#international portrait photographer of the year

[sheltiechicago]

Agadez Touareg

This is a specific war outfit from the Touareg in Agadez, Niger – today only used for touristic purposes.

Photograph: David Dhaen

International Portrait Photographer of the Year

[causenessus]

love notes

part 0.7. THERE'S LIFE IN THESE WALLS

“and when you talked to me, all i heard was words i couldn’t say a thing, i only made it worse and i know it’s hard when you feel this way in love with my best friend but i can’t say a thing”

from dræm girl by no vacation, left in the nishinari art district, osaka

the first time he’d come into the darkroom with her, she had been nervous. it was still the beginning of their first year in college and the first time they had talked since high school graduation. yet despite how long it had been since she’d last seen him, everything she’d felt for him in high school came rushing back the moment she recognized him wandering around the photography department.

she’d accidentally frozen the moment she saw him. no matter how hard she willed her feet to move, she couldn't seem to move and her panic only increased when he saw her. his face lit up slightly and he approached her and she only stood there like an idiot, clutching onto her bag strap for some kind of emotional support.

“hey, i was looking for you,” he’d said. his voice was enough to make her mind go blank, and his actual words only made her feel like she had short-circuited.

“oh– really? why?” internally, she pointed out every single flaw of her response; how quickly she’d answered, how stupid her words were, and how her voice was so high he probably found it annoying.

“yeah,” he nodded with a small smile, “i heard from akaashi you were going to the darkroom today? i’ve been trying to get him to take me with him because i wanna learn about the process but he’s been busy and he suggested asking you if you’d let me watch.” it’d been a semi-truth, although she didn’t know that. akaashi would have taken him if he'd asked him, but he hadn't. he was interested in how photo processing worked, but only because of her. he wanted to learn about the process from her and he wanted to learn about what her interests were. in short, he was finally doing what he’d avoided doing throughout all of high school; get to know her.

“oh. yes. sure, that’d be fine,” she tried to formulate a lax response but on the inside, she was the complete opposite. the idea of him watching her made her want to curl up in a ball and disappear, but she tried to reason with herself that she knew what she was doing. she’d been doing this for years; she had plenty of practice and knowledge. if there was one thing she excelled at, it was anything about cameras and photos.

‘but that’ll just make it even more embarrassing if i mess up in front of him,’ she’d immediately countered herself and wanted to hit herself. but instead she tried to push down her anxieties and act calm. there was no reason for her to be anxious, and if she didn’t think about messing up, she’d reduce her chances of anything going wrong.

despite her best efforts to make small talk on their way to the dark room, she'd given up when she realized he was better at coming up with questions to fill the awkward silence. “what do you take photos of?” he’d asked after her last failed attempt to start a conversation.

she'd taken a moment to think before answering, “honestly? everything. i take pictures of whatever interests me. i do a lot of portraits for other people and i’ve been trying to get into engagement photography because it makes good money, but it’s definitely not my favorite. street photography is really cool because you can capture so many raw emotions. you never actually know what your picture will look like until you go back to examine it, because no one else knows you're even preserving the moment, you know?” he only nodded silently which made her face warm. “sorry, i rambled without thinking.”

“no, it’s okay. i asked you because i wanted to know,” he responded with a smile. “i was just curious. i heard you were offered a position as a sports photographer and it’s what you seemed to be doing all throughout high school so i was surprised you didn’t take it. but i’m guessing it wasn’t your thing? street photography sounds really cool, too. i actually do street art with atsumu sometimes, you know.”

“really? i didn’t know that!” the enthusiasm in her voice made his smile grow. he found it cute, he thought, how her nervousness had gradually given away into excitement as she talked about her passions. it was a far cry from how stiff they’d been during their first three years of knowing each other, and he hoped that she continued to grow more comfortable with him. “that’s actually what i’ll be processing in the darkroom today. i think it’s really cool how people can leave their marks on a city. to be honest, i haven't found a lot of graffiti in osaka yet but i like the idea of how even if we move away from here, or especially when we’re long gone, there will still be parts of us left behind through what’s written on these walls. there’s the couples who write about their love, or leave their lockets on bridges to immortalize their love even past the amount of time they'll be together and in the same way caveman left drawings on the wall, or egyptians wrote in hieroglyphics, graffiti is like a modern version of that. there’s so many emotions behind it,” she explained as they neared a door. on the front of it was a sign that read DARKROOM printed in large, capital letters.

“that’s a cool way of looking at it. i don’t think i ever made that connection but i’m gonna be thinking about that the next time we throw something up,” he replied as she unlocked the door, letting him walk in first. “and atsumu and i have seen a lot of art while we’ve been out. you just have to look in the right places. i can take you to some of my favorite spots sometime, if you want.”

“that would be nice,” she says, thankful that it goes dark as she shuts the door behind them, hiding the tint in her cheeks. “i’d really like that– actually. and uh, this is just a sort of buffer room because we want as little light as possible getting into the darkroom. i know it’s small,” she immediately clarifies, seeing how he turns, looking at the cramped space they’re standing in, the only light being a dim red emitting from a corner.

“oh, i get it. when you open the outside door, all the light comes in here but when you go into the actual darkroom, there’s no light entering,” he notes, seeming to find her in the dark. there’s no way he can really see her, and yet she can feel the weight of his gaze.

“exactly. and i usually leave anything i don’t need on this counter. we’re technically not allowed to have phones in the darkroom, but most people keep it on them anyway. and it's kind of becoming an outdated rule because now you can print using your phone but i still leave mine here. just out of habit,” she explains, slinging off her bag and placing everything on the counter. “i promise it’s brighter in the actual darkroom. it’s all red lighting so it feels a little satanic but you get used to it,” she smiles when she hears his huff of laughter as she grabs her roll of film from her bag. “there’s overhead lights, too, but we never know who else might be working in there or if anyone left anything out, so we leave them off unless there’s an emergency. are you ready?”

she sees him shift in the dark. “actually, before we go in, honestly i don’t know anything about the process. do you think it’d be easier to explain it to me beforehand so that i don’t slow you down while you work?”

“oh, sure,” she says, looking at the roll of film in her hand, “i don’t think you’d slow me down, but that’s probably a good idea. just so you have a brief introduction to everything.”

she keeps talking, and he thinks that he can get used to this. it had taken him a talk from osamu at graduation after three years of walking on eggshells around each other to finally open his eyes to the realization that nothing would happen between them if they never talked. he'd worried the entire summer about getting the opportunity to talk to her and how it would actually play out but today had gone better than he could have ever imagined. he’s heard her talk more than he ever has before, and best of all, she’s talking directly to him. it’s just them; no one distracting his attention away from her and no one to tease him for the way he’s looking at her right now, admiring the way her eyes shine even in the dark with life and passion about what she’s talking about, watching the fingers that are pulling at the edges of the roll she’s holding with skilled, steady hands he’s seen so often holding a camera, hiding her face behind it.

“are you even listening?” she’s looking up at him, a forgiving, teasing smile on her red lips. it pulls him out of this thoughts and he finds himself distracted by them instead.

“yeah, totally,” he says, trying to focus on her eyes instead. “something about chemicals?”

she thinks of the moment fondly as she’s approaching the dark room by herself. she’s just split up from akaashi, who walked with her to return some equipment he borrowed. she approaches the door, taking in a deep breath. she loves working by herself in silence, but unsurprisingly, he’s always in her head and she sees him in everything. when she opens the door, she always remembers watching him walk in first, and the way he looked at her while she tried to explain the process of developing photos to him.

and she thinks about him everytime she puts down her bag, she thinks about the roll she took out and developed with him, both the negatives and processed versions of them still hanging on her wall. and when she puts down her phone, thinking about what he texted her this morning, she notices the white plastic bag on the opposite side of the counter.

her curiosity gets the better of her, seeing a small slip of paper in front of the neatly tied bag, and she steps over to read the note in the dim red light above it.

