CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Etsy Find: Sharon Montrose Photographs

casasugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:00:38 -0800

I just came across these Animal Prints ($25) by photographer Sharon Montrose, and I'm totally smitten. The LA-based shutterbug snapped these real live animals, who mostly "live happily at a small California Zoo," perched in front of a white backdrop on hardwood floors. The details are truly amazing, and I applaud her for getting these zoo dwellers to stand so still! There's something so human about these images that I love; Montrose brings out each animal's personality with just the click of a button. Oh, and did I mention that the price is right?! What do you think?

Photographer to Watch: Polly Wreford

casasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:00:18 -0700

I just came across the beautiful work of London-based photographer Polly Wreford, and I'm completely spellbound. Her images are overflowing with gorgeous light and soft colors. She shoots lifestyle, interiors, and still life, but it just so happens that every room in her portfolio is more stunning than the next, not to mention completely inspiring for a deco-phile like me. Her work has appeared in many magazines and publications, including Homes & Gardens and Red, and in several books published by Ryland Peters & Small (UK publisher of Bazaar Style), including Simple Chic Flowers, The Wedding Planner, The Relaxed Home, At Home With White and Gifts for Baby. Polly Wreford is represented by Sarah Kaye. To see more of her work,

Cool Idea: Poladroid

casasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:00:02 -0700

Ever since Polaroid decided to discontinue its instant-film products, I've been trying to snatch up all of the 600 film I come across. But, that gets pricey, considering the film costs nearly a buck per development. You know how I love my Polaroids, though, so it puts me in a pickle. I just came across probably the coolest thing I've seen in ages though, making those worries vanish as instantly as . . . a Polaroid picture. Poladroid (also Geek's Site of the Day) is a software application that easily creates high-resolution Polaroid-like pictures from your digital photographs. The application is free, and easily downloadable. So, I gave it a shot and it couldn't be more simple. Just drag and drop your photo from where it's saved to the camera graphic in the program. Then, you "shake" the picture by moving it with your mouse, and it will slowly develop. When the image has finished developing, it will automatically save to the original folder. As you can tell from these photos, the results are pretty marvelous. You coulda fooled me.
Source

Photographer to Watch: Rachel Whiting

casasugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:00:33 -0700

London-based photographer Rachel Whiting graduated from Brighton University in 2001 and has since been shooting interiors and still-life professionally, and landscapes personally. Her long list of clients includes a wealth of popular publications, such as Brides, House Beautiful, Eve, Frieze, Coast, and Architects Journal. What strikes me most about her work is how she flawlessly captures color. She brings a warmth to her images by revealing the tiniest tonal variations, be it in a colorful bedspread or a stack of white linens. Beyond that, she manages to make even cluttered spaces look simple and neat — a power we'd surely all kill for. To see some more photos of her work,

In the News: Youth Photography Builds Community in Portland

casasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

When photojournalist Julie Keefe moved into her rapidly changing (and gentrifying) North Portland community, a place that was once "a village raising all the kids," she noticed that as new business grew, streets became safer, and houses were fixed up, the dialogue between community members (and children) took a sharp decline . . . that people weren't saying "Hello" anymore. She wanted to publicly address these changes, that she as a new neighbor was a part of, and spur new conversation. So, she began a yearlong youth photography project called Hello Neighbor. Kids began to approach their new neighbors, of all ages, and ask to interview and photograph them. At the same time the children were learning interviewing skills and photography techniques, they were also saying hello to their neighbors and bridging a gap that had been widening for some time. Keefe chose several of the children's images to be printed in mural size and in black and white, along with text from the interviews, and hung them throughout the community to serve as a simple reminder that "it all begins with a simple hello." Read more about the project in NPR's "A Photo Project's Message: Hello, Neighbor."

Photographer to Watch: Ellie Miller

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:00:15 -0700

Brooklyn-based photographer Ellie Miller shoots food, interiors, and kids for a wealth of notable editorial clients, including Bon Appétit, ELLE Decor, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, and Real Simple, as well as home décor clients like John Robshaw Textiles. Not only does she have an impressive client list, but her photographs are magnificent — filled with natural light and conveniently, beautifully styled décor. To see a gallery of her work,

Summer Style: Pool Photography

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:30:04 -0700

If you can't pop out your back door and jump into a nice, wet watering hole on those dog days this month, you can still feel the warmth of Summer in your home by purchasing some pool photography. And, if you do have a pool, hanging a photograph of one on your walls will coordinate nicely. New York-based photographer Samantha West's moody and romantic "Saint James" print (2007) is available for purchase in 22" x 22" (inquire for price) — a perfect square to soak your house in Summer style. To get your feet wet with some other pool photography,

