‘I didn’t transition from skateboarding to fashion. It is the other way around.’
Rivo Rimavan
June 2025
Assuming you started off skateboarding, at what point did you move to photography and why?
Actually, I started photography first and then I became interested in street fashion and want to learn about Fashion Photography. So, I think skateboarding which close to me to learn about fashion, because some skaters are good about fashion, and I learnt a lot more than I expected.
How did you transition from shooting skateboarding to fashion?
First thing first I’m a commercial photographer now who started my career as a photographer’s assistant in Jakarta before trying to shoot skateboarding. So, I didn’t transition from skateboarding to fashion. It is the other way around. Knowing to shoot both added more experience in my career.
What is easier. Shooting fashion or skateboard?
What is easier? Both of these choices have their own challenges. For fashion usually I do in Studio than outdoor shoot, so it’s easier because I can control the lighting. For skateboarding, it’s a bit hard when we have a good spot that does not allow skaters.
Is there one skate shot you wish you had taken?
Yeah, I love Frontside Noseslide and Back Tailslide. I wish I had a good one with the best skater at an amazing skate spot.
Proudest moment as a photographer?
In terms of skateboarding, I have been making friends with bunch of skaters outside my hometown. I traveled to Ternate which is in East Indonesia. That is the furthest I took a skate shot from.
Most embarrassing?
Maybe it happened the very first time when I shot for skateboarding. You know the angle and the framing were so bad (laughing).
What is on your wish list?
In skateboarding scene, I would love to have at least one skate shot from every country in the world.
Last question. If you could interview one person, who would it be?
Wow, I hope it happened to my life. From Indonesia I loved to interview Indra Leonardo a.k.a Indra Kubon. He was the best and most energetic skater who made it look steezy. And from worldwide maybe Nyjah, Kevin Spankylong, Kyle Walker, Mason Silva & Louie Lopez. I can’t choose. They are all my favorites.