“you’re always holding that camera up to your pretty face. always looking at the world through the lens of a camera. why don’t you stop and appreciate the beauty of it for a second?” ♡ rin

prev. | m.list | next

bokuto came by y/n's apartment to force akaashi to take a break but while they were out for coffee konoha sent akaashi the "i'll vibe with you" meme and just completely broke him

akaashi is really going through it. double majors suck

suna has never used so many smiley faces in his life bc he didn’t know how else to express how texting y/n was making him feel <3

he was also late to practice because when y/n told him she'd be in the darkroom all day he went to buy food for y/n and then had to walk across campus to the arts building to leave it there for her (that's why he said "good to know" and then had to come up with an excuse for what he said <3)

and heads up y/n’s gonna really fight with calling him rin because she’s so worried he’s just trying to appease her so she has this whole kind of what if situation planned out of “if i call him ‘suna’ and he forgets ONE TIME to remind me to call him rin HE DOESN’T ACTUALLY WANT ME TO CALL HIM RIN AND HE HATES ME”

that will come up in like 9 chapters from now

guys i promise if ur not feeling these chapters THE PACE AND EVERYTHING IS ABOUT TO KICK IN BEAR W ME

also i thought i was doing well balancing written parts and full smau chapters but i realized all the written parts just came later in the story so forgive me pls

the way i see it, you can basically read this chapter’s song recc as the first one suna left on a wall for y/n <3 since this chapter has to do with a little bit about their first real interactions

this bullet point is specifically for @eggyrocks who has an amazing love notes playlist you should listen to!!! their amazing music taste is responsible for last chapter and today’s song reccs and ALSO the upcoming importance of title fight because they shared with me an amazing album (hyperview) AND I JUST NEED TO SAY EGGY it’s so amazing how your brain works bc the only title fight song you added to your playlist was trace me onto you AND THAT’S THE SPECIFIC TITLE FIGHT SONG THAT WILL COME UP LATER IN LOVE NOTES (i’m sorry if this doesn’t make sense i’m going to try and explain it again, but basically out of the entire album, trace me onto you is the only one i’m actually using in this smau and i just think it’s so cool that it’s the only one you added to your love notes playlist!!! and thank you for your playlist because although i already had a song planned out to go with each chapter, since you made your love notes playlist i’ve changed some of them out for your songs <333 and this song was especially important with it being the "first lyrics" suna left behind or whatever and i think dræm girl fits SO WELL)

taglist: @0moonii @iluvmang @bluebeanbee @wyrcan @oyasumeii @froyaoya @gyuijns @nbcvs @milkteade @guitarstringed-scars @makkir0ll @mylahrins @cherrypieyourface @vivian-555 @sharkerino @r0seandth0rns @staileykout @lunavixia @thvvluvr @elliott0o0 @wolffmaiden @rockleeisbaeeee @toges-cough-syrup @cnnmairoll @ryeyeyer @hibernatinghamster @localgaytrainwreck @lemonocity @bows4life @sereniteav @madiexuberant @eclecticeggknightpsychic @phoenix-eclipses @sonicsolos @httpakkeiji @brkfclub @snail-squasher @starry-magicshop @cr4yolaas @kitnootkat @zzzlevislothzzz @iluv-ace @iluvaquaphor @stayyyyyyyyyyyy21 @applepi25 @twiishaa @girlkissersco @sleepystrwbrryy @encrypta

[deitripper]

I was one of the Chilean winners to meet Paul McCartney and go to his soundcheck. My experience.

Well fellas, it's been a long time since i posted here and what can i say, i just wanted to give u the good news! As u read it, i had the chance (next to other people, 9 great fellow fans) to hug paul and share few minutes with him (As i write this all what i experienced feels unreal) I'm the one wearing the sgt pepper's suit btw!

I don't remember too much about the whole day, but the soundcheck was AMAZING, he played temporary secretary, mrs Vanderbilt, Let em in and Coming up!!it was CRAZY. Bf the soundcheck was over we were taken to another place in the stadium where we waited few minutes, and we talked with Stuart Bell (((((i joked a bit with him about he having the dream job and the possibility of k1ll1ng someone to be part of Paul's team and he told me 'HOW!? IT WAS A SECRET I TOLD U! ))))😂 Stuart is Paul's tour manager and we met his photographer and cameraman.

To be brief, let's jump right into meeting Paul, where do i start??? HE'S THE MOST ADORABLE MAN EVER, as soon as i saw him my eyes turned into waterfalls, my heart skipped a beat and all the memories of me binge watching videos and interviews of The Beatles crashed in my head. He greeted all the other winners and i didn't notice i was almost the last one, i was so shocked, too paralyzed to even say something, other winners told me Paul said something like 'Oh darling come on' and i just went slowly as i could to be near him and get a hug. I swear won't forget that moment. I HUGGED A BEATLE LIKE WHAAAAAATTT THE ACTUALLL HECKKK!!!! He share few words with everyone while the cameraman recorded everything. I feel that we were with him like 5 minutes but they -believe when i tell you- FELT LIKE 2 SECONDS. Then we took an official photo with Paul (which i'm kinda sad to receive bc i know my sgt peppers suit was totally hide behind two other girls who won, but hey, i'm in the same pic with Paul and that's enough!!) and lastly i had the chance to show him a bit of my work, i ordered some badges and stickers with my Beatle illustrations that i put on my suit and explained him stuff that i can't remember right now :'( But this is what finally made me lost my mind (internally bc for everyone is was just crying) LISTEN LISTEN, HE SAID MY WORK WAS """IMPRESSIVE""" AND HE TOUCHED THE STICKER WITH THE JOHN LENNON PORTRAIT I HAD ON THE SUIT, HE- TOUCHED- ONE- OF- MY- PORTRAITS AND HE RECOGNIZED THAT IT WAS JOHN READING SPANIARD IN THE WORKS. FFS, as i write this i start to sob. Then in a rush we sang the spanish version of 'Besame Mucho" a.k.a Cha Cha Boom song 😂 and then we all said goodbye as we could, waving, screaming, and in my case, crying hard af.

I really really hope to have a chance too see him in concert again, i know that the chance to be THAT near to him again, a literally walking legend, is almost impossible (as impossible as it feel the first time) i know i'm a lucky girl, and my life changed just having the chance to be in the same room with him. I won't be over this, there's now way this feels less exciting over the years. I was one of the few people that had the opportunity to be to his side -even if it was for a minute- and nothing is going to change that.

I have big dreams ahead, and i hope i'm able to accomplish every one of them. After hugging Paul everything feels possible.

If you like my art, know that i feel more inspired than ever before and i hope u can follow me on this journey🩷

Love, Dei.🩷

Ps, all the winners and i are expecting the video of everything, so as soon i as get it i'll try to share all the bits where i'm interacting with Paul (i hope with my soul that our hug is recorded and that his team doesn't cut that while editing the clips)

[sitp-recs]

Thank you so much for your recs—they are fantastic! I wondered if you had any for Draco and Harry becoming friends at (and eventual lovers) at Hogwarts (doesn’t have to start with 1st year, but can!). Thank you!!

Hi there! Happy you’re enjoying the recs 😊 I got a couple recs, the majority is 8th year since I don’t really read canon rewrite AUs. I hope you enjoy these!

Thermodynamic Equilibrium by DorthyAnn (T, 5k)

Harry's far too hot. Draco's always cold. And somehow against all odds, together they create a perfect equilibrium.

Good Company by Greenflares (T, 8k)

With Hermione and Ron always together, Harry's return to Hogwarts to complete his education isn't exactly fun. Somehow, it's his unlikely friendship with Malfoy that keeps him sane.

Stand Back: I'm About to Perform Archaeology by Blowfish_Diaries (E, 10k)

A new Muggle Studies professor takes the Eighth Year students to work on an archaeological excavation. In which Draco is lazy, Harry is sweaty, Hermione is drunk, and Ron turns red.

Nice Things by aideomai (M, 22k)

The first thing that happened was Theodore Nott came back from France.

Makes Me Stronger by Lomonaaeren (E, 29k)

Rita Skeeter’s Harry James Potter: An Unnatural History is a best-seller, mostly due to the fact that Skeeter’s collaborated with a photographer who’s infused the pictures in the book with Harry’s actual memories. As Harry struggles to survive the storm consuming his eighth year at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy becomes an unexpected ally.

On Our Way by evils (E, 30k)

Draco is trying to spend the summer keeping his head down, but a repair project and a certain snowy owl have other plans for him.

Eager for the Sky by @oknowkiss (E, 35k)

It was announced, just as the Triwizard Tournament had been, at the start of term feast. A year-long, international Quidditch varsity match — the inaugural Wizarding Academy Cup. In which Harry is Hogwarts' star Seeker, Draco is on the bench, and they both have a thing or two to learn about playing for the same team.

Like Lightning at Your Fingertips by potterwatch (T, 43k)

The problem with living with another insomniac is, eventually, they find out you’re one, too. When Harry and Draco return for their eighth year, they think they’ll see very little of each other. Then McGonagall assigns them to room together. And the castle starts breaking. And there’s that thing with Potter’s magic.

The July Tree by @oknowkiss (E, 51k)

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail… nor well-meaning friends, nor questionable communication skills, nor seven years of hating each other’s guts can keep Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy from falling in love.

The Promise of Summer by Omi_Ohmy (M, 67k)

How was Harry supposed to know that coming back for eighth year would be so confusing? Everything is the same, and yet not the same. And nowhere is this more obvious than with Draco Malfoy. Harry finds himself once more watching and following Malfoy, trying to work him out. When they are drawn together to heal the castle, Harry doesn’t just find Malfoy - he also finds himself.

