Space is the place
Apologies to the late Sun Ra for the headline, but he nailed it. I am officially now in my new photography studio in one of the old Grain Belt brewery buildings in Northeast Minneapolis. It’s a creative place, full of artists and something called the Up-Rock Community Church that fills the old brick building with music on Sunday mornings. There’s a coffee shop across the street, and a bar and grill as well. Just to the west is a running/bike trail that skirts the east bank of the Mississippi River. Shooting here is going to be fun. Will you join me?
I have not shot in the studio for too long. I’ve been working mostly on location, which I love doing. But I miss the more contemplative pace of the studio sessions. In the studio, we can plan the lighting more accurately to choose the effects we want. Working in the privacy of a studio eliminates distractions and allows us to get to know one another better. That’s my favorite part of photography. It’s a collaboration, after all. A successful photoshoot is like a good conversation.
When you come to my studio you should bring any outfits that you’d like to wear. Think about bringing meaningful props as well. Do you have a favorite hat? Do you have any hobbies dear to your heart? For instance, an archer might bring a bow. A bridge player, cards. A musician, an instrument or favorite sheet music. One subject brought a cat’s skull. A Peruvian folk dancer brought five outfits she wanted to preserve “before I’m too old.” It’s all good.
I can arrange to have a makeup artist meet us at the studio, you can bring your own artist or skilled assistant, or you can do your own makeup. Figure 30-45 minutes for a professional makeup artist to do their work. It’s an investment, which adds $100-$175 to the price of the studio portraiture experience, but it does make a difference. You won’t see models in Vogue doing their own makeup. On the other hand, doing your own makeup, if you’re good at it, is fine for family keepsakes and many less formal portraits. I can hire a hair stylist as well, or your can have your own stylist prep you for the shoot, or you can do your own hair. One thing to keep in mind is taming those flyaway hairs. Men should shave or trim any facial hair before the shoot. Minor blemishes can be removed in retouching. If you’re sensitive about wrinkles, please let me know as I can reduce them in the way I light your face. I can also smooth the skin and reduce any red patches or blotches during retouching, but I prefer a light touch with these techniques. I don’t like the “plastic” look popularized in some magazines or glamour shoots. Age is something to be respected, not shunned. Finally, don’t forget your nails. Trim them and if you use polish, make sure they’re freshly painted. But if you’re an iron worker or a laborer or some who makes a living with your hands, feel free to leave them alone, as they are part of your character.
In celebration of my new space, I’m offering a promotion through July, reducing my creative fee from $400 to $280 for in-studio portraits. Let’s book something soon, as I share this space with a handful of other photographers. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you better.
