ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Savanna Michelle in Sherry Hill. Shot with 4x5 black and white Kodak film in vein of classic fashion photography (inspired by Irving Penn, Richard Avedon)

AUTHOR
Charles Lugtu is a photographer based in San Diego, California primarily focusing on photographic portraiture, fashion and glamour, and digital art. Inspired by fashion photography legends such as Richard Avedon, Edward Steichen, Annie Leibovitz and Herb Ritts, Charles bring traditional concepts to his portraiture and glamour work while blending abstract elements to engage the viewer throughout the entire image. Charles enjoys photographing with both digital and analog processes and believes in capturing imagery with whatever tools a photographer can get their hands on.

Personal message on recent work:

My recent work involving people modeling in vandalized structures such as graffiti, broken down areas and signs of humanity defacing their own structures is a theme I’ve been calling “Fashion//Vandalism.” It is a more gritty and edgy take on “fashion/magazine quality photography” to an almost “anti-fashion photography” style. Outfits have varied greatly, and it is somewhat a personal message. The aim has been primarily to show a model boldly present in a grungy, vandalized area atypical from most modern fashion photography. It combines the commercial elements of fashion, glamour and portraiture while incorporating abstract elements with the graffiti backgrounds. It is shot with all natural light. I am constantly and consistently building up this newer style and work in hopes to make it to print whether it would be in a magazine, my own photography book or even in an exhibition. Today I continue being determined, motivated and inspired by art as I continuously discover new ideas for subject matter while reinventing myself with what I have already photographed. The possibilities are endless.

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