremony for the Kimberley Diamond Cup was quite something to see this year.  I hung around to shoot photos of the fireworks and bands that would be performing for a rather enthusiastic crowd.  I ended up enjoying the evening way more than I had expected to and got some fun photos of the festivities.  Here are some of the shots I got as the fireworks sparked away like a war in the sky above the crowd.

I met PLG at the first contest in Kimberley in 2011 and had no idea that he was one of the top vert skaters in the world!  Having hung out with him the night before and thinking he was just another dude that worked at the contest and then seeing him skating the following day had me feeling like a bit of an idiot.  Shooting photos with him up on the vert ramp is always a good time and something I always look forward to.  Here are 2 shots I took at the recent Kimberley Diamond Cup contest over in Kimberley.

This is Sam Beckett, the guy from England that skates vert with so much style and grace in every trick.  A pretty quiet guy off the ramp but on the ramp, his style was louder than ever and so pleasing to watch.

I got to see Jono Schwan skate vert at the recent Kimberley Diamond Cup contest in Kimberley, South Africa.  He’s 16 years old.  He’s quiet.  He’s really nice and probably one of the most humble guys I’ve met.  Watching him float through the air with style was definitely a privelage.  Congratulations Jono, I’m confident you’ll return someday and take first place.

The last night of a big skateboard contest usually means there’s gonna be a bit of a party.  Lots of drinking, laughing, noise and other kinds of craziness.  Always a good time to have your camera out and ready.  Here are some photos I snapped of Danny Mayer and Sam Beckett, 2 amazing vert ramp skaters enjoying their time in the bar at the Kimberley Diamond Cup