Azoth by @lol-zeitgeistic (E, 88k)

Now that Harry is back at Hogwarts with Hermione for eighth year, he realises that something’s missing from his life, and it either has to do with Ron, his boggart, Snape, or Malfoy. Furthermore, what, exactly, does it mean when one’s life is defined by the desire to simultaneously impress and annoy a portrait? Harry has no idea; he’s too busy trying not to be in love with Malfoy to care.

Helix by Saras_Girl (E, 93k)

Seven months after the end of the war, Harry is feeling lost. Fortunately, he is about to be offered an unexpected and sparkling chance to find himself again.

Changing Tides by carpemermaid (E, 109k)

Draco has spent half of his life spouting the things his father has taught him without much thought about how he feels about what he says. When he unexpectedly comes face to face with the Dark Lord, he grapples with the harsh realities of the world and struggles with his changing views on life.

Written on the Heart by who_la_hoop (E, 114k)

Unnerved by the attention he’s attracting from everyone – the Slytherins are the least of it, to be fair – and struggling with a raft of changes to Hogwarts itself, Harry wishes he could be happy that one constant remains: Draco Malfoy really fucking hates him.

Twist of Fate by Oakstone730 (T, 300k)

Draco asks Harry to help him beat the Imperius curse during 4th year. The lessons turn into more than either expected. A story of redemption and forgiveness.

[fugengulsen]

Photography in Turkey has a rich and storied history that spans more than a century, intertwining cultural heritage with technical innovation. The first cameras arrived in the Ottoman Empire in the mid-19th century, brought by European diplomats, traders, and travelers. One of the earliest known photographs of Istanbul dates back to 1843, taken by French photographer Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey. His daguerreotypes captured the splendor of Ottoman architecture, sparking local interest in the medium and laying the groundwork for photography in Turkey.

By the late 1800s, photography studios were established in Istanbul, often run by foreign photographers or members of Turkey's Armenian, Greek, and Jewish communities. The Abdullah Frères—an Armenian photography studio founded by the Abdullah brothers—became famous for their portraits of the Ottoman elite and the royal family. Their images documented the lives of sultans, officials, and foreign dignitaries, marking an era when photography became a respected art form in Ottoman society. The Abdullah Frères' work was prized not only for its artistic quality but also for its technical expertise, as they experimented with various methods and styles, often using hand-colored techniques to add depth and vibrancy to their portraits.

With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, photography took on a new role as a means to capture and celebrate the nation's evolving identity. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, recognized photography’s power to promote cultural transformation and modernization. Photographs from this period show an emerging vision of Turkey, where Western-style clothing, industrial development, and women’s newfound roles in society were prominently featured. Photography served as a bridge between tradition and modernity, documenting the social reforms and aspirations of a young republic.

In the mid-20th century, Turkey saw the rise of influential Turkish photographers who brought a uniquely Turkish perspective to the medium. Ara Güler, often referred to as "The Eye of Istanbul," is perhaps the most renowned Turkish photographer of this era. Born in Istanbul in 1928, Güler’s black-and-white images of Istanbul’s streets, fishermen, and iconic landmarks captured the city’s soul during a period of rapid change. His work, rich in emotion and nuance, turned Istanbul into a universal symbol of nostalgia and resilience, earning him international acclaim. Güler's photographs went beyond mere documentation; they told stories, preserving the essence of Turkish culture at a time when modernity was transforming traditional ways of life.

Today, contemporary Turkish photographers like İlhan Maraşlı continue this legacy, blending artistry with an appreciation for Turkey’s natural and cultural landscapes. Maraşlı's work is celebrated for its simplicity and beauty, often focusing on the quiet, unadorned scenes of everyday life in Turkey. His images evoke a sense of tranquility and reverence for Turkey’s landscapes, villages, and people, embodying the philosophy that "simple is beautiful." This minimalist approach reflects a broader trend in modern photography, where moments of stillness and simplicity are valued as much as grandeur or drama.

In recent years, the digital revolution has further expanded the horizons of Turkish photography, making it accessible to new generations of artists. Social media platforms have allowed photographers to reach global audiences, showcasing Turkey’s rich heritage and diverse landscapes through vibrant imagery. As photography continues to evolve in Turkey, it remains a powerful means of expression and a testament to the country’s enduring creativity and cultural depth.

Historic Captured Eras

[bremser]

Berenice Abbott in Philip Johnson’s apartment

Berenice Abbott, 1930 (Walker Evans) / Philip Johnson, 1933 (Carl Van Vechten)

These portraits are the most obvious choices from this time period and conveniently suggest the biographical contrast between the two: Abbott had been a struggling American artist in Paris, an assistant to Man Ray, but she later established a portrait business, built a reputation and gained a steady flow of sitters. In January 1929, at age 30, she left for New York.

Abbott departed on the ship from France with the archive of Eugène Atget: 17 crates according to the Julia van Haaften's biography. She naively thought selling Atget prints and licensing would provide a healthy income.

The new architecture of the city enthralled her and Abbott quickly began to conceive and photograph a topographic survey of the city. By fall 1929 the stock market had crashed, the Great Depression had begun and the portrait business was no longer promising. Abbott wanted to charge $150 a portrait, at a time when you could get one done for a dollar. This environment forced her to change business models, looking for patrons for the New York project.

Abbott first encountered Philip Johnson in New York in 1931, at the “Rejected Architects” exhibit, a salon des refusés for modern architects and an early introduction of the International Style to New York.

Johnson was a 25-year-old who came from inherited wealth. Rachel Maddow’s "Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism" suggests his portfolio produced, in today’s dollars, from $240,000 to $1.2M in dividends a year. His financial backing of the architecture department at MOMA resulted in him becoming director of that department. He had discovered Mies van der Rohe on one of his traipses across the continent and was eager to bring the new style to New York. While Johnson was financially very comfortable, he had unsatisfied ambitions, larger than being a curator of architecture and beyond architecture itself. 

In 1932 Abbott was part of MOMA’s Murals by American Painters and Photographers exhibit, which Johnson certainly would have been aware of, if not directly involved in, as the point of the show was large modern murals for architecture projects such as Rockefeller Center in the form of seven by twelve foot murals. Greg Allen has the backstory on that exhibit (since his 2010 post the full catalog with her photos has been published on the MOMA site).

For her New York survey, Abbott was looking for $18,750 ($390,000 in today’s dollars), enough to fund a year long project, travel, a car with two full time assistants to deliver 350-500 prints and negatives. Johnson did not financially support Abbott’s New York project, nor did the museum sponsor it, but he offered a strong letter of recommendation, on MOMA letterhead: "You have a deep love for New York, you are an excellent photographic technician and you have the artistic power of selecting the essential."

The goal was to find 75 patrons among the wealthy MOMA donors to contribute $250 each. Despite Johnson’s endorsement, this fundraising effort was a flop. It would take her until 1940 to finish it, but "Changing New York" became one of the great photographic projects of the 20th century.

Van Haaften describes an architecture and photography exhibition Johnson and Abbott planned to do together, called "America Deserta," about the visual repercussions of the Depression. It sounds like an early version of what we now call "ruin porn." She writes that Johnson could have financed the project out of his own pocket, but neither he, nor the museum, pulled the trigger. (Decades later, architecture critic Reyner Banham wrote an excellent book about the actual desert titled "Scenes in America Deserta")

Johnson was doing interior design in New York for friends and acquaintances, hoping the examples of his work could help establish him (and the International Style he had signed on with). An early project was for MOMA’s Alfred Barr. Mark Lamster writes in "Man in the Glass House" that Barr couldn’t afford the real Mies furniture that Johnson had already acquired for himself, so Johnson designed knock-off tubular chairs. 

cover of Arts and Decoration, September 1933, from the Burlingame, California library via archive.org

Johnson’s own apartment was his first top-to-bottom interior design project. He was eager, bordering on desperate to get paying clients, to establish himself. He didn't need the money, but wanted clients as a stamp of approval from the New York elite, like the Rockefellers. He enlisted Abbott to take photos to premiere it in Arts and Decoration magazine.

The International Style had already taken root in Los Angeles, but New York was not ready for what he was offering. Perhaps Abbott’s photos of his apartment are part of why the new thing seemed unconvincing. Starting with the watercolor cover or paging through this magazine aimed at the wealthy, the features contrast traditional style versus examples of the new style.

If you've never been in a modern interior before and these photos are your first glimpse, it's not appealing. Johnson was no Neutra and he had not found his Julius Shulman. The magazine's reproduction quality of the photography is not good. Abbott's photographs feel cramped. The lighting is a combination of murky corners and distracting shadows. The styling, a fiddle leaf fig, the place settings at the dining table, feels forced.

