Category: WOW

You never know what you’ll find when you buy something that’s vintage. When photographer Alex Galmeanu bought a rare 50-year-old camera off eBay, he never expected to find an exposed (but undeveloped) roll of film inside. “Of course I had it developed right away,” he wrote, “and, as a surprise again, I was able to recover 10 quite usable images, especially when considering their age.”

The photos depict a small rural wedding that took place sometime during the 1970s. They feature celebratory newlyweds and parents dressed in suits. It looks like a happy occasion with smiles all around. In addition to the people, there were also visible license plates on cars; this gave Galmeanu a place to start his sleuthing. He determined that one of the vehicles was first registered in Edinburgh, Scotland sometime between August 1973 and July 1974.

That discovery offered a big clue to who it could be. Unfortunately, the person who shipped the camera couldn’t be of much help, as they had never opened the device. So, Galmeanu took the next logical step in solving this mystery—he appealed to the internet. The story went viral in the UK media, and it’s the BBC that helped crack the case.

A man named Alastair Bremner contacted the BBC to say that his family is in those pictures. The portraits, he shared, are of his sister Kathleen’s wedding with guests on both the bride and groom’s side. And the car? It was owned by Alastair and Kathleen’s father.

You might be wondering what became of the couple. Unfortunately, they are no longer married, with the groom eventually emigrating to Australia. One mystery still remains, however. Bremner is unsure of who took these photos.

Here’s the camera that Galmeanu received, film and all:

The developed film revealed these curious pictures:

Alex Galmeanu: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Daily Mail]

The post Photographer Searches for Mystery Wedding Couple After Discovering Film in 50-Year-Old Camera appeared first on My Modern Met.

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Last year, the holiday season was set ablaze by France’s Pompiers Sans Frontières (Firefighters Without Borders) and their sizzling, stripped-down calendar. Shot for a good cause by renowned Paris-based fashion photographer Fred Goudon, the risqué calendar proved to be a popular Christmas gift—both in France and abroad. In keeping with tradition, Goudon has photographed a new crop of au naturel pin-up models for his 2018 edition: French farmers.

Showcasing alluring agriculturists from the countrysides of Champagne, Normandy, Picardie, and Provence, the calendar features shots of shirtless (and overall-less) farmers in their natural, hay-filled habitats. Some are photographed solo, while others pose with piglets, cows, and other barnyard friends. Each photograph is rendered in black-and-white and offers an au naturel look into the life France’s farmers.

On his blog, Goudon explains the motivation behind the shoot. “The French Farmers Calendar is a tribute to a profession which often lack of gratefulness,” he explains.

“All of them have lent themselves to play the game of posing in a sexy way to promote in an off-the-wall way the work and dedication with which the farmers are involved relentlessly in their hard job. We have been warmly welcomed by farm owners all over France to make this project as realistic as possible.”

If you’d like to ring in 2017 with France’s finest farmhands, you can pick up Le Calendrier des Agriculteurs on Amazon.

Fred Goudon: Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
h/t: [Design You Trust]

All images via Fred Goudon.

The post Sexy French Farmers Pose for Shirtless 2017 Calendar appeared first on My Modern Met.

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If you ever need proof that dog is man’s best friend, look no further than Instagram. The social media site has no shortage of picture-perfect pups, as many doting dog owners share snapshots of life with their four-legged friends. While some go on adventures together and others dress alike, Reagan the labradoodle and “Little Buddy”—his family’s foster child—do both.

Reagan was adopted by Oregon resident Sandi Swiridoff when he was just 11 months old. Swiridoff was overjoyed when the puppy—a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle—instantly hit it off with another special 11-month-old: her foster grandchild. “There was that instant bond,” Swiridoff told NBC News. “They just loved each other from day one.” From snuggling in bed and throwing miniature pajama parties to strolling outside and lounging by the lake, the duo does everything together—and, with their matching clothes and costumes, they do it in style.

Understandably overwhelmed with cuteness, Swiridoff began documenting their heartwarming bond on her Instagram page, Reagandoodle. Now, two years later, the account has over 125,000 followers. Its popularity has also given way to an Etsy shop, where Swiridoff will be selling her still-in-progress picture book about Reagan’s relationship with Little Buddy. The book is set to bring attention to the the importance of foster care, and proceeds will benefit Foster Parents’ Night Out, a non-profit organization. “I feel like it’s a story that needs to be told in addition to cute pictures,” Swiridoff explained. “The good that they’ve been able to do for each other, and for foster kids everywhere.”

While the book launches next year, you can currently get your labradoodle fix with a Reagan-themed calendar.

This is Reagan the dog and his “Little Buddy.”

They do everything together.

They even coordinate outfits…

…and costumes.

Though Reagan likes to dress up on his own, too.

