Behind the lens: Norma Ibarra

What came first for you, skateboarding or photography? And how did the two come together?
Photography has always been part of my life. My mom used to shoot and she gave me her camera when I was 15, so I was always the one taking photos of my friends. I have a thing for documenting my friends and the memories we share together so when I started skateboarding, I started shooting my new skateboarding friends. At some point I noticed that not many people documented the girls so I made that a little personal project. I love street and travel photography but right now I really want to document skateboarding. I think we are in a very interesting time for women but also for the whole scene, with it being considered a sport. In the future I want to be able to have a little archive so people can look back and say, “Remember when…” and so that all of my friends can look back and have timeless memories.

You were part of the Girls Skate India Tour this year. What was the highlight of the trip?
For me, it was living with an Indian family and learning about their culture, the food, the language, and all the times shared with them. At the time I was coming back from an injury so I was not able to skate, but meeting the other skaters that came on that trip and sharing all the memories together is something I will keep in my heart forever. Planting the seed of skateboarding to young girls was super touching as well. I am planning to go back to visit my new Indian family and can’t wait to skate the spots we visited.

You’ve spent a lot of time skating and shooting in poverty stricken areas. What impact do you think skateboarding has in these places?
Besides skateboarding being such a fun activity, the inclusivity of it has a lot of impact. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what you do for a living, we all share the same feeling when we ride our skateboards. I believe it teaches them to appreciate diversity and have a more open mind. I also think that skateboarding can be used as a tool for these communities to see challenges in a different way, to learn that if we keep working hard we can progress, and that united and supporting each other we can grow and reach our goals.

What was it like discovering and skating with an entire crew of girl skaters in Cuba—a place where the locals rely on donations to keep the skate scene alive?
I love Cuba, it’s hard to explain but it’s a magical place. It took me a while to understand how things work there but after four visits I think I have a good idea. Unfortunately it’s a struggle for everyone there to have a decent skateboard and shoes but thanks to organizations like Cuba Skate and Amigo Skate Cuba, the skaters there can have a board. The problem is that we also need to educate and support the skaters so they can learn how to be sustainable and not rely on things coming from outside. As for the girls, I hope that one day a bunch of female skaters can go there and inspire all the girls so they can progress faster. I hope one day things for Cuban skateboarders and the whole country are better but for now we should keep helping and educating until we reach the ultimate goal.

What new places would you like to travel to and shoot skate photos?
I really want to spend a big amount of time in Mexico, my home country. I want to give back to the community there. I also have a dream to visit Europe. I hope I can make it there soon!

On a different note… Your rap cameo in the Skate Witches film “Srsly” was seriously good. Can we expect to hear more from MC Lapir0?
Thank you! I had a blast producing that. Skate Witches Records, Audge and I are working on something for the future but it’s still a work in progress. Stay tuned!

Do you have a favorite skater to shoot with?
This question is like when someone asks you what is the best camera. The best camera is the one you have. The favorite skater is the one you get to shoot with. Hahaha! I love people and everyone has a story and a talent to share. I love shooting with the Skate Witches but you know, everyone can be a Skate Witch, no?

Interview: Sarah Huston
Photos: Norma Ibarra