Midday Muse: Powerful Portraits

casasugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:45 -0700

I've been tempted to put a blown-up portrait on a wall in my home, but I always think better of it. While the oversized portrait can work in some interiors, I definitely think that it would overpower my home. I love the way that the black-and-white portrait in this photo contrasts beautifully with the more traditional objects in this picture. Do you have bigger-than-life portraits in your home? Or do you shy away from them?
Source

Photographer to Watch: William Wright

casasugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:30:02 -0700

Seattle-based photographer William Wright contributed the lush shots in the book Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways, which documented secondary living spaces around the US. Wright's talents extend far beyond the backyard, though. A commercial photographer since 1984, Wright specializes in architectural and garden photography, and has been commissioned for projects by architects, authors, and interior designers. He has a talent for capturing tiny, compelling details in a room, while also bringing out the best in exterior home shots. Take a look at the gallery for some of my favorite shots from Wright.

Source

Photographer to Watch: David Duncan Livingston

casasugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:12 -0700

Photographer David Duncan Livingston shoots interior and exterior spaces, portraits, fine art, and still lifes, and also has experience location scouting and styling, among other things. His impressive list of clients includes Kohler, Hilton Hotels, Barnes & Noble, Starwood Hotels, Kitchenaid, Chronicle Books, and Taunton Press. His portfolio is a pleasure to flip through. Livingston seems to use a lot of natural light, which is refreshing. Although many of the interiors he shoots seem very formal, the styling gives them a bit of a casual quality — a chair turned away from the table just so, a door left slightly ajar, or a glass of water left by a bedside. Check out the images below to see for yourself.

There's more where these came from, so

Photographer to Watch: Gaelle Le Boulicaut

casasugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:15:30 -0700

Gaelle Le Boulicaut has been a shutterbug ever since the age of 15, when she unwrapped a Rolleiflex from her father. But she picked up formal training at the Universite Laval in Canada and at the Australian Centre for Photography in Sydney, where she lived for 10 years. Le Boulicat now lives in France, and travels extensively for her work, which is characterized by a mix of natural and studio light, which create a casual feel in her subjects. Her laundry list of clients include ELLE Decor (Italy, France, England, Germany, Sweden, Norway), Marie Claire Group, Harper's Bazaar, Livingetc, House & Garden (UK, Germany), and more. So, it's no surprise that the interiors she shoots are as beautiful as her technique — styled to the nines and one-of-a-kind. To see for yourself, check out this gallery of some of her interior shots.

There's more where these came from, so

Guess Who Took This Photograph?

casasugar — Mon, 26 May 2008 07:30:54 -0700

A celebrity interior designer, who was once featured as a Designer Spotlight here, took these photographs of Amy Sedaris. Can you guess who it is?

Casa Quickie: Security Bar Makeover

casasugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:50 -0700

If you live in a city rental with security bars on your windows, I don't blame you for wanting to tear them off. But that wouldn't be safe, would it? You can kick the penitentiary look and perk up those windows by hanging photos and souvenirs on them with some cute, decorative magnets or super strong and tiny Mighties magnets. Don't try to fight them; embrace them! You'll never be happier behind bars.
Source

Love Shack: Romancing Your Walls

casasugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:00:58 -0800

Looking to add a final touch of romance to your home this month? Then don't forget your walls! By adding a new print to your home, you can easily change the mood of the entire room. If you're thinking about adding some romantic prints to your wall, Montreal-based photographer Irene Suchocki is an excellent choice. Irene's photos capture a sense of mystery and beauty in her subject, whether she's turned her lens to a flower or a common park bench. She says that she enjoys "creating little poems for the eyes."

Irene's work has appeared on numerous book covers, magazine spreads, and in exhibitions at festivals such as Sundance. Best of all, her prints are quite affordable, ranging in price from $25 to $185. Take a look at the gallery and see if anything catches your fancy.

Source

Photographer to Watch: Winfried Heinze

casasugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:00:16 -0800

Born in Germany, Winfried Heinze actually started his photography career doing fashion and beauty shoots due south in Milan, but now lives in London with his wife and two children. If that weren't enough to put him all over the map, he is also returning to his roots, by building an eco-house at Lake Constance in Southern Germany. He shoots interiors as well as food for dozens of magazines, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration, Dwell, Living Etc, House & Garden, Homes & Gardens, Veranda, and Easy Living. His name is also attached to a handful of beautiful books, including Babies' Rooms, Terence Conran Kitchens, Home.Work, and Teen Zone. Be sure to check out his website, and to see a gallery of his work,

Photographer to Watch: Paula Illingworth

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:00:59 -0800

Paula Illingworth is a Charleston native and award-winning photographer whose formative photography for the Associated Press and USA Today accelerated her to work with national lifestyle and architecture magazines. Her clients include Rizzoli International Publications, Algonquin Books, Metropolitan Home, Art and Antiques, and Home. She also shot Susan Sully's New Orleans Style: Past & Present, an intimate look into well-lived NOLA interiors — a task fit for a true Southerner. She has a wonderful sense of composition and uses lines, light, and color to bring attention to what may otherwise be overlooked. Click the images below to catch a glimpse of her discerning eye, and be sure to check out her website.

