Strawberry Knees

I have been waiting a long time to blog about this shoot since I did it months ago in the summer... reason being that I wanted to wait until I had all of the films developed as well as having edited the digital shots. Having just got the photos back today, I couldn't resist extending a good 3 days worth of procrastination and scanned them in straight away. I'm supposed to be packing for the big London move on Thursday, but of course it's the last thing I can be bothered to do right now. I've even taken up knitting, and I've made myself a lovely pair of fingerless mittens!

Anyway, about the shoot. I met Hrefna, my lovely model, on Flickr months before the shoot when I noticed a beautiful set of photos taken of her, and expressed my interest in photographing her. She seemed very keen, and we agreed to meet the next time I was in Iceland. We went to a gorgeous spot just outside of Reykjavik, and I took an insane amount of photos. I was obsessed with her ridiculously long blonde hair, and got a little bit carried away with all the hair flicks. It was a good day, Hrefna was so easy to work with, and took direction really well so I can't wait to work with her again.

A BIG thank you, to both Hrefna and her lovely Mum who graciously volunteered to assist me on the shoot (mainly by sheilding my camera from the elements).













As always, these look like crap on blogger, so please view them properly on my Flickr.

Perfection

A few days ago I went to the Tate modern, and for the first time I gave myself time to look at all of the free exhibitions on all of the floors...which, given the immensity of the gallery, took up nearly the whole day. I had a really good day exploring and getting inspired, and left feeling tired but extremely happy. Before exiting, we stopped by the shop (which provides one of the best collection of art books for sale), and with little money to spare, picked up a little Taschen book called Pierre et Gilles, Sailors & Sea for an incredible £3. I've never heard of this duo, and nor do I recognise any of their work, but I'm left feeling completely fascinated by it. I'm having a hard time deciding whether it's unnervingly tacky, or pure gold...but I suppose conceptually it is supposed to be both.

With reoccurring themes like religion, commercial culture, and homo eroticism, the pair have created a whole heap of bold, heavily retouched, colourful, glittering imagery. (Yes, it actually appears to glitter in it's 2d form.) It is impossible to imagine how much work will have gone into each photograph, and I'm completely puzzled by the processes they use. On one hand, I know they are photos, but on the other they look like airbrushed paintings, or even sculptures or dolls. I suppose their work reminds me of LaChapelle, and they will have no doubt been an inspiration to him, but other than that I see it as truly unique. (Unless I just haven't done my research properly that is.)

Here are some scans from my book as I couldn't find any decent images on the internet:

On another note, I've been listening to the new Sunset Rubdown album (Dragon Slayer) constantly for the last couple of days, and I love it so much. I am going a bit crazy, and I should stop listening to it so much before I get bored of it, but it's just too good. I also happen to be seeing them on the 15th Sept in London, so if anyone is a fan.. it's a great opportunity to go see some Canadian sweetness.

Colleen

Minty Licks

Marilyn Minter, you can do no wrong. I have to see the full version of this video somehow.. it's so beautiful and gross, and provokes so many senses.



I just love the idea of creating short videos to really capture photographic moments in a different way, and it's something I've been wanting to do for a really long time. When I get hold of some equipment I'd like to start a series of video 'snap shots' to experiment with...I'd like to see how it pushes my work. Sometimes I look at other photographers work and I see that there's something they do to evoke emotion and energy, and I feel like my work just doesn't stand a chance. For instance, last night I was browsing through my photographer bookmarks, and I rediscovered the work of Linus Ricard, and I just fell in love with it's attention to detail, and intensity all over again. I took the time to view his video gallery too, which I would usually have passed by, and I was blown away. Everything this man touches is stunning. Here is one of the videos I found.. it's not my favourite of the lot, but it's still pretty magnificent:



Another one of my favourite photographers Camille Vivier has also set her sights on doing video works, and although they are somewhat different, I really love the abstraction she obtains, which really compliments her photographic style. She has produced a few short (short) films that can be viewed here.

Here is one of my favourites, nice and simple:




I suppose it's not an unnatural step to take for a photographer, but I am surprised at how many I can think of off the top of my head who have ventured this way. I like the way it's going...and I'd like to see a lot more.

Here I was thinking I was just going to do a quick post on the Minter video!

A very sad day

I am absolutely gutted that I've just watched my last episode of Freaks and Geeks ever... I know it probably wasn't the most well produced show (although what do I know), but I still can't believe it didn't get more than one season. I know I'm in my 20s and should probably be worrying about more important things, or even not watching TV shows aimed at kids.. but that's escapism for you.

All I know is that I now want to marry Jason Segel, and that my life will not be complete without knowing whether Lindsay gets back together with Nick... dilemma!

Fuuck, it's nearly 5am. Goodnight!