Art Imitating Album Art

I’ve been in love with the idea of imitating some of my favorite album art in photographs for a long time, and the last week or so has me really starting to consider whether or not I could pull it off. The ideal end result (I’m a wee bit ambitious on this, it would definitely take a very long time and lots of help from friends) would include 25 or so photographs, bound in a book (Qoop would make it easy enough) and presented as a cohesive collection. It would be a catalog of collaboration, between friends that take photographs and submit them, and others willing to pose or help with those images that might need a little lovin’ from Photoshop. (jump to read the rest of my thrilling idea.)

I’m tinkering with Cal’s idea of seeing if any of the regular readers at Swoon would be interested in either submitting or spreading the word. Or I could make a Flickr group and see if I got any worthy submissions. I’d have so much getting friends to pose for me, shop for outfits, drive around looking for locations, etc. and if I could pull it off, I’d pose for the ones that mean something to me (Tapestry as I mentioned before, would be awesome) and take as many of the photographs as I could.

I think if I could get just one or two other people actively trying to do one photo a month for a while (ha, at least a year unless more people started getting into it), I could see some good results. I already know my backup photo if Tapestry doesn’t work out, but it requires that I meet someone with badass hair (or willingness to wear a good wig) and a mustache. I think they might have to deal with a boob touching them, too (or is she in a bra?), but if we frame it right I can tape the girls down or wear saran wrap with nipple coverage over the tender parts (see how creative I can be?) to make it less embarassing - the Buckingham Nicks album.

How badass is that? I totally forgot about how badass that is until I finally took the time to update some album art in iTunes.
I can take out an ad: “Need long-haired mustache-sporting man with nicely centered chest hair to post with me topless for an art project - plz get in touch”. Uh, I might have to enlist someone I know, I don’t think I have balls enough to go through with that.

So anyway, if you ever get the urge to take a photo of yourself or someone else fully imitating some album art, please let me know!

I’m not shaving off my beard for that.

Dude, there’s got to be some hipster in Austin who already sports that ‘do, don’t you think?

I am going to have to accept the fact that most bearded men are not going to part with their stuff (especially in trade for a ’stache) for this, however much it hurts me.

HURT!

“I can tape the girls down or wear saran wrap with nipple coverage over the tender parts”

Ever practical. I’m sure that your suggestions will keep such a photoshoot from stepping over the fine, clearly demarcated line between serious art lampoonery and all nude, hard core, live action, uh, lampoonery.

Or is that some kind of bylaw in Austin? Because you might require tassles on those puppies, then.

There is no lampoonery on the agenda.

I don’t know; I have that album on vinyl, and there’s either some weird airbrushing or a body stocking going on. I was thinking of having my normal head replaced with that of a fish in order to emulate Captain Beefheart’s Trout Mask Replica.

BTW, Paige, my first 25 are up. I can already hear the howls of laughter.

Yeah it’s probably brushed. Might have been too risky for the time? Or maybe she didn’t want to be nekkid with Lindsay that day.

Oh wai

I’m going to look right now!

Ooh, i love that cover, and that album period. Count me in on your project!

YAY!