‘The danger factor all around it is just so epic and you’ll most likely never see a shot there ever again.’
Adam Israel Valadez
October 2025
Can you tell us something about Texas that no one knows?
Probably not, but the state of Texas is larger than any country in Europe.
On your IG it says photography, cinematography and painting. What do you enjoy doing most?
I really enjoy shooting photos the most.
What came first? Skateboarding or Photography?
Skateboarding came first before anything else and skateboarding introduced me to everything else.
How did you get into skateboarding?
I used to race BMX pretty competitively for a long time and once that came to end due to membership politics etc. and my dad being over all of the different league fees I started skateboarding with a good friend in my neighbourhood. We really didn’t know what we were doing but I quickly felt that freedom and autonomy.
Anything embarrassing or funny you willing to share?
I have a full-grown permanent tooth on the roof of my mouth just behind my front row of teeth. It is kind of odd and I used to super self conscious about it and was afraid that people may see it – now I don’t care and will never get it surgically moved or removed.
That is pretty cool. I am sure the girls dig it.
The ones that know about it love it (laughing).
Is there any skate shot you wish you had taken?
So many – let me just say the Matt Hensley shot taken on top of a freeway in San Diego shot by Daniel Harold Sturt.
You are the second photographer to name that one. What is about this shot that fascinates you?
A few tings: first off, the shot is amazing – second: never been done – third: the danger factor all around it is just so epic and you’ll most likely never see a shot there ever again.
‘He’s a huge prankster, too – love that aspect of him.’
Which skate photographer inspires you?
Spike Jonze because not only does he take photographs, but also makes movies, and music videos. He’s a huge prankster, too – love that aspect of him.
If you could pick any skater in the world to shoot, who would it be and why?
Probably Guy Mariano – he’s just such a legend and is still skateboarding at a very high level – he’s 48 by the way.
What else are you doing apart from photography, cinematography and painting?
I just made city council in the small beach town that I live in.
Are the locals now seeing a surge in skateable objects across the town?
(laughing) No, not really here, but I have shot a photo out here of my good friend, Ivan, blasting an ollie on a fishing jetty.
Last Question. If you could interview any person in the world, who would it be?
That’s a tough one, but I’ll say Stanley Kubrick, as I’ve been such a fan of his eye, lighting and camera work in his films.