MUAH & Styling: Chrissy from The Lindy Charm School
Photographer: Amanda Hamilton from Peppermint Photogrpahy
A Testimonial from Danielle Read – Readcitywriting
As someone who not only hates having their photo taken, but also avidly avoids them – I was a little anxious walking into my photoshoot. Not only that, but this photoshoot had a lot riding on it. As a 20-something gal with an unshakable love of 70s rock music, fashion and badassery – I’d never been given the opportunity to time-machine back to a nostalgic era never to be seen again. More specifically, to a time when Joan Jett was in her prime.
My mind (and palpitating heart) was quickly put at ease as Chrissy welcomed me into her bright home studio and insisted I not only wear something I was comfortable with, but chose an outfit I wear on an almost daily basis. Only this time without a shirt!! Chrissy styled my hair with care and cultural references, often looking to a Pinterest Board of pictures taken during the era we were recreating…Teasing and spraying until my ‘do was perfectly tousled. It was clear that Chrissy was as excited about this ‘shoot as I was. Having noticed my square peg, round hole antics from time to time and accepting me for my true self. With glittered lavender eyes, bold lip and one helluva 80s angled blush, I was ready for my closeup.
Amanda was a complete professional. Guiding my facial expressions, where to look and how to stand. As a notoriously robot-like-human, this was reassuring and relaxed me to the ninth degree. She was gentle, encouraging and had her full attention on getting the right shots. We played with a few different locations and looks, again using real images from the time we were recreating to get the exact right positioning and feel.
When I received the finished images (in an impressively quick turn around), I was amazed. Not only at the way the hair, makeup and costuming translated to film. But also at the way it felt like I was seeing the real me for the first time. An experience I’ll never forget.
