When I came back to my hometown I found an old Polaroid Sun 600 from the 80's tucked away in my mother's closet. After some begging she allowed me to keep it. I reconnected with some friends from school to shoot a series of Polaroid shots seen above.
LUIS: Was first. Since middle school days he possessed this unique aura and face. I found myself at his home where we picked the outfits together. Luis had collectors pieces and a good sense of what it takes to put together a unique fit. Being a photography student himself meant some of his own shoots were taped to the walls.
Luis packed a bag full of these outfits and jumped into my car where we drove downtown to an historic neighborhood called Barrio Viejo. In between making sure no passerby's caught him changing and peeking into people's homes we were able to collect what, in my opinion, is a very distinct mood.
Luis keeps the same expression in all of the shots but this consistent, intense gaze is what draws you into the pictures. The pink hues from the film, the colorful buildings we shot in front of and the different colorways in Luis' pieces seem happy. Bright colors, serious expressions. This is the juxtaposition. We shot in 105 degree Arizonan weather; our photos are the perfect metaphor for summer. Bright, intense and maybe even a little overwhelming. Luis is the perfect model; able to pose beyond the typical Instagram stereotypes. We wanted to create something that felt a bit high fashion. This is that.
LIAM: Always stuck out in my mind. Even though we had never been close during high school I remember being envious of his unique life. Around Sophomore year he upped and left to attend school in Saudi Arabia where his parents had gotten a job teaching. Soon Instagram was filled with posts from all over the world. Trips to African beaches, Europe and more while I was still stuck in the hood. I was excited to find out that Liam was in town for summer vacation. He had since moved to NYC to attend Parsons. He suggested we shoot at his mother's vacation home. A gorgeous, restored story historic home.
When I arrived he explained every detail his mother had put into curating this home. The interior design had an almost 18th century feel with small traces of southwestern decor that is so prevalent to our culture. As he walked me through his home and childhood memories I managed to snap these shots. He reminded me of a young Leonardo in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo & Juliet. I'll never forget the way he stared directly into my eyes as we spoke on every topic. That kind of confidence is not easy to come by. When I ran out of film we gathered in his kitchen as he handed me a Heineken we traded playlists ranging from traditional music from around the world to more modern tastes. He showed me some of his own artwork and allowed me to keep it. Soon after his mother arrived and the three of us talked passionately about culture.
I thank Liam and his mother for allowing me into their home and allowing me to capture this beautiful day. It's an experience I'll remember forever.
Hai: Was the last muse for this series and the picture here is the only quality one that managed to survive. I met Hai quite randomly, scrolling past his profile and asking if he'd be interested in taking pictures. When we met up he suggested an empty patch of land behind his neighborhood. This open slot of land was being used for construction materials; wires, pipes and different types of gravel laid around in huge hills. As we walked around we watched a giant hawk circle above us. I hope we meet again soon!
LUIS: Was first. Since middle school days he possessed this unique aura and face. I found myself at his home where we picked the outfits together. Luis had collectors pieces and a good sense of what it takes to put together a unique fit. Being a photography student himself meant some of his own shoots were taped to the walls.
Luis packed a bag full of these outfits and jumped into my car where we drove downtown to an historic neighborhood called Barrio Viejo. In between making sure no passerby's caught him changing and peeking into people's homes we were able to collect what, in my opinion, is a very distinct mood.
Luis keeps the same expression in all of the shots but this consistent, intense gaze is what draws you into the pictures. The pink hues from the film, the colorful buildings we shot in front of and the different colorways in Luis' pieces seem happy. Bright colors, serious expressions. This is the juxtaposition. We shot in 105 degree Arizonan weather; our photos are the perfect metaphor for summer. Bright, intense and maybe even a little overwhelming. Luis is the perfect model; able to pose beyond the typical Instagram stereotypes. We wanted to create something that felt a bit high fashion. This is that.
LIAM: Always stuck out in my mind. Even though we had never been close during high school I remember being envious of his unique life. Around Sophomore year he upped and left to attend school in Saudi Arabia where his parents had gotten a job teaching. Soon Instagram was filled with posts from all over the world. Trips to African beaches, Europe and more while I was still stuck in the hood. I was excited to find out that Liam was in town for summer vacation. He had since moved to NYC to attend Parsons. He suggested we shoot at his mother's vacation home. A gorgeous, restored story historic home.
When I arrived he explained every detail his mother had put into curating this home. The interior design had an almost 18th century feel with small traces of southwestern decor that is so prevalent to our culture. As he walked me through his home and childhood memories I managed to snap these shots. He reminded me of a young Leonardo in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo & Juliet. I'll never forget the way he stared directly into my eyes as we spoke on every topic. That kind of confidence is not easy to come by. When I ran out of film we gathered in his kitchen as he handed me a Heineken we traded playlists ranging from traditional music from around the world to more modern tastes. He showed me some of his own artwork and allowed me to keep it. Soon after his mother arrived and the three of us talked passionately about culture.
I thank Liam and his mother for allowing me into their home and allowing me to capture this beautiful day. It's an experience I'll remember forever.
Hai: Was the last muse for this series and the picture here is the only quality one that managed to survive. I met Hai quite randomly, scrolling past his profile and asking if he'd be interested in taking pictures. When we met up he suggested an empty patch of land behind his neighborhood. This open slot of land was being used for construction materials; wires, pipes and different types of gravel laid around in huge hills. As we walked around we watched a giant hawk circle above us. I hope we meet again soon!