First Photos is very fortunate to have three talented and esteemed judges picking the best shots out of all the entries we're receiving here at Push.ca. These judges are Brian Caissie, photo editor of Concrete magazine, Bob Kronbauer, the founder of Clubmumble.com, and Dylan Doubt, photo editor of Color magazine. We asked each judge to share some photography and submission advice with us. Our second installment is with Brian Caissie. You can read last week's interview with Dylan Doubt here, and stay tuned for our interview with Bob next week.

And as always, click here to see all the First Photos entries! We're getting more and more every day.

What tips or advice do you have for new skate photographers?

Most people say that you should only do it if you really love it. First off, you have to have a huge passion for skateboarding and really notice the details. I used to look at photos and wonder why I like the ones I like and dislike, what makes a great photo, and for what reasons? Reading books and magazines on photographers and people you admire helps. Camera gear has little to do with it. Also keeping a journal of your photos, settings, tips, lighting experiments, etcetera; it's is always nice to look back at it and see how you've matured.

Where should photographers look for guidance and advice?

Helping another photographer is a quick way to improve. Just being around people that are better than you will push you to improve. Any photo magazines and sites usually have lots of tips and tricks. Some things I've read this year I never would have thought of, like Photoshop tricks, different films and cameras to use, and so-on.

How can a new photographer submitting a photo get noticed by photo editors?

This is always a long answer... but just being picky on what you send is a good tip. If you think the photo is OK but not that amazing, the photo editor will notice that as well. I usually get submissions from 50 to 60 photographers a month at Concrete, so standing out these days can be difficult. Being creative is important; things like shooting at night, using different angles, shooting amazing tricks, using different cameras, and shooting skateboarders that kids want to see photos of... these all factor into what an editor is looking for. Another factor is that there are many magazines, and we're all competing with each other, so every magazine is trying to get the best of the best when it comes to photos.

What was your first published photo? How did you break through to get this photo shot?

[laughs] My first photo was a snowboard photo of Trevor Andrew in Nova Scotia, used as an ad for Pro Skates, a shop on the east coast. I grew up snowboarding with him, so it was easy to be in the right situation at the right time. Just doing the sport you're shooting helps a lot.

Do you have any golden rules for shooting photos that you always follow?

Keep trying new things, and don't make mistakes! [laughs]

How important is having good camera equipment to get good shots?

Not very important. To be honest, everyone has a digital camera now so having a different look is a good way to break out. If 20 kids are shooting digital and you're shooting square film, then you have an advantage over them. It would be like everyone is drawing with ink, but you're doing it in paint and color. It's just much more interesting. Some of my favourite photos are taken with cheap Holgas and Polaroids.