Stonegate Skatepark Overlooking East Bay Hills

[dmourati]

In my early quest to meet skaters in the area, I found myself deep in San Jose at Stonegate Skatepark. I immediately loved the place. It is a bit hood. On one visit, a portly park goer tried to sell me a video camera. He was wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet.

This time around, the only folks there were riding BMX bikes or skateboards. Here's some of each.

Matt, on the Smith




Indy Grab Bowl to Bank




B/S Noseslide Down Hubba



Scott BMX



F/S Rock

[Photo-John]

Hey, homie. Let me illuminate you a little on San Jo. That ain't "a little hood." That location is puro gangsta. Watch your back. Maybe bring someone with you, too.

I dig the photos. Maybe try to work the east hills into the photos a little better. I actually like that first one for the background. That's good San Jo context. I like the BMX one, too. What kind of focal lengths are you working with? Do you ever shoot with a long lens? The right angle and a long lens would let you pull the background in tighter. Just a thought...

[DGK*CRONE]

that guy sure is draggin his foot in the front side nose slide.

[dmourati]

I like the location too. I've never felt unsafe there. All the dudes at the park are cool. Thanks for the heads up though.

I was shooting with my kit 18-105. Once I get my 70-200 VRII I'll be sure to go back and try some more compressed shots.