Goth

I first fell in love with the look of Goth watching the television series “Addams’ Family” (1964-1966). I found Morticia Addams (played by Carolyn Jones) gorgeous and elegant. But my parents preferred the look of “Leave it to Beaver”.  I found it easier to conform then to rebel.

It was not until my assignment in Perth where I began talking to and photographing the goths around the city. Club Sin was a gold mine of people to photograph. Their look, clothing, attitudes were wonderful. Nearly all loved to be photographed. Many were artists. Collaborations were frequent as well as all night shoots. Many times we would be roaming the streets of Fremantle waiting for the trains to begin running in the morning so that we could return to Perth and work.

Returning to Los Angeles, I went to speak to Andy, the person who did my framing for gallery shows. Long black hair, always in black with gothic jewelry, I asked him about goth clubs and activities. Turns out he was connected to Gothic  Beach Studios. Andy also directed me to the “Bizarre Vampire Bazaar” in Long Beach. From there I made connections that lead to other clubs, more models, then more clubs, and so on.

Club Hell on Ivar and Hollywood Blvd was my favorite. It certainly broadened my view. The music, dancing, jewelry, and the clothing, all stimulating to my imagination and creativity.

RLSFoto^® - Reidar Schopp Fine Art Photography, Los Angeles, California - Phone: 310-345-3764, Email: reidar@rlsfoto.com