Chase Harrison: Capturing the Spirit of a Skateboarding Revolution
Chase Harrison, born in 1956 in Venice Beach, California, emerged as an iconic figure in photography, renowned for seamlessly blending the gritty essence of skateboarding culture with the sophisticated world of fashion and model photography.
In his early years, growing up amid the raw energy of Southern California’s skateboarding scene in the 1970s, Chase developed a unique photographic style. His work initially focused on capturing the visceral, kinetic world of skateboarding during a transformative era marked by the advent of urethane wheels and a drought that turned empty swimming pools into skateboarding havens. These elements formed the backdrop of Chase’s early work, characterized by candid, high-energy shots that captured the rebellion and freedom of the skate culture.
Armed with a Pentax K1000, Chase’s self-taught skills and his insider’s perspective allowed him to produce images that were authentic, gritty, and imbued with the spirit of the skateboarding community. His photographs from this period not only showcased the sport but also the emerging youth culture around it, including the legendary Z-Boys, who revolutionized skateboarding with their aggressive style and bold tricks.
As Chase’s reputation grew in the late 1970s and 80s, so did his artistic ambitions. By the early 1990s, he began to venture into the world of fashion and model photography. His transition was not just a change of subjects but a radical reimagining of model photography itself. Chase brought the rawness, spontaneity, and authenticity of his skateboarding photography to a domain traditionally dominated by structured and polished images.
His model photography broke conventions. Chase’s models were often captured in dynamic, unconventional poses, reminiscent of the freedom and movement of skateboarding. He preferred natural lighting and urban settings, drawing on his experience of shooting in the unpredictable and varied landscapes of skate parks and city streets. This approach brought a refreshing and edgy aesthetic to fashion photography, resonating with a younger, more contemporary audience.
The fashion world took notice. Chase’s work began to appear in major fashion magazines, bringing a touch of street credibility and rawness to their pages. His images were not just about the clothes; they told stories, evoking emotions and a sense of adventure, much like his skateboarding photos did. He was credited with introducing a new level of energy and authenticity to fashion photography, influencing a generation of photographers.
Throughout the 90s and into the new millennium, despite the digital revolution in photography, Chase maintained his distinct style. He adapted to new technologies but kept the essence of his work consistent – capturing candid moments that spoke a deeper truth.
Now, at 67, Chase Harrison is celebrated not just as a skateboarding photographer but as a visionary who redefined model photography. His career is a testament to the power of authenticity in art. From the skate parks of Venice Beach to the high-fashion studios, Chase’s journey reflects his belief in staying true to one’s roots while exploring new horizons. His legacy lies in his ability to capture the spirit of a moment, whether it’s a skater mid-air or a model striding confidently on an urban street. His work continues to inspire, reminding us that at its heart, photography is about capturing the essence of life, in all its unpredictable beauty.