Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend! Now that it is officially summer, it's all about the beach for those who live close, but when you can't make it to the sand...there is always the pool. And, lets be honest, a great pool is nothing to scoff at, as it can be just as beautiful and indulgent as the waves.
Fun fact - Though the beach is alluring, my obsession with sun drenched aerial images actually started with pools.
My first aerial concept began without me knowing it while I was on a hotel balcony. I had a bird’s eye view directly down on the swimming pool below. It was packed with people and the sun was lighting it up beautifully. I just loved how playful the perspective was.
Six months later, I was at the Art Basel Art Fair in Miami and asked a bunch of hotels if I could go on their roofs to photograph their pools. When they said no, I found a helicopter rental service in the Miami area. I started shooting the swimming pools again, and then noticed the uniform patterns of thechairs and umbrellason the beach from above. Almost instantly, I became really drawn to that. The next three months that followed, I went to Kauai in Hawaii, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, Australia, and then we continued on to Europe.
Regardless of how many beaches I photograph, I will always hold a special place for the pool. So without much further ado, I invite you to stay cool this summer and take a dip into gorgeous pools around the world. Sometimes ya need a break from the salt and sand at the beach, so what are you waiting for? Dive in!
First up, Miami! I love Miami. The Art Deco architecture and vintage vibe is undeniable. The pools from above are really fantastic, too as they tow the line between vintage glamour and modern aesthetics.
Travel tip -Without a doubt my favorite hotel pool in Miami is at theThe Raleighhotel in South Beach. If you aren't staying at the hotel, make sure to stop by the pool for a drink or lunch. It's a must-see!
Next up -Aqua Glam, which was a bit of a departure from my aerial series. It focuses onsome of the most beautiful pools in Los Angeles as well as the incredible Aqualillies.
I especially loved shooting at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, where the pool was designed by the acclaimed architect, Julia Morgan, who also designed this famous pool at Hearst Castle.
Then of course, there are the pools down under, in Australia. Icebergs Pool of Bondi Beach and the Bronte Baths are unbelievable. Theirproximity to the ocean really make them a special site to to see!
And now, in no particular order, here are a few photographs of what I like to call my "happy accidents."Theyare the pools I stumbled upon during some of my beach aerial shoots.
Grace Hotel Pool - Greek Isles
Last but certainly not least, my most recent pool photography series, aptly named Poolside, Mediterranean.
Inspired by the Mediterranean glamour of the 1960s, this series was shot along the coast of Spain at the Le Meridean Ra hotel pool. Designing inner-tubes that represent a modern take of classic lifesavers, the chic nostalgia of this pool staple becomes new again with a neon-hued revamp shot atop the pristine pool waters of this beautiful resort pool.
Synonymous with the bronzing bodies under the Mediterranean sun, Poolside evokes the splendor of living the 1960s jet-set lifestyle. It invites you to sit back and enjoy "the life."
I hope you all enjoyed this celebration of the sparkling pools around the world! For more, be sure to check out this week's brand new, Pool Shop.
Cheers!
xx
GM