Tal Roberts had to be talked into shooting photos for a living. He didn’t want his passion to be his grind. Despite being published around the world as a skateboard and bmx photographer, he still chose to swing a hammer for a day job.  But Tal’s talent is too large, his ego too small, and he’s too easy to work with. His list of clients and accomplishments is growing from gallery shows at Ochi Gallery to campaigns for Smith Optics, ScottUSA, and Sun Valley Resort. Originally from Gig Harbor, Wash. Tal is a fixture of Ketchum, Idaho’s youth culture.

What is your earliest memory of art making?

Regular kid stuff like drawing on things or building forts in the woods…then bike jumps in the backyard…then skateboard ramps in the driveway. I think if you are creating something just for your enjoyment or using your surroundings in a way that is different from what it’s meant for  then that is a form of art.

You’re a commercial photographer by day, how do you differentiate between work and your artwork?

My commercial work generally needs to be really clear and crisp, with my art I try to give the same attention to how blurred or unrefined the image will look. It really takes me more time and thought to make an image that is done just the right amount of wrong than it does to make a polished one.

What do you enjoy about living and working in Ketchum?

For the outdoor lifestyle type of work I do it is amazing to have access to so much so close. I’ve also been very lucky to have the opportunity to work with most of the local brands that fit my niche.

What do you look for when you’re shooting?

I usually look for the background that will work well with the subject I am shooting first, then try to build an image around that.

Favorite artist quote?

“I think as a child, you’re always drawing, coloring and doing crafts. And that is totally normal and seems to be like what you do as a kid. And I think what the kind of weird tragedy is that when you become an adult, you grow up and you lose that. You stop creating and involving yourself in the joy of coloring and creation and stuff. I just feel like I was lucky enough to never really lose that.”   -Ed Tempelton

 

 

 

 

Poster designed by Chatham Baker
hand silkscreen on heavy weight vellum
Edition of 100
12″ x 18″

order it at www.ochishop.com, or pick one up at the opening, Friday, June 22nd 7-9 PM