Tag Archives: PHOTOGRAPHY

YVR Vintage: Fred Herzog

This week’s artist is the one and only, Fred Herzog. Herzog was a photographer residing in Vancouver, B.C. from the late 1950s onward. Herzog was absolutely ahead of his time!

Fred Herzog holding camera and Canada flag behind window in background with red wall.

His style was actually considered pretty odd for his time and he captured many moments that seemed almost staged. His images often have people staring off or interacting with something extraordinary happening off camera. Like the infamous casino win captured by him moments after happening or the building in flames just off the beach. There is never a dull moment with Herzog.

People at a casino after a win staring off at the results.

Vancouver’s history is captured like no other through Fred’s work. He was the original archiver and he probably didn’t even have this intention in the first place. At the time, he was simply capturing everyday YVR which to him, was absurd and captivating. He was often bound to lengthy shutter speeds that hindered his ability to capture events in the spur of the moment. However even with this challenge, Herzog did not let the extraordinary pass by. He determinedly captured every moment, ultimately creating an archival vault on those historic chapters in Vancouver.

He was a legendary local street photographer and a YVR trailblazer. Colour photos were actually associated only with advertising materials in the 50s, and black and white was reserved for artists. Nevertheless, Fred Herzog paved a new way for artists, capturing extraordinary and colorful images. He sadly passed away in 2019, at the age of 88, but he will live on through his children and his incredible art.

Finding Solace and Joy in Photography and Film

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Since the start of 2020, I have been taking more photos than ever before. At first, it was to remember the moments during the pandemic, but I slowly wanted to take pictures of everything. I realized that I wanted to look back to see how far I’ve come in the later years. I also wanted to capture the moments in my life where I felt the most peace or got the most joy.

I have recently been interested in making TikToks, and since I am trying to incorporate more media into this blog, I thought I would share!

I am trying to make one TikTok for each month of 2022. Below is one I made for February:

Taking pictures, making films, and playing around with the camera are activities that make me happy. It also brings me peace to look back on those moments. It’s almost like self-care for me, and I look forward to capturing more moments.

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The post Finding Solace and Joy in Photography and Film first appeared on NimrasCanvas.

TEST SHOOT

I was 15 when I captured these images and I thought I would share them with you. I used an Olympus Pen EPL1, a small yet very powerful camera. After this test shoot I really enjoyed being a little creative director and picked up some fun projects after.

I went along with the energy of the model and picked up a simple yet edgy touch, so I figured a grainy black and white approach would be perfect. I captured the images with dim lighting and let the intense flash work its magic. I was happy with the outcome, as it turned out organic with a late night ambience.

I styled my model with a plain black dress under an oversized men’s formal blazer, with a pair of grungy black boots topped with an old pilot’s hat. Her classy-rebel look shares a hint of the models personality. This is something I enjoyed from this experience, as not only did I take the pictures, but I was in charge of the styling and directing the atmosphere and energy. This was so exciting to me as I only wanted to play around and bring all my ideas to life.

 Model: Tash Serena
Photographer/ Creative Director: Myself

Not a Goodbye, but a See You Later

Recently, there has been a whole lot of controversy surrounding the topic of going outdoors and meeting up with friends as we’ve all been encouraged to socially distance ourselves. Up until this week, I’ve been shooting up to three times a week with different local photographers, however I’ve decided to switch up my fast paced lifestyle and start slowing it down. At first, I didn’t see much of an issue with shooting as I’m not in close contact with my photographers, but with the vast amount of time I spend on transit going to and from shoots, I decided to rethink my weekly shooting routine.

Since SFU got shut down on March Friday 13th (quite ironic if you’re the superstitious type), all of my creative projects have come to a screeching halt. As I’ve been focusing primarily on photo shoots in the past few weeks, I’ve decided that I will also be self-isolating and reverting back to working on videos as that’s something I’m able to do from the confines of my dorm room. 

I walked into my last shoot on March 19th, on the SFU Burnaby campus (one of my favourite places to shoot!). I was shooting at golden hour with Nicolas Scott (@nicolasscott_), a photographer whom I’ve worked with on numerous occasions for his clothing line, Call the Girls Co, as well as our most recent Calvin Klein studio session. We kept our distance and shot as we normally would, but as we walked around the AQ pond, I felt a sense of emptiness wash over myself. The place was absolutely dead, so much so that you could hear the drop of a pin. Although it was my last scheduled shoot, without seeing other people around me, it really made me feel as if I shouldn’t be outside, or if I was doing something wrong even though Nic and I were far more than 2 meters apart at all times.

