photographic inspirations
Though I’m admittedly more of a casual Instagram fan than a true connoisseur of photographic history, the art is still incredibly important to and for empowering self-expression in the moment.
Keith Tio (also found here), an optometrist and (fashion | nature)* photographer, his careful fusion of outdoor landscapes with carefully poised, incredibly well dressed friends accenting waterfalls and cliff tops helped inspire my interests in both fashion and photography. Though he doesn’t post frequently anymore (likely given his full-time occupation), his archives have some awe-inspiring shots.
Jennifer Bin’s work examines portraiture, cityscapes and landscapes alike from a futuristic (and occasionally neon-tinted) lens, highlighting China’s eloquently constructed skylines. A former Acronym collaborator, her portraiture and fashion photography considerably accentuates the environments she depicts.
Blade Runner 2049, particularly the Las Vegas scene (potential spoilers, be careful). The attention to detail the production showed creating the vast cityscapes - particularly, and most notably, the Vegas chapter - are seriously impressive, with the ability to showcase an individual against a backdrop of an environment that feels so inhuman.
Arcteryx’s Veilance line of futuristic, fashion forward and elegant outdoor apparel has always had incredible photography behind its showcases. Adam Joe, the creative director, has been behind some of their best lookbooks and marketing campaigns to date (FW20, for example, as photographed by Ben Zank).
‘freakingyikes’ plays with portraiture in a way reminiscent of Zank’s - but with far more color and optimism. Semi-anonymous figures wrap around poles and peek through tire wheels, showcasing individual personalities through their attitudes, outfits, environments and colors rather than with their faces.
Reuben Wu meticulously paints awe-inspiring natural landscapes with artificial light, accentuating perfectly ‘crafted’ natural features with halos, shadows, and bursts of color. His work reimagines popular vacation destinations to portray them in another light, giving them an almost otherwordly feel.