lydia hudgens

TUMBLR LOVE

2011-02-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

I can't help it, I'm obsessed w/tumblr --- follow me here for more constant/daily updates! Inspiration photos, random bits of brain-vomit, etc. <3<3<3

2011-02-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Pretty much love everything about this. Nabbed from Nida!

FINCH LINDEN

2011-01-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

Shot Finch yesterday & immediately uploaded & started editing them. There is a reason I love a certain type of light & these photographs I feel accurately describe that soft dreamy texture I lust after on a daily basis.

This woman is truly inspiring. A joy to shoot & sharp & willing to scurry around in the cold wet backside of San Francisco -- all for chasing that perfect shot! There is a reason I keep going back to certain models, again & again. She is without a doubt, one of them. Check out her tumblr for little bits of random amazing !

bones&things

2011-01-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Recently shot a few weeks ago, Rebecca Butz on hair & makeup, model is Tara & styling by Heather Sanksy. Jewelry pieces are by bones&things & are truly amazing in person. Thanks again ladies.

Genius.

2011-01-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

Found on Twisted Lamb. Love this! Perfume ad??

M/M collaboration with Byredo

Coal Black.

2011-01-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Found on Touch Puppet. LOVE this spread.

Tejal Patni shoots the 2011 Splash Fashions Calendar. Styling by Kirsten Hermans.

The Killing Moon.

2011-01-16T00:07:00.001-08:00

Margaux from adeline mai on Vimeo.

Matthew Josephs.

2011-01-14T10:38:00.001-08:00

With Ellen Rogers. Love, love, love.

the beautiful uncut hair of graves.

2011-01-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

Hair by Peter Gray & Masa Honda

Photographed by Takahiro Ogawa for the Asian Beauty Expo

I know these are EVERYWHERE online right now but I think they're amazing & definitely worth a second glance. Hair, styling, photographically - delicious.

Pagan Poetry

2011-01-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

First seen & snagged from one of my favorite blogs, Twisted Lamb. Definitely some kind of magic - love this concept of mixed media. I miss my alternative processing background more & more. Inspiration for the future, delving into the deep hopefully sooner rather than later. Check out more of the photographer, Krzystof Wyzynsky.

The Sartorialist

2011-01-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

This is getting posted everywhere but for a good reason.

Blogger Collaboration 2010.

2011-01-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

Last serious shoot of 2010 & without a doubt one of my favorites. It was a collaboration between independent designers & etsy artists, Black Market Baby & Miyu Decay. Mel Eligon of San Francisco assisted further with styling & pulling looks that breathed life into the concept. The on point hair & makeup was done again & (ALWAYS) by my favorite go-to girl Rebecca Butz. Jessica Larez modeled again & frankly, she's quickly becoming one of my main sources of inspiration. Such an incredible face & talent. It is my hope to continue these collaborations into the year 2011 & beyond.

2011-01-03T22:57:00.001-08:00

Forrest & Bob Underwear from Henrik Adamsen on Vimeo.

Love this video. Very very sexy.

Style Inspiration

2010-12-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

Vivian De Milo & Oppulent Oddities

2010-12-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

I shot this a few weeks back but have yet to put it up. My apologies for the delay. This shoot was a killer ! Vivian spent the night, we rose at 630AM and set off to the Presidio to shoot near the Golden Gate Bridge. Not only was it cold but rainy as well. Vivian is a true master of her craft and rocked it regardless. These pieces were well worth it I think. Amazing in person but truly gorgeous on film.

Check out Opulent Oddities on Etsy.com for more of her pieces!

Jessica Larez, Take 2.

2010-12-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

The rest of the images from this shoot. Nida is a true fashion powerhouse, not only does she model but she's a fantastic creative director - I will definitely work with her again. All my love, ladies.

Stylist: Antoinette Coleman
Hair/Makeup: Rebecca Butz
Model: Jessica Larez
Creative Director: Nida Thaingtham

Jessica Larez.

2010-12-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

So this is a new face & please, please expect more of it. I think I just found my new favorite muse. I did another shoot this past Monday with her & Rebecca Butz & Mel Eligon & the results...? AMAZING!

Stylist: Antoinette Coleman
Hair/Makeup: Rebecca Butz
Model: Jessica Larez
Creative Director: Nida Thaingtham

Etsy Wishlist!

2010-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

So many pieces on Etsy lately have been speaking to me. And after discussing independent designers, locally owned boutiques, etc. with friends I decided it was fitting to post a few of my favorite pieces. I do think it's important to push for independents, not only for the idea of corporate vs. small businesses but more so for new concepts, new looks, new pieces, etc. There is so many amazing designers out there that don't get a lot of promotion and they definitely deserve it.

Jewelry wise, I'd snap up these in a heart beat : Squid Tentacle Ring by Leviticus, Doom Two Finger Ring in Silver by Amictian and truthfully, probably anything of hers ! Love love love the heavy Silver Double Ring by her as well. Talk about brass knuckles. Jess of Blood Milk keeps creating amazing pieces, including this newly introduced 8 Of Swords Tarot Necklace which is definitely to die for. Check out the matching Cocktail Ring as well. Not that I'd suggest doubling up on them at the same time, mind you. And I'm drawn to the First Intellect Soldered Fossil Necklace by Fancifuldevices. It says men's but I see this more on a woman, it's strong and bold and definitely a statement piece. Going the complete opposite direction I love the sexy simplicity of the Single Geometry Necklace by Vanessamoore. Also, I can almost guarantee you'll find a piece in OpulentOdditie's shop but my current favorite is the Lizzie Borden Necklace. I want to stalk the town and hunt in this Battle Necklace by Iheartnorwegianwood in the black leather and grey agate. And last but not least, definitely in love with this Dreamcatcher Bone Claw Necklace by Rejoice The Hands. I love organic pieces so it definitely speaks to me.

I think I'd love to redo my wardrobe with : Maid Marian Black Leather Harness by Audra Jean as I can't seem to keep my eyes off of it. Not sure how I'd wear it but I'm sure I'd manage! This Sheer Black Shirt Dress by Time Echo Vintage is sexy in a subtle understated way, worn over jeans or leather leggings perhaps? Definitely yearning for the Leather Panel Biker Shorts and the Mullet T Shirt Dress by LeilanniLand in army green. I admit, I already own the dress in black and love it - probably my go-to dress for the next 6 months. I had her customize it and make it longer for my legs and it's almost perfect in my opinion. And really, who doesn't need a Leather Triangle Garter Belt by Zana Bayne? I'm torn with longing for Black Velvet Doc Martens from James Rowland Shop. Hello 90's, I love you! I can't get enough of Black Market Baby's shop, especially after eyeing her new Red Leather Leggings although I definitely am still in love with her Shearling Panel Sweater. Swoop on both and wear them together!

Expect photos soon, darlings.

Xoxo.

2010-12-01T21:41:00.001-08:00

This was an ad made by bodyshop. But Barbie INC found out about it and now it’s banned. Reblog if you think this ad deserves to be seen.

