Ray Barbee is an American skateboarder, musician, and photographer originally from San Jose, California. He started skateboarding in 1984, when he was in seventh grade, and has grown to become one of the most iconic skateboarders of his generation. His passion and do-it-yourself attitude, which distinguish him as a musician and as a skateboarder, also define his photography. He has been developing his own photos for the last sixteen years.

Rarely without his Leica M6, Ray brings the same unique perspective to the art of black and white film photography that he has brought to skateboarding. His pictures manage to capture both the loud and soft sounds of life. They document explorations, discoveries and experiences, while casually speaking of his own life at the same time. Ray’s seamless approach to capturing a moment while nurturing the image through the development process and bringing it to fruition in the darkroom make his photographs as humble and honest as the man behind the lens.

He is also a recipient of the Transworld Skateboarding “LEGEND” Award and in 2020 was inducted into The Skateboard Hall of Fame.

Topics Discussed In This Episode:

• How Yoshino and Ray both grew up in the Bay Area (00:02:36)
• Yoshino and Ray share stories about professional skateboarder Jerry Hsu (00:05:36)
• The origins of Ray’s journey into the world of skateboarding (00:10:00)
• How skateboarding can transform your creative mindset 00:17:24)
• The art of trial and error (00:22:03)
• Ray’s journey into becoming a musician (00:27:02)
• Naivety as a powerful tool, and how it has shifted due to advances in technology (00:31:06)
• Building resilience (00:38:09)
• “The gym of life” and building character through experience (00:43:39)
• How Ray’s location influenced his skateboarding and opportunities (00:51:45)
• Ray’s approach to photography (00:58:17)
• Ray’s newest photography book: The Joy is in Capturing the Journey (01:10:03)
• Staying curious (01:20:56)

instagram.com/r.barbee

Posted 7.9.2025