by Kevyn Aucoin (Little, Brown and Company, 1999). I keep a copy in my
dressing room for my own reference. It breaks down the different looks and
provides step-by-step instructions, so it’s easy for clients to follow, as well.
I also have developed relationships with several hairstylists and makeup
artists to whom I often refer clients. (It’s pretty easy for a client to stop by a
salon on the way to her photo session.) Getting to know these stylists has re-
ally educated me, particularly on the use of makeup, and the relationship
benefits both of us because we refer clients to each other. A great way to win
over a stylist or artist is to do a free session for her and offer to hang a gor-
geous portrait of her in her studio. Clients will undoubtedly ask her where
the great image of her was done, and that just opens the door!Clothing and Accessories.
For the most part, my clients wear their own clothes, not garments from the
studio’s collection. However, it does pay to keep a few things around to fill
in the gaps.
Feather Boas.Feather boas are classic glamour props and you should
own at least a half dozen of them in different colors, so that if you can’t
match a woman’s outfit, you can complement it. Boas are also useful in
strategically covering up problem areas or, as in Tonya’s case (next page),
thinly and provocatively covering the subject’s nudity.UNDERSTANDING YOUR CLIENTS 31Hair and makeup can make or break your ses-
sion. Some women are proficient at doing their
own. Alternately, you can recommend a stylist
to really pamper them—either in the studio or
in a salon on their way to the session.