Reagandoodle: Website | Instagram | Etsy
h/t: [The Daily Mail]

All images via Reagandoodle.

The post 3-Year-Old Boy Forms Adorable Friendship With Foster Family’s Dog appeared first on My Modern Met.

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The beauty of the written word is once again heralded in an incredible project by 33-year-old artist Tünzale Memmedzade. The Azerbaijani painter spent three years painstakingly transcribing the Quran onto sheets of transparent black silk. The result is a beautifully crafted religious text that demonstrates both devotion and patience.

Memmedzade embarked on the project after learning that the Quran had never previously been transcribed on silk. She set to work on 11.4″ x 13″ sheets of delicate silk, using a total of 164 feet for the finished Quran. A little more than three pints of silver and gold ink flow across the pages, with the text based on the version released from the Diyanet, the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs.

The lavish calligraphy reminds us of the incredible tradition of Islamic art, something which is also being celebrated at the Smithsonian Museum’s Sackler Gallery. As the first major exhibition of Qurans in the United States, The Art of the Qur’an: Treasures from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts has more than 60 manuscripts on display. On until January 20, 2017, it celebrates the tradition of the intricately written and decorated Quran—a tradition that continues today, as Memmedzade’s project proves.

via [Reddit, Imgur]

The post Artist Spends 3 Years Hand-Painting the Quran in Gold on 164 Feet of Black Silk appeared first on My Modern Met.

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Drawing duo Lingvistov explores the kind-of-annoying-but-totally-endearing habits of dogs through a series of whimsical illustrations. The artists maintain that “nothing can make your day better, sunnier and more special than a portion of good humor and funny pictures.” As such, they create drawings that feature the humorous habits of our four-legged friends, from their uncanny ability to convince us that our food is actually their food to their constant need to go outside (and inside . . . and outside again . . .).

Founded in 2012, the creative collaboration combines the artistic and linguistic talents of language teachers Landysh and Asia. Specializing in delightful doodles and lighthearted illustrations, Lingvistov puts a silly spin on what really matters, like love, sleep, and now dogs. Drawn by Landysh, the twosome’s resident doodler, each pooch-related picture features the simple, stylized illustrations, cheerful, bright colors, and cheeky captions characteristic of Lingvistov’s cards, prints, and books.

Just in time for the new year, Lingvistov has compiled the cute comics into a quirky calendar, “because no matter what time of year it is, your dog is there to love you.” Printed on A4 paper and featuring a different drawing for each month, the calendar is an adorable way to watch the (dog) days go by. And, if you’re more of a cat person, you’re in luck—there’s a kitty calendar, too.

You can shop more silly products in Lingvistov’s online store.

Lingvistov: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
via [Upworthy]

All images via Lingvistov.

The post Charming Comics Illustrate How Dogs Are the Best in the Funniest Ways appeared first on My Modern Met.

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Though designer Rafael Esquer has lived in New York City for 20 years, he’s still in awe of its bright lights and buzzing nightlife. As the founder of Alfalfa Studio, a branding and graphic design house based in Lower Manhattan, he creates pieces inspired by his enlightening experiences in the Big Apple. His latest project, a shimmering map entitled Iconic New York Illuminated, captures the magic of Manhattan after dark.

While Esquer was raised in Mexico, he studied in California before moving to New York City. Like many transplants, he was immediately mesmerized by the metropolis’ luminescence. “I was an undergraduate visiting from California, and arrived late in the evening,” he told Designboom. “Like most people, I found the city’s lights exhilarating, but they did even more for me: I felt enveloped and connected in their glow, instantly a part of the city. I knew right then that I would live here.” As a branding expert, Esquer decided to design a stand-out souvenir that—unlike New York’s ho-hum selection of Lady Liberty headbands and cliché “I Heart NY” shirts—captured the electric energy of the city that never sleeps.

Iconic New York Illuminated offers a nighttime glimpse of New York City’s most populated borough. Set against a black background and featuring shimmering foils and 4 different metallic inks, the spectacular map is reminiscent of a Klimt masterpiece—though its hand-rendered graphics are undeniably contemporary. With its dense, minutely detailed design, Iconic New York Illuminated manages to point out an impressive amount of highlights, including: 28 buildings, 23 celebrities, 20 media outlets, 12 cultural institutions, 11 urban legends, 10 writers, 8 sports teams, 3 superheroes, and even 1 saint. In addition to its luminous landmarks, world-famous monuments, and tried-and-true tourist attractions, the poster highlights the bustling borough’s most beloved eccentricities, from pizza-rat in the East Village to a $10,000 Midtown martini garnished with diamonds.

Esquer first toyed with Manhattan mapmaking in 2013 when he created Iconic New York. While strikingly similar to Iconic New York Illuminated, the prototype featured fewer landmarks, more color, and a dazzling daytime view of the borough. You can pick up both magnificent maps through Alfalfa Studio’s online shop.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ompqN5SA4hY]

Alfalfa Studio: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
via [Designboom]

All images via Alfalfa Studio.

