One of the best things about the Internet and its seemingly ceaseless wellspring of information is that now you can travel anywhere and everywhere without leaving your computer. Can’t front a couple thousand for a trip abroad? Well, transport yourself the next best way– through pictures, stories and videos found on the Interwebs.
But sometimes the thing you miss out on most when gallivanting through fantasyland with all its epic, breathtaking photos is the beauty of the everyday. The coffee shop, the bar, the backyard, the tiny nooks and crannies of a city street. Luckily, we have The Selby, which features Todd Selby’s beautiful, detail-oriented photographs of creative individuals’ homes or workplaces.
Todd Selby describes himself as “a portrait, interiors, and fashion photographer and illustrator” on the website’s About page. He began the website in June 2008 by posting photographs of his friends in their homes, and it quickly became a success, garnering over 95,000 unique visitors a month. Offers to work with such esteemed brands as Nike and Louis Vuitton rolled in, as well as opportunities to work for publications such as the New York Times T Magazine, Vogue Paris, and Architectural Digest France.
The Selby tells mini stories of its subjects through snapshots of their homes and workspaces, which are full of creative, beautiful design marked by interesting nuance and detail. Get a peek into a furniture designer’s studio in Rio de Janeiro, or rummage through Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar in Melbourne. Explore the magnificent New York City home of an executive at Oscar de la Renta, or salivate over the food and drink at Cocos Cantina in Auckland, New Zealand.
Exploring such stimulating, expressive haunts is a great way to get your inspiration flowing. Each is full of carefully chosen items that work together to establish a particular aesthetic. The most interesting thing about these photos is what they reveal about the person or business profiled. The power of The Selby lies in its ability to tell a distinctive, unique story with solely visuals. There are no prefaces or addendums to the collections of photos. There’s simply a location and date. A fascinating story is told using visuals alone, leaving a lasting impression, precisely the kind of impression your presentation should leave on its audience.
So if you’re looking for a large dose of escapism or a small dose of distraction on this Monday, head over to The Selby for a quick fix. You’re sure to leave the website inspired.
