The fisheye lens is the most iconic lens in skate photography. It has a long history of capturing some of the best photos of well-known skateboarders. The lens gained significant popularity with Atiba Jefferson and Dan Wolfe's capture of Jeremy Way's frontside 360 down the Santa Monica triple set in 1999. It showcased a unique perspective of skateboarding that drew people in. This style effortlessly reflected skate culture, which was perceived as raw, unpolished, and immersive.

If the only camera you have is an iPhone, don't worry—you can still capture unique, edgy fisheye shots. The attachable Fisheye Lens from SANDMARC is a 5x ultra-wide optical lens. Simply attach or clip the lens to your iPhone using the case or clip provided by SANDMARC. With any attachment lens, you want to ensure that the images are sharp and free of distortion.

As YouTuber Zack Dowdy mentions in his review below: 'The SANDMARC fisheye maintains a more controlled distortion, softening as subjects move to the edges instead of warping them. The lens also features a multi-coated element that reduces harsh highlights, delivering a more balanced and natural look. iPhone footage can sometimes appear over-sharpened, but this lens softens the details slightly, making the visuals feel more cinematic.'

Skate photography with the iPhone can be a little awkward due to its grip, increasing the risk of dropping it and producing unstable shots. We recommend using either the Film Rig, Creator Grip, or as featured in the video above, the Pole.

Pairing the Fisheye lens with one of the options above will elevate your iPhone skate photography and videography, allowing you to push the limits of what’s possible.

Capturing skate photography is all about getting unique angles. A low-angle shot can create intensity and a larger-than-life look. When shooting from a high angle, use it to your advantage to showcase the scale of a trick and capture the skateboarder mid-air. Work with various perspectives and angles to capture the full scope of a trick. A long shot is a great way to capture the full context of where a skateboarder is performing a trick, such as in a bowl, half-pipe, or skate park. It's important to focus on the climax of the trick, so learning and understanding various skate maneuvers will help you time your shots better.

Skateboarders are constantly on the move, and photographers using DSLR cameras often increase their shutter speed to capture sharp action shots. While iPhones don’t have manual shutter speed control in the default Camera app, you can mimic the effect using Burst Mode. This feature captures multiple shots within seconds, helping you select the sharpest frame and ensuring you don’t miss a drop-in or trick.

Shot on iPhone + Fisheye Lens

Mastering skate photography on the iPhone is all about creativity, timing, and the right gear. By experimenting with different angles, using tools like the Film Rig or Creator Grip for stability, and leveraging features like Burst Mode, you can capture dynamic, high-energy shots that showcase the action.

Whether you're shooting from a low angle for intensity or a long shot for context, the key is to anticipate the movement and be ready for the perfect moment. With the right approach, your iPhone can be a powerful tool for creating stunning skate photography.