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# Dusty Southern Shoots
Matt Barnes Captures a Musky Musical Bus for Contra Magazine

By Sophia Pelka | Published 2012-01-30 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matt-barnes1
References: [thinkcontra](http://www.thinkcontra.com/magazine/#magzine) & [mattbarnesphoto.tumblr](http://mattbarnesphoto.tumblr.com/About)

The Matt Barnes editorial for Contra magazine whisks viewers through the South on a jazz tour.

The '[Summer Time](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-dreaming-collection) and the Living is Easy' editorial for Contra magazine has major historical influence. Shot by Matt Barnes, the series follows a group of [black jazz musicians](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oak-bluffs) in 1950s garb through the dust n dirt of the presumable south. The story is immediate and extremely endearing.

The attitude is cheery and nostalgic, with [sepia tones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintage-styles) and effective use of overexposure. Matt Barnes is described on his site; "He is a gentle ginger giant, with an avid interest in all facets of pop culture, from Western films to sailor tattoos." The source of inspiration behind this shoot is easily detectable and equally delightful.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.6/10
- Popularity: 22% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Nostalgic Photography:** Opportunity for using sepia tones and overexposure in photography to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
- **Historical Influences:** Opportunity to incorporate historical periods and themes into creative projects for a unique and captivating effect.
- **Cultural Storytelling:** Opportunity to tell stories and capture the essence of different cultures through creative mediums like photography.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Fashion and Lifestyle:** Opportunity for fashion brands and lifestyle magazines to use nostalgic photography techniques to create visually compelling editorials.
- **Arts and Entertainment:** Opportunity for filmmakers and visual artists to explore historical influences and create captivating projects that transport audiences to a different era.
- **Travel and Tourism:** Opportunity for travel and tourism organizations to use cultural storytelling through photography to showcase the unique experiences and history of different destinations.

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