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Nate Lubben, 33, is a photographer who enjoys capturing people in their natural environment, dance movement, parts of Long Beach and Signal Hill with a history and much more.
Originally, Lubben became interested in photography through skateboarding but took more interest in the documentary element of it. “I grew up skateboarding, and I was kind of more interested in the photographic aspect of it versus the actual skateboarding,” he said. He is particularly intrigued by Glen E. Friedman, an American photographer who came to prominence in the 1980s and is known for taking pictures of skateboarders like Tony Alva and Jay Adams and musicians from bands such as Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys and Beastie Boys. “His work inspired me to get into photography,” Lubben noted.
Although Lubben had become interested in photography at a young age, he did not quickly involve himself in it. “None of the high schools taught photography,” said Lubben, who grew up in Redlands, California. After graduating high school, he joined the military. Once he came back home, he started college, studying graphic design. When Lubben was 25 years old, he moved to Long Beach and took his first photography classes at Long Beach City College. “A program like [that] in Long Beach City College is a big help,” he said. “They really push you and critique you. They make sure you are on the right track to become a professional photographer.” Lubben went beyond the class and learned lessons online, watched tutorials, and purchased additional textbooks.
Lubben began to take photography more seriously about two years ago. Movement in skateboarding was originally what he wanted to take pictures of. To get the perfect image, you only have a fracture of a second to seize the peak of a shot, according to Lubben. Sometimes, the skate trick must be done more than once. He also took pictures of movement in dance. Breakdancing, modern, jazz and contemporary are a few that he has photographed.
However, over time Lubben began to favor portraits. “I’ve been doing portraits of people in their environments— where people can be themselves and act natural— letting their personalities show,” he said. He further explained that the shots he takes tell a story. “To capture that really makes it more enjoyable for me,” he added. He used his girlfriend’s knowledge as a dancer to help him with posing the models. He was influenced by Pieter Hugo, a South African photographer whose work engages the viewer using both documentary and art traditions with a focus on African communities. Lubben is particularly fond of a collection of portraits titled The Hyena and Other Men.
Though Lubben enjoys curating series of photographs, he says that it can be a lot more challenging because of the effort it takes to find people, the location and costumes. He also shoots pictures of places around Long Beach and Signal Hill that have a history behind them. One image, named “Ghost Town,” is of a stencil located on 32nd Street by the ramp leading to the 405 Freeway. The stencil is of the Walt Jabsco logo that portrays a man in a black suit, originally drawn by Jerry Dammers and Horace Panter. It was known to represent The Specials, a ska-revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Since the stencil was just down the street from Lubben’s apartment, he passed it every day on the way to school. “In the background you can see Long Beach Boulevard. The history of the guy and where I grew up is shown,” he said. “It was really extreme.”
As he was taking the shot, a highway patrol unit got on the freeway. With Lubben’s camera set on shutter-speed, the lights from the highway patrol drifted along the street. Since then, Lubben has gone around shooting pictures of this character all around Long Beach.
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In the future, Lubben hopes to start conveying messages in his photography. “I want to say what’s happening in the world,” he said.
His final goal is to have photography be his full-time job. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and now I’m trying to actually achieve it.” Currently, he is working with the children’s studio gallery in the Expo art center. Soon, he will be working with his girlfriend’s dance company to do some outdoor shots of the dancers.
Lubben advises anyone with a passion to “follow your dreams. If there’s something you’re really interested in, you can’t just wait for some big moment. People think their dreams just fall into their lap. You have to have a drive. Get out there. Keep on working at it because it doesn’t happen overnight.”
To view more of Lubben’s photography, visit natelubbenphotography.com .
