A parallel universe is defined as a self-contained, separate reality coexisting with one’s own.  Welcome to Todd Jordan’s life. There’s nothing part time about either Todd’s skateboarding or his photography.  Assembling a list of employers such as Shut Skates, Nike Sb and Hifi Wheels is not bestowed upon half steppers.  Also, having a degree in photography from SVA, being published in Vice, Mass Appeal, and most of the current skateboard magazines, as well as showing his work at solo and group exhibitions, is not the resume of a photo hobbyist.  Make no mistake; this Agent Affiliate is all business. 

Photo: Micheal Cohen

Not often does an artist get to oscillate between one reality and the other as he serves as director when he’s behind the lens and a subject when he’s on his board.

Photo: Ben Colen

Life as a professional skateboarder is by no means all glamour, especially in New York City.  The environment is raw, it has temperate extremes through out the year and the background is pure grit.  Life on the road doesn’t fare much better for skateboarders.  There are long hours of travel, long hours of skating and, of course, long hours of entertainment.  Oddly enough, Todd’s photography depicts none of these elements.  Drawing inspiration from the likes of Nan Goldin, a New York photographer who’s work has ranged from capturing the illicit side of city life in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s to her present works with skylines, landscapes and family life, Todd’s work reflects a calmer side of New York and skate life -  far from the chaos.

Photo: Todd Jordan

When asked if he’d ever consider skate photography as a profession. “No, I find that the experiences and lives of my friends and other athletes are much more interesting and captivating than the "stunts" that they’re capable of performing. The down time, the calm and relaxed moments, which I ten to focus on my photographs, are where I see the truest of characteristics of my friends…These seem to be the moment the speak loudest to me about who they are.”

Photo: Todd Jordan

Todd’s latest photographic project is a campaign called “Support Your Local”, for Nike, which began last year.  This season, Todd photographed employees of Portland’s Cal’s Pharmacy and Phoenix’s Cowtown Skateboards. 

Report filed by Derek Rinaldi