Skateboarding has always thrived on creativity, adapting to whatever surroundings are available - empty pools, parking lots, stair sets, and sometimes even kitchen counters.
In 1999, before Tony Hawk became a household name, photographer Martin Schoeller captured a moment that blended skate culture with an unexpected setting: Hawk’s own home.
At the time, Hawk was well-known in the skateboarding world but hadn’t yet reached the level of mainstream recognition that came after landing the first 900 later that year.
Schoeller, then early in his career, had been assigned by The New Yorker to photograph the skater in Carlsbad, California.
His challenge? Finding a fresh perspective on a skater who had already been photographed countless times in traditional settings.
Instead of heading straight to the skatepark, Schoeller saw potential in a different setting - Hawk’s kitchen.
The idea of having Tony launch off a counter wasn’t met with enthusiasm at first. Hawk, always meticulous about his image, wasn’t sure it would do his skills justice.
But Erin, his wife at the time, saw the charm in it. With a bit of persuasion (and a promise to also shoot at the skatepark), Hawk finally agreed.
The result? A dynamic, unconventional image that captured the essence of skateboarding in a way few had seen before.
Hawk, mid-air in his own kitchen, his family casually in the background, gave the photo a personal touch rarely seen in skate portraits.
The moment, frozen in time, told a story beyond tricks and ramps - it reflected the everyday life of an athlete who had built his career on defying expectations.
For Schoeller, this wasn’t just another assignment. It was his first image published in The New Yorker, a defining moment in his career.
The photograph stood out because it wasn’t about competition or performance; it was about personality.
It showed a side of Hawk that wasn’t just the high-flying vert skater but a father, a husband, and a guy willing to ollie off his kitchen counter for the sake of a great shot.
Now, as The New Yorker celebrates its 100th anniversary, Schoeller is revisiting some of his most memorable work from the past 25 years.
The Hawk kitchen kickflip remains one of his favorites, a reminder of a time when both he and Hawk were on the brink of something bigger.
The skater went on to revolutionize his craft, and the photographer became one of the most recognized portrait artists of his generation.
Sometimes, the best moments come from the places you least expect. Like a kitchen in Carlsbad, with a skateboard, a counter, and a little bit of persuasion.
Schoeller Posted:
"The New Yorker magazine just turned 100 years old, a good reason to celebrate. I’m starting a new series, showcasing my favorite photographs from the last 25 years.
Tony Hawk, 1999
My first image published in @newyorkermag.The assignment was to travel to Carlsbad, CA to photograph Tony Hawk, who at that point was famous in the world of skateboarding but not yet the cultural icon he is today. I was excited and scared at the same time, knowing that the pictures I took on that day would determine my future with the magazine.
I had done a lot of research for the shoot and knew that another picture of Tony in a skatepark would be fine but not great. The rebellious, yet playful aspect of skateboarding was interesting to me. I thought street skating was visually more compelling than a skatepark. Tony Hawk isn’t a street skater, so that approach wasn’t an option, but it lingered in my mind.
My assistants and I were able to stop by his house the night before the shoot to introduce ourselves and look around. He was polite but looked worn out, having just returned from a long trip. While asking his wife Erin some questions in the kitchen, I noticed the counter and thought the idea of him jumping off of it would be perfect.
I explained the idea to Tony, but he wasn’t excited. He thought it wouldn’t showcase his skills and that it just didn’t sound cool. He wanted to go to the skatepark. Discouraged, I went back in the kitchen and explained the concept to Erin, emphasizing the fact that she and the kids would be in the picture as well. She loved the idea. I offered to send her a print she could use for her Christmas card if she helped me convince her husband.
Tony was cornered; he said, “But it might damage the floors.” Erin replied that she didn’t like them anyways and had been wanting new ones for a long time. I promised to also photograph at the skatepark and that I would only need 15 minutes in the morning while his son was having breakfast before school.
Once I peeled the first Polaroid I immediately knew I was about to take one of my all-time favorite pictures.
DoP - @elisabethbiondi
Photo Editor - Liane Radel
Assistants - @dariendavisgallery @andrewhaagen"