The Searchers
It is a rare gift to ever be in a position where you can inspire somebody else to create. The bond that I’ve shared with my brother has kept me inspired my whole life.
Garrett Hill
The Leica SL2-S and M11-P are built like tanks but they’re also compact and intuitive, which allowed us to capture the fast-paced skateboarding action as well as the beauty of the desert.
Gantry Hill
A skateboarding western is the perfect place for a Leica.
Gantry Hill
Why did you feel this was an important story to tell?
“I think it’s very important to reinforce the fact that the drive to create never goes away. It has no limits to age, gender or location. Even if one person is inspired by your artwork, it is all worth it.” -Garrett Hill
Can you share more about your creative process?
“As a director, I like operating by intuition and applying the ingenuity I learned from skateboarding growing up. The first thing I noticed when I picked up the Leica was that it instantly felt like an extension of my creative process. I try to stay in tune with what’s going right on a shoot and just ride that momentum home” -Gantry Hill
What do you hope others will take away from this project?
“Honestly, we can only hope that the project inspires people to get out there and make things happen. Life is really precious and temporary. Take risks, be bold and enjoy the people around you. That’s the skateboarder’s mantra: ‘Keep Pushing Forward’.” -Gantry Hill
How does the Leica SL2-S and Leica M11-P support your workflow and visual perspective?
“Setting out on this crazy desert adventure, we knew the cameras were in for a wild ride. And we weren’t gentle with them. The Leica SL2-S and M11-P are built like tanks but they’re also compact and intuitive, which allowed us to capture the fast-paced skateboarding action as well as the beauty of the desert. We wanted to take the Leica cameras somewhere they’ve never been before so we towed Garrett across a dry lake bed on a skateboard with custom tire wheels. It was a ride for the books.” - Gantry Hill
