Blogger Spotlight: Marla Verdugo

Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

December
27
2011

This week I wanted to spotlight a very talented young artist, Marla Verdugo! Marla, a stylist/makeup artist/hair stylist/photographer extraordinaire is basically a one-woman show! Creating beautiful images is like second nature to her. There is so much mood and emotion behind her photos, and I couldn't wait to share her work with you!

Recently, Marla photographed an event we attended in Los Angeles, and I was able to catch up with her to give you guys some background, fun FAQs, and even some tips on styling and photography! Take a look below for some of her beautiful work and an exclusive interview.

I love the pose and editing in this photo!

The heavy metal jewelry plays perfect off of her blunt bangs and dark eyes.

Interview with Marla Verdugo

Intro to yourself:

I'm a California girl who can't sit still. I've lived up and down the coast. Currently I live in Hollywood but miss the San Francisco life. Been doing makeup and pinup-vintage inspired photography for a few years. But I like to try things that intrigue me...like styling and fashion photography. You can also find me doing other things like; obsessing over Lindsay Lohan, thrifting, finding odd treasures on the street, stalking my friends, driving getaway cars, blogging, watching The Simpsons and making messes in the kitchen...and cracking jokes that only crickets respond to. ;)

How did you get into fashion photography?:

I first started with vintage/pinup-inspired photography...(my main love)...but after years of doing makeup on several fashion shoots, I decided to to test out my skills in shooting fashion. So I've been dabbling in it ever since--I love it! And I learn things everyday.

Tips for the photographer just starting out:

Seize the day. Go for your dream! Don't let anyone discourage you. Take a class at a community college. Ask friends to model for you.Find what genre appeals to you, research different photographers...but develop your own style. ;)

Favorite beauty products:

Lipbalm: love Kiehl's and Cherry Chapstick
Primers!!! They do wonders for your makeup.
Sunscreen: everyone should use it.
Kevin Murphy and Sunsilk: they're on totally different ends of the spectrum, but I find they are both carry amazing hair products.

What are your "go-to's" when styling?:

Honestly...I am very random.
1. I love textures...in dresses, pants...
2. But generally, I would have to say vintage. No matter if I'm styling for a different era or present day looks---I love to thrown in vintage. It keeps the world going and it keeps me going. Makes me happy.

Why is fashion important to you?:

Fashion is another way to express yourself, fashion is beautiful. We all have different styles...and we may not like them all and some may not like our style, but what it comes down to...is what makes us feel good. Fashion is like we are...changing, evolving, reinventing, and also going back to our roots.

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Make sure to keep up with Marla on her blog and her own personal website! Happy New Years! xoxo

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More or Less: Stunning Sculptural Knitwear

Posted by: Laurie Hartt

December
8
2011

If you're into chunky knitwear, then this blog is for you.

Crafted by Amsterdam-based textile designer Nanna van Blaaderen, "the sculptural handknitted collection 'More or Less' is inspired by organic forms, animal life and nature. Using thick woolen yarns in off-white colors, [she] experimented in combining knitting techniques with braiding techniques. This resulted in various expressive garments of voluminous structures and forms."

Pretty sweet, huh? Plus, she's really into nature, animals, and sustainability, so she gets extra brownie points.

Ahh . . . I just want to cuddle up with one of these creations and sip hot toddies by the fire!

Check out more of Nanna's amazing work on her website!

(Pics and quote courtesy of Trendland and nannavanblaaderen.com.)

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Remarkable Remakes from the Booooooom Photo Project

Posted by: Annie Roos

November
8
2011

Some artists have a gift for bringing their subjects to life on canvas. Now, some people over at Booooooom have given us the gift of the "Remake" project, which challenged art lovers all over the world to actually bring works of art to life. LOVE this.

The challenge: take a classic work of art, (Booooooom master Jeff says: "I’m not looking for remakes of contemporary artwork, album covers, or fashion photography"), and "remake" it in a photograph (Jeff also stresses: "This is a PHOTO project! I’m looking for photos only. This means no paintings, drawings, collages. The idea is to put all your creative energy into re-creating and re-staging the image. All the work here happens before you take the photo, rather than afterward. Please refrain from adding special effects and other things to your image on your computer.").

And, voila! My faith in humanity is restored.

Inspired by a contest in the UK hosted by Adobe, Jeff created a challenge of his own, open to submissions from all over this wonderfully creative planet. Users uploaded their submissions to Booooooom's Facebook page, and then Jeff posted the majority of them on the site. One lucky winner will walk away with the entire Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection ($899). I'm just glad I don't have to pick the winner. I was, however, more than happy to select a whole bunch of my personal favorites.

Some contestants chose to recreate some pretty darn close copies of the original artwork (above), while others took the subject and reimagined it in modern, original, or even silly ways (below). Not to be biased, but my favorites definitely have a creative twist to them.

