Mauro Lepe
A Chileman in New York
September 2021
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Chile but moved to New York a few years ago.
Assuming you started off skateboarding at what point did you move to photography and why?
Skateboarding in Chile, I really enjoyed the carefree fun with friends and always thought to myself to document these great experiences. Unfortunately affording a camera was out of the question and any money I had was spent on decks and shoes.
Is there one skateshot you wish you had taken?
That one time diego bucchieri showed up in Chile and Ollied a 20 stair set for the toy machine video.
Proudest moment as a photographer?
The first time I sold one of my photographs in a gallery. It’s a great feeling that people are willing to pay for something that you’ve created.
Most embarrassing?
That one time I fell off a rock at a beach and dropped my camera in the ocean. In a way it worked out for the better since I would have never picked up my old film camera which is what I shot with today.
What gear are you shooting with?
Pentax 67 and a 35mm film camera.
Is there any post-production you do? If so how far do you go?
Not really, I like to keep things as they were shot.
What is on your wishlist?
Traveling with friends and documenting everything.
Last question. If you could interview one person, who would it be and why?
Cinematographer Robby Müller. Seeing his work in movies really made me rethink the way I see and photograph. It’s very inspiring work and would be cool to apply it to skateboarding.