In terms of art history, the most interesting of Abbott's photographs features a painting directly from the Bauhaus. It's Oskar Schlemmer's Bauhaus Stairway (1932). Lamster outlines the very messy deal that brought the painting to New York. In March 1933 Barr asks Johnson to buy it, unseen, thinking it will end up at MOMA. As the Nazis breathe down Schlemmer's neck for being a "degenerate artist," Johnson sends a telegram offering a price, but then claims a typo added a zero and pays 10x less. This dispute isn't resolved until after the year 2000. Johnson keeps the painting in his collection for another ten years.

the captions drop the "e" Abbott had added to her name (Bernice vs Berenice).

What explains the vast difference between the great photos Abbott is making on the streets of New York and these mediocre interiors? She creates "Exchange Place" the same year. Spending time with Abbott’s archive on NYPL and Getty looking for interior photos to compare to these photos of Johnson's apartment to, left me with another question: Why are photographs of interiors uncommon until the 1940s? In her Paris portraits the interior of her studio plays a significant role as background.

Van Haaften writes that Abbott is using two cameras in these early years in New York: 

5x7 inch view camera (with reducing back to 12x9cm, which is a large “medium format” negative )

Graflex that she acquired to do portraits of Guggenheim children (probably a 4x5 inch press style camera).

Abbott is on a ladder to make the photographs of Johnson's place and perhaps the combination of lens focal length and the size of the apartment presented a challenge in creating enough space. It’s possible, despite the two cameras, that she simply didn’t have a wide enough lens to do interior work at a time when lenses were expensive and money was tight. Or that she didn’t prefer to use spotlights or flash. Perhaps her focus was so intense on the exterior of the city that she rarely set up the camera indoors.

For Johnson, it’s possible to imagine if New York had been more open to the new style, if the magazine caused a stir, if he was encouraged to become an architect at this moment, his descent into fascism would have never happened. After the photos are published in the September 1933 issue, 1934 is a rollercoaster year for Johnson: he has a breakout hit of an exhibit in Machine Art (March-April). But by December, he quits MOMA to focus on his fascist party. He’s 28 years old. His pursuit of the fantasy of a domestic version of Nazism brings him to Germany, to cheer on the invasion of Poland. Lamster writes that he only to returns to architecture in 1941, when it’s clear that he has barely escaped being charged with treason. He goes from being a millionaire who shipped his own car to Europe for his Nazi tour to cleaning Army toilets.

Van Haaften’s biography of Berenice Abbott is not specific about when Abbott broke off her friendship with Johnson. We can assume it happens sometime between the apartment photoshoot and Johnson leaving MOMA. Abbott was a communist or socialist for most of her life and American Nazis like Johnson were very clear on what they would do to communists if they gained power. Van Haaften writes: "the two friends later parted ways over Johnson’s political views and his enthusiasm for the Third Reich." The book's footnote indicates the source for this is her 1993 phone interview with … Philip Johnson.

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 ✧• ─

𝟐 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : A personal tweet by William was released offering condolences on the passing of Bob Burrow.

𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William held an Investiture.

𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : The Prince of Wales, The King & The Queen attended the National Commemorative Event to mark the Eightieth Anniversary of the D-Day Landings. They were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire (Mr. Nigel Atkinson), Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak) and Defence Services Secretary (Major General Eldon Millar). Later, they met Veterans of D-Day and their families.

𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William was received Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Paris (Mr. Theophilus Rycroft) in Normandy, France for D-Day Commemorations. He attended the Canadian Ceremony of Remembrance to commemorate their role in the D-Day Landings at Juno Beach Centre. Afterwards, he met veterans at Arromanches. Finally, The Prince of Wales attended the International Commemorative Ceremony at Omaha Beach.

𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked the 80th Anniversary of D-Day Landings. The Earl of Chester attended the Wedding Ceremony of the Duke of Westminster & Miss Olivia Henson.

𝟏𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He visited the England Men's European Football Championship Team at St. George's Park.

𝟏𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : Kensington Palace released a photograph of William on route to Cardiff. He was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan (Mrs. Morfudd Meredith) as he met representatives of the United Kingdom and Australian seaweed industry at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He subsequently visited the Zero2Five Food Industry Centre.

𝟏𝟑 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : The Prince of Wales visited the Secret Intelligence Service.

𝟏𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended the Senior Colonels' Conference at Clarence House as Colonel of the Welsh Guards.

𝟏𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William took part in The King's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade. Later, he appeared on the Balcony along with Catherine and their children for the RAF fly-past.

𝟏𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : A photograph of William with George, Charlotte and Louis (taken by Catherine) was released to mark Father's Day. Additionally, a photograph from 1985 of William with King Charles was released by Kensington Palace accompanied by a personal tweet from Wills.

𝟏𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room at Windsor Castle. Afterwards, he was present at the Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Garter. Subsequently, he attended the Order of the Garter Installation Service at St George's Chapel.

𝟏𝟖 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He held a Meeting at Windsor Castle

𝟏𝟗 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended the second day of the Ascot Races and presented trophies for the Prince of Wales Stakes.

𝟐𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : Kensington Palace released William's photograph with King Frederick & Princess Josephine of Denmark as he attended the UEFA 2024 Group Game between England and Denmark at Frankfurt Arena.

𝟐𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William celebrated his 42nd Birthday. Buckingham Palace released a Birthday Portrait featuring William with King Charles was released to mark the occasion. Additionally, Kensington Palace released a Birthday Photograph of William with their three children taken by Catherine. He was spotted at Windsor Castle arriving for a Meeting. In the evening, William along with George and Charlotte attended London Night 1 of Taylor's Swift Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium.

𝟐𝟐 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked Windrush Day. Kensington Palace released a photograph with Taylor Swift featuring William, George and Charlotte. A selfie by Taylor Swift was also shared on her socials from the meeting.

𝟐𝟑 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William marked World Female Rangers Week.

𝟐𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He chaired a Meeting of The Prince's Council.

𝟐𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William took part in the Japanese State Visit. He welcomed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan at their Hotel. He then accompanied the couple to Horse Guards for the Ceremonial Welcome. Afterwards, they viewed an Exhibition of the Royal Collection items relating to Japan and attended the luncheon reception. Finally, The Prince of Wales attended the State Dinner at Buckingham Palace. He also appeared in a video message during the Zero Suicide International Summit.

𝟐𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He attended tthe Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Herefordshire. He also visited Yeo Valley Organic at the event. A tweet from William and Catherine was released congratulating England's Qualification in the next stage of the UEFA Euros. An unseen photo of WillCat from 2006 was released by Pat Tigrett.

𝟐𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He attended the Earthshot "Stories of Impact" discussion at their Innovation Camp. Afterwards William attended the Breakthrough Energy Summit as part of the London Climate Action Week.

𝟐𝟗 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked Armed Forces Day.

𝟑𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He released a personal tweet congratulating the Three Lions on their Euros Quarter Final Qualification.

[dcdreamblog]

Are There Any Hero Forn Norway

i Aks This To do

1 I love Superheros And There History

2 The Fact That I Live In Norway But No Nothing About Norway (somehow) (I Know A Lot A The US But NOTHING ABUOT My Homeland)

and 3 i Wnat Do Know More About NON-US Heros (and Villans? Maybe?)

Sure.

While Norway wasn't a founding member of the Global Guardians (because its original members were all part of the UN's Non-Aligned Movement and Norway was obviously a founding member of NATO) it did join very swiftly after the group's membership expanded in the early 70s.

It has had two champions who have been called "nasjonale heltinner" which I'm told means something along the lines of "national heroines". A more famous one whose fame has spread outside her homeland and one who is still much more homegrown. I'll quickly touch on the more famous one first since she's apt to come up more often.

(Photograph of Ice released during her time with the Justice League International. Yes the seal clubbers are real. Yes this is the picture they went with. Yes the JLI did stuff like this a lot)

Tora Olafsdotter AKA Is AKA Ice.

Olafsdotter's early years are clouded in mystery but she has ties both to the Norwegian Romani population and a hidden group of Homo Magi known as the Ice People, the working theory that she is biracial between the two. She spent large parts of her early years in both Germany and New Zealand before returning to Norway after the nation's slot on the Global Guardians was temporarily emptied.

Her time on the Guardians was ultimately brief, during the period when the Guardians had their UN funding cut in favor of the Justice League International, Ice (the Icemaiden) and fellow Guardian Green Flame (later Fire) joined up with the JLI where most of her career took place.

She's the most internationally known heroine from Norway by far as a member of the JLI where she ultimately laid down her life against the Overmaster. Though she has since returned to life and active duty.

Norway's home grown heroine however, one whose work is much more focused to WITHIN Norway itself.

(Glacier's official portrait, the original copy currently hangs at the Global Guardian's Dome headquarters in Paris, France)

Sigrid Nansen, formerly Isjomfru/Icemaiden, now Isbreen/Glacier

Nansen received their powers from an experiment at the behest of the Norwegian government, wanting to artificially duplicate the powers of the "Ice People" Homo Magi tribe that Olafsdotter came from.