We wrapped up just after the sun had set on the top floor of the visitors parade. We said our goodbyes and I walked off into the milky sunset making my way back to Shell House. Although I was completely bummed out to be putting a stop to my modelling career, I tried to look at the positives of all of this- that I would be able to really start growing my brand and putting more work into marketing and management as well as producing YouTube and Tik Tok videos. Walking off into the beautiful blending of colours in the sky reminded me that now was the time to think outside of the box and really take this time to reflect and think about alternative methods to create. 

This is not the end, rather it’s the beginning of a new form of creativity. I can’t wait to show you what I come up with!

VOGUE ITALIA

I thought this Monday was going to be like every other Monday, but to my surprise, it didn’t. I woke up at 8:30 am, made my way to the bathroom and when I came back to my room, I got changed for the gym. I spent about an hour in there targeting my arms, and as I was taking a break from my lat pulldowns, I got a DM from a Disney Animator and aspiring Photographer named Marc (@marcrovich), whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with before. Like most messages I get in the morning, I ignore them until at least 9 am to make sure I’ve had enough time to wake up and spend some “me-minutes” with myself.

When I came home, I immediately showered and as I began to towel dry my hair, I opened up the messages. I would have never guessed what happened and neither could Marc.

A photo we had taken together in late January was published on the Vogue Italia website! I couldn’t believe it, even asking several times over and over again sounding like a broken record, it wasn’t a joke.

As I made my way to the bus station to head to an appointment in Surrey, not only did I miss the 145, but within minutes hot tears started streaming down my face and I can assure you that it wasn’t because I missed my bus. I’m not much of a cryer, but I still couldn’t believe the news. It was starting to seem as different doors were closing in my life, other doors were starting to magically open. 

The next day, I went to lunch to catch up with a group of doom mates that I met in first year! Before I had even sat my butt down, they were shouting at me from across the way about the news. It was one of the most gratifying feelings in the world to celebrate and be celebrated by the first group of friends I made in University. They’ve seen me grow into exactly the person I’ve always wanted to become and they’ve supported me since the very beginning of me moving out here. It’s crazy to think of how many nights we spent on the 7th floor of the common room in Shadbolt House talking up until all hours of the night about where we saw ourselves three years down the road. At the time it was incomprehensible, but in current time we were all together celebrating who we were now. As we toasted to celebrate, I was so incredibly happy. Not just about the publication, but because I had people out there supporting me no matter what I decided to do. No matter how many changes I’ve undergone in the past three years, I’m still the same small town kid, but with the people I’ve met along the way, I’ve been able to build the life that I’d dreamt about three years ago in that common room.

Rihanna’s ANTI

Going to do a little #tbt in my part. I remember when Rihanna came out with ANTI in 2016 and she gifted the first 1-million copies of the album to the fans. I flipped out. In my opinion, ANTI is Rihanna’s best and most cohesive work.

To go along with this fabulous album, Rihanna commissioned renowned photographer, Paolo Roversi, to photograph for her 2016 album, ANTI. These images can be seen as the single artworks for songs like Bitch Better Have My Money, Kiss It Better, and Needed Me.

So obsessed with these images till today. Combining the elegance, surrealistic and evocative style of Roversi’s photography, Rihanna’s confidence and sensuality, and Alastair McKimm’s high-end street fashion. Unfortunately, I cannot find the make-up artist and hair stylist for this photoshoot. Which is a shame, because the work is superb. Once I find them, I will be sure to update this post.

Until then, please enjoy more of the images from the album shoot:

Photography by Paolo Roversi // Fashion Styled by Alastair McKimm, i-D Magazine’s Fashion Director.

Kristian Schuller for Vogue India (2017)

For Vogue India’s 10th anniversary issue in 2017, Vogue India commissioned photographer, Kristian Schuller, to photograph couture pieces by designers in which they were employed to create looks inspired by one of the 29 states in India.

Team Credits

Photographer: Kristian Schuller // Creative Diretor: Peggy Schuller // Fashion Stylists: Priyanka Kapadia & Anaita Adajania // Set Designer: Peggy Schuller // Model: Pritika Swarup

Photographer 4: Ethan James Green

Ethan James Green started in the fashion industry as a model, starring in campaigns like Calvin Klein. With the aid of photographer mentor, David Armstrong, Green swapped modeling for photography. 

Self-portrait

Quickly, photography thrusted Green into portraits displaying looks of candor, simplicity, while exploring sexual and gender identity.

Portraits of queer youth, for Wall Street Journal

Green’s distinct photographic vision articulates an aristocratic sensibility that resonates with the work with famed photographer, Diane Arbus (below is an example of Arbus’ image and examples of Green’s street portraits to show you the influence Arbus has on Green’s style).

Photo by Diane Arbus

Photos by Ethan James Green for Love Magazine

Bringing intimacy and authenticity to fashion. Commonly seen using natural light, Green favours the evenness of diffused light, bringing not only drama through the posing of models, but also fully exposing his viewers to the rawness of his black and white portraits through his subjects. 

