Five Questions with Mike O’Meally and Felipe Lima

Mike O’Meally and Felipe Lima are responsible for the Paul Rodriguez visuals. Mike is a respected photographer and has shot some of our favorite skateboard photos, and Felipe is an up-and-coming filmmaker and has produced all our Curated by Arkitip videos.

I recently sat down with both and asked them 5 questions about the project…

Mike O’Meally

1. What equipment did you use for this shoot?
I used two Nikon F5’s – film cameras, in case anyone forgot!

2. Have you shot with P-Rod before and what impressed you the most about P-Rod?
I have shot with Paul before on some Nike tours and also when he used to ride for City Stars back in the day. I think one thing that really made an impression on me is how calm he is, and also his speaking skills while doing interviews. He is one of the most eloquent young skaters I have heard.

3. How were you able to shoot during the TSA bag check?
Just by good old fashioned jedi mind tricks! I think a lot of it was luck, but presenting yourself in a way that you don’t seem sketchy is a big help too

4. Which shot turned out the best?
I don’t think I could say one particular shot, but there are some of him stretching in the back hall before the Dew Contest that I particularly liked, as well as some of the photos of him checking in curbside at LAX.

5. What project are you working on next?
Just focusing on some editorials for TWS Skateboarding and possible a project with the artist Phil Frost.

Felipe Lima

1. What equipment did you use for this shoot?
Sony HDR-FX1, Canon PowerShot TX1, iPhone (1st Gen) + Sonoma Wire Works FourTrack App, Audio-Technica AT835b Shotgun Microphone and Modified Cables.

2. Have you shot with P-Rod before and what impressed you the most about P-Rod?
Never shot Paul before – his zen is unbreakable! Airport security, endless interviews, dirty diapers… nothing shakes his focus or smile.

3. How were you able to shoot during the TSA bag check?
Small camera, selective deafness, and lots of charm ; )

4. Which shot turned out the best?
1:08. The shot’s super short in the edit, but you can see the family resemblance in their faces and demeanors.

5. What project are you working on next?
Music video for The Soft Pack.