Inspiration!

2010-11-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

The following images are inspiration for a shoot I'm planning for January. Yes that's days & days away but I'm starting to want to really plan out & put together more amazing production shoots -- high volume, with a huge talented team of stylists, models & creative individuals. I'll be shooting one of my favorite models, Stephanie, again & as much as I don't like repeating models too much she is a huge source of muse for me. Heavily inspiring to shoot & her face just works like magic on film. Can't wait for the upcoming year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

The Adam's Family Way.

Final Monday Images.

2010-11-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

Last set from Monday's shoot. My next project is fast approaching during the beginning of December. And then a whirlwind of activity, so to speak. So many collaborations during the month of December it makes my mind a twitter - which is exciting, portfolio prospect wise. I can't fully speak my appreciation of it. Anyway, here is the last look from the Monday shoot. Thanks again ladies for all your hard work.

More from Monday.

2010-11-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

Monday's Shoot.

2010-11-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Special thanks again to Antoinette Coleman for her styling magics, Rebecca Butz for her hair and makeup talents and my model Stephanie who is my constant muse. What would I be, without you? Look to the future for more images, more collaborations. My goal for the next year is to move to New York but for now, I'm happy with the steps I've taken.

Second Blood Milk.

2010-11-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

Expect more production shoots soon. Xo.

First of Blood Milk.

2010-11-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

Love, love, love this shoot. I can't even begin to describe the feeling that comes from working with a wonderful crew. No words can truly explain my gratitude to my crew. Thank you again.

Continuation !

2010-11-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

More Photo-Work.

2010-11-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Shot during the first of August. The first movement into large production shoots. Frankly, it was a test run but I came away with a lot of beautiful images. Stephanie is one of my favorite models to work with although she does it purely for fun. A friend of mine for years and years, I enjoy working with her. And as always, stunning hair and makeup done by Rebecca Butz. Thanks again ladies.

Blogger Madness! & Photo-Update.

2010-11-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Shots from Gala's visit to SF!

Zoetica's Impromptu Shoot.

Nadia's Visit to the Mission!

I'm ALIVE!

2010-10-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

It’s been an insane whirl wind of activity over the last few months and I’ve definitely neglected this place in the process. Something had to give but I find myself still going online, more often then not. I am constantly checking other blogs and longing for a space to post my own thoughts, inspiration, work, etc. I do want to make the switch soon to a bigger, badder and more amazing space but for the time being I'm here to let everyone know that yes, I am alive!

So much has happened.

Gala Darling came and visited San Francisco in August and we had a chance to shoot together again. We scrambled all around the city, taking photos and generally having an amazing time. We spent the ENTIRE day shooting and playing and as fun as that was, it was awesome just to see Gala and touch base with her. She’s one of those individuals that I feel like it’s necessary to see or speak to once a year because she’s so overwhelmingly inspiring and motivating for a freelancer, of any genre. She put me in touch with Star, who also lives in San Francisco, and is now someone who I consider a close friend regardless of the fact that I haven’t known her very long. Sometimes people just click. She’s another person that is so ridiculously in touch with her goals that I find myself wanting to push myself just being in the same city as her.

Zoetica also came and visited and I got the chance to shoot with her. It was a short jaunt, right after a long day photographing a lookbook for Shotwellsf.com but I’m glad we got the chance! I literally emailed her a day before she came up to San Francisco and she was totally down to shoot. She’s incredibly photogenic and as slight as she is, she’s a fiery package of wit and gusto. I will no doubt be contacting her whenever I get the chance to stop by Los Angeles. Wither to shoot or to simply hang out as we didn’t get the chance!

Nadia also stopped by San Francisco for a week long excursion and I had a chance to show her around my neighborhood, the Mission and talk shop. It’s interesting also in my experience to get to know these women that I wouldn’t ordinarily have contact with, without the internet. It’s opened so many doors, not only for these women but for small businesses, artists, musicians, etc. It’s a curious spectacle to really indulge thought about how even though the internet is a huge wavelength of buzzing contacts; it’s actually a somewhat small community within the same vein of aesthetic values. Which Nadia and I definitely share, hence my excitement to meet her and learn more about her tastes and choices for her blog.

Shotwell is another fairly large part of the last few months. A clothing boutique owned in the heart of Union Square, their clothing ranges from Vivian Westwood to LA brands, to local artists as well as Jeffrey Campbell, vintage pieces, leather goods from Zana Bayne. I was excited to collaborate on their new website and work with one of my favorite models, Nida again. If you have a chance definitely check out their store or shop online. It’s worth a gander.

And in current news, I just had a fantastic shoot on Monday that I’m squirming in my seat to reveal to you. I collaborated with Nida yet again as well as Marco (a model I met on set with Shotwell) and my go-to hair and makeup gal, Rebecca Butz as well as my new favorite stylist Antoinette Coleman. Together we created a team of looks for Blood Milk Jewelry, who kindly sent me a few of her amazing pieces on loan to shoot. I’ve been in lust for her work ever since I first eyed it on Gala’s site but in person, I can’t even truly try to do it justice. Hopefully the photos will speak for themselves! The artist and creator, J.L. Schnabel, is coming to town for a show at Loved to Death in the Haight from 7-9PM on Saturday. I’m anxious to finally meet her, so if you too have time and want to take a look at her paintings I’d definitely recommend it.

I just realized I wrote an entire novel, it feels like. I promise more updates on the current from now on. Quite ridiculous! Much love, however and many more amazing things in the future.

Xoxoxo

Piper Robbins

2010-08-04T00:36:00.000-07:00

I don't even know how to properly introduce this little lady. She's crazy, she's talented and she's moving to New York City in little under a month! It makes my heart sad to see her go but I know she will do amazing things. Her work, as sampled below, is stirring and definitely an inspiration. And as she is one of the few people I know still shooting film I wanted to spotlight her, especially since she has a show coming up at the Space Gallery! Literally, in a two days, on August 5th. If you are in town and can make it, you should go. GO GO GO!

Your work is so raw, so untouched and a bit feral and rural in parts. Do you think growing up in Indiana helped shape the photographer you are today?

Absolutely it did. I was so restless to come to the city but when I got here and started to really get a feel for who I am and started developing into a photographer all of my tendencies went back to the country. Funny how that works!

You are one of the only people I know who still shoot film and I applaud you for that especially with our current economy. But do you find it difficult to continue with it? Not only cost, development but also the somewhat stigma of continuing with film? I personally wish I could still shoot film and go in the direction I want and be able to afford it but I wasn't getting what I wanted out of my photography or my models. I still feel like I gave in the day I sold my camera. It seems like the majority of people have made the switch, except for fine artists, which I definitely consider you to be. Do you think that doing fine art editorial vs. commercial work easier with film?

