On the Other Side

Photo: Sue Barr

                                                                                
Years ago, in my prior life as a stylist, I knew my place - It was BEHIND the photographer, or director. If a model/actor's wardrobe was out of sorts, they'd glance at me and in between shots I'd rush in and fix the offending article and jump out.
So, needless to say, when I sat as the SUBJECT for brilliant photographer and friend, Sue Barr, on Thursday, I felt completely like a fish out of water. However, as I was primarily responsible for this shoot, I tried to keep the complaints at a minimum. Let's backtrack and I'll give you the lowdown...
Sometime about a month ago I was told that I needed a headshot for my blog because people like to associate words and pictures with a REAL person NOT a personae. OK, fair enough, makes sense. However, I happen to be a person that HATES to have her picture taken. HATES as in I cringe whenever someone points a camera in my direction. Granted, since having children, I've gotten much better for fear that they, too, will develop my photophobia.
Anyhow, I make a mental note to reach out to Sue, who has been trying to get me to shoot with her for her blog Suburban Bliss. Now, I love Sue, but given that I barely let Cooper point his iphone in my direction without ducking, she'd have a better chance at having Michelle Obama sit for her. But back to the story...
On one of her frequent visits to 4B, I casually mention that I need a headshot - JUST a headshot - but telling that to a photographer who in her past life also happened to be the most sought after wardrobe stylist in the 80's - this does not compute. Immediately her head is swimming with visions of Jane Fonda in Klute - Ummm, hotpants? GTFO. My hotpant days died a graceful death with the birth of my 1st child. How about something more dignified? Something George Hurrell-esque? I'm thinking Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth... but wait... what AM I thinking? I need a simple headshot. Me, sitting with my tea, smiling "cheese" into the camera. But it's too late. Sue Hurrell is already producing the shoot. She's coordinating with our friend Christine, owner of Salon Concrete to come to the store where we'd shoot this puppy in a 5' x 5' space outside the dressing rooms.
Thursday morning arrives way too soon. I dig through some old vintage pieces I've tucked away in a remote corner of the house and head off the get make-up done. Which brings me to another point. I don't wear make-up. Well, I wear lipstick - but beauty products, aside from moisturizers and anti-aging serums, are not my thing. So, as I stand looking at my reflection, with eyelashes protuding from my lids like giant spiders and eye shadow painted on my brow bone like a Julian Schnabel canvas, I start to cry. I look like a clown. but I force myself to stop crying because I'm ruining my clown face.
Christine shows up at 1:30 and reassures me that I do not resemble anyone from the Bozo family and gets started on my overgrown mane - of which she promptly chops off 5". I feel better. The trim alone makes this worth it. She and her assistant Rachel attack my head 1 section at a time - spray, curl, pin, spray, curl, pin...
The end result was pretty phenomenal, as you'll see...
Sue comes in with her assistant, Kyle, and they drag out my antique French settee stored in my stockroom (remant from LA but no space for it at home) and set up a makeshift liliputian soundstage.
OK, we're ready to shoot. I'm in a vintage silk slip with my favorite bra. Where is my shot of whiskey? What, nothing to dull the pain? Oh Gawwwd....Here we go....
So, as you can see, Sue and Christine are GENIUSES!
Thank you to Rachel and Kyle for dealing with my neuroses. Definitely check out sue's blog to see more of this shoot as well as her Suburban Bliss series and Christine's salon if you are in the Red Bank area.

Oh, by the way, Sue DID shoot a smiley headshot for me. Who knows if I'll ever see them as I think she has an aversion to "happy" shots. Artists...


Photo: Sue Barr




Photo: Sue Barr

Update: Sue came through with the smiley headshots...