Sally Hunter: Exposing The Creativity In Miami’s Underground Skate And Punk Scene

Sally Hunter is a Miami based photographer on a mission to expose the local underground skate and punk scene. Due to their relatable and spur of the moment nature, Sally's photos are described to be like "stills from a movie". The grunge vibe captured in her art challenge what's expected to come out of a city like Miami, but it's certainly what sets Sally's work apart from the rest. Keep reading to learn more about her creative inspiration, future projects, and vision for the future of Miami's underground culture!

For starters, is Sally Hunter your real name?

Yeah, it is. I get that question a lot!

What is it exactly that you want to be known for at this time in your life? 

Right now, I want to be known for shining a light on a culture in Miami that's not really exposed as much as it should be. I want to show off the youth and what it's really like to grow up here. Like the underground scene? Yeah, just the street culture in general. There's a skate scene here that's never exposed. I shoot 12 and 13-year-old kids who hang out at parks and places that nobody would really know about unless they're local!

What developed your interest in focusing on the skate scene in particular?

I skate a little, but I mostly like to be the shooter. The style these kids have nowadays and the things they like is just all fascinating to me.

Do you feel like the city is going through a transformation right now?

Fuck yes!

In what way?

As far as the art community, there is one, and there are amazing artists here! I just feel like we have to break out of some of the warped views people have about Miami. Photographers here aren't taken as serious because the expectations set are for us to shoot sexy women and be in nightclubs, but there are so many cool concepts here that aren't so commercial.

What inspires your creativity? 

Music! I chose photography as a profession a year ago but before that, I was a band geek. I played the clarinet, was obsessed with music and was even set on studying it in college but that didn't happen. A lot of what I do now has to do with the fact that I grew up and was inspired by the punk scene. 

What aspect of your photography do you think people connect with the most? 

I don't know about people in other countries, but Miami locals love it because I'm giving a voice to a community that nobody ever talks about. It's definitely growing, but for now, it's a community that you only "know if you know". That's why I like to photograph moments in these types of environments.I'm trying to give Miami more of a street taste. Everything here is too crispy. 

Always find a way to stand out. If you gotta put shit out there that'll make people talk, then I say do it.

What areas in Miami do you feel have the richest skate and music scenes?

Downtown Miami is definitely #1 right now because of Andrew, the new skate shop, just opened up in the area so a lot of kids are flocking over there. Music wise, surprisingly, Kendall has a lot going on! A lot of alternative bands and hip-hop artists are coming out of there.

Do you have any projects you're excited about starting in the future? 

Yeah for sure. I'm going to start working on a skateboard company soon. My idea is to make decks out of all of the photos I take. Decks can be made artistically, so I think putting some of my craziest photos on display in that way would be really cool.

That's a dope concept! Are you thinking about exclusively having an online shop or would you be open to having a storefront? 

For now, it'll be an online shop, but I'm also aiming to have some of them stocked at local skate shops. I want to start out simple, but eventually, I want to have a skate team with all types of people. I especially want to show that women are also active in the skate scene.

If you could get one message out to the world, what would it be? 

Always find a way to stand out. If you gotta put shit out there that'll make people talk, then I say do it. People are going to talk shit and that shit is going to get you places.

Keep up with Sally on Instagram @sallyhunterrr.