First off, depending on what you are shooting it’s not more expensive. I just shot some editorial stuff and I shot black and white 120mm (about $3 a roll) developed it myself, and scanned it myself. In total that was really cheap. And in the end, if I shot digitally I would just be trying as hard as possible to make it look like film in Photoshop. It’s much more important to me to shoot film than just about anything else. I’ve definitely chosen film over meals. It’s totally worth it. For the past 5 years I thought I was one of the few people keeping the art of film photography alive but recently I have found an incredible amount of people/websites/blogs/podcasts/companies that are right there with me. I felt like I had found my long lost family. There are also a lot of people going back to film and most people agree that it has to do with a lack of sincerity with digital. Surprisingly there are a lot of wedding photographers using film.

What direction are you pushing for in regards to your own work? Where do you seen yourself?

I will always shoot fine art, always. I have a lot of personal projects that I plan on doing/continuing for the rest of my life. Editorial is also something I really look forward to shooting. I love portraiture and so far I think that editors are a little more interested because I shoot film.

I know you are moving to New York (and I will miss you !!) but what was the deciding factor? Do you have plans for working, photographing, etc.? Or are you going to explore freely and see what comes? Part of me wants to do this also, just up and move and have the freedom of not really knowing.

Literally everything that I want to do is in New York. EVERYTHING! Every organization involving film photography is there. I want to open a small gallery featuring film photographers at some point. It will probably start in the ghetto somewhere but it will all be worth it.

What inspires you? Is it music, movies, people, blogs, photography? Tell me about what makes it all click and fall into line?

Everything inspires me especially the support of my friends and family. I’ve gotten a lot of slack for my devotion to film, but none of that matter when I have so many people in my life cheering me on. I am really inspired by Diane Arbus though. Not only because she shot film, but because she had a lot going against her, but made it though and became truly great, and doing it before it was ok for a woman to be a photographer, and not a housewife. She was literally the poster child for beauty being the daughter of a fur department store owner, and the wife of a fashion photographer. She embraced the less beautiful and ignored people of the world. I’m not really sure what drives me. Probably being really stubborn helps a lot. I have never considered switching to digital. And if the idea pops into my head for one second, I feel like I’ve cheated on a boyfriend or something. There are a few podcasts that I’ve recently discovered that inspire me a lot. Film photography podcast, and inside analog photography podcast are a couple.

What do you want for yourself years from now? Do you see yourself settled down with kids or living the freelancer life, roaming from one place to the next and going where the work and inspiration takes you? I’ve learned to not plan ahead that much, cause it will always change.

What do you do in order to promote yourself? It's a hustle out there!

I try to post a photograph, flier and postcard somewhere everyday. One day not promoting is one less chance of catching someone’s eye.

I see you have a show coming up at the Space Gallery, can you tell me about the concept?

GRAIN OVER NOISE GRAIN OVER NOISE!!!!!!! WWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I’ve wanted to do this show for 3 years. It’s my baby. It’s an all analog photography show, with a lot more than photographs.

What are some of your favorite projects you've worked on and why? What about them drove you to complete them?

The death project is probably my favorite. I will forever work on that one. Death is a pretty fun thing to photograph. Photography is my 6^th sense. I can’t quite put what it does to me into words. I think I can mostly comparing it to breathing though. It’s become more of an addiction now.

And now that you've graduated from the Academy, what are some suggestions for future students and advice for inspiring photographers?

Don’t stop shooting. One day you put off doing something photography related is a death sentence to your career. You loose motivation so quickly.

OH nOes!

2010-08-01T12:25:00.001-07:00

Gallery: the Winkytiki compound (NSFW)
Originally uploaded by violet.blue

I've disappeared & my apologize for my absence! The past week has been insanely busy & I'm still in the midst of finishing my last (EVER!) class at the Academy & preparing for my approaching graduation. It's been a flurry of activity around my apartment lately as well, planning for upcoming shoots & doing a mad rush of scurrying to try to purchase a new camera in time for my birthday. There is so much in the works right now my head is spinning but it's an amazingly good, deliciously appealing change of pace. I have a shoot on Monday with Rebecca & Stephanie, two of my favorite ladies to work & play with & I cannot wait to spend hours touching base, gossiping &scheming about the future with them. Plus photographic exploration of the highest kind, of course! I love surrounding myself with motivated talented women & I have the feeling August is the month for that.

Other August Mentions ! Piper Robbins is throwing an all film art show at the Space Gallery next Thursday night & you should totally go, the photographers are all ridiculously talented & many of them are close, close friends; photo-wanderings with Gala when she's in town on Friday as well as attending (& shooting!) the Zivity Striptease Charity Fashion Show next Friday; my brother Ross Hudgens is turning 25 on the 10th & I'm struck with pride by all he's accomplished at such an early age & am inspired by his continual dedication to his work & blog; my friend Candace, an amazing performance artist & equally amazing woman, is coming to stay & play for a few days as well as perform in the Mission on the 10th for her Sewing Show & it's definitely something you should check out; playing hair model for Astrid at Secret Agent Salon mid-month & enjoying fresh white hair; frolicking & making photo-goodness with Nadia while she visits San Francisco; as well as a potential two-day fashion photoshoot in the works that's still somewhat hushhush; my personal thirty day challenge of yoga (3-5x a week) that so far has been amazing & no joke, I've noticed a huge difference in my body already & I highly recommend Yoga to the People; & of course, my 27th birthday at the end of the month! GULP!

I also had an impromptu lunch with Star on Friday & came away feeling very optimistic. I feel like this week has infused me with a sense of sudden urgency & instead of feeling panicked I feel breathless & almost high on life. So much is happening & it's an amazing, overwhelming feeling. I've given up dreaming about NYC because if this last week has taught me anything, when I'm ready to move I will up & move & it will just HAPPEN -- naturally & organically & in a majestic flurry. Plus, for the time being San Francisco has so much to offer & I'm meeting people left & right that are amazing & are as excited about their work & what the future holds as I am!

Anyway, long story short -- expect new images soon & many, many tidbits of Magic! Happy Sunday!

Whiskey, Fish & Snuggles.

2010-07-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I am too Irish for my own damn good. I have a huge bottle of Maker's Mark downstairs and it's calling my name and possibly distracting me from yoga at 7pm. Found this online and it is totally appropriate and makes me want to go find someone to wrap my limbs around and drink whiskey with. Where the fish fits in I'm not entirely positive but use your imagination and I'm sure you'll come up with something fantastic. Actually, speaking of Sundays --- does anyone HAVE a Sunday anymore or does one day just kind of spill over into the next? Today is technically my Friday but since my work week starts all over again on Tuesday and I have two shoots set up for tomorrow, this whole weekend business is kind of a joke. Or maybe it's the workaholic in me??

Anyway, HAPPY SUNDAY !

Hair-Lust, Among Other Things.

