Photographer to Launch St. Petersburg Skate Book
The release event at The Bends on November 7 features signed copies and skate-themed videos.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Photography
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Photographer Adam Hadden is set to release his 220-page skateboarding photo book, Pelican, on November 7, 2026. The launch party at The Bends in St. Petersburg will feature 150 signed copies available for purchase.
Why it matters
The project serves as a pushback against skate-defensive urban planning by highlighting the potential for skate-friendly architecture. Hadden and collaborator Jimmy Lannon intend to use the work to advocate for multi-use public spaces.
The 220-page book represents the culmination of four years of photography and 1.5 years of self-publishing efforts. Each of the 150 signed copies available at the release event will retail for $55.
The players
Adam Hadden
A photographer who spent four years documenting the skateboarding scene in and around St. Petersburg.
Jimmy Lannon
A professional skateboarder who collaborated on the book and intends to advocate for skate-friendly architecture in the city.
The details
The book features action shots of skateboarders captured across St. Petersburg and the surrounding area. During the event, which starts at 8 p.m., attendees can also view the videos Glasses and Florid beginning at 9 p.m.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: The book release event takes place at 8 p.m. at The Bends.
End of 2026: Collaborator Jimmy Lannon plans to establish relationships with local city planners and elected officials.
Culture Shift
This project participates in a growing movement to challenge the rise of skate-defensive urban planning in modern city centers. It shifts the narrative by presenting sculptures and public areas as opportunities for multi-use design rather than obstacles to be restricted.
Residents can attend the free event at The Bends to purchase signed copies of the book and view featured skate videos. Those interested in urban design can follow the authors' advocacy efforts as they present the book to city officials to push for more skate-friendly public areas.
The takeaway
The book highlights how artistic documentation can serve as a tool for civic advocacy and urban planning reform. Readers interested in supporting local skate culture can participate in the discussion by engaging with the authors' upcoming efforts to influence city-wide development policy.
Further reading
Discover more local visual storytelling in the Photography section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Creative Loafing: Tampa Bay.
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Should your local government design public infrastructure to be more skate-friendly?
