More and more the best work in the industry these days is the result of a great collaboration. David Land films phenom stylist and designer Shane Powers bringing a touch of life to the winter months we spend indoors – on assignment from West Elm. In the old days artists had patrons – in the present, we have have companies like West Elm that bring artists together. Yes, it is a directed and controlled creativity, but more and more the companies are realizing that the best, most true method of inspiring people is to let people like Shane and David have a lot of freedom. The result is something beautiful, natural and informative. It’s a win-win-win.
Entries filed under Libra
Layers of Style
It’s funny how we spend so much time in a bed and yet it is often the most under-appreciated piece of furniture in the house. Give it some love with color and comfort, and not only will you sleep more soundly, but you’ll feel more beautiful in the morning. Photographer David Land shot this fantastic video for West Elm on how to layer a bed, featuring phenomenal stylist Kim Ficaro. David’s eye for light translates so well from still shooting to film, it really is a unified body of work. He captures pillows so well. So, so, so many pillows.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
The past year was a whirlwind of new projects, new friends and new faces. Below is a sampling of the images that Big Leo artists helped produce in 2011, and it represents only a small fraction of the projects that we took on. We are so grateful to be able to collaborate with so many creative people and look forward to a whole new season of making the best images come to life. Thank you everyone who was a part of so many successful teams. Happy New Year to all of our friends, clients, families and all! May 2012 bring joy and prosperity to each and every one of us!
Michigan Traditions
For the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens, David Land traveled to Grand Rapids Michigan to photograph some of the Bengtson family traditions. The holidays are always like that – bringing out the collection of family ornaments, whipping up a batch of that long-familiar egg nog, trying to keep the roof from sliding off the top of the gingerbread house (usually its better to do that before the egg nog). Falling back into those comfortable patterns of family life and reflecting on the past year. Can you tell that we’re already dreaming of a Christmas Eve in front of the fire? Not sure how we’re going to get any work done this week…
Operation Simplicity
In this month’s issue of Better Homes and Gardens, David Land shot a wonderful portrait of Joslyn Taylor. Her blog, Operation Simplicity, is all about maintaining an awareness of the things that you purchase. Here at Big Leo we strive for the same – if it comes in a cardboard box or is made out of plastic, generally it won’t last very long. Especially around the holidays when there is a frenzy to give all these gifts – most of the things are just going to be stuffed in a closet. Something made by hand – that is a gift worth giving.
Renting Swans
Brian Andriola hauled his fabulous self all the way to Los Angeles for InStyle magazine with ultrafab photographer Douglas Friedman (the Facinator) to the home of burlesque model and actress Dita Von Teese, whose picture is in the dictionary next to fabulous. We can’t all live in a giant martini glass, or be in a relationship with someone named ‘Count Louis Marie de Castelbajac.’ But I guess you could describe Brian’s visual style as ‘a seductive mix of nostalgia, romance, and surprise.’ A little like the spiced mice butter cookies. But more fabulous.
Also, in case you were wondering, white peacocks usually molt in November and look like giant chickens. In which case you have to go with the swans – not cheap. Especially if you end up having to clean the faux-leopard rug. Thankfully everyone was behaved, but the next time someone asks for peacocks we’ll be prepared.
Saturday BBQ!
What are you up to this weekend? Want to see some good friends and eat great food? Then come out to the BLP BBQ!
This Saturday at Proper Fools Studio – 55 Chrystie Street between Canal and Hester.
2 PM.
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See you there!
Sweet Memories
Ever felt like a kid in a candy shop? You would if you were at our office today where we received a basket of vintage sweets reminiscent of the days of roller skates, skinned knees, and real arcade games like, Galaga, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong and Super Ms. Pac Man.
Pop Rocks, Bazooka, Charleston Chew, Jolly Ranchers, Good n Plenty, Pixy Stix, Big League Chew, Sugar Daddies, Fun Dip and yes even candied necklaces. It’s in there!
The candy came to Big Leo courtesy of an awesome client who spent the day shooting with our very own Björn Wallander, whose work and stellar demeanor simply inspire this sort of sweetness.
That’s so CHEESY!
Recently, Big Leo photographer Andrew Purcell was commissioned to shoot images for a UK based international exporter of diary based products, ranging from cheeses, creams, to butters and créme fraîche. Here at Big Leo, we love cheese. And wine. And bacon! The list goes on…
As an inspiration for such delicious cheesy comestibles, we’ve composed a personal cheese montage straight from Andrew – and his food stylist wife – Carrie’s kitchen! The light and composition is sure to make anyone crave a little fermented curd!
In honor of his new promo – coming soon from a mail carrier near you – we’d like to share our favorite Monty Python sketch “The Cheese Shop”. Venezuelan Beaver Cheese anyone?
