Giving Your Portraits a Retro Spin

My interest in photography started with all things film and moviemaking initially. It was a gateway to my interests in the performing arts. I recall having a book my father once purchased for me as a child. The book was an homage to the golden age of Hollywood. It covered television shows and movies such as the Thin Man, Blondie, and Charlie Chan etc. It was one my my most prized possessions. I would pour over this is graphically intense book for hours and marvel at all of the behind the scenes shots. 

I was always a nerd, so wanting to know how things were shot and lit have held a constant fascination for me. The one thing that drew most of my attention however were the studio portraits of the Hollywood stars. These were typically the promo shots the studio would use of the actor and actresses who were headlining the pictures. The lighting was always dramatic, low key and beautiful. 

I found out later that the bulk of these shots were taken by George Hurrell. There were no tricks or fancy photoshop, just camera wizardry, solid lighting and knack for making his subjects not only look and feel glamorous but immortal. Sometimes my clients are looking for something different, and timeless for their portraits. The classic black and white look never goes out of style. When you add hair styling, professional makeup and proper lighting you too can look like a glamorous Hollywood actor.

Glamorous portraits can be taken anywhere. In this particular case this was taken in the client’s living room. She already owned a vintage style phone so we incorporated in the shot for a film noir style shot.

Simple accessories can elevate a portrait and give you that glam factor.

Sometimes you have that one outfit you never wore, that would work perfectly for your portrait session. Clients are encouraged to bring 4- 5 outfits for a variety of choices.