There is just something I love about a great Salon.
Perhaps it’s because I grew up in a beauty shop that I find them so entertaining. My mother is a stylist, my grandmother was a beauty operator and my grandfather a barber. To say I spent some time embroiled in the gossip and mild drama of the ladies who frequented the shop is an understatement. Mom’s shop was at the house growing up, so anytime I got bored, I would just pop in and add myself to the banter.
I love interpersonal communication. I love just sitting back and watching the way people talk and relate to one another. Women are particularly interesting. Men simply tone down the guy talk in the presence of ladies, but put a group of women in a room together and they become a different animal entirely. I find it a fascinating and wonderful transformation!
When Paulette (stylist to myself and my wife Pamela) mentioned Alchemy Salon (Paulette and Sa’dia) would be participating in this years Commercial Street Loftwalk and Steampunk show with live models, I begged her to let me come and photograph the event. Well…I didn’t beg, but if she and Sa’Dia wouldn’t have been so enthusiastic about the idea I just might have.
Alchemy is one of those places that completely reflects the proprietors that created it. The century old building is colorfully and eclectically decorated. It has a wonderful energy and elegance.
Upon arrival, Pamela and I were greeted with an exuberant HEY YOU TWO! I grabbed my camera, asked all the models in turn if they were comfortable being photographed and started shooting.
I setup a studio strobe in the back to capture the models once they got their hair and makeup finished. I wanted something out of the way, but that still reflected Alchemy, something that showed the great texture of the place.
The day was the coldest in months and a persistent drizzle ran from morning till start time. All of the ladies were total troopers, braving the cold in less than woolen outfits.
I had such a great time. I love any opportunity to get to shoot an interesting event with people in great costumes, but honestly I think I had the most fun hanging out with all the girls at the salon!
B