A Photographer You Should Know: Alyssa Davis
Alyssa Davis is not only a photographer, but also, the homie.
Not only a person with a knack for the camera lens, but a friend to most, the young, LA-based photographer has ingratiated herself into skating by being the homie, which is something of a lost art. So much of success in a creative profession hinges on being genuine, being able to connect with people, and being easy to be around - not just shooting a photo, but giving a shit about whose photo is being taken, their story, their lives - knowing your subjects and spending time with them. Any uncool dunce can take a pretty picture, but will that picture say anything? Will it shine with the sort of interpersonal connection that comes from trust and authentic regard for the subject? Or reveal something through shared experience that can’t be reproduced with a stranger? An under appreciated thing, indeed, but by being the homie, you gain access and perspective, and are provided the sort of insight and access that only a friend like Alyssa Davis could get out of some of skateboarding’s favorites. Rather than the typical Q+A format we’d implement for a photographer you should know, we decided to let the photos and the photographer take the reins. Alyssa selected ten of her favorite photos and spoke about them - their story, their purpose, and why they are a favorite.
‘Me and some homies were driving down the mountain from this creek North of LA. They were talking about how weird shit always happens on this road and last time they were driving down, a car flipped over. As we came around this one corner, some tweaker set his car on fire on the mountain road. I wound up making this the cover of my first zine!
‘Mark Gonzales with one of the trophies he made for the Supreme Sunset Bowlevard event. It’s always surreal to see him in person.’
‘I was coming down from acid in Copenhagen and went out shopping. As I’m walking there was this guy in a Mickey costume in the middle of the plaza and he was staring at me and waving me to come over. Glad I got photo evidence cuz I was tripping lol’
‘Bobby Bils called me up and told me Jason Borosky was gonna backflip out of this ditch in Long Beach. The camera I was using had a light leak and honestly made it look even better. Jason is fucking insane.’
‘Neckface’s birthday a couple years ago. We were grilling up and shit started popping behind us. Everyone was calm because we thought Neck was setting off fireworks. Turns out some tweakers set a homeless encampment on fire, very on brand for a Neckface birthday party.’
‘Cody Chapman turned pro for Anti Hero in Frogtown last May. Hella homies came out from the Bay and ATL and we had a bbq at the park. Third time pro’s the charm!’
‘We surprised Richard Massie for his birthday a couple years ago in downtown LA. Danny Trejo was the one who opened the door to surprise him. Legendary moment.’
‘KB asleep at the FA warehouse. This was inbetween takes for the FA skullcandy commercial before they sprayed him with paint haha.’
‘Raven Tershy in Pioneertown. Raven and some homies from Santa Cruz drove down with their bikes for Thrasher Deathmatch. I hopped on the front of one and we rode through the desert while I took pictures.’
‘K White won Copenhagen Open MVP when we went to Athens, Greece. It was my first time in Europe and the trip was so fun. Kevin’s the best person to travel with.’
