Peter Giang

A native New Yorker who’s been skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing since he was a kid, Peter Giang is a dedicated member of the Blades family. Always down for good times with friends and catching early morning waves in Rockaway, Peter’s been working at our NoHo store for the past year. He got his first camera when he was 12 and has been shooting photos ever since. In recent years his photos have appeared in several gallery shows, and he’s also spent time in front of the lens modeling the newest wares for top lifestyle brands. Keep an eye out for Peter on the beach, mountain, street, and of course, at Blades.

Q: What do you like most about working at Blades?
What I like about working at Blades is hanging out with the homies and meeting new people. Also being able to bounce off creative ideas with my fellow creative colleagues.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?
I surf all year round and snowboard during the winters. I teach skateboarding lessons and shoot photos wherever I am. I’m also learning yoga; it’s new to me, but the women are pretty hot so it’s worth it! I also do some modeling. It’s not runway, but it’s pretty cool to do.

Q: Who or what inspires you, and why?
Richard Avedon, Bruce Webber, Blotto, Darnell Scott, and basically just everyday life. I meet and see so many people during my daily grind in NYC, and that inspires me.

Q: When did you start shooting photos and what’s your favorite subject matter to shoot?
I first started when I was 12 with a point-and-shoot camera. Going out to party and growing up skateboarding was a big influence on my photography. I also found an old manual camera that belonged to my Dad. I was intrigued by capturing time.

Q: Do you think your involvement with skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing influences the way you look at the world and document it through your photos?
For sure!

Q: Has your photography been featured in any recent shows or exhibits?
The Puffin Room (The PlayGround, 2009) (All City, 2011), 303 Grand Gallery (Sea Sick Mama, 2010), Essential Music & Art Show (2009), 120 Ingraham St (After We Met, 2010), Milk Studios (MGU, 2011).

Q: What are your 3 favorite things about living/working in NYC?
First off, being able to skateboard or bike anywhere in the city! I get to see so many different walks of life. I like to look at a certain individual, on the streets, subways, stores, etc. and think about where they’re from, what they’re thinking, and if they’re happy, sad or depressed. It reminds me that we are all human beings and are co-existing. Second, food, food and food! I get to eat like a king. Crazy new restaurants, new food trucks, etc. NYC is the first to have it. And finally, women! I’m single and I love to mingle.

Q: What does success mean to you?
Being able to take care of my family and future family.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Having my own home with a studio, and putting out a couple photo books.

Q: If you could have dinner with 3 famous people (living or dead), who would you choose to dine with and why?
York Phonphith, because I am amazed at how much he can eat. Ghandi, because he’d also be amazed at how much York can eat. Hugh Heffner, because he always has girls with him, and that’s our after party!

Q: If you could only be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
My personality.

To learn more, please visit Peter’s blog and website, or Google “Peter Giang” and see what pops up.

- Portrait courtesy of Hose Cedeno