You know, I just can't walk past a mirror without taking a self portrait.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Once Upon a Time In the West

This is a series I started a while ago. Here are a few of my favorites. Utah & California.
All shot w/ Leica M8. Yes I still use the M8, no need for the 8.2 upgrade, and the M9 is just too expensive.









All images copyright Peter Politanoff




Saturday, October 23, 2010

Topanga Ranch Motel


Topanga Ranch Motel
18711 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

Built in the early 20’s, to house the workers who built US 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), these 30 red & white bungalows still stand. This site received Historical status some time ago and since 2001 is a part of the Topanga State Park, with a supposed $2 million set aside recently for restoration.
The only inhabitant these days is the Park Ranger. You will not be able to stay there anytime soon. One can stop however and have a look, and while you are there enjoy a meal or a drink at the Reel Inn a very casual seafood restaurant that shares the same parking lot.










all images copyright Peter Politanoff

Monday, October 18, 2010

Excess and Over-indulgence

About 10 days ago I posted about Abstinence and Austerity, today I will take it to other extreme, Excess and Overindulgence.
This is a currently unoccupied (for sale) residence, with a great deal of the original furnishing included in the sales price. The owner after remodeling the interior, of a house with an rather nondescript exterior, then proceeded to spend in excess of $1 million on furnishings. Gold leafed furniture and some questionable art.
Not your typical family home!
Wonder what kind of parties were thrown here?

Lets start with the foyer:




Here's a shot of part of the Living room, I think a couple of throw pillows and a few plants could warm things up quite a bit.


The dining room, lacks sparkle don't you think.


The office/study, certainly a room for deep thought.


Hallway outside the Master Suite. Remember I mentioned questionable art. The sculpture is anatomically correct and robotic to boot, it was plugged in but I was reluctant to ask the realtor to turn it on. And to answer what your are probably thinking, yes I did get better shots of this. Makes for a great screen saver. 


Master Bedroom, some Regent is rolling over in grave out of envy no doubt.


My second favorite piece is this chair. I'll let you guess which my first choice is.


And of course no series would be complete without Me and a Mirror.


Now I my like Versace, but a little restraint goes a long way.

All images copyright Peter Politanoff 

Friday, October 8, 2010

Abstinence, Austerity & Grandeur

The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart Convent is located in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. The structure was originally constructed as a residence by Earl C. Anthony. Founder of KABC. Sold to Daniel Donahue who then donated it to the religious order in 1976. The religious artifacts, altar etc were added at that time. The stipulation of the donation was that this would be the home of the order as long as it survived. There are only several nuns still inhabiting the convent, not even living in the main building. After the last nun passes away the property will revert to Arch Diocese of Los Angeles.
These days the main structure and surrounding grounds are mainly used for religious retreats, and extensively for filming.









All images copyright Peter Politanoff

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Boiler Room

A trip to the boiler room can be a foreboding experience, especially if you use the right filters!
Just a little Photoshop fun, a quick pass using NIK Color Efex Pro.








All images copyright Peter Politanoff