With his time as a photographer, Green articulated his sense of style through fashion campaigns and look books for the likes of Fendi, Helmut Lang and Alexander McQueen

Ethan James Green for Fendi

Becoming even more prolific, Green is commissioned to photograph for top tier fashion magazines, such as Vogue, W Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Dazed, and countless others.

(Left to right) First & second images: American Vogue // Third & fourth images: Dazed Magazine // Fifth & sixth images: W Magazine // Seventh & eighth images: Wall Street Journal

I think Green’s been so successful in such a short amount of time, is because his imagery is classic. There is such authenticity in his images that really captures a human being’s persona. Similar to documentary styled photography, it resonates with human emotion–like you can see the subject without a facade.

The combination between his simple style, the fashion and the model’s energy, there are narratives his photos that cannot be replicated. Probably explains the reason why Green has become a favourite in photographing celebrities, personalities, and politicians.

(Left to right) First image: Joaquin Phoenix for Vanity Fair // Second image: Megan Thee Stallion for i-D Magazine // Third image: Cynthia Erivo for American Vogue // Fourth image: Mayor Pete Buttigieg for American Vogue // Fifth image: Ashton Sanders for Another Man Magazine // Sixth image: RuPaul for Interview Magazine

The saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” is the best explanation I have regarding Green’s photographs. Even with posed images, they hold greats amount of emotion–truly capturing a narrative in each photograph he takes.

Here are some behind the scenes video clips of some of his photoshoots:

To view more of his work, check out his Instagram: @ethanjamesgreen.

TUSH Magazine’s Scarfschützen

I wanted to showcase this specific editorial, because of its styling. The first image of the editorial from TUSH Magazine’s editorial titled, “Scarfschützen,” utilizes face-paint to replicate the Pucci patterned headscarf on the face that creates a camouflage effect that highlights the eyes of the model.

Keep on scrolling to see the rest of the images!

Photography Style

I am a great admirer of photographers who are able to use simple setups to create impactful images. In fashion, the impact relies on the model and their ability to–basically–sell the clothes they are wearing.

The photography style is very much like Richard Avedon and Steven Meisel where the simple backdrop is utilized. However, what makes these images look so angelic and soft is the use of diffused light that spreads evenly across the image: minimizing shadows and highlights.

Notice the basic backdrops and how they bring focus to the models and the fashion.

Team Credits

Photographer: Armin Morbach // Hair: Stelli // Make-up: Loni Baur // Fashion Stylist: Arthur Mayadoux // Body-paint: Milla De Wet // Models: Emily Liptow & Lia Marie (Modelwerk), Samuel (Iconic Management) // Photo Retouch: Sebastian Reuter // Digital Operator: Bastian Achard // Photo Assistant: Alex Craddock & Simon Stock // Make-up Assistant : Melanie Krieg // Styling Assistant: Mathilde Chaize

Fashion Stylist: Ibrahim Kamara

Signed to the coveted Art + Commerce agency as a fashion stylist, Ibrahim Kamara has taken his creative integrity and pushed it forward into artistic works of art.

Photo by Kristin-Lee Moolman

Ibrahim Kamara’s creative choices in his styling is radically unique. In my opinion, Kamara is one of the most brilliant fashion stylists in the industry. There is a whimsy-apocalyptic-grunge about the way he dresses his subjects. From use of netting, oversized fixtures as headpieces and even as shoes, Kamara bridges the world of reality and fantasy.

An aspect of Kamara’s styling that I admire is his ability to become gender neutral in all his choices. His work is the definition of “clothing has no gender.” Plays on the idea of masculinity and the ability to push it further and over the hegemonic lines that restrict men, and specifically targets black masculinity. 

(Left to right): First and second image by Kristin-Lee Moolman, 2016 // Third image by Tim Walker, 2018 // Fourth image by Kristin-Lee Moolman, 2017 // Fifth image by Kristin-Lee Moolman, 2018

There are no boundaries in the perspective of Kamara’s work. His distinct perspective is audacious and inventive while marrying the borders of high fashion with peculiarity. By creating a symbiotic companionship between looks and incorporating striking artistic decisions, Kamara elevates his styling to pieces of art. To some people, Kamara’s styling may look random, but the articulate way the articles of clothing are folded, pinned, and tied are purposeful—nothing is an accident. 

(Left to right): First image by Kristin-Lee Moolman, 2019 // Second and third image by Kristin-Lee Moolman, 2017

Born in Sierra Leone, and being raised in Gambia, at age 16, Kamara moved to London. In 2018, Kamara was appointed Fashion Editor at Large for i-D Magazine. In addition, his work has been featured within the pages of Vogue Italia and Dazed

(Left to right): First and second images by Paolo Roversi, 2019 // Third and fourth images by Kristin-Lee Moolman, 2016

Kamara was also a consultant for brands which include Christian Dior and Nike, and has collaborated with artists like Madonna and Solange. 