2010-07-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

clo
Originally uploaded by tom.hoops

Seriously, if I could rock a flat top I would. I go through stages of wanting to just shave all my hair off and go bald or having a deep seated longing to grow it out long. Currently I'm sort of in between. I'm missing my mohawk, as recently I've been enjoying straddling the line between femininity and masculinity. I wear a lot of black, jeans, studs, t-shirts, leather, boots, etc. I've been told in the past I remind my friends of a gay man and I suppose my fashion sense tends to lean that direction as well. Locate any well dressed man in the SOMA and I'll probably lust after one or two articles of clothing on his person. I'm have a pretty feminine build, obviously, huge hips and a small waist and tiny hands and tiny feet but I often feel masculine, the true tom-boy. I grew up riding dirt bikes, camping, horse back riding and have more interest in the outdoors and leather than most men I know. Here's to the concept of accepting and embracing androgyny, on all fronts. Not only in terms of fashion but sexually and intellectually. Why should boys have all the fun?

The Making of RealDolls: “Honey Pie” Mini-Documentary With Doll Creator Matt McMullen

2010-07-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

Honey Pie from California is a place. on Vimeo.

Just a taste of artistry for your early morning coffee intake. I remember a couple years back in one of my classes looking over this website and be somewhat dumbfounded by how realistic they were. Found originally on Violet Blue's Blog. Definitely check out her articles, by the way, for sex and porn positive readings. You may not agree with 100% of what she says but then again, who does fit into that percentile? I for one enjoy the majority of her articles and like seeing what pops up everyday in my google reader. Who doesn't love a little naked flesh now and again?

The Me Moment.

2010-07-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

So it's way too soon to even be thinking about it but my birthday is fast approaching and I'm contemplating things to fill my day with. A skull cake would be an excellent place to start! Or perhaps a cock macaroon from hot cookie?? Last year I went with my roommates and a friend for thai food and then ventured to the Castro Theater and watched Inglorious Bastards and chowed down on a delicious chocolate dipped penis. YUM. This year? Lots of people that I care about are headed off to Burning Man and foreign countries to shoot pictures of grass (yes, Brian, this means you). I may have to postpone or just whisper my age quietly into my cup of coffee in the morning. Thinking about age is humbling. I'm turning 27 and am still somewhat undeclared as a professional. Graduating at the end of the summer and all I can think about is what I want for myself. I want to make enough money as a photographer to have the freedom to quit my desk job and do what I want, what I love. Lately I've been thinking more and more about that creative outlet and how I don't think I can survive much longer doing what I'm doing. I've always been a stranger to rules and regulations and felt suffocated in customer service. I want to run in the city, to be given the freedom to be feral and allow my artistic side to swell and contract, organically. It often reminds me of a forgotten muscle group that when exercised aches for a few days after.

This started out as a TILT (Things I Love Thursday) but my mind is elsewhere, as much as I appreciate my life and the people in it I've been aspiring for more and that's where my thoughts lie. But lately? I've made the move to do yoga regularly (3-4x a week) as I want to explore my body and see what muscles form. I do a ton of cardio and my body is tight, my muscles wiry and often aching. I have the feeling incorporating yoga into the mix will help stretch me out and limber me up. I'm readjusting into a frame of mind that I feel accurately accounts for how I want to feel on a daily basis and yoga leaves me feeling loose but strong. I've been going to Yoga to the People in the Mission and just signed up for a Bikram studio in the Mission as well and going to make the attempt to go to an intermediate Vinyasa class tonight after work. I want to start running again sometime soon but find it boring, aimless and fairly lackluster. I think I just need to go on long rides around the city as my bike has begun to gather a layer of dust, over the dust and is no doubt angry at it's misuse. And speaking of which, I should jet - work at 1030!

What are you excited for this week?

L'armadio rosa dell'Educandato

2010-07-21T21:45:00.001-07:00

L'armadio rosa dell'Educandato
Originally uploaded by mluisa_

Kind of think this is amazingly fantastic. I love texture and am a sucker for walls, vintage furniture, chipped paint, graffiti, crumbling cement, mis-matched color cordination, etc. etc. This photo is beautiful, simple and reminds me a lot of some of my friend's work that I went to school with. Specifically Piper Robbins . It's strange to think that even though we all have an athestic difference our actual work trends similarly. I feel like she could have shot this, might have shot something very close to it. Love those scratches, like finger-nail-trails. Definitely am still on the hunt for texture for my day of shooting with Gala Darling on August 6th. I've found so much so far ! This city is awash with greatness .. makes me truly inspired on a day to day basis.

Muse of the day : Nekole Kemelle !

2010-07-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

Nekole Kemelle is a San Francisco based model, blogger, self-portrait enthusiast and a constant form of inspiration to photographers and artist's alike. I choose to use her as my second feature because during my brief experience photographing her last year I was drawn to the freedom and self expression that she employs while modeling. Not only for my own images but for the exploration of her own blog Ophelia Olive's Originals . I wanted to learn more about her and what drives her, not only as a model but as a creative individual who's embraced the sensual side of woman-hood and has made it work for her.

I've seen and heard a lot about you for a few years now, ever since I personally made the transition into fashion photography, but how long have you been in the field?

I just want to say it’s really flattering that you’ve “heard a lot about me”. I’ve been modeling in SF since I was 18, so for six years now.

Did it take you long to launch into an agency or did that happen organically? What are your feelings on it?

It took me a little while to get an agency I didn’t sign with city till a month before I turned 20. I started out like any other model, finding some bogus photographer to take head shots and submitting myself blindly to surrounding agencies but I was immediately rejected (I still have the letters). Instead of totally giving up I sought relief doing secret photo shoots with my amateur photographer best friend and posting photos online. I’d always been a kind of high class internet slut- addicted to the thrill of the comment. Then to my surprise a real agent sent a very nondescript note offering representation. After finding out the guy was legit I flew to LA the next day and showed up at his office. He liked me and my ambition, but the only problem was I didn’t live in LA and didn’t really plan on moving there any time soon. He recommended me to City Models in SF, I went home, went for an open call, and they said they liked me and would call Monday. That’s when I learned when they say “they will call you” it means “you call us back Monday”. So when I called back Friday I got a very unpleasant retort, “When models don’t call back we throw their photos away”. Thwarted and pretty crushed I got some job at a shoe store and continued to stage photo shoots with my friends. About three months after working retail I got a phone call from the owner of City and some way somehow suddenly they wanted me to come in and meet with the Women’s booker. And that was that. I’ve been up and down with the whole agency thing, the fear that I won’t work, the fear they’ll hate me, the fear that they suck, and the thing I figured out is- I’M NOT 5’10. I’m not going to be the next Adriana Lima. Putting all my energy into an agency (not necessarily modeling) isn’t going to benefit me long term. Just because there’s a paved road doesn’t mean I need to take it. I need to think about what I’m doing to do with my life.

I hear horror stories sometimes from models in reference to jealousy, competition, body image, etc. and wonder what your take on that is?

