The 1960’s are alive and well in Louisville, Kentucky at Absolute Studio. This retro inspired collection was photographed at Absolute Studio here in town. Team members Genna Yussman Greene and I love dabbling in vintage theme photoshoots incorporating our own flair and some modern artistry to give the photoshoot our own signature flavor. We invited in local body painter and mua, Matt Goodlett.

image by Genna Yussman Greene/Absolute Studio

Never one to stifle anyone’s creative, both Genna and I created a diverse vision board and gave free range to all the artists involved in this collaboration to bring their own artistry to the table. I really enjoy working with different artists as I feel this helps to elevate ones work.

Scheduling is probably the most challenging aspect of photoshoots. We were doing this pre Christmas so the season was already in full boom in our respective careers and the models window of opportunity was short with the impending holiday. We book four models from the region. I enjoy working with models that I have rapport with from past projects but I also love working with new models. We had a great set of young ladies who more than brought the drama for the camera lens.

Of course a lot of prep work is required to execute a stellar photoshoot. Week going into planning as well as a lot of communication to ensure everyone involved understand their roles. Genna spent a lot of time curating the vintage wardrobe collection as well as finding the right accessories and props. I spend a lot of time making two custom wigs for this collection. Hand sewn, cut and styled. I love the transformation of the models using wigs and hairpieces. In addition this would also help with timing as I would have four models I was responsible for doing hair for and having the wigs done in advanced helps big time. Models Alicia and Lucy would wear the custom wigs.

The shoot which took place at the studio was a cold December and we spent the entire day prepping the models, styling them and photographing them in various hairstyles, makeup and wardrobe changes. Matt created two unique make up styles. The first was very true to the 60’s with bright tones and dramatic liner. His second looks were more avante gard driven and included elaborate body painting on each of the girls.

Staying true to the 1960’s Matt painted lashes on all the models. I especially loved the white lipstick he painted on model Lucy’s lips for one of her looks. Cat eyes and winged eyeliner as well as heavily contrasting eyelids were done all on the models.

I kept the styles fairly sleek for each of the models and for Dakota I used custom clip in fringe.. I was channeling Cher for this look and used a straightening iron throughout her entire head of hair for a sleek finish.

For model Kelsey, I had to first set her hair by applying a volumizer and styling her hair to give it body and to smooth our her curls. I then reset her hair with a large curling iron of which I allowed to cool and set. Afterwards the hair was brushed out and lightly teased. I wanted that big 60’s volume. Very go-go girl. I especially love the glasses Genna paired Kelsey with for one of the images. It reminded me a lot of modern Tom Ford adds but with a sixties flavor.

Kelsey second look was quickly wrapped up in a french twist. Cyndi assisted Genna dressing all the models and prepping each set design.

Our collection, “Mod Moods” was published during quarantine in the April 2020 issue of Picton Magazine. I was so grateful to see this collection release. The entire team worked so hard and the models brought so much energy to the project. Thank you to Picton Magazine for the lovely spread.