Solange by Tim Walker
Madonna, styled by Ibrahim Kamara

Ibrahim Kamara defies boundaries: bridging the world between reality and fantasy.

Check out Kamara’s Instagram for more photos of his styling creations!

Sources of Happiness

Snow in Cantonese: 雪 [syut3]

It was the last day of Blackcomb and PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola yesterday, so my family friend took us to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola which I was two minutes late and missed it last time.

Some people dressed up as bunnies or unicorns jumpsuits, some children even added bunnies’ ears to their helmet to celebrate Easter. I managed to take a lot of photos of people smiling which makes me happy too. It’s heartwarming to see so many smiley faces that I don’t get to see so often in Hong Kong.

  • Showing her daughter how wonderful the nature is

Check out the other photos I took at Whistler here!

The post Sources of Happiness appeared first on lily in stripes.

Cherry Blossom!

Cherry blossoms in Cantonese: 櫻[jing1] 花[faa1]

It has been raining all week except for Wednesday, so I went to Stanley Park to look for cherry blossoms! It wasn’t as pretty as I thought it’d be because when I see the photos on Instagram, they look very pink, but when I see them in real life, it is much whiter than what I saw on Instagram (looks like people have photoshopped too much!)

I was a bit disappointed, to be honest, so instead of taking pictures of the cherry blossoms, I took pictures of people who are taking photos of the cherry blossoms. At first, I noticed a lady who was sitting under the tree smiling. I took a photo of her. She later started walking around and I noticed that I accidentally took quite a lot of pictures of her, so I thought it’d be polite to send her the photos. It was my first time to walk to a stranger and tell her I secretly took pictures of her. Imagine if someone walks to you and says things like this… Luckily, she was very friendly and was happy that I took photos for her! She has never been a model and has people take photos for her because she never knows how to pose, which I have the same struggle. So I kept chatting with her while I press the shutter in order to capture her most natural look.

I am so happy that she likes my photos and I can make her feel special and confident! Maybe I should do that more often when I secretly took photos of strangers, that could be one way of making friends. Who knows?

More photos that I took on Weds here!

The post Cherry Blossom! appeared first on lily in stripes.

Dawn

5 Reasons to wake up early – Travel Edition

Rise and Shine

*The above footage was taken by Sage Watson in Kathmandu, Nepal, and used in the introduction of his documentary The Beginning of a Journey.

5 Reasons Why

Early mornings have always been difficult for me. Difficult might be an understatement; rather, I resist early mornings with every fibre of my being. I either sleep through my alarm or have to set my first one 45 minutes before I actually need to start my day, with 5 subsequent alarms, each boasting a different ringtone. I say this because I know how difficult it is to get out of a warm bed at the crack of dawn, so believe me when I say that it should become a top priority when you’re travelling.


1. Catching the sunrise

There’s something special about waking up at the crack of dawn and watching the sun rise over a new city. Simple mornings have become under appreciated, as the hustle and bustle of city life and daily responsibilities have taken precedence.

Colorado, USA

2. Getting a head start on the day

Personally, allowing time not only for coffee and breakfast, but also time for me to wake up boosts my productivity and alertness throughout the day. When I run out the door in a hurry, the rest of my day feels rushed, groggy, and usually fairly unproductive. This is especially important when traveling, as I find myself trying to cover a lot of ground, or trying to fit in sightseeing in a tight schedule. For my most recent trip, this meant getting a head-start on our whole adventure: we departed Vancouver, BC bright and early, and were able to make it to California by the afternoon!

California, USA

3. Skipping the lines

The early bird gets the worm! Whether it be the Louvre in Paris, or the Taj Mahal in Agra, or the Grand Canyon in Arizona, escape the crowds by setting an early alarm. In addition to faster and shorter admission lines, the fewer crowds allow for better photo opportunities, especially if you’re one to visit popular sights.

Agra, India

4. Taking in the new city

Every country, every city, every town has its own routines and customs. Wake up with the city, observe and take part in the morning rituals, people watch, ask a local for directions, and enjoy a cup of your preferred morning brew.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

5. Mid-day naps.

While this isn’t a morning activity per se, it is the result of waking up early – especially if you’re anything like me, and you aren’t a morning person Naps are definitely underrated, and necessity when navigating a busy schedule. While travelling can be busy, fast, and sometimes hectic, it’s important to pause and take in your surroundings. Listen to the sounds of a foreign park, breath in the different smells, and let yourself recharge. I would be cautious of napping in public places when traveling alone just for your own safety and the safety of your belongings; however if you’re traveling with friends, family, or a significant other, this is definitely recommended.

Alex, taking a moment to relax in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, California, USA