I love the way that Wanda Martin reinterpreted Vermeer's "Girl reading a letter by an open window" as a woman holding a telephone by an open window (below). Love the simple, modern touch.

Similarly, the way Or Eitan recreated Edward Hopper's "Automata" in a McDonald's (above) makes a powerful, yet subtle statement.

However, if I had to choose, I think these two might be my favorites:

Georges Braque's "Woman with a guitar" recreated by Niklas Enhag:

And Emily Kiel's remake of "Ohhh…Alright…" by Roy Lichtenstein:

So much cooler than planking....

If you want to see more, and there is a lot more to see, go ahead and check out the rest of the submissions (new ones are popping up all the time), and watch for the winner! Just be ready to spend A LOT of time scrolling through...

(Images courtesy of Booooooom!)

High Spirits: The Photography of Brooke Shaden

Posted by: Sienna Orlando

September
19
2011

Ever wonder what it's like to be an artist?

Today we have a behind-the-scenes interview with a fashionable artist: Brooke Shaden!

1. So, you were raised in PA, what brought you to LA?
I graduated from college in Philadelphia in December 2008 and decided then to pick up my still camera. I went about creating self portraits, and soon after moved to Los Angeles to pursue film making. It wasn't long after the move that I decided to do photography instead of film making, and have been living in LA ever since creating art!

2. Where do you get inspiration for some of the looks in your photos?
I am constantly inspired by timeless wardrobes. I love something that looks like it could be from any time period and helps to tell a story. I am inspired by long flowing gowns and the way that wind catches in fabric.

3. What's your favorite time period?
I love the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood of painters, they inspire me so much!

4. Do you have an amazing dress and prop collection?
I like to think so! Though, admittedly, I have ruined most of them by dragging them through the mud or slopping them around in creeks. I have probably 20 or so dresses that I use on photo shoots and take with me to workshops, all of various styles but all of them timeless as well.

5. What is your fascination with water?
Aside from my name being Brooke . . . I am fascinated with the way that water is a foreign element for the most part. We as humans are not naturally water creatures, and so water seems to be a place where a new world can easily be formed. I like how fluid it is, the way that it can softly pour over skin and hide body parts that are in the water. It has so many meanings associated with it, like life and death.

6. How long does it take you to prepare for a shoot?
I spend at least a few hours per photo conceptualizing and planning all of the details. I always know what I am going to shoot before I pick up my camera, so half of my entire process is spent planning while the shooting takes about 10 minutes.

7. What do you splurge on for your photo shoots?
Usually my big splurges come from props! I recently purchased a giant octopus for a photo, something that I had been wanting for a very long time but never had the guts to buy. I will splurge on a dress if I think it can be versatile enough, too.

8. One thing that is very unique about your photography is that you use solely a square format. Why the square?
To me, the square format allows for the viewer to see into a whole new world instead of a photograph. Suddenly the traditional photographic frame is gone, and instead of focusing on the medium the concept can shine through even brighter.

9. You also have a background in film and English, do you still write or film?
I have not yet jumped back into film, but I know that I will someday. I don't feel that it is right quite yet because I don't have the means to properly translate my ideas. I am infatuated with photography still, but I am sure that sometime, maybe soon, I will get the itch to make my images move. As for writing, I keep my blog updated very regularly with essays and musings. I love writing about photography and philosophies on photography. I am also writing a book which I hope to publish in 2012 all about inspiration and creating new worlds.

10. Tell us about your upcoming workshop in New York.
My workshops for the fall are numerous, as I will be teaching in New York, Los Angeles, Florida and Texas. The New York workshop is an 8 hour day full of hands on shooting and editing a levitation photograph. Each workshopper leaves with their own creation from the day. I go through my process, start to finish, on how to shoot and edit a levitation image. I teach how to make people fly!

Learn more about Brooke Shaden at her website and blog.

Sparks Fly: the Artwork of Ignacio Torres

Posted by: Sienna Orlando

September
15
2011

A brief statement from the artist: "This project began from the theory that humans are made of cosmic matter as a result of a stars death".

Enjoy.

(photos courtesy of ignacio-torres.com)

See more of the work by Ignacio Torres here!

Lucia Pang: Beautiful Fashion Photography

Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

July
22
2011

When I received an email from a young Australian named Lucia Pang, I immediately became so excited to collaborate with her. At only 17, Lucia has a rare talent for fashion photography with so many amazing images to get inspired from! I wanted to introduce you all to her site and let you know that we will be collaborating with Lucia in some exciting projects in the near future! This award winning young photographer will definitely be one to watch and we are so honored to be working with her! Make sure to check out some of her awesome shots below and to check back for updates on our project!

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The Photography of Bunny Jenny

Posted by: Sienna Orlando

July
1
2011

You know that feeling when you first discover some hidden talent in the world? It's sort of like falling in love.

Elated by my new favorite photographer, Jenny Woods (a.k.a Bunny Jenny) I am pleased to share her with you in this inspiring interview.

