Michael Cohen
How long have you been skating and shooting in New York?
I have you been skateboarding and snowboarding on the East Coast most of my life. Moved back to New york in 99 and shooting New York for the last 11 years. I keep a camera on me all the time. Living in New York you just never know what your gonna get.
What has it been like going from Zoo York back to running Shut?
Wow! Great question. When I was at Zoo York in 2003 it was just when they starting working with another Company to grow the brand. It was in midtown and super “Garmento.” I went back to bar tending and a concierge gig (thanks Bici) for a couple of years and then got a call from Rodney Smith that he was bringing SHUT back. The last 5 years now watching SHUT’s rebirth has been awesome and the momentum is amazing. I get to work directly with the owners, skaters, artists and New York’s skateboard community…..made in the USA!
What do you like most about photographing in New York, as opposed to any other city in the world?
It’s my backyard. I love it. I get to skateboard around and New York is purely unpredictable, eventful and fucking crazy! When your on a board, your going from one neighborhood to the next in just a couple of pushes. There is no better city for skateboarding and taking photos then NY!
Skate wise, who do you think is shredding New York the hardest nowadays?
I gotta be bias and say Luis Tolentino! The kid kills it in New York. He takes it to another level. “The Highest Ollie Level!” Watching him skate is like watching a video game. Oh, and he shreds on a snowboard as well.
Who are some of your favorite New York photographers?
There are so many dope photographers out of New York and they all have their own unique style but sometimes having a wide range is what sets them apart. Craig Wetherby is one of those doods that is super unique in every aspect of photography. Super eclectic from skate, snow, music, iconic events and happenings. He is living the “Good Life.”
What have been some of your favorite moments NYC?
To be honest it was seeing my photo from the book hanging in the MILK Gallery and being able to share it with so many friends and family.
What is the story behind your photo in Full Bleed?
It was a Thrasher tour stop in summer 2003 at the old KCDC skate shop. They had this sick 80s street ramp and Tony Trujillo was hitting it full speed and landing every trick in the book. Good times, thank you once again Amy Gunther.
Any last shout outs?
Thank you Alex Corporan, Ivory Serra, Andre Razo, Vice, SHUT and Mazdeck Rassi. Thank you Taji for this interview. Its been a pleasure knowing you and watching your skating progress and your involvement in keeping its longevity here in New York City. Also, thank you Timbo for giving me a voice on the inter-web.
Click here for Michael’s Rad Collector.