Jealously is always there but if you want to stay in the game you keep your feelings in check. I’ve learned to do the “Don’t hate, congratulate!” Otherwise when you see that size 2, 34-23-34 and 5’10” blonde girl in front of you at the casting in the perfectly pressed top and crisp pants and you’ve ran there from work, covered in sweat and you KNOW you’re technically too short for the job you might start to feel a little insecure. When I see a girl I’m jealous of my way of dealing has always been to befriend because I know there must be something I need to learn from them, otherwise why would they upset me so? If you ever need motivation to try harder at something, go to a casting. It will light all sorts of fires under your ass. As far as encountering jealously it never comes across as plain jealously unless you know what to look for: a makeup artist that won’t look or talk to you unless they are doing your makeup; casting directors snickering behind tables as a girl walks, models standing with other models gabbing and glaring in your direction at go-sees, stylist telling you you’re too tiny when their clothes are a size too big. You can never point at the jealous person and scream “You’re just jealous!” But why else would one person need to make another feel badly by ignoring or being rude? Were all humans, we know how it feels to be picked on. I had a makeup artist tell me “You’re the kind of girl I hated in high school.” I guessed she automatically had it out for me because I had clear skin and she didn’t. I could feel her pain, embarrassment, longing for something that was out of her reach. She had no clue what it took to keep pores that tiny or what I had to sacrifice! I thought if I could just make her see what my life was like, see that I’m not some superior creature that should make you feel bad but an example of someone who overcame the odds of bad skin with an American diet and then she would want to be my friend. By the time we were on location I had chatted her up so much we found out we were the same zodiac sign, knew some of the same people and I never got the jealous vibe again. I’ve worked with her a bunch now and recommended her to many a photographer.

Do you feel pressure to be a certain body type? Or portray a type? I've noticed most of the models in the Bay Area are usually more commercial or lifestyle, has this affected you any?

I always tell photographers “I’m not a smile model.” I just don’t have a cute smiley face. I look better angry, sad, sexy or evil anything but smiley. Alas… the fashion gods believe you must be super tall to do the sexy face and the urge to land actual paying jobs has resulted in a number of lifestyle tests that usually end up looking kind of steamy somehow. I land a few gigs here and there, but for the most part I’ve just resolved to do what I do best: sexy-roll-on-the-floor-topless-lacy-lingerie-wearing-smokey-eyed-sex-appeal. I’ve always felt fairly rejected by mainstream modeling; always the girl the photographers love to shoot- never to book. I’m the muse, the fantasy, the girl who should probably go into acting. San Francisco is a lifestyle market so you don’t have to be European tall and thin but honestly I’ve been morphing my body for years and I’ve just had to make choices between what I think the client wants and what I feel comfortable in. I’ve been told I’m too thin, too muscular, too flat, too busty, too short, too ethnic, not ethnic enough, too tan, etc… After getting my boobs blessed by a surgeon the thing I wanted to change most about myself were my thighs. After years of gymnastics, swimming and being a gym rat I had quite the athletic physic. However the more weight a body carries the shorter it looks and at 5’6”+ I had no room for extra mass, even if it was healthy. So I atrophied my muscles by not working out too often and even sitting and sleeping certain ways. It sounds ridiculous I know! Then I went through my Dita phase- Dita Von Teese, I saw her at the Macys passport show and fell in love. Her tiny waist! Her lean thighs and rounded butt! How oh how Dita can I be like you? Google gave me my answer and I bought myself my first real corset, made in London, it cost over $400 and took 3 months to arrive, but it was worth it and is partly responsible for the curves I do possess. It’s a never ending battle though; I’m always trying to find the perfect balance between lean runway model and bountiful Dita. The key is to find joy in the doing of it. I enjoy exercise, I enjoy eating healthy, I enjoy bingeing on sweets occasionally, and I enjoy atrophying my muscles on the computer for eight hours! I enjoy the end result plus the photos I get to take, and I especially enjoy feeling like I can really do something if I put my mind to it. If you’re miserable doing something, what’s the point?

Where do you gain your inspiration for your personal blog?

My blog started because I didn’t really know myself. I remember my mother telling me as a kid that I was vain even though I never felt pretty. Probably because I spent a lot of time studying myself in the mirror trying to figure out what I looked like. I didn’t know anyone who looked like me and I never fit in with any particular group. One of those floater kids without a real clique of friends. As humans we automatically need to categorize things in order to understand what something is. My whole life, I never fit categories. Too tall to be a gymnast, too short to be a model, to ethnic to be white, to white to fit in with the ethnic kids, I was never a brain, but way more motivated than the stoners, either aloof and alone or conforming to be liked… I never really found where I truly fit. So creating Ophelia was a way to get to know myself. I started out with a sort of American Apparel style, rough, bed-roomy, raw and full of intention. As I got to see my work and critique it I started to realize what direction I want to go, what I was good at, and what suited me. Now I’ve progressed to the point where I have big dreams that cannot be achieved by crappy lighting on a bed with thick eye liner. I have beautiful scenes I want to create like steven meisel, steven klein or ellen von underworth. I have sketch books, tears, racks of clothing and swirling ideas about all the things I’d like to create… but when it comes to the actual creating I’m pretty improvisational and in the end as long as I had that euphoric session of build up, work, and successful creation, I can continue to be happy another day and where it came from I will never know.

I've seen that you started out with doing a lot of self portraits but have recently begun working with other models. At what point did you feel this was a necessary change or were you just driven to experiment?

I started using other models partly out of boredom but also because I felt they were worthy of being a part of it. They both had an understanding of what it takes to make a photograph interesting, that it’s not just the pose or how angular your jaw is but how to bring the emotion behind it.

When did you start photographing yourself? And why? There seems to be a lot of inner monologues occurring in your self portraits, what do you actually find yourself thinking in the moment?

I started photographing myself at about seventeen… Then I started because I felt like if I could take a photo of me looking a certain way, it was possible for me to be like that in real life. Just an ass backwards way to become a model I guess. When I’m shooting my mind is blank. I don’t think about work, or bills, or the boy who doesn’t like me. In between shots I’m thinking about angles, and “is the light in the right direction”, or “does this background work with this top”. But the actual ten seconds between when I push the timer and when the flash goes off my mind goes blank. No thoughts, Zen moment. I just move and release whatever comes through me, because really, all creation, anything truly inspired isn’t done by a human hand, its divinely inspired. And the only way to achieve that is to be open to it.

Do you feel it's more a part of you then photography, modeling, etc. or do the two correspond in a way that you feel works well together, linking your artist and professional side somehow?

My professional side (as a web producer) and a photographer coincide, I’ve learned more about photography and Photoshop at work photographing products and working with other computer nerds. I’ve also designed logos for my work using photos I took of myself in rollerskates.

Who inspires you as a model/photographer/woman? Artists, models, photographers, designers, etc.?

Dita Von Teese. She’s a self-employed, independent, professional woman making a living doing what she loves. Marie Corelli. Because in her books she can tell me the things my soul needs me to hear.

