Tom Blachford

Australian photographer inspired by a moonlit southern California city

A trip to Palm Springs at the end of a holiday gave rise to Tom Blachford creating a dramatic series of images featuring stylish Modernist homes. The combination of classic architecture and tranquil moonlight captivated him, and he later developed the idea to include period cars. While others slept, Blachford captured the 1957 Menrad Residence, designed by William Krisel, as well as Richard Neutra’s famous 1946 Kaufmann House.

Palm Springs has long enchanted artists, film-makers and photographers, but most have presented it in bright sunlight. “I wanted to create a cinematic aesthetic so the homes weren’t viewed just as buildings, but more as a set for countless scenes and stories,” says Blachford.