Richard Neutra’s VDL Research House II

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

. . . . . . . .

–
–
While I was in Los Angeles, I visited Richard Neutra’s VDL House II in Silverlake. They give short tours on Saturdays and the house is open to the public. It was a highlight of the trip for me — the woman who gave me a tour was enthusiastic and so knowledgeable about Neutra and his work, and the way the house functioned as his laboratory for other architecture designs. It’s a stunning accomplishment and it’s visible even though certain parts of the house are closed for repairs (other areas of the house are in desparate need of refurbishment). I was inspired by the economy of space and the lines & forms throughout the house. Not to mention the way Neutra built the home to bring the outside in, and the inside out. Small things – like the height of the windows – ensured privacy while affording a pleasing view at the same time. I love thoughtful design like this, so it was great to see its application in person.

You can read much more about the history of the house and Neutra’s work on the Neutra VDL website.  I highly recommend a Saturday tour if you’re in the area, too.

David & Kate

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
. . . . . . . .

–
–
Through my friends Garrett & Christine, while I was in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to hang out with David Kitz and Kate Brien. David is an artist and photographer (and musician -ed.) whose work I’ve admired for a while. It was great to see their living space and inspiring studio – in particular, David showed me some of his new work (pictured above on the wall). I also saw where and how he makes his popular L-Lamps, pictured in the last photo (I want one).

I took some photos and thought I’d share them here … big thanks to David & Kate for showing me around and I’m looking forward to the next time we can hang.

PWF

. . . . . .

People often ask me, “how did your parents react when you told them you were leaving your job as a lawyer to pursue photography full-time?!”

I think they expect that my parents freaked out and worried I was making a bad decision, etc. etc.

But truthfully, they could not be more supportive of my endeavors (photographic or otherwise). They always have been.

My dad is a rational person – he thinks methodically, he’s practical and he has a lot of common sense. He asked me about financial plans – whether I had saved some money, how I planned to handle student debt, etc. But once he asked me those questions and got the business out of the way, he could not have been more excited for me.

And he has continued to be one of my biggest supporters and fans; I often joke that I should pay him to be my PR agent (if only I had saved up more money, Dad… ha!). He tells his clients & friends about my work, proudly showing them my photos and sharing my website.

I am a very lucky guy to have his constant love & support.

Today is his 60th birthday and I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge that milestone and to thank him, publicly. He is a big reason I’m where I am at today.

Happy 60th birthday, Dad!

The Soft Wave

. . . . . .

This morning, I felt the need to create something and just play around – for my own benefit. So I made the mosaic above with some iPhone photos taken in California. More of this to come.

Tequan

–
–
. . . . . . . .
–
–

Actor Tequan Richmond photographed in Los Angeles recently for Aritzia.

New work: Tequan Richmond for Aritzia

–
–

–
–
. . . . . .
–
–
While I was in Los Angeles, Aritzia commissioned me to photograph the actor Tequan Richmond.

In his most recent role, Tequan plays Lee Boyd Malvo (the younger of the two DC-area snipers from 2002) in the new film “Blue Caprice”, which premiered at Sundance this year to rave reviews.

See the full feature and photos on Aritzia HERE.
–
–
. . .
–
–
By the way: I’d love to shoot more portraits this year. Please get in touch if you have an assignment or commission!

My Apartment on Sight Unseen

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
. . . . . .

–
–

Sight Unseen is one of my favorite places on the web, so it was a huge honor when they contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in an apartment visit. In January, they came by my Brooklyn apartment and I showed them around the place, taking stuff out of drawers and talking about my work and my stuff.

You can see the full feature on the Sight Unseen website today. Thanks to Monica and Jill for such a thoughtful, flattering write-up and for asking me to be involved with their amazing site.

Hope you enjoy!

From the Archives

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
. . . . .
–
–
I was going through my archives tonight for another project and found the black & white photos above, which I never shared.  I think I took them last May.

. . .

Major black & white inspiration right now: Koto Bolofo’s photos for the new Margaret Howell SS13 campaign.  Woo-eee.

Published: March issue of Bon Appétit

. . . . .

An editorial I photographed for Bon Appétit is out now — it’s in the March issue (“Fast, Easy, Fresh”).

Food styling by the incredible Simon Andrews and prop styling by the talented Amy Wilson.

California, February

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
. . . . . .
–
–
When I arrived back at home last night, almost 19 days later, I felt different. Going away for a long time does that to me. It’s like I hit the “reset” button. It wasn’t a vacation (I was working almost every day) and it wasn’t the sort of reset that comes with leisure time and relaxation. But it was great to see new things, meet new people, hang with old friends, drive down roads hugging seaside cliffs, eat at a new place, learn new things, and get out of my comfort zone.

The photos above are some digital photos I took in CA – I have a lot of film to be developed and processed in the coming weeks, but I wanted to share these in the meantime.

It is good to be home, even if it’s dreary and gray here today. Something about sleeping in your own bed after an extended trip…

Also! If you would like me to make a print of any of the photos above, then please get in touch for pricing and other details — selling even a few prints would really help me to cover the costs of my trip (some travel expenses as well as personal film costs). In fact, if there are any photos that you would like printed from California over the coming weeks, then the same offer stands – get in touch to discuss purchasing a print.

Email: brianwferry (at) gmail (dot) com

. . .

Lots more from California soon. I’m excited to get back to posting here regularly.