And in regards to the internet, do you think it aids you as a creative professional? What are some suggestions that you have in terms of blogging, or some key tips that have aided you along the way? Do you make efforts to blog in a timely manner or a certain amount a week? Do you twitter or have a flickr account?

I think the internet is huge for any professional especially in the creative industry. Blogs/ websites are super important! I’ve had a lot of blogs; some where I vent my feelings, some stories, some purely about other people, some just photos. The thing I’ve figured out is that the reader/viewer wants to see your vulnerability. They don’t want to see you the way you want to be seen, they want to see you the way you are, idiosyncrasies and all. And if you can show them your soul and how fragile it is, it’s like weirdly reassuring and as you put it “absorbing” to the viewer. I try to blog at least twice a month, which means making time and money to do shoots. So it varies depending on the time of year and what not. I don’t have a flickr account or a twitter account. I just feel like model mayhem, facebook, blogspot. That’s enough. It’s never good to be too accessible. The internet consumes my life enough, I don’t want to be a consumer I want to be a creator.

That's all folks! Thanks for reading !! <3

Non-Fashion Moment of the Day!

2010-07-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Just because it's hot and deserves notice. Also, the weather is miserable here today -- overcast, dreary and cold. Kind of sad because of course I LOVE shooting in weather like this and yesterday was beautiful and almost TOO sunny for the two photo-shoots I had lined up. Alas, the photo gods always have the last laugh! I'm running around like mad today, attempting Yoga to the People @12, hot stone massage @3 and then potential business meeting later in the day before gallavanting at Benders. This day will not bring me down ! T&A always help in my book, however. Just because they're nice and pretty to look at. Also, this is kind of a ridiculous lineup. Hope you find your day rocking and rolling !

Also, I have no idea where I found this image or what movie it's from. Any idea?? It looks kind of fantastic and I really want to watch it now.

galadarling

2010-07-19T15:42:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by galadarling

Inspiration & also, upcoming photoshoot madness in the making !! Gala is coming to visit the beginning of August & we have plans for taking over SF & wandering the streets. I met Gala in October last year when I was in NYC for the photo convention. I went with a group of students and the very brave Caren Alpert who took us along for the ride, stopping by agencies, Rollingstone (!), Tommy Hilfiger & many working photographers. I've been a reader of Gala's blog for years now & was pleased to get the chance to photograph her in Soho & the East Village. I can't wait to run around SF & show her the sights, introduce her to amazing vegan raw food & get some mad rad shots in the process. Seeking guidance on awesome buildings in the Mission as well, wanting pink, purple, blue, mint & emerald green -- if you know of ANY please contact me! ANY help is much appreciated. Kisses on all your soft spots !! <3

Stargazing

2010-07-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

Stargazing
Originally uploaded by Richard Kadrey/Kaos Beauty Klinik

Love so many things about this. Manders is a fantastic model and who I've had the pleasure of photographing once (and would love to again!). The composition is awesome, I am such a mad crazy lover of negative space and think it adds to the overall feeling of this.. so sensual and dynamic but kind of sterile and static .. <3<3<3<3

Blogger of the week : Ross Hudgens !

2010-07-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Photo by yours truly, ps.

Ross is the full-time SEO of www.billy.com, working nearly 40-60 hours a week on different projects but also taking the time to post regularly on his own blog. I’m impressed with him, not only as a sister, but as a business woman and a freelancer --- his concepts for marketing, self promotion and blogging are truly remarkable. He’s achieved a lot in such a short time and is one of the most driven individuals I’ve ever met. I interviewed him for the start of my new features addition to my blog because I wanted to learn more about what he does. I think the ideology of Authentic Marketing can be used in many different genres of business, not only for corporate but for individual freelancers and bloggers alike! Enjoy!

I'm unfamiliar with the concept of Authentic Marketing. Is it a term you coined yourself or did you gain inspiration elsewhere?

Authentic Marketing is an ideology, something that’s more of an abstract more than something we can solidly define. This is because authenticity, at its core, is something that’s subjective and comes down to the opinion of each person who observes “authenticity”. But my idea of authentic marketing is marketing in a way that provides value, purely, and with that intention alone. I also know that monetary gain can come with that provision of value and I’m okay with that, but the main intention is to create value for people to benefit from in a way that enriches the world – not my own well-being. Authentic ANYTHING is something that’s gained a lot of momentum recently, so I can’t say I coined the term or really deserve much credit for it. In some ways it’s often criticized because of its own ambiguity – how can we profess something as our hallmark attribute that’s so difficult to define? And they have a point, it’s tough. But I say it’s worth it.

It seems you have quite a following so far on Twitter and a lot of readers for your blog, what are some of the key ways you boost traffic? And how do you think others, in other genres of blog writings, can boost their audience appeal and gain readers? Do you feel it has more to do with marketing, the feel/look of your blog or with what you're trying to 'sell' or write about? I'm interested to hear your opinions in regards to blogging and where you think the internet corresponds within a business standpoint.

I’m not sure I really have that many readers for my blog. I’m trying to get that part down, but it’s tough because, in my whole “authenticity”/writing what I want to write about gig, I am going on 19 different tangents that often only hit 50 or so percent of the people that read it. What I DO know how to do, though, is drive traffic, and that part isn’t very hard at all. What it requires is creating good content you know an audience will appeal to, and then directly reaching out to that audience to let them know that the content was created. I have done this in one of two ways – the first is by creating something so remarkable that I knew influencers would want to read it, and then e-mailing them. And the second is creating content that’s an ego-boost for that person, and e-mailing them again. All it takes is the dropping of self – the more you talk about yourself and you and what you did, the less readers you’ll have. You need a true critical mass to even start thinking people will start caring about that stuff. The most popular post I’ve ever had did what I described, but on a mass scale. Hacker News is a website designed by Paul Graham, a former web developer and current advisor and funder of new start-ups. The community is based around web development and as such, holds Paul up to a “celebrity level”. So, I knew if I submitted a recap of his old, relatively unknown book, the community would eat it up. And sure enough, they did.

What do you do? In a nutshell? You are welcome to be as long-winded as you like but help let my readers understand !

I’m a SEO Manager at Billy.com. I am helping Billy develop their website and get more traffic from search engines like Google and Bing. To do that, I coordinate our designers/content writers in a way that is most beneficial to getting lots of search engine traffic. Externally, I also actively pursue getting links to our website, which is how search engines learn to “trust” that your website is worth sending search engine traffic to. So if you want to do me a favor, link to Billy.com!

Do you feel the work you do for them is beneficial and rewarding? Not only for yourself but for the company and its product?

Yes, it’s rewarding. It’s rewarding working with other people and having a unified vision and building something that will create value for the world. It’s not necessarily value like offering food for someone that’s impoverished but in many ways what I do can enhance the day, in some small way, of potentially millions of people on a long enough timeline. And to be able to say you’ve enhanced that many people’s lives in any way is an awesome thing.The beauty of the internet is scale. I can do what I do and if I can do it well, I can reach millions of people. Although handing a poor person a bite to eat may feel like you’re doing a better thing for the world because you get immediate feedback, I can create 10000x that value by creating a web property that enhances the lives of thousands. I may never see their smiles, but if the product is selling and the traffic is flowing, I know someone is smiling, somewhere.