Nansen's mother was a rather famous scientist who "volunteered" her child for the procedure. While at the time it was assumed Nansen herself was enthusiastic, it was later revealed that Nansen's mother was abusive, both towards her child's lack of scientific interest and lack of "popularity" with male suitors.

The procedure was a success, duplicating the Ice People's cryokinetic abilities, at the cost of dyeing Nansen's skin permanently blue. They were placed on the roster of the Global Guardians, becoming the group's first Norwegian member. They were placed in a rather infamous shear and revealing costume that only further exacerbated Nansen's body dysphoria. Memories from their teammates at the time recall them as depressed and withdrawn.

When Tora Olafsdotter was unveiled, Icemaiden resigned from the Global Guardians and took a several year long sabbatical. They didn't reemerge until after Ice was killed in the line of duty with the JLI. Reappearing and offering themself as replacement, Nansen revealed to the world that they were bisexual, the first openly queer member of the Global Guardians.

The Church of Norway publically condemned Nansen, JLI teammate Guy Gardener famously sent an official reply to the Church consisting of floating outside of the Church's headquarters for 6 hours beaming a large energy construct of a middle finger into all the windows.

They were rotated off active JLI duty after sustaining heavy injury in a battle against the alien Hyperclan, they remained active on and off for a couple years afterwards before being kidnapped by the Ultra-Humanite. The nature of the invasive procedures conducted during that time are not known but one can compare before and after pictures for themselves.

Nansen fell off the map for several years after that, eventually reappearing under the thrall of a villain named Minister Blizzard who was harnessing Nansen's powers for his own designs, Nansen having fallen into a spiral of self loathing about their powers and underlying body issues.

When they were finally freed from that situation, Nansen made two announcements. That they were now going by Glacier, rather than Ice Maiden And that they used they/them pronouns.

Since then, Glacier has returned to active duty on the Global Guardians, where they serve with distinction. As well as being seen among the company of the LGBT superhero support group known playfully as the "Justice League Queer"

[germanpostwarmodern]

Together with the Weissenhof and Dammerstock Estates the Hansaviertel in Berlin is one of the most important showcases of modern architecture in Germany. It was conceived for the 1957 international building exhibition „Interbau“ and involved more than 50 architects from all over the Western world, among them Walter Gropius, Oscar Niemeyer, Arne Jacobsen and Egon Eiermann. At the same time it was a reaction to the GDR’s model project Stalinallee in East-Berlin which the initiators sought to outshine with a gathering of modernist buildings representing contemporary visions of dwelling.

That these visions over the course of almost 70 years haven’t lost any of their appeal proves the present volume by Anna Frey and Caterina Rancho: in „Hansaviertel Portraits“, published recently by Distanz Verlag, the authors revisit the architecture of the Hansaviertel and portray twelve locals in their apartments. The result is a wonderful stroll through the neighborhood in which the reader gets to stop at each building, receives information about it and its architect(s) and occasionally is invited in to peek into the apartments of some of the inhabitants. The first stop is Daniel’s apartment in Paul Baumgarten’s Eternithaus: with a great attention to the historic detail he has winkled out the lofty character of the apartment, underscored by few but carefully selected pieces of furniture. In fact, the attention to detail as well as respect and appreciation for the original character of each apartment is what connects all portrayed individuals. Anna and Thomas for example, who live in the so-called „Schwedenhaus“ by Fritz Jaenecke and Sten Samuelson, have juxtaposed the clean and brightly lit character of their apartment with jazzy furnishings that come into their own perfectly in the otherwise reduced ambience.

These two examples already showcase the core quality of book, i.e. the closeness to its subjects: from the get-go the reader, thanks to the beautiful photographs and texts, feels like taking a stroll through the Hansaviertel’s splendid architecture and is given the opportunity to take in its special atmosphere, a characteristic that makes the book a very entertaining read!

[theroyalsofcorrilea]

The Royal Palace of Avillion releases new photographs and portraits of the Royal Family ahead of the Queens Upcoming Jubilee.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Isabella of Corrilea, is the current heir to the throne, become heir apparent after her mothers ascension to the throne in 2010, when the Crown Princes was 10 years old. Her Royal Highness is known for her passion and cunningness at international diplomacy and currently serves as the head of the Corrilean Red Cross and Deputy Director of the Save the Children charity.

The Crown Princess met her husband, Prince Gabriel, when they were students at boarding school.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Connaught is the first working class person and the first Corrilean citizen to marry into the direct line of succession. He was made Duke of Connaught in 2022, after marrying the Crown Princess. He was bestowed the title Prince of Corrilea in 2023, after the birth of their children, Prince James and Princess Victoria, who are currently 11.

The coupe have had a tumultuous relationship throughout the years, with rumours that they had privately separated circulating the media in 2025. However these rumours have never been addressed by the couple or the Palace.

The Royal Couple and their children live at Château de Bocheron, since the passing of the Crown Princesses Great Grandmother Lady Victorine Bocheron in 2024.

[blueiscoool]

Gustav Klimt Portrait Found After Vanishing Nearly 100 Years Ago

It is one of the last works the artist painted before his death in 1918.

One of the last paintings by the renowned Austrian artist Gustav Klimt has miraculously been found after vanishing nearly 100 years ago.

The painting, titled Portrait of Fräulein Lieser, was found in Vienna after last being seen by the public in 1925. Until now, the only known photograph of the painting had been held in the archives of the Austrian National Library. The picture was likely taken in 1925 in connection with the Klimt exhibition by Otto Kallir-Nirenstein in the Neue Galerie, Vienna.

Since then, its location had been a mystery.

"The rediscovery of this portrait, one of the most beautiful of Klimt's last creative period, is a sensation," said the im Kinsky auction house in a statement announcing the discovery. "As a key figure of Viennese Art Nouveau, Gustav Klimt epitomizes fin de siècle Austrian Modernism more than any other artist. His work, particularly his portraits of successful women from the upper middle class at the turn of the century, enjoy the highest recognition worldwide."

The work of art will go up for auction at the im Kinsky auction house in Vienna on April 24 and is expected to fetch millions on the market.

"Klimt's paintings rank in the top echelons of the international art market. His portraits of women are seldom offered at auctions. A painting of such rarity, artistic significance, and value has not been available on the art market in Central Europe for decades," im Kinsky auction house said. "This also applies to Austria, where no work of art of even approximate importance has been available."

The painting will now travel worldwide on short exhibitions until it is auctioned and is set to be presented at various locations internationally, including stops in Switzerland, Germany, Great Britain and Hong Kong.

The model for the painting is labeled as Fräulein Lieser, also known as Margarethe Constance Lieser (1899-1965), daughter of the Austrian industrial magnate Adolf Lieser. But new research by the im Kinsky auction house into the history and provenance of the masterpiece has opened up the possibility that Klimt's model could have been another member of the Lieser family -- either Helene Lieser (1898-1962), the first-born of Henriette Amalie Lieser-Landau and Justus Lieser, or their younger daughter, Annie Lieser (1901-1972), according to officials.

"In April and May 1917, the sitter visited Klimt's studio in Hietzing nine times to pose for him," im Kinsky said. "Klimt probably began the painting in May 1917. The painter chose a three-quarter portrait for his depiction and shows the young woman in a strictly frontal pose, close to the foreground, against a red, undefined background. A cape richly decorated with flowers is draped around her shoulders."

The portrait is thought to be one of Klimt's last paintings and was done shortly before he died of a stroke on Feb. 6, 1918. The painting was left, with several small portions of it unfinished, in his studio and it is thought that the painting was given to the family who had commissioned it after his death.

The painting, however, would soon vanish and the exact fate of the painting after 1925 is unclear.

"What is known is that it was acquired by a legal predecessor of the consignor in the 1960s and went to the current owner through three successive inheritances," im Kinsky auction house said.

ByJon Haworth.

[sheltiechicago]

“Salvation”

by Forough Yavari

International Portrait Photographer of the Year

[x-heesy]

𝚁𝚛𝚛𝚛𝚛𝚛𝚛𝚁

Avani Rai <3

A photographer based out of Mumbai, Avani Rai has worked as a camera person on a number of short films. She has worked in fiction and documentary. As a photographer she has done serious photo essays on Bhopal gas tragedy and its after effects even after 35 long years, the Kashmir story, Chennai water Crisis and many others.

Her photographic works have been published in various reputed publications - Indian and international - such as GQ, Vogue, Architectural Digest, The Wire, The Hearst, The platform, Sunday Guardian, Scroll and many others. Her recent work, a film directed/shot by her, 'Raghu Rai-An Unframed Portrait’ (also her father) is based on his photographic journey which captures the history of India over the past 50 years, which she experienced through his images. Kashmir, also featured in the film is her first-hand experience, which she shared with him in the course of making the film. The dot series is her first foray into art photography.

