“LET US ROAM” is an ongoing short film series that shows stories about photographers, artists, filmmakers and musicians inside of the skateboarding culture. Ray Barbee, Arto Saari, Greg Hunt and Atiba Jefferson are all featured with their own film. We previously spoke to Ray, Arto and Greg about their roles in the project. In the final installment, we speak to Atiba Jefferson about his role in the project.

Q: Can you tell us where you’re from, where you currently reside, and some general background information about yourself?
A: I was born in Colorado Springs. I moved to San Diego in 1995 and moved to Los Angeles in 1999 and still live here. I have an identical twin brother.

Q: What do you do? Please share what other creative endeavors you do beyond just skateboarding and how they weave into your life, complement one another or what role they have for you.
A: I play piano. I’m in a band called the Goat and occasionally others. I also DJ. Music is very similar because you can do it on your own and there are no rules.

Q: Why is skateboarding important to you from a creative standpoint?
A: For me, shooting skateboarding compared to commercial shooting is creatively different because I pick the angle and lighting. You are also dealing with so many different elements lighting, location, and even the possibility of getting kicked out.

Q: How is photography integrated in your life? What does it mean to you? What type of photography do you do or are you attracted to, and for what purpose?
A: At this point photography is second nature in my life. If I don’t have a camera on me, I freak out. Photography is just what I do; I would do it whether I got paid or not. There is nothing better than capturing a moment that will be gone forever. I shoot mostly skateboarding and sports but lots of things in between.

Q: What equipment do you use?
A: I use everything, but can always be found with my Leica M6.
Q: What’s your favorite photo and why?
A: I don’t really have one. I’m still searching, but people love the Andrew Reynolds photo and I’m really proud to have shot Michael Jordan.

Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: I really get inspired by my subjects but also just trying to shoot something different.
Thank you for your time, Atiba!
– Leica Interview Team
Connect with Atiba on his website.