Photo Inspiration

In doing some research for the upcoming Biko Lookbook photo shoot, I came across this incredible photograph, shot by Paschal Chavallier.   I'm in love.

PHOTO: Pick of the Week

This photograph by Richard Avedon sits right up at the top of my list of inspirational images.  I get lost in the shapes created with body parts, the contrast between the greys and the starkness of her dress, and the textures in the elephants' skin.  The elephants seem to be dancing with the woman, but their grounded feet are chained down.  Although both happy and sad, it is a beautiful photograph.

Richard Avedon (May 15, 1923 – October 1, 2004) is said to be one of the most influential and well-known fashion photographers.  The New York Times wrote: "...his fashion and portrait photographs helped define America's image of style, beauty and culture for the last half-century."

Visit the Richard Avedon Foundaton website here.

The Cliff House

I've become obsessed with the story of the Cliff House, the old photographs that document it and the people living during its prime.  Throughout its incarnations, it featured art galleries, restaurants, parlors, lunch rooms, verandas, and eventually a hotel.  It was originally built in 1863, but was destroyed in a fire in 1894.  It was rebuilt in 1896 and burned to the ground (again) in 1907. A modest replacement was built in 1909.

For more info, visit here.

I love how everyone is dressed up, even to visit the beach.

I find it hard to pin-point the age of these people.. 

a toughie when they are dressed more like the elders of today.

She seems super young.

Top-notch vintage bikes!

Some cool dudes in great suits.

Images via Cliff House Project