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Pascal Lieleg aka Official Bowlshit
Hugo Cruz: Capturing Skateboarding Through the Lens of Passion
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Through the Lens: How Hugo Cruz Stays Connected to Skateboarding
“When I take a picture, it’s like I’m one of them”
At the age of 46, the body doesn’t let him do all the tricks he wishes he could. So, what’s the best way to stay connected? By taking pictures and displaying his talent, something he started doing eight years ago. Hugo Cruz has crafted his own style, recognized by his peers, and works with some key players in Portuguese skateboarding. Here’s Hugo Cruz, from Póvoa de Varzim.
Skater Filipe Cruz
Skater Victor Simon
When did you become a skate photographer?
About eight years ago. I wish I’d had this spark earlier. Cameras were always present in my family, especially with my uncles and cousins. My father also had one, but it was the ‘father’s camera - do not touch it.’ Until one day, I picked up an old camera, went out to the street, and started shooting. I liked the outcome, and my family’s feedback was good too. From that point on, I started to create my own style. I don’t have an academic background, I’m self-taught, learning through trial and error.
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Skater Duarte Zeller
Skater Sergio Fernandes
Is skateboarding the only thing you take pictures of?
I only use my camera when I go out for a skateboarding session. Besides, I’m 46, and my bones aren’t the same as when I was younger, so photography is a way to stay connected. I can’t stand watching a three-hour skateboarding session without doing anything. Taking pictures means being involved - their tricks are my tricks. It’s like I’m one of them; I’m part of the process. When I come home and look at the photos, it brings me enormous joy. I work for the Portuguese national skate magazine Surge, and I do some projects for distributors and brands. I’m also doing some product photography at my home studio.
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Skater Zedo
Skater Pacal Teixeira
What do you think about the PUSH Skate Festival?
It’s a great initiative. It’s nice to have a neutral entity that can bring people together from all over the place. Portugal isn’t a small country when it comes to the skateboarding scene, it’s very difficult to unite different communities. I’ve experienced this firsthand when trying to create a local event, there are always incompatibilities. This will be an opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate something we all love.
Skater Rafaela Costa
Check out Hugo Cruz on instagram
