This year on March 14th I turned 35, and I feel like this was the next big milestone for me after 30. Yes it's half way to 40, but also I had also just finished my 5th year of owning my own business. A business in which had grown exponentially, more than I had ever thought possible! I had also just won my Fantasy Football League for the first time ever and am currently the keeper of its killer tiny trophy. At this point I just felt like the stars had aligned and that it was time to do something BIG!  While I don't enjoy being in FRONT of the camera, I had first just thought of getting some amazing headshots and using them as a sort of branding opportunity for me. 

And then it hit me...

It's been 25 years since my mom and I had our Glamour Shots done in 1997. She is turning 60 this year and I thought what better way to celebrate it all then to remake her favorite portraits from the 90s? At first I wasn't sure if she was going to be on board, like me, she doesn't thoroughly enjoy being in front of the camera. But this had the potential to be a fun AND ridiculous experience together and both celebrate some great milestones. And boy, was it a fun day! 

Chances are that if you were born before 1990 you recall the ample amount of portrait studios set up in malls, beach boardwalks, department stores, basically everywhere in town. Between the ever popular Olan Mills, JC Penny, Sears, Picture People, Old Time Photo and Glamour Shots the possibilities were endless. Back in a time before people carried cameras in their pockets, these classic portraits hung on the walls of most American homes and had a home inside most men's wallets. I didn't have many professional portraits as a kid, but I do have a family portrait from Olan Mills when I was around 1 year old, as well as lots of disposable camera shots in my baby album. I remember as a kid going to the beaches of Ocean City Maryland and my mom always bugging me to do Old Time photos. I'm not sure why I absolutely despised the idea as a child, but I never gave into the experience. Do I regret that now as an adult? Yup! Like man, I was such a brat. However, in 1997 somehow my mom convinced to do the iconic Glamour Shots at the mall with her. At the time I was 10 years old, and she was 35 so I don't fully remember the experience to it's fullest, but I do remember loads of makeup, lots of ridiculous props and outfits, and of course, BIG hair with lots of spray. My mom remembers the experience well and had a blast, she and her girl friends even got a limo that evening for a night out on the town. I remember sitting in the limo for about 2 minutes as it waited outside of our house and then having to go back inside and wave goodbye. 

Being in the age of film this may be all that remains from that day 25 years ago. I'm lucky I had digitized them at some point because I'm not even sure where I would find these originals now. But this was the inspiration, our original images from that day at the Glamour Shots at the mall in 1997. 

But these places don't exist anymore, so where do you go from here?

I think I have a super power of knowing exactly the right person for the job in my field of Photography. From the get-go I know I wanted Amy to do my headshots, but then as the idea developed into Glamour Shots I KNEW she would be 100% all for it and make it the best day ever. Amy of Pink Chair Photography LLC has a commercial studio in downtown Charleston, SC. She is incredibly talented with lighting, posing, and creating works of art with her models and digital skills. She's also got one helluva personality and can relax someone like me who hates being the center of attention. She was my first choice, and I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking to capture any type of formal portrait, but especially one that needs that creative expertise!

Glamour Shots did not utilize modern airbrushing or modern hair tools, the 90s were all about thick foundation, magenta blush, dark mascara, and teased hair. In order to achieve this impressive but over-the-top look I had to consult some professional recommendations, someone who has BEEN THERE. Amy from Pink Chair recommend Lauren Hall who was an absolute lady boss and she definitely did her homework. She was the best for the job with her amazing skills, and plentiful memories of life in the 90s. I have a lot of hair, like, down to my butt and she worked some real big hair magic for this session. 

If you'd like to get in touch with Lauren you can email her directly at: laurenelisehall@gmail.com

A major part of this experience included listening to all things late 80's and 90's on Pandora, telling stories about our favorite bands, rappers, snack foods, and just life as a kid and adult in the late 80's and 90's. Once the hair and makeup was done Amy busted out the collection of things she has stashed away at her studio to create this one of a kind, flash-back style and look. Background gels for all the colors, strips of fabric and tulle, I mean we had it all! 

To give you an idea of what I looked like with the makeup done and what Amy's Glamour edits added to the overall look.

So much ridiculous fun to be had, not everything made my personal cut, but I know Amy has loads of hilarious shots.
See her behind the scenes Reel on Instagram Here.