What was the deciding factor for starting a blog? How do you come up with your articles? What research do you feel is necessary?

I like writing. That’s why I’m doing it. If you don’t purely like writing and you’re doing it for some other reason like making money, you will fail. Or, you’ll eventually be unhappy doing it while succeeding. I think I can make some accessory money down the line when I build up readership and all that, but that’s not the concern. My wage on that will be far below minimum.I have too many ideas to count, so that’s never been a problem. I have a list of about 100 articles to write about that I still haven’t fulfilled. Once you start writing your brain will start thinking in that way, of how what you’re thinking about translates to a blog idea, and then it’s relatively easy. I used to spend all my time thinking of clever status updates for Facebook. Since I started my blog, I haven’t had a good one in forever – because my brain has shifted a new medium, and that’s where the ideation happens. I stay connected, too. I read about a book every two weeks, have a huge RSS feed and a library of content to read on the internet. Spark that against a brain that wants to write and there is no shortage of things to blog about.

I know you are a workaholic, can you give me your thoughts about the typical work week and why you do what you do?

I enjoy what I’m doing, so when I’m not doing it, I’m not fulfilled. I literally become unhappy watching television, because I feel like I’m not getting better or progressing forward. I have this sick thing about me where if I feel like I’m stuck or I’m stagnant, I start feeling unhappy. And the problem is that growth isn’t sustainable, but somehow, I hope it is. At least for me. I work 9-5 generally, and try not to eat lunch out. I see lunch as wasted time unless you’re building a relationship during it. Because I enjoy what I’m doing I’d rather continue doing it than take a break from it. Seth Godin has a great quote on this: “Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you ought to set up a life you don’t want to escape from.”After I’m done I go to the gym and the positive endorphins I get from that push me for the second half of the day, where I work on extra projects pretty much until I go to sleep. My “breaks” will be reading books or an episode of a show I really enjoy on my computer, but at any given time there’s probably about one show on television that I actually want to watch each week. I still try to retain a social life and require a complete day off to go into San Francisco and try to get out two nights a week or so with friends, because without that, I’d be unhappy too.

How do you feel social networking falls into your idea of marketing? Not only online but in person, at bars, gyms, dinner parties, etc.?

I haven’t even close to figured out the in-person thing yet. I have some in-person business relationships but to say that I’ve springboarded them to anything substantial as of yet would be a lie. But the entire online business relationships thing is huge and that’s how you create a readership and have people assist you in promotion and that whole thing.

What are some things that inspire, motivate and keep you driven? Books, movies, people, blogs, etc.

I like competition, and even if it’s not direct, I see potential competition everywhere. When I hear someone is my same age but further ahead, that drives me to work harder. So anytime I’m on the internet and I find someone who seems young and I learn about their success story, I quickly check their age. And double check it against myself. And again, this isn’t sustainable and could hurt me down the line – but right now, I find myself feeling just fine with where I am and where I’m going. Media wise, I am intensely inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk, Seth Godin, Jason Fried, Merlin Mann, and other people who do things the right way but who are also very successful.

And there's the end of it ! Happy Sunday ! <3<3<3

HMSLatex

2010-07-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite latex shops, in person and online, is hands down HMS Latex on Etsy.com. I have one skirt by them and the craftsmanship is superb ! There is nothing sexier then slipping on a latex garment and these pieces are no exception. I've photographed latex ONCE, also, and know how difficult it can be. These images are personally quite well done and some of my favorites on her site. And just incase you were wondering I have the illusion skirt and if I had the cash flow I would totally purchase and pair it with the halter top or the bow tank top or even the pedrolino top for some extra flair! And how about some pedrolinette shorts and the bow brassiere if you're feeling sassy? I totally recommend you check out her site and wander to your heart's content.

all the words I love to say...

2010-07-12T17:05:00.001-07:00

all the words I love to say...
Originally uploaded by micmojo

Inspiration image. Not mine but truly beautiful.

Michael Arnelle : Local Performer.

2010-07-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

2010-07-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Some current work. Shot a few months ago .. hard to believe this beard is MUCH larger now. Brian Bussiere was featured on Myth Busters, also, during their ginger pain tolerance episode. Check him out below!

Those who know me know my love for facial hair. I'm not entirely sure where it came from but it's stuck with me through my teens and into my late 20's so I have the feeling it's here to stay. What's your thoughts on facial hair??

inspiration of the day.

2010-06-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Ross Hudgens

2010-06-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Photographed for Hand it Over.

2010-06-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Headshots for a local author/blogger.

2010-06-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Recent Work.

2010-06-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Headshots for a local actress.

2010-06-14T19:30:00.003-07:00

2010-05-10T21:31:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I photograph children too!

Oh hey, New Yorkers!!

2010-04-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

I want to come visit in the end of August to play in the city during the summer & get hot & sweaty on your couch, if you'll let me. I'll cook you dinner, clean your house, be your personal photographer for a week, etc. If you live there or know of someone who does that'd be willing, let me know!!

2010-04-21T12:18:00.001-07:00

Probably my favorites from this series that I photographed on Monday. I just love the intimacy here.. exactly what I wanted.

2010-04-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

New images up from a shoot I did yesterday. Kind of my take on Lolita - meets New Orleans, sexy/trash.

inspiration, yet again.

2010-04-20T06:55:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by Benoit.P

beautiful.

New Images!

2010-04-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Inspiration!

2010-04-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

New Images.

2010-04-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

New images!

2010-04-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

2010-03-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

New photos!

2010-03-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Still strolling through blogs on a daily basis, looking for inspiration -- anything to jumpstart & refocus. My schedule is massively busy this next month & I am looking forward to the challenge..

2010-03-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Shot yesterday at my apartment. Made me realize how much I truly miss shooting on location. There's just something about natural light.

up early prepping for a shoot.

2010-03-23T07:40:00.001-07:00

high contrast inspiration.

2010-03-22T20:49:00.001-07:00

2010-03-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

Not my images. Hunting for inspiration for my shoot tomorrow .. I love the play on light & dark with these. The heavy fabrics vs. the delicate, contrast vs. the muted desaturation. I love the intimacy and sense of femininity in all of them. Something feral & real.

New Images!

2010-03-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

2010-03-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

Janna Rachel Jewett

2010-03-05T20:58:00.001-08:00

Nida Elizabeth.

2010-03-05T18:52:00.001-08:00

Nida Elizabeth.

2010-03-05T18:51:00.001-08:00

Nida Elizabeth.

2010-03-05T18:48:00.001-08:00

Nida Elizabeth.