Source

Gift Guide: Gifts For the Nostalgic Photographer Girl

casasugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:19:09 -0800

Everyone has a nostalgic photographer friend. She snaps photos of anything and everything; you wonder whether she's ever experienced the world without a camera lens. She created a photo blog of the birth of your first born. You wound up staying up 'til 4 a.m. with Heath Ledger last night, but forgot to use your camera: it's okay—your nostalgic photographer girlfriend took five rolls of film. You get the point. She's there for you when you don't even know you need her. So, this holiday, please refrain from buying her another sweater: buy her something she'll really love and appreciate. I've rounded up a handful of gifts that will put her archives of photos to good use, at various price points below. If that's not good enough, this hand-crafted, vintage Brownie camera clock ($165) is nostalgic for another time, and will look charming in any home.

Photographer to Watch: Aimee Herring

casasugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:15:31 -0800

The natural light in Aimée Herring's interior photographs makes me want to pull up all the blinds in my office and bask in the sunlight, or just pack my bags and move right into the interiors themselves. Yes, these homes are also beautifully designed, so that helps. But, her composition of any basic vignette like a potted flower and a framed print or a vase of flowers and (insert anything) could sell any house in a New York minute, even in this unforgiving housing market.

What really impresses me about her work is that, unlike the work of many interior photographers, it doesn't make you crave the shabby chic dresser (which, albeit, may be crave worthy). But after seeing it, you find yourself looking for a realtor to find you the house with the shabby chic dresser so you can call the dresser, the floors, the grass, the light, the house, and everything that comes with it your own. Aimée's mother must have taught her well about the simple pleasures in life like fresh fruit, your dog climbing into bed with you, the feeling of your bare feet in the grass, or opening a door to a beautiful room. I find that admirable, not to mention that her photographs are simply breathtaking, without much thought or analysis.

To see more of her portfolio,

Photographer to Watch: Joe Schmelzer

casasugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:42:48 -0800

Photographer Joe Schmelzer is a Renaissance man of the camera lens. He shoots celebs, food, wine, interiors, exteriors, lifestyle, landscapes, and quirky still-lifes—all beautifully. He's also pretty good at shooting half-naked people. He does both commercial and editorial work, and has gallery representation for his personal work.

Joe received his BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and then migrated to "the City" (New York City) with his photographer peers to work as a freelance photo assistant and later became a studio manager for a high profile studio. When it was time to move on, Joe set his sights on LA, where he pursued his MFA at the California Institute of the Arts. His work has appeared in dozens of publications, including some of my shelter faves, ELLE Décor, House Beautiful, and Metropolitan Home.

To see a gallery of Joe's breath-taking photographs,

Photographer to Watch: Tim Melideo

casasugar — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 08:48:08 -0700

The portfolio of photographer Tim Melideo's fashion portraiture exhibits scantily clad blondes sprawled out on dingy laundromat machines and abandoned, graffiti-ed, concrete platforms. His "Remembering the Forgotten" landscape series of boarded-up motels, rusty refrigerators, and dry swimming pools and gas pumps in California's arid deserts makes post-apocalyptic dirt look sexy.
His skateboard photography makes me attracted to meals-on-wheels boys, and I want to hang his series of seedy bathroom photographs above my Diptyque candles and girly bath towels. In other words, his stark, grungy photographs are so chillingly beautiful that I almost find them glamorous. He's definitely someone to keep your eye on, or even hire to shoot your rocker boyfriend's band. I don't know about you but I'd love to see him shoot interiors, and, god forbid, some place that's seen a broom and dust pan in the last 50 years. Check out some more of his photos by clicking the images below, and see his portfolio here. He can be reached via email..

Photographer to Watch: Margaret Mulligan

casasugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:08:55 -0700

Margaret Mulligan is a photographer from Toronto, Canada who has been commissioned by hotels, museums, restaurants, housing developers, flower shops, and other Canadian and international businesses. Her work has been printed in several magazines, including Canadian Home and Country, Flare, Toronto Life, Toronto Life City Guide, Homemakers, enRoute, Canadian Living, and Style at Home. She also shoots for "the holy grail" of Canadian home décor, Canadian House and Home. Press history aside, her photographs are breathtaking, and her talent is intimidating.

What amazes me about her work is her sense of composure. She takes beautiful photographs of high-design hotels—which I assume were designed by architects and interior designers who sought a composed, angular look. However, Mulligan finds striking lines, diagonals, and curves in all of her subjects, whether she's shooting a couple of pigs in a dirty farm stall, a daydreaming man in a coffee shop, or the Royal Ontario Museum.

To continue your Margaret Mulligan introduction,