30/04/2011

André Kertész: Surreal Beauty




So perhaps this isn't the expected post in my blog but I felt I should post it in my challenge to broaden my perspective of inspirational forms of beauty. I'm really drawn to these photographs, perhaps because there is a sense of 'the other', a surreal force creating a sense of human detachment yet also remaining so relevant to 'now'. I also love black and white photography like this, playing with the tones and contrast to create a sense of atmosphere. Oh, and they are of course taken in Paris which is without a doubt my favourite City!

"All is Vanity" Behind the Scenes

I know its been a little while but I would like to share some behind the scene shots from my last shoot for my degree project "All is Vanity". This project by the way is inspired by Renaissance art, taken from the phrase 'Vanity of Vanities, all is Vanity' reflecting the emphasis society places on the physical forms of excessive beauty.

I had a really amazing team! Natalie James MUA, Chris @ Toni & Guy Swindon, Lauren Eva the talented Stylist and stunning models Emilie Osborne and Gisela Kouker! Not to mention my amazing (not to mention dedicated) team of assistants which I couldnt do without on such a large scale location shoot.

To see the final results of this shoot and others in this series check out my website: www.aliceluker.co.uk





January Jones for Versace


Ok, so Im a pretty big fan of January Jones, having already seen her steal the screen of the entire 4 series of 1950s inspired HBO series 'Mad Men' but I absolutly LOVE her in this Versace campaign. For me this campaign stands out so much more than a lot of adverts, perhaps because something so understatedly beautiful is simply not in demand to the extent of the more 'avant garde' ads.

Don't get me wrong, I love Tim Walker's Mulberry adverts and a Steven Meisel campaign for Louis Vuitton every once in a while but there is something about minimalism which I'm totally drawn to at the moment, emphasising the use of body shape and lighting which does it pour moi!