‘My wish is to take photos of skaters in Papua New Guinea and remote islands in Indonesia.’
Gunandi Budiharjo
May 2023
Where are you from?
Hey backside skatemag. Thank you for having me. I am from Semarang central Java Indonesia, but now I am living on the island of god, Bali.
Assuming you started off skateboarding at what point did you move to photography and why?
It started when I saw so many great photos in the European skateboard magazines. My older brother started first, taking pictures of our hommies in Semarang and Jogja in 2004. Digital camera was quite expensive that time so he used an analog one. I borrowed it, started to learn and still enjoy it to this day.
Is there one skateshot you wish you had taken?
My only wish is to take photos of skaters, no matter if they are pro or not. Just want to document skateboarding where hopefully they keep the photos and show it to their grand kids.
Proudest moment as a photographer?
Surely when my photo gets printed where people can touch it and keep it, or hanging it on the wall instead of storing it as a file on your hard drive.
Most embarrassing?
When I leave all my memory card at my home, while I am at the spot with the team. Not getting the timing right is quite typical. It happens so many times. Please forgive me.
Is there any post production you do? If so, how far do you go?
Honestly, I cannot do image editing. I am too stupid to edit. As long as I can make good raw photo, I don’t need to edit. If not, I only adjust colour correction. Sometimes colour setting on high tech camera is confusing like shit. (laughing).
What is on your wish list?
My wish is to take photos of skaters in Papua New Guinea and remote islands in Indonesia.
Last question. If you could interview one person, who would it be and why?
You, because we have to make print version of this magazines soon. Makasih.
