Scott Schuman: The Sartorialist

It repeatedly occurred that some photography colleagues of mine used my computer, and inevitably, after looking around my internet browser for a while, noticed that I have the Sartorialist blog as a bookmark. Enter the patronising look and the saucy undertone: "The Sartorialist, eh...?" With just a few words, they make clear what they think: Scott Schuman's street fashion photography is unworthy. In their eyes this little cretin of a blog by a rich guy who shoots whoever he wants and still is not more than a puppet of the devouring fashion industry, shouldn't be anywhere near an aspiring young documentary photographer's bookmarks.
But give me, and him, a break, people!
Sure, that blog is a bit of weird place. Schuman seems to be one of the privileged people who has unlimited access to fashion shows, expensive shops, and industry connections. Yes, he is one of those who think that a jacket for $149 is "cheap". Given the popularity of his blog, he is certainly one of the main players in fashion when it comes to dictating taste and trends. He rolls along with the rich, splendid and spoiled - not everybody's cup of tea.

But when it comes down to his pictures, it is a different thing. The pictures on his blog are nice, simple as that. They look good. They have nice colours, good lighting, interesting framing and setting. You cannot deny that Schuman is a talented photographer, and he's got a good eye. Also, most important to me, he is very open in what he photographs. He doesn't go for one type of people, he is interested in many different styles and self expressions. Therefore, you can sometimes find a "gem" on his blog: A character who captures you, who makes you look twice. It is a wonderful resource when I'm on my regular hunt for gender expressions in photography - because there are these androgynous, playful subjects, and Schuman snaps them so well.
So don't judge me on my bookmarks. You never know what you'll find.

All images by Scott Schuman, found on The Sartorialist.