The post Klimt-Inspired Golden Map of Manhattan Celebrates the Bright Lights of New York at Night appeared first on My Modern Met.

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Photographer Martin Usborne has always had a deep connection with animals, which shines through in his moving series titled The Silence of Dogs in Cars. There’s a dark, cinematic quality to his work that simultaneously captures the heartbreaking image of a dog hopelessly waiting for his human and offers a deeper look at their rich emotional spectrum of a beloved animal—one that mirrors the complex, sentimental range of human beings.

The series is inspired by an experience that Usborne had as a child. “I was once left in a car at a young age. I don’t know when or where or for how long, possibly at the age of four, perhaps outside a supermarket, probably for fifteen minutes only,” Usborne explains. “The details don’t matter. The point is that I wondered if anyone would come back. The fear I felt was strong: in a child’s mind it is possible to be alone forever. Around the same age I began to feel a deep affinity with animals—in particular their plight at the hands of humans.”

The Silence of Dogs in Cars toys with fear of abandonment, something we all have felt, using dogs to mirror our own wide range of reactions—fear, resignation, anger, aggression, sadness. “What I didn’t expect,” Usborne admits, “was to see so many subtle reactions by the dogs: some sad, some expectant, some angry, some dejected. It was as if upon opening up a box of gray-colored pencils I was surprised to see so many shades inside.”

At the same time, Usborne’s work has an edgy sense of humor. In one image, a Dalmatian elegantly sits in the back seat, as if waiting for her chauffeur to arrive, while in another a pooch hunches forward in the driver’s seat, ready to put pedal to the metal. He honors them as intrepid animals, capable of emotion on a deep level. This love and respect permeates all of Usborne’s work, including the year he spent trying to rescue as many animals as possible and his newest project honors Spanish hunting dogs.

This particular series has garnered great support through crowdfunding and is now a published book with over 45 images. It is currently available on Amazon.

Martin Usborne: Website | Facebook
via [Arpeggia]

All images via Martin Usborne.

The post Emotionally Honest Portraits of Dogs Looking Out of Car Windows appeared first on My Modern Met.

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For photographer Jordan Matter, humans have always been a subject of fascination. Even after accumulating multiple accolades, filming headshots for countless celebrities, and having his work featured on major media outlets such as the Today Show and the BBC, Matter demonstrates that there is always more of humanity to discover and celebrate. In his previous best-selling books Dancers Among Us and Uncovered, Matter ventured into themes of vulnerability, fearlessness, and the raw beauty of the human body. In his most recent project titled Dancers After Dark, Matter further pushes the boundaries of the human form, and it’s through these stunning images that he encourages his readers to, “Say yes! Embrace the risks and opportunities that life presents!”

You can view images from Dancers After Dark below and watch interviews with the subjects, below, as well as behind-the-scenes footage from the photo shoot locations. We also had a chance to speak with Matter and learn more about the inspirations behind his current series, the filming process amidst such unique environments, and the ideas he hopes to convey through his sensational works. Scroll down to read our exclusive interview.

Before Dancers After Dark you had extreme success with New York Times best-seller, Dancers Among Us. How did you initially become interested in photographing dancers?

I was drawn to dancers because of their athleticism and how dynamic I could make the photograph. I played baseball in college and I felt like I was taking what I did as an athlete and combining it with my work as a photographer. And once I started to work with dancers I started to realize how much more athletic they are than your average athlete. There are a lot of parallels between the self-discipline and repetition training, and the idea of not giving up.

What brought about the particular settings you chose to shoot in, for Dancers After Dark?

There’s a lot of vulnerability in these photos. They’re real, they really happened. They’re really illegal and we were very open to the elements. To the police, the passersby’s, everything. And yet over 300 dancers volunteered from some of the top dance companies in the world, all over Europe and America. And that says a lot about their willingness to put themselves at risk because they understood that this book was going to be a celebration of them and their hard work, dedication, passion and fearlessness. And that’s why they were willing to do it.

What is the overarching themes or messages you hope to share with these incredibly raw and stunning series of photos?

The purpose of Dancers After Dark is to celebrate the extremely hard work and tenacity it takes to be successful at anything. And if you see a dancer’s body, you see etched into their muscles thousands upon thousands of hours of the training it took to get there. They are a living embodiment of what we all strive for, which is single-minded focus towards a passion and I wanted to celebrate that. Another big element is the fearlessness. In order to pursue a career as a dancer you really have to be fearless. There’s not a lot of monetary reward, there’s no guarantee of success, and your career ends when you’re very young. And yet, you go for it anyway and put in every ounce of physical and emotional energy you have into pursuing your passion.

