PHOTO // MATT FIMIO
Where are you from and what’s your story, Fimio?
I was born in Toronto, but moved to Barrie, Ontario when I was younger and lived there until I graduated high school. Then I got the hell out and moved back to the big city. I had big dreams of becoming a pro skateboarder, but being plagued with injuries and coming to the realization that I just wasn't that good, reality set in and that's when I decided to pick up a camera and start shooting my friends who had the skills.
Classic story. Why do your friends call you Nervous By Nature?
That all started on a surf trip to Nicaragua with Jesse Fox, Colin Adair, Andrew Sayer, and Stu Cameron. They are all mellow, go-with-the-flow kind of guys and I tend to play out the worst-case scenario in my head for everything. Let's just say I lost my shit on more than one occasion down there. I remember surfing this one spot where we were told by some locals to be out of the area before sundown. It in the back of my mind all day just messing with me, so about an hour before sunset I was back on the shore wanting to get the hell out of Dodge, but Sayer and Fox were still way out in the water waiting for the perfect wave to finish the day. It was pitch black by the time they got out of the water and I was losing my mind. To make matters even worse, on our way back through the jungle we had the windows down blasting Hip Hop and all I was thinking we were sitting ducks. I was convinced that someone was going to jump in front of the truck and shake us down. Of course nothing ever happens and I always end up looking like a scared fool, but when you're Nervous By Nature this is what's expected of you.
Who do you like shooting with?
Steve Cartwright, Cory Gallon, Andrew Skelhorn, Andrew and Jon Rusk, Mark Sollors, and Adam Chuntz... just to name a few. I have been talking with Ryan "Smolik" Helstern lately about doing some new shit and would like to get Steve Powling in on that action as well.
I heard you recently bought a really expensive studio lighting setup. Is that just an excuse to do private shoots with hot models?
Yes.
Do you ever shoot with film?
I haven't shot film in about three years, but I still have a Nikon F5 and would love to get some infrared film to run through it this winter. That's on my list of things to do this season.
Are you a Bruce Springsteen fan? You should never trust a man who doesn’t like The Boss.
Of course! I mean, who doesn't like Springsteen? When I hear The Boss I think of Andrew Reynolds.
What are your thoughts on pro snowboarders who can’t skateboard?
I'm not really one for confrontation, so maybe I shouldn’t say anything on the subject. I guess I find it a little strange, but to each their own, right? Who am I to judge? Backcountry riding really has no direct connection to skateboarding, but if you snowboard in the streets I would assume you skate as well.
Who are some other photographers you like?
Top three would be Atiba Jefferson, Grant Brittain, and Brian Gaberman. There is so much Canadian talent out there that it's really hard to select just a few people, but if I had to choose some they would be: Colin Adair, Ashley Barker, John Scarth, and Rich Odam. Outside of skate and snow photographers, my friends Mark Zibert and Chris Woods are amazing photographers who have helped me out a lot over the years. My buddy Jeremiah Lapointe has a dope approach to how he shoots. Everything Edward Burtynsky shoots blows my mind and I really enjoy landscape photography, so naturally I’m a big Ansel Adams fan. And I can't forget Joe McNally - easily one of the world’s top shooters and fellow Nikon enthusiast. I have a few of his books in my poo closet and they always get me amped to get out shooting.
Poo closet?
The bathroom. It’s a Russell Simmons line.
Nice. Any parting comments on life and existence?
A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
Jesse Fox and I have been friends for a long time and this was the only time I ever got to shoot snowboarding with him. It worked out well though because we got a full page published for our efforts.
Ryan "Smolik" Helstern, finishing up a session at Andrew Sayer's ramp. Smolik kills it on a mini.
I only know him as Bear and last I heard he was in Vancouver killing it. Proper BS Flip, Barrie Ontario.
Andrew Cartwright is a beast on a skateboard. He's got more pop than most and does every trick at top speed! Big ups to the brothers Cartwright!
Clayton Larson and Jake Kuzyk shot through Laura Bloomberg's dorm room window while she baked us cupcakes. Thanks Laura... those really hit the spot!
Mark Sollors is one of my favourite snowboarders, period! This was taken a few years back on a trip to Sicamous, BC. We had just gotten to the highest point on the mountain and I remember how stoked Mark was. The photo says it all.
Andrew Skelhorn was really blending into the background this day, so he had to put on my red jacket to make him pop against the trees. I've had a lot of fun shooting with Andrew over the years. He's always down for the cause.
Steve Cartwright is one of my best friends and one of the hardest working snowboarders I have ever shot with. He's a bit of a perfectionist who goes over everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure the shot is just right. Let's just say he makes my job a lot easier. Steve is legit!
Dave Amos, mach speed front 50-50 on the mini ramp. Skate or snow, Amos will destroy it.
Confederation Bridge, PEI. I had to crawl down some gnarly rocks to get this angle and my girlfriend at the time was not impressed with me.
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Fantastic photos Matt...keep up the great work. :)