Wednesday
Jan252012
Lincoln Barbour
Wed, 25 Jan 2012
I have a question to pose. A question that our non US readers might be able to chime in on. I came across photographer Lincoln Barbour's portfolio and I instantly said "American". You too? Can you pick the country of a photographer like it is often possible to do with a designer or architect? (Like Jessica Helgerson who designed a couple of the rooms in these shots.) Barbour's work speaks to me of positivity and joy, aspiration and family, tradition intertwined with modern. It's light and bright and full of hope. Cheerful, upbeat and confident. It's selling the dream, confirming you've made it ... not in a trashy, money grubbing way but in a contented, loving family way. It's sunshine on a cloudy day and it's good. It's American.
Reader Comments (12)
Jo! I couldn't agree more. Just like there is a certain Swedish, Danish and even, Australian aesthetic. But with some countries it is a bit more ambitious or may be those ones are the ones I know.
It's the straightforwardness, I think. I can usually tell a British photographer, and if the details are burned out -- well!
Considering the lackluster despair so many Americans feel these days, I have to say it's nice to know that some of us are still operating out of the ethos of can-do equanimity. I hope someone saves them for seed.
LOVE! - so inspirational for my home!
Honestly I can't tell the difference from looking at photographs, unless of course malaysia is in the background etc. The exception is Scandinavian houses....all the white walls. (I used to live there)
I totally agree with your reading of the images and their feeling!
But the images are stunning and have a certain feeling of bright happiness and hope.
Hmmm... not sure I can tell where the photographer is from, I think it has more to do the designer who did the spaces. Would I be able to tell a Scandinavian house shot by a travelling American Photographer? Doubt it.
I need to get better at identifying geographic design, but regardless of where they are from, they're pretty freakin' awesome.
I could not tell the nationality of the photographer. In this case I spontanoulsy thougt (not reading your text) that it is scandinavian style in an american house. The chairs are so scandinavian! Lovely photos, no matter who took them.
I love the velvet couches! It was suggested I give that fabric a try when I reupholster and this cinches the deal!
Amei tudo, principalmente o último....Love! Congratulations on the blog.
Thanks for the nice write up and unique take on my work. I'm very flattered. And yes, I am very American :).
Most of what you posted was shot in the Pacific Northwest. There's a great interior design scene here and I think the weather has a lot to do with that. It's so grey and rainy most of the year we end up staying indoors a lot. Homeowners spend a lot time and money to make there indoor spaces something special and enjoyable.
Takes a specialist eye (and great familiarity) to discern the nationality of a photographer, I reckon, but Oregonbird made me laugh about the Brits.