My studio, at least a portion of the building, was originally a bank built
in the 1880s. We went to a lot of time and expense to restore the ceilings
(two of which retain their original stamped-tin ceilings) and the woodwork
to their original 19th-century look. We then chose furniture and light fixtures
to complement the style.
Dressing Room.In addition to the comfort factors I’ve already men-
tioned, privacy is one that can’t be omitted. During her session, the dressing
room should be her space. The look and feel of the space is also critical.
“I just love the ceilings in [your studio]. I wish I could have these in my
home,” Veronica said as we showed her into her dressing room. It’s no ac-
cident that the dressing room is one of the two rooms in my studio with a
stamped-tin ceiling (the other, larger one is my camera room). This room al-
ways makes an impression and makes my clients feel pampered.
The second dressing room is a little different, with an early 20th-century
look and a wooden floor. In addition to being a very welcoming place for our
clients, it’s a great spot for portraiture. On two
walls, there is rich wallpaper in earthy browns and
greens and an ornate pattern, the other two walls
are exposed brick. A few framed photographic im-
ages in complementary colors hang opposite oak wall hooks for hanging
clothes. A makeup table with a stool sits under an ornately framed mirror, il-
luminated by two downward-turned antique brass wall sconces. Opposite
the table is a dark-green Queen Anne style loveseat. In addition to the lights
above the mirror, there is a small lamp below a ceiling fan and some rope
light wound around the outside of what used to be an exterior window. I
just frosted the glass to allow light in while maintaining privacy. All the lights
in both dressing rooms are tungsten, creating a warm glow in the images
taken there. On the previous page I included a few examples of images taken
in the main dressing room.
Hair and Makeup.
Hair and makeup can make or break your session. Some women are profi-
cient doing their own; others will bring friends to help. If your studio offers
hairstyling and/or professional makeup services, you’ll make your clients feel
even more pampered. My studio does this in several ways. Let’s take makeup
first.
Both my dressing rooms are stocked with a good selection of makeup—
foundation, lipstick (in a wide variety of colors), eyeshadows, eyeliner, and
mascara. Although many women will prefer to use their own products, it’s
there if they need it. In addition, we always keep lotion and hairspray in stock.
My assistant Ashley does a great job assisting with both hair and makeup
as needed. I rarely apply makeup myself, but I’ve learned enough about how
it’s done to direct my clients or their assistants on how to get the look they
want. If you need to educate yourself, there are a number of good books on
the market that can be very helpful. One of the best I’ve seen is Making Faces
30 MASTER GUIDE FOR GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
In addition to the comfort factors I’ve already
mentioned, privacy is one that can’t be omitted.