“From pretty pink motels to idyllic Italian summer afternoons under a beach umbrella. Late night American cityscapes redolent with adventure. Waiting for the fast train to Berlin for a hedonistic weekend. Or watching the sunset from an old world palace lovingly restored into a grand hotel. The good life is out there to be found.”
This photograph captures the serene beauty of a quaint beach club in Salerno, Italy. The navy-striped umbrellas are neatly aligned along the sandy shores, contrasting the shimmering blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In the distance, a lone woman can be seen swimming in the refreshing waters, undisturbed by the crowds of beachgoers that will soon arrive. The calm of the early morning offers a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation, providing the perfect setting for anyone seeking a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
"Make Believe" is inspired by the magic of constructed landscapes and the playful illusion of theme park design. Although it evokes the sweeping desert vistas of the American West, the scene is in fact part of Cars Land in Disneyland - a testament to the power of human imagination to recreate and romanticize nature. Ducrest was drawn to the tension between reality and artifice, capturing the moment where fantasy convincingly mirrors the real world.
With this work, he hopes viewers will experience a sense of wonder and curiosity, prompting them to question what is authentic and what is imagined. The image invites contemplation on how nostalgia and storytelling shape our perception of place - how a carefully crafted environment can stir the same feelings as the vast, untamed desert it imitates.
Photography was the natural medium for this exploration, allowing Ducrest to capture the cinematic quality of light, shadow, and texture that make the illusion so compelling.
This photograph captures the mesmerizing aura of a mighty Manhattan skyscraper, standing tall in the dark of the evening. The building's glass facade twinkles in the dimly lit surroundings, creating a spellbinding contrast against the night sky.
As we gaze upon the building, we notice glimpses of activity. The floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a bustling crowd office workers inside the building, each absorbed in their endeavors. However, our attention is immediately drawn to the warm glow from one of the higher-up office floors. In this space, we witness the lively atmosphere of an office party in full swing. A group of coworkers huddle together, chat and laugh, clutching glasses of champagne.
As we take in the scene, it becomes apparent that this building is more than just a towering marvel of architecture. It's a buzzing hub of human activity where people come together to work, play, and forge relationships. This photograph captures the essence of a living, breathing city and the endless possibilities that abound in it. It is maybe even more powerful after we experienced remote-work during and after the pandemic.
This stunning aerial photograph captures the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo pool as it floats atop the shimmering waters of Lake Como. The lake's dark teal waters create a stunning backdrop as brightly colored orange-striped umbrellas and comfortable beanbags dot the poolside contrasting with the bright turquoise of the pool. Majestic mahogany boats glide serenely by, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the scene. Every detail of this magnificent destination is captured in this photograph, from the sun-drenched expanse of the pool to the tranquil blue waters of Lake Como.
“There was a period of life, in my early thirties, when I was lucky enough to travel constantly, far and wide. To Italy, for a perfect midsummer evening on Lake Como, at the sixteenth century Villa d’Este. Roaming the winding streets of Lisbon’s historic Alfama district and exploring castles up the Iberian coast. Dressing up for dinner as a passenger on the Rovos Rail to Cape Town, as sunset fell over Table Mountain in the distance. Travel has always deepened my understanding of life, and shifted how I view the future. ”
The photograph beautifully captures the iconic neon sign of the Rancho Super Car Wash in Cathedral City, California, standing prominently tall against a dusky, fading sky. The vibrant sign glows with a bright, captivating hue that illuminates the immediate surroundings, making it impossible to overlook. The sleek, stylish font of the sign adds to its unique charm, establishing it as a well-known and instantly recognizable landmark within the area. This striking photograph was taken during the early weeks of the Covid lockdown, a detail made evident by the deserted streets and quiet atmosphere in the background. It has also been proudly featured in Assouline’s esteemed Palm Springs book, celebrating its cultural significance.
This photograph captures a Swiss Air flight seconds before touching down at LAX, framed by the iconic In-N-Out Burger signage and a single palm tree swaying in the foreground, bathed in the radiant gold of a California sunset. The image reflects Jonathan Ducrest's ongoing fascination with the liminal spaces where human movement, architecture, and nature intersect.
Ducrest hopes viewers will feel a sense of wonder and nostalgia, reflecting on the unique character of arrival in Los Angeles - a place where pop culture and natural beauty share the same horizon. He invites the audience to contemplate the layers of story in this fleeting moment: the excitement of travel, the allure of the city, and the ordinary magic of everyday landmarks.
Photography was the essential medium for this work, allowing Ducrest to capture the clarity of light, the warmth of the sunset, and the crisp silhouette of the aircraft against the sky.
“For several years I lived at the El Royale, the 1929-era apartment building in Hollywood, and loved taking panoramic vistas from the rooftop. One day, on assignment to capture aerial footage for a television series title sequence, I guided my DJI Mavic drone on its flightpath. I was so struck by this new perspective, high above the city, transcending what the human eye could see: countless shimmering azure pools stretching into forever. ”