A Look Inside Ed Templeton’s World: People-Watching, Skateboarding, and Storytelling

Originally posted on TransWorld SKATEboarding
By Brian Blakely | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 12:57 PM ET

Ed Templeton has worn many hats over the years. He was a pro skateboarder in one of skateboarding's golden eras. He's an artist. He's a photographer. And of course, he's the founder and creative powerhouse behind Toy Machine. But at his core, the dude is an observer. A really good one, too.

In this new video from the Louisiana Channel, we find Ed roaming the streets with a camera in hand, capturing unposed strangers simply living their day to day lives—a hobby that began around 1994 that was ultimately inspired by photographers like Nan Goldin and Larry Clark. They taught him to “shoot his own circle” and, well, here we are. He's been doing it for decades and can't seem to stop. Dive in:

Whether you've heard the stories or not, Templeton’s years in skateboarding gave him a front-row seat to a lifestyle that was as raw and exciting as it was dangerous and relentless. Especially in those early days. And just like today, he was there to capture it all straight from the inner-circle.

The fact that Ed never really drank or partied really gave him a clear look at the ups and downs of skateboarding. He saw the highs and lows of it all, and was just as surprised as anyone that these dudes would “jump down 20 stairs, then drink all night, and wake up to do it again," as he mentions in the video.

Ed's story is super inspiring for many reasons, and it's so rad that he's still hosting photo shows and making art. In fact, this conversation took place at the opening of his show Wires Crossed at NILS STÆRK in Copenhagen, Denmark.

One of the realest to ever do it, carve out some time and listen to the whole conversation. It might inspire you to pick up a camera and follow his lead.

This article first appeared on TransWorld Skateboarding and was syndicated with permission.

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