But first, please indulge!

First of all, your website says you’re only 18. Is that true?

I sure am! I'm just a baby still.

Where is your home base, and do you travel a lot?

I live in a small town entirely made up of sugar cane. I prefer the country to big cities, at the moment. It keeps me inspired and my own. I feel like bigger cities are so fast paced and you can lose yourself if you're not careful. My town keeps me sane when it comes to art. I don't do a lot of traveling outside of South Florida. I hope to one day though.

Do you remember your first camera?

My first camera was a Olympus film camera. I got it for my 16th birthday. The sad part is that I just recently started using it a couple months ago. It's amazing to shoot with. I absolutely love film.

Where do you get some of the concepts for your photo shoots, like "A horse with no name" where did that idea come from?

I keep a journal with me at all times and I jot down whatever comes in my mind. I get really inspired by music and old black and white movies. I had the idea when passing a horse pasture; I thought combining a woman's delicate body with a horse's would be mind blowing. They're both so beautiful and soft. I wanted the model to feel as if she was a part of that horse; to be one with it.

What do you look for in a model?

I don't really look for anything specific when looking for a model. I just try to look for one that matches each idea perfectly. They're all just really playing a part when being photographed. I like to tell my models a story before shooting and I tell them to play that story in their mind while shooting. It makes the photos feel more natural and real, than just a pose. I try to bring stiff bones to life.

How long does it take you to prepare for a shoot?

I'm VERY controlling when it comes to my shoots. I don't like using stylists or make up artists, unless absolutely necessary. It takes me a couple months to plan out one idea. But that's also depending on how difficult the idea would be to create. In my mind, you never stop planning a shoot.. even after the shoot is over with. You always come up with new ideas or things you should have tried; it eventually evolves into a new photo shoot.

Is there anything you splurge on for your photo shoots?

Oh geeze.. haha, I buy all of my own props/clothes/camera equipment for shoots! That's where all of my paycheck goes. I don't remember the last time I bought something for myself. My mom gets so mad at me, too, because I don't get paid for any of my photo shoots. She doesn't understand though. I don't like shooting for money... I feel like you lose your passion for something once you start getting paid to do it. You stop doing it for yourself and forget the reason why you loved it, in the first place. I don't think I'll ever be able to accept money for taking pictures.. It doesn't seem right to me. I have rates up on my Model Mayhem site right now, but I don't ever see myself actually telling someone to pay me, ya know?

A lot of your photography is very fashion oriented; are there any current fashion trends that you’re into?

I'm digging florals! Haha, I love color and flowers; they make me in such a good mood!

How did you come to be known as Bunny Jenny?

It was a nickname in high school! My best friend used to call me her "little bunny" and I guess it just stuck? I don't think anyone calls me by my real name, actually. I like to think of it as my alter ego; you know, the artistic me. I've thought about changing it and just using my real name, but I love it too much. 'Bunny Jenny' will always be part of me. It's who I am.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?

"You only have one person to make happy in life: yourself."

If you just fell in love with Bunny Jenny, like I did, see more on her website!

James Franco Shoots Agyness Deyn for Elle July 2011

Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

June
20
2011

Sometimes, you just see a set of photos that knocks you straight out of your chair. This shoot by James Franco, starring the beautifully androgynous Agyness Deyn, did exactly that. Casually browsing the internet, I came across this gender-bending shoot inspired by James Franco's catalyst to stardom, James Dean. Capturing a timeless beauty, Franco's photography is moody and rich in contrast. Always a fan of model Agyness Deyn, I love how these images celebrate her bone structure and stunning presence. Actor, model, filmaker...photographer? What other suprises does James Franco have up his sleeve!? Make sure to pick up July's issue of Elle for the hard copy of this amazing artwork. I'm literally going to the store now!! Take a look below for the highlights.

A great shot of the photographer himself, in a pretty awesome outfit, I must say!

What do you think of this shoot? Can Franco make it behind the camera, or should he stick to acting?

Weekend Inspiration: Dreamy Photos

Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

June
17
2011

Weekends in the summertime should be filled with fun and festivities! In my head, summer days have a hazy and warm feeling, filled with bright colors and dreamy lighting. While browsing around online, I came across these gorgeous photos that embody my idea of warm, lazy months. With carnivals, beaches, good food, and travel, these photos are definitely a picture-perfect vision of summer. Take a look below for my favorites from shop owner Happeemonkee on Etsy!

Make sure to stop over to HappeeMonkee on Etsy for more amazing travel, nature, and still-life photography!

What makes a perfect summer day for you?

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Currently Obsessed: Christopher Bush Photography

Posted by: Cara Fox-Galassi

June
9
2011

I recently stumbled upon photographer Christoper Bush on tumblr, and now I cannot get enough. His grainy black & whites and desaturated colors of beautiful women have a minimalist and effortless style that keep me wanting more. But enough from me; I'll let this New York native's work speak for itself. Check out his work below.