Garbage Glam

The devoted and artistic follower of stylized photography--especially our own brand of it--knows that the magic and beauty of it all comes down to one most important element: juxtaposition. 

For the less-devoted follower who does not know the meaning of such elevated diction, 'juxtaposition' is putting things together that create a surprising or unexpected contrast. 

Photographers often add intrigue and whimsy to a shoot by placing their subject in a setting that does not immediately match the subject's style. They frequently portray their glamorous subjects in industrial settings; the soft lines on the subject, created by romantic clothing and hairstyles, are a stark contrast to the bold lines and angles of industrial architecture.

We took the same principle and applied it with a more natural, earthy (some might even say recycled) approach. Two subjects with unique styles in distinctly opposite settings showcase the cathartic and beautiful art of juxtaposition. The meeting of class and trash creates this perfectly.  

Nothing says "glamour" like toilet paper in mismatched shoes.

Though complete opposites in style, the models in these photos hardly seem different. Both stunningly embrace the contrast between garbage and glam. Sometimes in art, and in life, juxtapositions actually make us the same, bridging the gaps between our differences.  

How does that saying go? "One man's trash is another man's treasure"? We're not sure which man threw this diva in the trash, but doesn't she look like a treasure? 

And out of what man's trash did this one crawl? We don't know either, but no garbage dweller ever looked more beautiful.

Photo Bomb

It was a pleasure to photograph another young and happy couple. Aren't they just glowing? So many stylized family and couples portraits are set in simple naturalistic settings and are adorned with picnic paraphernalia, antique picture frames, or chalkboards. The usual viewers are usually left wondering whether the picnic truly involved the consumption and enjoyment of actual food and beverage, or whether it was all merely staged; they may be left wondering what priceless portrait of George Washington was carelessly cast aside for its frame, or whether the picture is only a photograph of a photograph; they may even be left wondering whether chalk was used to write on a real chalkboard or whether it was an optical illusion. Still, the intrigue and uncertainty of these simple props create a romantic and simplistic charm that gives these engagement photos the radiating energy and warmth of young love.   

Wait a minute... who is that in the background? 

It appears that various bystanders were unaware of the romantic photo shoot taking place (perhaps they could not resist the warmth and love that radiated from the props... and the couple, of course). This caused the widely known effect we call the 

PhotoBomb. 

 Someday this lovely couple will have a beautiful family; they will enjoy family trips to the beach, they will drive their kids to soccer practice... just like this countryside bystander is already dropping the kids off at the pool. 

Bitter, loveless people grumble and groan about all the "mushy gushy crap" in the typical engagement photos.

But we embrace it.

The tender words on engagement photo chalkboards help the body-language-impaired to understand the love the couple shares. Sometimes, however, the words may add an unexpected tone to the loving body language captured in the photograph.  

Extraterrestrial Engagement

What a treat to photograph this young couple!

Today's typical engagement photos feature a combination of candid and posed shots. Coordinating clothing compliments the already existing chemistry between them. Hands are perfectly placed so that the 'rock' takes center stage.Tender glances, gentle touches, and sweet smiles radiate the couple's love.  The beautiful nature serves as a perfect backdrop to a love that is out of this world.