Quick answer

To fully appreciate PAUSE by Chris Middlebrook, approach it as a layered visual archive spanning 35 years of skateboarding culture. Focus on the interplay between film formats rather than treating it as a conventional photo book.

Why film format variety matters

PAUSE compiles images from 35mm, Polaroid, Super 8, 8MM, HI8, Mini DV, and HD Video. Each format carries a distinct texture and era: Polaroid adds an intimate, instant feel while Super 8 and 8MM evoke raw documentary energy. Recognizing these differences helps you read the book as a chronological and technical journey, not just a collection of skate photos.

What this guide covers

The steps below show you how to move through PAUSE with intention—looking for format shifts, noticing recurring subjects, and connecting the images to Chris Middlebrook's 35-year documentation practice. This isn't a review; it's a practical approach to getting more out of the book.

How to explore PAUSE by Chris Middlebrook

  1. Start with the Polaroid and 35mm sections first: Begin by flipping through the Polaroid and 35mm pages. These formats are the most immediate and familiar, so they build a comfortable entry point. Pay attention to the grain and color shifts—Polaroid gives a muted, nostalgic look while 35mm offers sharper contrast. Common mistake: skipping straight to video stills. You'll miss the foundational visual language Middlebrook built in the early years.
  2. Compare the same skater across different formats: Find a skater who appears in both a Polaroid and a Super 8 or HD Video frame. Notice how the format changes the mood: the Polaroid feels candid and personal, while the video still captures motion and environment. This contrast is central to the book's storytelling. Checkpoint: if you can't spot a repeat subject, look for recurring locations or skate spots—they serve the same comparative purpose.
  3. Read the captions and date stamps: PAUSE spans 1990 to 2025, and the captions or date references anchor each image in a specific era. Use them to track how skateboarding culture and photographic technology evolved together. Without reading them, you lose the chronological narrative. Common mistake: treating the book as a pure image collection. The dates and notes are essential context, not filler.
  4. Set aside time for the video stills and Super 8 frames: Video stills from HI8, Mini DV, and HD Video can feel less polished than still photography. Approach them as documentary artifacts—they capture real movement and unposed moments. Let yourself sit with the grain and motion blur rather than expecting crisp composition. Checkpoint: if a video still feels flat, re-read the caption for the location or year. The context often unlocks the image's value.

Product facts

  • PAUSE by Chris Middlebrook: PAUSE takes you on a visual journey with the skaters author Chris Middlebrook shared time with from 1990 to 2025, through photographic and video formats including 35mm, Polaroid, Super 8, 8MM, HI8, Mini DV & HD Video. This multi-format approach means each page turn can shift your viewing experience, making it essential to slow down and notice which medium the image was shot on.

    PAUSE by Chris Middlebrook

    PAUSE by Chris Middlebrook