Do you ever have one of those moments where everything comes together magically? These photos of Rhea are the perfect example. I was walking down State Street, marveling at the nearly fluorescent pink tulips, when I spotted Rhea. The combination of her colored hair with the flowers makes for a visually arresting photo. Rhea is exactly the type of person who I love to photograph – someone who makes a bold statement with her appearance.
I am often asked how a person must look in order for me to stop and photograph them. Generalizations are hard to make because for me, it’s not about photographing the latest model or an editor at such-and-such magazine (although I do love those blogs). Why? Well for one, I don’t live in New York. I don’t have access to those rare creatures. So when I set out to create this website, I wasn’t thinking in terms of featuring fashion celebrities. I was thinking about featuring real, every day people. That is what Chicago has to offer the fashion world – individuals who dress for themselves, and no one else.
When I see people like Matt on the streets of Chicago, it makes me very happy. Why? Because we are a city of individuals. We dress to make ourselves happy. My recent interview with The Feast really got me thinking about my selection process. For me, it’s completely intuitive. It’s an internal reaction I feel about the look and the person wearing it. This website is about me and my eye – it’s only my point-of-view; nothing more, nothing less. I like people who are interesting, who put themselves out there, who take bold risks with their outfits. I really don’t care to photograph “boring” people. But that’s just me and my preferences. Fashion is inherently subjective, and I think it’s important that anyone who considers themselves a serious connoisseur remembers that it’s all about perspective.
