The Sky’s the Limit for Zion Wright and Atiba Jefferson
October 5, 2024
Zion Wright and Atiba Jefferson’s latest project, set 100 stories above New York City, isn’t just another skateboarding shoot. It’s a testament to the deep, creative synergy between a world-class skater and one of skateboarding’s most respected photographers. Their collaboration is built on a shared history of pushing boundaries, both in terms of technical prowess and artistic expression.
The session, which took place at The Edge, a stunning observation deck high above Hudson Yards, was meticulously planned over several months. Atiba Jefferson and Zion Wright started at 4 a.m. to capture the early morning light, working against both time constraints and the challenges posed by a rooftop location. High winds made landing tricks treacherous, and the complexity of setting up the ramp at such a height only added to the sense of risk and reward that defines their creative partnership.
A Decade of Connects and Trust
Wright and Jefferson have been working together for nearly a decade. Their relationship transcends the typical photographer-athlete dynamic and enters the realm of artistic collaboration. As Jefferson himself put it, a skater and photographer’s relationship is unique in its focus: both aim to capture that one perfect moment. It’s not just about documenting tricks; it’s about capturing the emotion, energy, and atmosphere that make skating so exhilarating.
What makes their partnership work so well is the level of trust and respect they have for each other’s craft. Jefferson relies on Wright to land the tricks perfectly so that the photos are authentic and not merely staged. In turn, Wright depends on Jefferson’s eye and technical skill to immortalize these moments in a way that resonates with both skaters and broader audiences. As Wright noted in their interview, “It’s genuine…We both get to celebrate [a trick’s] victory”.
Merging Art, Fashion, and Skateboarding
Their collaboration extends beyond traditional skate shoots. During LA Art Week, Wright and Jefferson participated in a massive skate installation, hosted by Vans in collaboration with artist Sterling Ruby’s S.R. Studio. The installation was a sensory experience that brought together skateboarding, fashion, and music in a unique blend of artistic expression. Jefferson’s photography was a highlight, capturing the vibrant chaos of the event where skaters like Wright and Christian Hosoi performed against a backdrop of live music and avant-garde fashion.
The event showcased not only Wright’s versatility as a skater but also Jefferson’s ability to translate the visceral energy of skating into compelling visual narratives. For the crowd—many of whom were unfamiliar with skate culture—it was an eye-opening experience that challenged preconceived notions about skateboarding and its place in the world of fine art.
High Stakes and High Winds
Back at The Edge, their New York session faced its own set of unique challenges. The winds at such a high altitude were intense, creating an additional layer of difficulty for Wright as he attempted to execute his tricks. “The wind was spooking me. I was worried about flipping my board,” Wright admitted during the session. Yet, despite these obstacles, he managed to land a 540 and a heelflip indy—tricks that are challenging under normal circumstances, let alone on a rooftop ramp with the wind pushing against you.
Jefferson, who has been shooting skateboarding since the ’90s, was equally impressed. He emphasized how critical it was to capture the moment correctly the first time, as the conditions were too harsh to keep asking Wright to repeat his performance. This pressure, however, didn’t detract from the thrill of working at such a unique location. “When you’re not on the ramp, it’s chill. But when you’re on it and you look out, it’s like, ‘Whooooa. I’m 100 stories up,’” he noted, adding that it was one of the most memorable sessions of his career.
A New Frontier for Skateboarding and Visual Storytelling
This latest project marks another milestone in Wright and Jefferson’s creative journey, one that’s characterized by a willingness to take risks—both physically and artistically. The images captured at The Edge are not just photos of a skater performing tricks; they are works of art that evoke the thrill, danger, and beauty of skateboarding in a way that few others can achieve.
As they continue to collaborate, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit for these two. Whether they’re challenging gravity at dizzying heights or blending skate culture with high fashion and art installations, Wright and Jefferson are redefining what it means to capture the essence of skateboarding. Their work is a reminder that skateboarding is not just a sport; it’s a form of artistic expression that can transcend its subcultural roots and speak to a much broader audience.
For skaters, photographers, and fans alike, their collaboration serves as inspiration—proof that when you trust in your creative partner and push beyond the limits, you can create something truly extraordinary.
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