Thursday, 15 July 2010

Photographic whimsy

My Work Experience/mini internship has consumed my week so far, but it has been completely wonderful. I'm working with an independent clothing company which has given me valuable insight into running one's own business and I've already learnt quite a few new sewing techniques.

Today I'm posting what I fondly call my 'photographer outfit.' I remember reading a quote by Grace Coddington explaining how she dresses simply so the focus of her attention can be completely on the other people she styles. Well, this is as simple as I can go! Whenever I'm taking photos or styling I like to have a basic uniform comprising of a silk shirt, skinny jeans/ shorts (depending on the temperature), brown lace ups (not pictured here, but I'll feature them some other time) and a cardigan or jacket. So maybe you could call this outfit a variation on a theme?

I wore this ensemble when taking photos of my parents for a project, and I used the 'set' afterwards for my dad to snap a few quick images of me.
I wore a charity shopped silk jersey shirt (so comfy!), some charity shopped brown shorts - I like the cut and the slightly longer length, and a Tommy Hilfiger thrifted belt. The vintage jacket is from a local vintage market stall. Again, the tailoring is exquisite. Items like this never age, and the quality is always top-notch. I also added some pink pumps from Topshop... I have a real weakness for Topshop shoes, which I'm sure I've mentioned before! They've created the most sumptious brogue/ loafer fringed hybrids which I am still lusting after.
My hair was tied with a vintage silk scarf from a great-grandmother and the vintage camera was originally my grandma's. Although this 'look' was simple, it still had an inspiration behind it - the ever chic Audrey Hepburn! Not in any of her films as such, but a take on the classic shots of her in tailored Ralph Lauren shirts and simple trousers.

I've also included some black and whites of my mum, taken for the aforementioned project. Here they are:

I've been working hard on monochrome photos recently (especially portraits) after seeing the stunning Irving Penn exhibition at the national portrait gallery. I also very luckily now own a book of his work, given to me by a lovely photographer friend for my birthday! Looking at Penn's images is like a masterclass in portrait photography as he completely capturesd the character of each individual, wrinkles and all! If I could ever get close to his level of skill then I'd be a very happy girl!

Edit: In the second photo of me, half my head has been chopped off. Stupid blogger template! Anyone have any idea how to change it?