“sometimes the biggest mistakes are the best works of art…” –Richard Israel
It seemed to be the perfect quote by Richard to start our morning together, as I snapped images of him in his natural, authentic state. He’s a man with style. A style reflected in his art of photography. He blends his artistic eye with a classic approach and that’s what makes his art so special, and so desirable. Richard’s European, masculine fashion sense leaves me in utter “awwww”. Take this ensemble for instance – ascot coupled with denim on denim. Fantastically clever.
Not only is he an ingenious photographer and Charlotte’s best male dresser, but he’s a kind soul who believes in anyone who is willing to share their “art” with the world.
Thank you, Richard for allowing me the opportunity to photograph you and share your style on my blog. And thank you for continuing to inspire others and myself through your beautiful work. I’m thankful that Charlotte won you.
So without further adieu, I give to you the always enchanting…Richard Israel
In his words…
I was born and raised in London, England, at the age of fifteen I was thrust into the world of fashion and rock and roll when I started my apprenticeship with Vidal Sassoon which at that time was “The” hair salon in the world. I shampooed the hair of rock stars, movie stars, assisted one of London’s premier session stylists and worked with world famous models, including Grace Coddington who is now American Vogue’s Creative Director and famous photographers and all this at the tender age of sixteen. I continued my career at Vidal Sassoon for 18 years working and living in Milan, Los Angeles and doing hair shows around the world.
In 1982 I got the photography bug and that was it, no more hair for Richard, after building my portfolio and working in Europe I somehow landed at Charlotte Douglas airport in 1989 to shoot a beauty campaign and never left. After shooting many fashion stories for national bridal magazines I fell into wedding photography and never looked back, I still shoot fashion, beauty and editorial portraits alongside my weddings, I consider myself a photographer who photographs weddings as opposed to being a wedding photographer, there is a big difference. …cont’d
I like classic with a little twist, denim with an ascot being a good example, I enjoy wearing a variety of hats. My favorite designers are Paul Smith, Billy Reid and aspire to be dressed by Dege and Skinner.
I’m wearing: Jeans by Paper, Denim and Cloth, Shirt by American Eagle, Ascot purchased online, Shoes, The Seattle Shoe by Ecco, Hat, by Retro.
…cont’d
Likes: Real Photography (according to my definition), Real food, Interested people , The South, The Clash, String Music, West Ham United, Chicken Livers, Fried Okra
Dislikes: Bland, Generic, Rented clothing, Chain restaurants, Pretentious food, Khakis
That’s Richard… “The” Israel.
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