For several years now I have had a fascination with early 1900′s photography. I love to look at it and find the simplicity and styles interesting.  Our recent viewing of the new black and white, silent film called “The Artist” has renewed my interest in the era. I checked out several photography books about 1920′s Hollywood and began a deeper study of it. I thought it would be fun to do a photo shoot of the girls in this style. Choosing a photo to replicate for the girls was tough. Many pictures involved cigarettes or bare shoulders and backs. However, pearls, fur, makeup, and finger waves were apparent in every Hollywood shoot. So, today I gathered my supplies and made a day of it. I was surprised at how easily my beauty school days came back to me when I began finger waves in Celia’s hair. And surprised again by how willing the girls were to sit for an hour each getting their hair gooped up, finger waved, curled, and makeup put on.

Celia was first up and we chose a picture of Marion Davies taken by C.S. Bull in 1927.

Here is Celia’s version:

Sadie was excited to be next. Her chosen picture came from Jean Harlow. Unfortunately, I was unable to find the original picture on the web and had to take a picture of the photo in the book. The discoloration and small size is due to this reason. The original is a beautiful, crisp, black and white.

Sadie’s version:

Carissa’s inspiration came from Veronica Lake by George Hurrell.

Carissa:

I had so much fun doing this with the girls that I just had to get a shot of me too. I went with a photo that I thought was a bit more on the artistic side and much simpler to pull off considering I would have to rely on Carissa to take the shot. I found this 1929 picture of Louise Brooks taken by E.R. Richee. When looking closely at this photo you can really see where some hand editing was done along the hair and pearls to remove the unwanted details.

moi: With my hair being a lighter shade, I had to get creative with the editing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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