My favorite quote in life is “Leap and the net will appear.” And that is completely embodied in this work. We got out there and we took a risk, we didn’t know what were going to get. All these photographs are a combination of spontaneous and serendipitous moments. The fearlessness is embodied in these images.

How did the dancers prepare themselves for the photoshoots in the public?

They knew in concept they would be taking their clothes off, and that’s all they knew. In every single photograph you are seeing them have this experience for the first time in their lives. When I did Dancers Among Us, a lot of those dancers had been photographed before. This has never been done before. Not only do you have the vulnerability of just being naked, which in itself is very revealing and raw, but then to put them in a very public setting and to have to do it repeated times to get the photos right, all the while worrying if the police are going to come and stop us or if the public is going to come and scream at us, it was an extremely vulnerable position. But what was fascinating is that once they would get into the moment and start posing, they then became a performer on stage. They were calm and relaxed. And as soon as it was over they were crazy again.

Your photo shoots span across multiple cities in Europe and the US. What was it like to film in these open, crowded, urban settings?

The filming process and the reactions from the public depended on the night. There were times when people were respectful. But the reactions were also not always what you would predict. For example, the city where I had the most passersby getting upset and angry at us was Paris. On multiple occasions, we had beer bottles thrown at us and angry rants and threats for the simple fact that we were shooting nude photos. Whereas somewhere like Berlin, Germany where you might expect to be a little more conservative, they were very open-minded and cool about the process. There’s one photo in the book on the very last page, it’s not a dance photo, it’s a photo of all of them running into position. And that shows you what the scene was really like seconds before the picture was taken.

This series has been immensely successful and well received. What are you working on next?

I am incredibly proud of Dancers After Dark and I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. The next book I’m working on is about tiny dancers, kids. And once again that is going to celebrate not only childhood, but the incredible work these kids and their parents put in. These kids often work 6 hours a day, are homeschooled, and they drive all to competitions. It’s not an easy life. But they are dedicated to it and it is their passion.

Here’s Dancers After Dark behind the scenes:

[vimeo 185233831 w=750 h=422]

[vimeo 193093296 w=750 h=422]

Jordan Matter: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Vimeo
Dancers After Dark: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Jordan Matter.

The post Interview: Fearless Dancers Bare All to Strike Vibrant Poses Under City Lights appeared first on My Modern Met.

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The 2017 Pirelli Calendar is continuing last year’s tradition of celebrating women beyond glitz and glamour with pared down images by German photographer Peter Lindbergh. The legendary photographer is the first to helm the project three times and titled the series of black and white shots Emotional. Shot in five different cities, Lindbergh asked 14 famed actresses to participate in his vision—Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Helen Mirren, Julianne Moore, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlotte Rampling, Lea Seydoux, Uma Thurman, Alicia Vikander, Kate Winslet, Robin Wright, and Zhang Ziyi.

“In a time when women are represented in the media and everywhere else, as ambassadors of perfection and youth, I thought it was important to remind everyone that there is a different beauty, more real and truthful and not manipulated by commercial or any other interests, a beauty which speaks about individuality, courage to be yourself and your own private sensibility…” Lindbergh shares. Through his images, he shows us that the meaning of beauty is far beyond what we see in mass media, where youth and perfection is prized. And in reality, what Lindbergh shows us is that perfection is not about an ideal body, but about the raw, stripped down emotional core within.

The calendar isn’t limited to studio shoots, but also open-air moments with the women in London, New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, and on a beach in France. Lindbergh purposely chose actresses that have had an important role in his life, feeling that this would allow him to capture them closely. Nicole Kidman was the first to shoot, and Lindbergh could immediately feel his concept was working.

“I think it’s amazing to look at someone like Nicole Kidman in a totally different way. It’s a sensational experience to look at someone who’s looking at you through the camera, and to form a direct bond with them—it was a unique experience, unlike anything I’d had before,” he recalls. “When, after an hour or two of shooting, Nicole turned to me and said: ‘I don’t know why I’m having so much fun… no one has ever photographed me like this… no one has ever seen this part of me and it’s really beautiful’, she captured the essence of what I was trying to do with the 2017 Pirelli Calendar. I wanted to portray women not in terms of their perfection, but through their feelings and emotions. That’s why I called this edition of the Calendar Emotional: not some artificial perfection, but the real world and the emotions that well up behind the faces of these women.”

Pirelli has launched a website with exclusive content, including interviews and behind-the-scenes videos for more insight into the 2017 calendar. And while the exclusive calendar is not available to the public, a 50th anniversary publication collects all the images from Pirelli calendars up to 2015.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LRgzaeyAzg?rel=0&showinfo=0]

Pirelli: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Pirelli.

The post 2017 Pirelli Calendar Celebrates the Natural Beauty of Beloved Actresses appeared first on My Modern Met.

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