Men are often the first to leave.

My cousin died last week. He was 71.
It surprised me—but it also reminded me of something I’ve seen before.

When I was young,I had uncles. And few times a year, another uncle was gone. Until they were all gone.

It’s not a thing to fear. It’s a reminder.

Watching documentaries on Jacques Cousteau and Fred Rogers made me realize something: they made things on their own terms. This video is about how that shaped me.

In the 1990s I drove Brooks Wackerman to a Spinal Tap rehearsal for Rob Reiner’s surprise 50th birthday. I sat alone and watched the actors slowly disappear—mannerism by mannerism—until only Spinal Tap remained on stage. I never met Rob, but his work meant everything.
#RobReiner #SpinalTap

I met Kristy a Silly Girl team rider . This shot Kristy and her dog Mesa was taken in the Volcom skatepark parking lot, illuminated by fireworks! Just like Kristy pushes her limits on the skateboard, I'm constantly experimenting with photography. #4x5 #blackandwhitephotography #skateboarding

KEN HADA

Alisha Stevens is both a talented skateboarder and photographer. Over the years, I was always happy to see her and her mom at skateboarding events. I was fortunate to photograph her in action at Jazzmen Chavez's event, capturing her skill and passion for #skateboarding. #4x5 #photography

Jodi Castillo—skateboarder, photographer, and all-around creative. I know Jodi mostly through IG, but when I saw her at Jazzmen Chavez’s event, I asked if she’d pose for a few portraits. Glad I did. #4x5 #photography

Amy was the first female skateboarder I ever photographed. We skated with the locals at Skatopia Skatepark in the 1970s. The beauty of skateboarding is that if you keep showing up to a spot, session after session, eventually—you will find your locals. #4x5 #photography #skateboarding

I first photographed Hanna Zanzi at the Vans Park Series. Hanna showed up and took first place. Zanzi’s skateboarding stood out from the rest—from the caveman drop ins to the way the skater ran the park. I had never seen anything like this contest. #4x5 #blackandwhite #filmphotography

Jazzmen Chavez is the force behind LA Girls Skate Shesh. LA Girls Skate Sesh is skateboarding, food, giveaways and more skating. #4x5 #illford

Captured in 2025 at Wongside—it's amazing to see how far we've come since that first photo of Nicole Noller back in July 2012 in Colorado Springs! #4x5 #illford #skateboarding #thescream #edvardmunch

This is a unique skateboarding show—one that captures an often-overlooked chapter of skate history. If you love women’s skateboarding, don’t miss it. *Make A Thing Everyday* runs through April.
#skateboarding #photography

During the pandemic I use to hold chats about skateboarding

Make Pictures
Make Prints
Make Memories

Make A Thing Everyday #Skateboard #photography #flashphotogrqphy #diyskate photo Ken Hada

Lately I have been listening to old cassette tapes.