#iminluv #this #passion #leidenschaft #intimité #aesthetic #bwaesthetic #bw #bwphotography #fashioncore #fashionaddicted #storytellers #soulcatchers #soulphotography #softcore #artposts #photographer #motions #emotions #erotique #fantasy #girliwannaeatya #compatibility #slowfood #bedroomstories #fashion #fashiongram #fashionable #fashionphotography #fashionlover #fashionart #fashionaddict #fashionphotographer #fashionpost #fashionshoot #fashionlove #fashionlovers #fashioneditoral #editoral #catwalk

𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔: 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚆𝚊𝚜 𝙷𝚎𝚛 𝙽𝚊𝚖𝚎 (𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚝. 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚎𝚍) 𝚋𝚢 𝙳𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝙲𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎

[paralleljulieverse]

This Week in Julie-History: Cover Girl 1955

Seventy years ago, Julie Andrews officially became an American "cover girl" for the first time with the publication of this lead story in the January 9, 1955 edition of the syndicated This Week newspaper magazine. Published just three months after her New York debut as Polly Brown in The Boy Friend, the magazine proclaimed Julie a new star who had "won Broadway's heart."

The colour cover photo, taken by renowned celebrity portraitist Zinn Arthur (1912–2003), captures an unusually relaxed and sultry Julie. Barely 19, she exudes the charm of a fresh-faced, American-styled teen, casually dressed in a slightly crumpled cotton shirt. Her tousled chestnut hair is swept up, and her smile blends youthful confidence with soft allure -- a perfect fifties girl next door.

The accompanying article by Charles D. Rice (1910–1971) extends the portrait of Julie as wholesome youth, incorporating many of the core themes that would come to define her star image in the years ahead. Described as "relentlessly winsome" and "utterly charming," Julie remains "a completely normal, even naive, young English actress" -- the kind of girl one would "like to bring home to Mother" (Rice, 1955, p. 23).

The piece also underscores Julie's connection to the past, highlighting her role in The Boy Friend, a nostalgic nod to 1920s musicals, and her "wide eyed" fascination with big city American culture. Even at this very early stage of her international career, Andrews was cast as a nostalgic feminine ideal, offering a comforting sense of continuity amid a rapidly changing modern world.

Sources:

Arthur, Z. (1990). Shooting superstars: Me, my camera and the show biz legends. Artique Press.

Assoc. Press. (1971). Charles D. Rice, magazine editor. New York Times. February 1, p. 35.

Assoc. Press. (2003). Zinn Arthur, 90, celebrity photographer. New York Times. March 21, p. C-11.

Rice, C.D. (1955). Can that be me? This Week: The Sunday Magazine, January 9, p. 23.

© 2025, Brett Farmer. All Rights Reserved.

[theabsurdityofbeing]

Hello people of tumblr. I am but another fish in the sea, another skin cell in the dust if you catch my drift.

An unintentional New Year’s resolution was made and that is that I want to spend this year dedicating my time to what I love. I will be doing this through making art, photography, writing, singing, guitar, collecting everything I love, all that stuff!

Anyways, if you have any similar interests or have a shared whimsical yet realistic hopeful optimistic yet horribly depressed always and tired but still horribly happy to be able to live life and want to connect, hello Party people 🙌

I am rumored to be that of an old soul.

I love philosophy (for the most part existentialism and absurdism) and the different ways of perceiving the outer world and how it translates to the internal world. The ego, being and nonbeing, consciousness, life and death, human anatomy, the history of everything, time, nature, literally just about everything. The way everything coexists amongst itself. If that helps you get an idea of it.

I love music, I love a handful of different genres, picky about modern music but love 1900s-1990s, super into 20s-30s jazz music from the start of swing in 1938 to its big band era of 30s-40s stuff, to the 50s-60s and the 60s-70s psychedelic rock and synth stuff and garage bands and literally everything counter culture ever, 70s-80s from early new wave to punk to electronic and everything else, 80s-90s post punk British indie early grunge,,,, you get the idea.

I also enjoy ambient artists Brian Eno and Harold Budd.

I’m a photographer, everything I see is beautiful, I find beauty in the mundane, the ordinary, the very inter workings of everything, small details, minor things creating the bigger picture. I like a variety of photography yet I am picky. Love vintage vernacular photography, I have a collection of old photos, photobooth photography, glamor shots, yearbook portraits, candid photography, documentary photography, fashion photography, I just love it all.

I paint too. And draw. Oil paintings and led pencil mostly.

Anyways. I love a lot of things. Vintage clothing. Old ephemera. Button pins. Print media. Printmaking. Fabric. Colors. Wood paneling. Too many things to name but I think I will make it a point to name 5 things I love a day. I won’t continue on about what I love because I love a lot. That’s enough.

I love chartreuse …

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC's Lucien Binding Knot Date English Translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

She told me that a person's life is too short. In the blink of an eye, it's five years, and then another blink, it's ten years.

That's how she and her husband lived their lives, bickering and muddling through, and they ended up spending their whole lifetime together.

Looking back, the bumps in the road and trivial matters along the way don't hold much significance compared to being able to harmoniously live together for a lifetime.

Translation under the cut~

[Notes from Lux: Here's the CN video link if anyone want to follow along his Voice Acting. VERY recommended to re-read S1 chapter 9 and his Chinese Wedding SP Bound By Love/A Love Not in Vain because this date specifically references these two stories. AND perhaps Sacred Mountain Date regarding his belief in God(s)]

-

[Part 1]

Lucien: Today is Saturday. Didn't we agree not to work?

Lucien places a bowl of freshly washed blueberries on the coffee table and casually feeds me a few. I sit on the sofa, engrossed in the documents on my laptop.

MC: Kiki has sorted the photography registration form; I need to quickly finish reviewing it so that I can contact them earlier.

Recently, our company launched a charity project called "Taking Family Portraits for One Hundred Elderly People." After the announcement was made, we received dozens of registration forms in just two days.

MC: By the way, Lucien, if any professors from Loveland University are interested in this project, you can invite them as well.

MC: We've rented the best photography studio, and the photographers are top-notch, so you can rest assured about the photo quality.

Lucien: With so many people applying, I think we should try to avoid giving slots to people we know, right?

MC: Don't worry. Even though we're promoting it as a hundred people externally, we've discussed it internally and will try to accommodate as many as possible.

MC: We're willing to help strangers, let alone the people we know.

Lucien: In that case... I do have an idea.

Lucien points to the peace knot hanging on my wall- a knot that Grandma Wen taught me to weave, and it still hangs on one side of Lucien's bookshelf.

MC: Are you talking about Grandma Wen?

Grandma Wen is an elderly person who lives alone. Lucien and I have a close relationship with her. We've learned how to weave knots from her and even borrowed wedding attire. So, we visit her whenever we have free time.

She is also very hospitable to us, always arranging snacks for us to enjoy. She also advises us young people not to focus only on work but to remember to take care of ourselves.

MC: Actually, I did consider inviting her at first, but Grandma Wen's husband has already passed away, and having her take a family portrait alone might be a bit…

Lucien: Are you worried that it might make her uncomfortable?

Seeing me nod, Lucien leans back on the sofa, tilts his head, and smiles slightly.

Lucien: [chuckles] I think she won't mind at all.

Lucien: How about we ask her? One never knows.

After a lengthy discussion, we decided to call Grandma Wen. I carefully choose my words and extend the invitation, but Grandma Wen laughs heartily and readily accepts.

We finalize the shooting schedule. Lucien and I will pick her up together when the time comes.

However, Grandma Wen suggests she'd like to bring her cat, Baby, along for the photoshoot.

-

[Part 2]

On the agreed-upon morning, we arrive punctually at Grandma Wen's doorstep. While Lucien parks the car, I take the initiative to go and knock on the door.

The black-and-white spotted little cat lies under the eaves, rolling around playfully and occasionally pawing at something in the air, looking quite content.

MC: Baby~ Come here kitty for a hug~

But the little kitty pays no attention to me, completely engrossed in rolling on the ground. It rolls several times and ends up a meter away from me.

Lucien: (gently calls the kitty) Baby, come here.

Just as Lucien approaches, Baby suddenly gets up, takes two steps, and runs to Lucien's feet. It raises its paw and paw at the cuff of Lucien's pants, meowing incessantly.

MC: That's quite a contrast in treatment!

MC: Although I've played with it plenty of times before, it still prefers you. That's unfair!

Lucien lowers his gaze and sighs at the cat.

Lucien: [chuckles] You see, I didn't do anything, but she's angry just because you like me more.

Lucien: If you could talk, I'm sure you'd also think this is even more unfair to me, right?

Lucien crouches down and strokes the cat's head, using his fingers to rub its cheek gently.