2010-03-05T18:47:00.001-08:00

2010-03-05T08:58:00.001-08:00

constructed narrative 1

2010-03-01T20:15:00.001-08:00

constructed narrative 1
Originally uploaded by adverb

this is what my friends do for photography.

2010-02-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

Dark inspirations ! Also, things I love right now -- my new pendant necklace by Rackk and Ruin Jewlery , my new belted harness boots by Frye , numerous skull & silver rings & earrings off of ebay, new skin care routine, wearings rings on pretty much every finger I possibly can, going days & days without washing my hair (was at 8 days & counting yesterday but freshly washed today!), hearing the rain outside & spending far too much time on the internet. Joy.

2010-02-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

Did you sweep us far from your feet,
Reset in stone this stark belief,
Salted eyes and a sordid dye,
Too many years.

But don't despair,
This day will be their damnedest day,
Oh, if you take these things from me.

Did you feed us tales of deceit,
Conceal the tongues who need to speak?
Subtle lies and a soiled coin,
The truth is sold, the deal is done.

But don't despair,
This day will be their damnedest day,
Oh, if you take these things from me.

Undefined, no signs of regret,
Your swollen pride assumes respect,
Talons fly as a last disguise,
But no return, the time has come.

So don't despair,
And this day will be their damnedest day,
Oh, if you take these things from me.
Oh, if you take these things from me

[cowboys by portishead] my mood today.

2010-02-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry long time no post. I've been fighting a cold for a good two weeks and my brain has been feeling lackluster. But expect my own images soon, these are just inspirational points of interest.

todays inspiration

2010-02-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

2010-01-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

small goals for spring 2010

lipstick. red, pink, purple, black. etc.
heels once a week.
accessorize. layer them on. lots.
wear color.
gym 5-6x a week. yoga 1x a week.
down water. 80-100 ounces a day.
moisturize. use spf.
become thrifty. buy used items vs. new.
sleep 7-9 hours a night.
read. read. read.

Things I Love Thursday

2010-01-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

Just so we are clear.. these are not my images. Any images not specified as my own are taken by another photographer, yanked off the web, etc. I just found them stirring and like to fill my blog with pieces of muse whenever I'm not shooting.. <3

2010-01-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of summer. Here's a splash of light and color... <3

2010-01-26T13:22:00.000-08:00

2010-01-26T12:20:00.001-08:00

Preview of things to come. These are not my images.

2010-01-25T22:02:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where I located these online. I have a very bad habit of putting things in a file on my desktop and forgetting about them until I browse for blogposts or sources of inspiration. O well, trust me when I say I have nothing to do with their creation!

Spring 2010 Inspirations!

2010-01-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

Accessories.

2010-01-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

Inspiration of the day.

2010-01-23T21:06:00.000-08:00

Inspiration of the day.

2010-01-20T23:49:00.000-08:00

2010-01-19T10:26:00.001-08:00

2010-01-19T09:32:00.001-08:00

Inspirations.

2010-01-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

2010-01-18T18:42:00.001-08:00

2010-01-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

2010-01-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

Alexis has always been one of my favorite muses. I worked with her a couple of weeks ago and am anxious to photograph her again.

There is magic in her face and fingers..

2010-01-13T14:54:00.000-08:00

Lately all my dreams/inspiration has been moving in this direction..

Inspiration.

2010-01-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Lane Coder.

2009-12-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

As a photographer, Lane Coder is a somewhat of a mystery. His work, in his own words, is quiet - scary - unsettling. While it is his hope that is work is inspiring and challenging to others, he acknowledges that his images are dark and because of this his apparent contribution to the editorial world is intimate. The basis of his entire career has dealt with teetering the fine line between fine art and commercial. As a young man straight out of high school in Connecticut, Lane went to Parsons School of Design in New York where he studied Fine Art. His focus was painting, figure drawing and sculpture until he met David Sorrenti. David shot for Interview, Detour and Ray Gun and it is said that he helped boost the heroin-chic trend. It was David that introduced Lane to photography and taught him the basics. Lane looks back fondly on the first night he partied with David, photographing his friends with a SX-70 Polaroid camera. He found himself awed by the quality of the images, the polaroid shots reminding him of his own paintings.

After his experience in New York he moved to Paris to go to Parsons School of Design, then on to Rhode Island School of Design before finally coming to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. At the time of his education Ansel Adams was head of the department and the focus was on 4x5 film. Lane remembers long days and men in lab coats as well as hours in the darkrooms with bare hand in chemicals. Perhaps it is this background that has continued his love of film. Even now he continues to use film despite the current economic conditions. He does shoot digitally if asked but for his personal work he prefers to shoot film. He feels that "digital does not serve the art as well, has lost the craft" and in many ways film slows you down as a photographer, is basic and refined. He still loves printing in darkrooms and whenever he has the chance he prints color and makes contact prints before scanning his film on an Imacon that he shares.

In terms of his own career, he felt that Art Center gave him the tools and supported his fully as he entered the professional world. He left a savvy business man and entered as many contests as he could. He won PDN's 30, Surface magazine's Avant Guardian's competition and Art + Commerce Festival of Emerging Photographers. Editors from Vice, Vogue and the New Yorker judged the Art + Commerce and within a year he found himself getting picked up by Vogue and the New Yorker. He also did a campaign for Coco Cola and soon after agencies began to contact him. He made his own mistakes and urges young photographers to know who they doing business with and what their true interests are. As an artist Lane always keeps journals filled with writings, polaroids, notes, etc. and finds that and his own personal work keeps him grounded. He finds music tends to dictate where his shoots go, what emotions are bred, etc. It can also inspire projects and future stories. However, he often finds himself wondering what will make him money and if a current project will fit into his portfolio. He finds money "changes the way you think about photography" and rarely experiments anymore and when he does he finds it a breath of fresh air.

In regard to his own style he is most satisfied from the organic simplicity of using available light. He controls his film development and finds that he can shoot in every condition and still duplicate his particular palette. His assistants are the bread and butter of his career and fully believes that they are the only way to handle a career. They help him on set and with post production and managing files. He also relies on a full time retoucher and a digital tech while shooting, to help create story boards on set. He never goes online. He doesn't look into what people think of him as he "takes his work too seriously to read into people's reactions." He has also found that every magazine that he shoots for desires a certain look and that he has to edit his images accordingly, even if it isn't particularly his style. And despite his fame and wide client base, he often still shoots for free just to get tear sheets. "You do it, you bend over and take it" Lane says, laughing lightly with a voice hardened by long days and relentless work. "It's the prestige of saying I've been in a magazine." He suggests the concept of a stepladder, reminded by many times where he and his agencies have discussed wither a spread is worthwhile to pay out of pocket or not. To Lane it's about letting the world know he's shooting, as the more you are published the more you are seen. As of late he is attempting to conquer the west coast and then on the Europe, where he hopes his style will be more widely accepted.

Perhaps there his quiet, solemn style can be fully appreciated.

2009-12-29T22:03:00.000-08:00

Editing in the dark. First of many to come!