(Click to Enlarge)
Fashion photographer Christopher Ford uses mojo to get the hottest fashion shots. Ford, a Los Angeles fashion photographer, became known as “Mojo” for his uncanny ability to create a vibe or a chemistry where ever he goes. Ford picked up photography as a serious hobby in 2003 then left his legal career and moved into professional photography in 2004, establishing his namesake, fotoMOJO (www.fotomojosm.com) in San Francisco, CA. Though Ford’s work has always been inspired and influenced by fashion, he claims he isn’t himself a fashionista.
“I just recognize good fashion when I see it,” says Ford, 39 and with his own trendy style, wears spiked hair, aviator sunglasses, and a long-sleeve collared shirt, only half tucked into a pair of hip-hugging, gingham checked trousers from H&M. “But, good fashion, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.”
His style is nothing less than unique with a perspective that details color and texture, while capitalizing on dramatic shadow depth. It leaves a visceral and lasting impression that viewers connect with, and each piece of work he creates becomes a deeply personal portrait.
“Clothing is art; it has a life of its own that reflects the personality of the designer. You can feel it.” Says Ford, speaking of the method to his photographic wizardry.
(Click to Enlarge)
In early April, 2008, Ford orchestrated “Mode.électrique - A Couture Editorial”, a feature editorial exposé of The Pink Line by Baily Rose, a Denver, CO “street couture” designer (photo above). He placed four models on the rough terrain of a San Francisco Bay Area power plant to create what he pens, “a Euro-style fashion editorial with a French influence.” Ford’s science fiction creations on mode.électrique appeared in print ads and clothing labels for the line.
David Durkee (www.daviddurkee.com), long-time friend to Ford, provided production assistance for the mode.électrique project. Durkee said, “the set was brilliant, and the talent worked very hard. We traveled a distance, and it was freezing cold, but the team pulled together to bring Chris' big ideas into reality and he got the great shots.”
Driven by his passion, Ford relocated his studio to Los Angeles in September, to be closer to California’s fashion and entertainment industries. Within three weeks of his arrival, he was commissioned by celebrity fashion designer, Merlin Castell (www.merlincastell.com) to produce a set of publicity photos for the designer (featured above and below).
(Click to Enlarge)
Ford admits he has a special place in his heart for haute couture, and Castell certainly resonates in the arena. Recently featured on the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency show (Oxygen / Tuesday nights), Castell and his designs have appeared on Eye on LA, The Insider, Premier Impacto, Dancing with the Stars, on red carpets at just about every gala Hollywood event, and in print in Bello, Vicious and many others. His lavish designs are made-to-order and have been sold direct, at Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as in high-end boutiques.
"Although my clothing was first for men, women were buying it. It was amazing, so I had to move into the heavy competition, designing clothing for women," states the Honduran born designer, Castell.
In spring, Castell will launch his new clothing line which includes a dress that can be used for a formal dinner or turned into an elegant garment for a cocktail party...and you KNOW I can't wait to see that!
Castell and Ford have already begun collaborating photo shoot concepts for the Spring collection. “I am very excited to work with Merlin again, and this time, exploring his beautiful designs with my camera,” says Ford. “After only a few weeks, I’ve been commissioned by a fashion icon - that’s big, very big. The energy drives me to push harder, and it just tells me that if you really work hard, despite tragedy, the possibilities really are endless.”
Recent Comments