Lucien: Please remember to be a little more coquettish with her later. Otherwise, I'll be in a tough spot.

MC: ...Hmph, you're not in a tough spot at all!

Lucien can't resist laughing and takes out a sealed bag of cat treats from his pocket, feeding them to Baby.

Lucien: Baby is actually relatively easy to please. Just give it some treats a few more times, and it will be circling around you.

Grandma Wen: MC, you're here…

I turn around and see that Grandma Wen is already standing at the door.

MC: Grandma! You look so beautiful today!

Grandma Wen is wearing a short jacket with a standing collar and a diagonal button today. It's evident at a glance that the craftsmanship is exquisite.

The satin fabric is smooth and lustrous, while the embroidery is lifelike with intricate stitching.

Grandma Wen sheepishly waves her hand.

Grandma Wen: These are old clothes I haven't worn in seven or eight years. It's rare that I've taken them out.

MC: Old clothes? I can't tell. They look just like new…

MC: Is the embroidery on the hem here the Lotus Pond? Each lotus is transitioned with several colors... It's really beautiful!

MC: Did you embroider this yourself, Grandma?

Grandma Wen touches the hem, smoothing the embroidered threads of the lotus leaves.

Grandma Wen: My husband made this for me when he was still alive.

Grandma Wen: From pattern drafting to embroidery, he did every step himself, insisting that his craftsmanship was better than mine.

Grandma Wen: These embroideries used to be even more beautiful, but unfortunately, the thread colors have faded over time.

MC: I can't tell that the thread colors have faded. I think it looks incredibly beautiful.

MC: Your complexion looks great today. When it's time for the photo shoot, we'll have a hairstylist do your hair. We must create a hairstyle that compliments this dress perfectly.

Lucien walks over carrying a cat carrier and lets Grandma Wen check Baby's condition.

Lucien: I used some cat treats to coax it into the carrier, and it didn't make any fuss and was very well-behaved.

Grandma Wen: Baby~ Baby, today we're going out for a photoshoot. After we get in the car, you must be good and not cause any trouble for your brothers and sisters, okay?

Grandma Wen claps her hands toward the cat inside the carrier, and Baby starts to scratch the carrier, about to meow. But Lucien offers a cat treat, and it immediately quiets down.

I give Lucien a thumbs up - only he can do it.

Lucien: How about you sit in the back with Grandma Wen later? If Baby wants to come out, you can feed it some cat treats.

MC: Mm, no problem~

Grandma Wen: Is it time to leave? Let me grab a few things.

Grandma Wen goes back inside and returns with a Chángshān covered in a dustproof cover. I have a vague idea of who the owner of this robe might be.

Grandma Wen: I made this Chángshān for my husband when I was young. It was his favorite outfit. I'll bring it along for the photoshoot. So, it's as if he's also accompanying me.

Lucien takes a half step forward, probably thinking that the gown in the bag is not light and wanting to help Grandma Wen get it into the car. However, when he catches my gaze, he takes a step back.

Lucien: Let's get in the car, Grandma.

Lucien opens both car doors, assists Grandma Wen into the car, helps her fasten the seatbelt, and then checks that the cat carrier on my lap is secure before closing the car doors.

-

[Part 3]

After arriving at the photography studio, the makeup artist has to apply makeup and do the hair for Grandma Wen.

I'm worried that Grandma Wen might hesitate to communicate her needs with the makeup artist, so I am constantly accompanying her, talking to her, and helping her with her makeup.

Lucien is responsible for taking care of Baby, who starts running around as soon as they enter the photography studio.

Grandma Wen: When we first found Baby in the wild, it was only as big as the palm of a human hand. I made a nest for it with a towel, and it slept under the dining table.

Grandma Wen: In the blink of an eye, it has grown so big.

Grandma Wen: When it was little, it wasn't this mischievous. It used to lie in the corner every day obediently and didn't let anyone approach. As soon as someone got close, it would run away.

Grandma Wen: Now, it plays with birds, teases dogs, and does all sorts of daring things. There's nothing it's afraid to do.

Grandma Wen gently squeezes my hand and says.

Grandma Wen: You should go outside and take a look. It's not easy for Professor Lucien to keep an eye on Baby all by himself. There are machines everywhere here. Don't let that smelly cat cause any trouble for you.

I nod and walk out of the makeup room.

In the living room of the photography studio, there is a bright lounge area. Lucien is holding a cat teaser toy, playing with Baby as it pounces back and forth on the sofa.

MC: You even brought a cat teaser wand?

Lucien: Not just that, I also have a cat jingle bell ball and a laser pointer in the trunk.

Lucien: I consulted my colleagues who have pets, and they said that if you want your pets to behave well for photos, you need to let them play for a good hour beforehand.

Lucien: Once they get tired from playing, they can cooperate more.

I walk over and sit down on the sofa, gently petting Baby's head. It doesn't resist and tilts its head up, allowing me to scratch its chin.

Lucien finds a moment to rest and casually picks up a book from the bookshelf, leaning back on the sofa.

MC: (smiles) It seems like this method is working. It's already behaving quite well now.

Lucien: It's probably just temporarily tired from playing. After a short rest, it will be jumping around again.

Lucien: After all, it's the most mischievous kitten I've ever seen.

Lucien gently taps the top of the Baby's head, and the kitten raises its front paw, quickly grabbing his finger.

Lucien: It climbs trees, catches birds, and even fights with stray cats... When it's full of energy, there's no stopping it.

I recall not too long ago when Baby went missing again. When we found it, it was in the middle of a fight with a stray cat outside, and its face was scratched up.

We were afraid that Grandma Wen would worry if she saw its condition, so we didn't return it directly. Instead, we told her that we were taking it to the hospital for a check-up and would bring it back once it recovered.

MC: (smiles softly) Do you remember what you said the last time we took Baby to the hospital?

Lucien: Hm?

MC: You said that despite its many escapades, Grandma Wen never considered keeping it indoors and always let it go out to play.

Lucien: I remember, if it were up to me, I wouldn't let this little cat run wild everywhere.

I pick up the cat teaser toy and start playing with the little cat, swinging it on and off.

MC: As soon as we mentioned taking a family photo, Grandma Wen immediately thought of bringing the cat along.

MC: It's clear that in Grandma Wen's heart, it's her most important family member.

MC: That's how it is among family members. No matter how worried or concerned we are, we still want the other person to be happy and do what they want to do.

Lucien: ….Our Great Producer has something to say and found a good way to start the conversation.

Noticing that I had a hidden agenda, Lucien had already guessed what it was.

Lucien: Grandma Wen already told you, didn't she?

MC: Right before the makeup session, Grandma Wen pulled me aside in a corner to talk.

MC: She said that you've been to the Matchmaker's Temple alone several times before and also visited her along the way.

I sigh meaningfully.

MC: Professor Lucien, have you encountered a problem that materialism* can't solve?

-

[T/N: Materialism in this context is more of a philosophical belief that only physical matter exists and that everything can be explained through the physical world and natural laws.]

-

Lucien leans back leisurely on the sofa, wearing only a light smile.

Baby rolls over under his palm, purring contentedly.

Lucien: Gods don't solve problems. I'm a researcher, and I still have to uphold certain principles.

Lucien: But when it comes to matters of the heart, it's just too complicated... variables abound, and there's no optimal solution.

Lucien: So, I often wonder if a certain little fool occasionally worries about me or gets angry for me. Is it because I haven't done well enough?

He lifts the corner of his eyebrows, seeming not to be troubled by this matter, just candidly sharing his feelings.

The unbridled sunlight streams through the curtains, illuminating the tenderness in his eyes with exceptional clarity.

Lucien: Questions without answers are better left to metaphysics.

Lucien: Even if the problem doesn't get solved, you can still find some comfort in it to some extent.

As Lucien speaks, he no longer plays with Baby. The cat feels neglected and keeps nudging Lucien's palm with its head.

I stroke its fluffy head and realize that it's been a very long time since the first time I saw this cat with Lucien in the wheat field.

Some things probably don't have answers in either science or metaphysics; the experiences of life are what will eventually reveal the truth.

MC: Lucien, do you know what Grandma Wen just said to me?

Lucien: Tell me.

MC: She told me that a person's life is too short. In the blink of an eye, it's five years, and then another blink, it's ten years.

MC: That's how she and her husband lived their lives, bickering and muddling through, and they ended up spending their whole lifetime together.

MC: Looking back, the bumps in the road and trivial matters along the way don't hold much significance compared to being able to harmoniously live together for a lifetime.

Lucien straightens up, seeing that there's no one around, and then suddenly leans down to place a kiss on my forehead.

The warm sunshine reflects in his eyes as he looks at me. He smiles a little and casually picks up the kitty, holding it in his arms as if nothing happened.

Lucien: Grandma Wen is right.

-

[Part 4]

After the lighting technician adjusts the lighting, Lucien and I stand in the corner of the photography studio.

Grandma Wen sits on the mahogany bench, spreading her husband's Chángshān flat across her lap. The photographer holds Baby and places it on the Chángshān.

The naturally mischievous cat is being incredibly well-behaved at this moment. No matter how the photographer handles it, it's willing to cooperate and even knows how to look at the camera.

Photographer: Grandma, please reach out your hand and gently touch the cat's head—yes, that's right, just a natural touch will do.

Photographer: This cat is so well-behaved, cooperative and calm.

Grandma Wen: Good Baby, I'll make you some fish to eat when we get back tonight.

Photographer: Grandma, let's maintain this pose and take two more shots.

Lucien gazes at the scene before him, momentarily lost in thought.

Lucien: From the first time we entered her house, I noticed that there were no photos of her and her husband displayed in her home.

Lucien: Upon careful inquiry, I discovered that they had indeed never taken any photos together.

Lucien: ...Two people spending a lifetime together is something worth commemorating. They should have had a photo together.

After he says that, he turns his head slightly and whispers in my ear.

Lucien: Thanks to the producer's help, at least Grandma Wen has a family portrait now, regardless of the circumstances.

For a moment, I'm unsure of what to say.

He's truly humble for someone who has doubted his understanding of love.

—--------------------------------------------------------

After the shoot, Lucien and I accompanied Grandma Wen back the same way we came.

Grandma Wen: Stay for dinner. You two don't be so polite…

Grandma Wen: I feel bad that both of you have been busy all day. Having a meal together is no big deal, just a few extra pairs of chopsticks.

We don't want her to have to deal with cooking after a long day of photoshoots, so we politely decline.

Lucien: Grandma, it's still early. MC and I plan to visit the Matchmaker Temple, so we won't stay.

Lucien: You've had a long day today. Remember to rest well.

MC: Yes, Grandma. After the photos are developed, I'll bring them to you right away. We'll have the meal you promised then.

Grandma Wen didn't insist on keeping us any longer, but she promised that the next time we visit, we must stay for a meal. We quickly nodded in agreement.

—--------------------------------------------------------

On the way to the Matchmaker Temple, the sun gradually sets, casting a beautiful array of evening colors between the trees and stone steps. It's hard for anyone walking through this scenery not to feel relaxed.

MC: It's quite rare for this place to be this peaceful.

Lucien: Festivals have yet to happen recently, so there are very few tourists. The Matchmaker God can take a break too.

MC: With no incense burning at the Matchmaker Temple, does it mean that everyone hasn't been facing relationship difficulties? It seems like a good thing, doesn't it?

Lucien: (shushes and whispers) Shhh... with a troubling view like that, you might upset the Matchmaker God. Be careful not to displease him.

I can't help but laugh at his teasing, and I also find his words reasonable. I quickly pull Lucien to pay respects to the Matchmaker and offer incense.

I hope that the Matchmaker is understanding and doesn't take my words to heart.

After offering incense and making a donation, Lucien and I found a couple of chairs inside the temple and sat down. We plan to watch the sunset for a while and leave when the temple closes.

The faint scent of sandalwood here blends with the natural aroma of the forest, creating a tranquil and enduring atmosphere that instantly soothes the heart. I lean closer to Lucien and ask softly.

MC: Lucien, what wishes did you make when you came here alone before? Have any of them come true?

Lucien bends slightly, brushing away a cluster of dandelion seeds that accidentally caught onto his shirt cuff. He then leisurely curves his lips into a smile.

Lucien: I don't even remember the specific wishes I made anymore.

Lucien: They were probably just about small things, like planning to meet up but then having something come up at the research institute, causing me to break the appointment.

Lucien: Another example is when I promise to sleep well, but then accidentally stay up for a few nights and get caught by you.

Lucien: (laughs softly)....

Lucien: Now that I think about it, they were indeed all trivial matters, and you've always been very understanding.

Lucien lifts his gaze, meeting my eyes.

Lucien: Although we quickly forget these minor disagreements.

Lucien: But occasionally, I do pay attention to these little disagreements that fill our lives. After all, even the smallest things have their own meaning.

I can't help but let my lips curl up slowly, and Lucien lifts his chin, revealing a somewhat helpless expression.

Lucien: It's evident that the Great Producer is very pleased with my introspection.

MC: …..Pfft, not exactly 'very'.

MC: I'm just marveling at how Professor Lucien sets such astonishingly high standards for himself.

MC: It seems like I don't reflect on my actions much when I make you angry... But from today on, I'll try to change that.

Lucien: [chuckles] It's okay.

Lucien changes the topic, and a smile spreads in his eyes.

Lucien: Now that I think about it, these little bumps and trivial matters aren't really that important.

He takes a knot from his pocket and hands it to me. The way the knot is tied resembles the peace knot that Grandma Wen had taught me before, but the weaving method seems more intricate.

Lucien: This is a knot that Grandma Wen taught me to weave as a special thank you for us.

Lucien: She also said that the name of this knot is yí shì yíjiā (宜室宜家).

Lucien: Today, it seems like I have a clearer understanding of the meaning of this word.

-

[T/N: 宜室宜家 is a Chinese idiom that means "live harmoniously; make a harmonious and orderly home." It is often used as a congratulatory message on a wedding. The idiom comes from a line in the poem "Tao Yao" in the Book of Songs, which reads, "之子于归，宜其室家" (the son is returning home, where he should live harmoniously with his wife and make a harmonious and orderly home). And it fits with the date theme of living harmoniously together for a lifetime despite all the small bumps🥺.]

-

Suddenly, my heart feels soft, and I take a small step closer to Lucien's shoulder. I pick up my phone and open the front camera.

I put both of us in the frame.

The setting sun casts a gentle glow behind us, and the breeze is light, creating a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere.

MC: The sunset today looks beautiful. Let's take a photo together.

MC: 3, 2, 1–

My trailing voice fades away in the warm breath as Lucien lowers his head and kisses me.

----------------------------------------------------------

[Bonus Call - "Family Portrait"]

Lucien: Hello, it's me. I have some good news to tell you.

MC: What is it?

Lucien: Didn't you put Grandma Wen's family portrait photo on the company's public social media account?

MC: Um... Grandma Wen said it was okay, so I posted it. What's the matter?

Lucien: A professor from the university recognized Grandma Wen's clothes and said he had seen the person in the photo before, right at the West Moon Street intersection.

Lucien: This professor was a photography enthusiast when he was younger, and at the time, he noticed Grandma Wen's well-dressed appearance and couldn't resist taking a photo.

Lucien: Later on, he always wanted to give the photo to Grandma Wen, but he went to West Moon Street a few times and never encountered them again.

MC: "Them?"

Lucien: Mm, that's the good news I wanted to share. The photo the professor took is a picture of Grandma Wen and her husband.

MC: That's quite a coincidence!

Lucien: There's an even greater coincidence.

Lucien: I just got my hands on this photo, and in it, Grandma Wen is holding a tiny kitten the size of her palm.

MC: Is it Baby?

Lucien: Judging by its patterns, it seems so.

Lucien: Although the photo is quite old, I've contacted a professional photo restoration expert, and if all goes well, it should be restored within about a week.

MC: So, we can bring this photo to Grandma Wen next weekend?

Lucien: Exactly. They're real family portraits, and I hope it can truly make up for her regrets.

MC: ...It's really amazing, it feels like there's something guiding us in all of this.

Lucien: Who knows, maybe it really is.

Lucien: Let's go together to get the photo restored later. I know you're eager to see it as soon as possible.

MC: Um—I'll finish up what I'm doing, and then I'll come find you right away!

--------------------------------------------------------

[Lux's Short Rambles]

I didn't expect this date to be this good huhu. It's far better than last pet date where it feels like a plot that got way longer than it should 😂. It's also nice to see old NPCs getting mentioned again. The story of Grandma Wen with her husband is touching.

The theme of spending a lifetime together, despite how short life is, never fails got my heart clenched. And I love how this date highlights what a sensitive person Lucien is (in a good way, well, most of the time). He doesn't mind her getting angry at him because he knows that she does it because she cares about him. But he also genuinely fears that she might not be happy; so he goes to the Matchmaker's Temple alone and cares about these small conflicts, believing that they also have meaning :". But in the end, such trivial things and bumps on the road don't matter compared to being able to live their whole lives together, so rather than getting caught up in minor conflicts or trivial matters along the way it's better to priotize living together harmoniously for a lifetime.

He also noticed the smallest things, like how Grandma Wen and her husband never had their photo taken together since the very first time he and MC met Grandma Wen back in S1 Chapter 9. To quote MC, for someone who claimed he doesn't understand what love is, he's truly humble; perhaps back then, he already understands what love is in his heart by loving MC.