Pin Up Photo Shoot
Celeste Giuliano Photography
I don’t get out often enough just to do something for myself, for fun…So when I do get those rare opportunities I try to make the most of them, which usually includes trying something new with some of my best girl friends. This time we went to Celeste Giuliani Photography and had a Pin- Up Photo Shoot Party and I have to say, it was the best “me” time I have had in a long time.
I heard of CGP about a year ago when a friend of mine posted some photos on Facebook and I knew immediately that I wanted to have it done, but finding a whole day to play dress up, get pampered, and have my photo taken is almost mission impossible in my life, so it took me a long time and some friends to finally make it happen and I am so glad I did.
Celeste specializes in Pin-Up Photography, not the trashy boudoir photography I typically see people posting on FB, but classic pin-up styles from the 50’s or other styles from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s. She advertises that you will be completely transformed and transformed I was! I didn’t even recognize myself when I looked in the mirror!
Celeste is in high demand and scheduling with her can be a little tricky if you have a tight schedule, but she is a great communicator via email (my preferred method) and responded quickly and politely to our inquiries for about 2 months. I scheduled a pin-up party with my sister and 2 of our friends. Prior to our shoot day, we met with Celeste at her studio in Philadelphia for our consultations. The consultations consisted of Celeste asking us some questions about our likes, hobbies, type of photos we were interested in, and then a lot of playing dress up…..she has a ton of clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit just about anyone. You can pick a theme if you have a hobby or interest, or just do a classic Varga style shoot (which is what I did). The consultation gave us a good idea of what to expect on photo shoot day but standing there in the outfits with no hair or make-up I felt kind of silly.
Since there were 4 of us in the party we had to be at the studio at 10AM and expected to be there for at least 5 hours so we came prepared with some food and drinks…mimosas, fruit trays, veggie trays, guacamole…and set up a little spread in the studio’s living room area. We arrived and pretty much got started. One of us started with make-up while another one started with hair and the other two snacked and chatted with each other. Slowly but surely we were each transformed into pin-up model versions of ourselves and amazed by what we saw in the mirror. The same outfits from the consultation, but with the make-up and hair it was a total transformation. We each took turns having our photos taken in privacy. Celeste has a great personality and made me feel really comfortable and confident in posing, which is much harder than I ever imagined..some of those poses are so awkward I don’t know how anyone makes it looks natural. We were all laughing and smiling all day, and it felt good to play dress up (without my 2 yr old), be pampered, and have my photo taken for no reason other than having some fun for myself. It was so much fun that when I got home I grabbed my husband, called the sitter and hit the town for a date night which resulted in us laughing all night long at the looks people were giving me.
The cost for my session was $350 with a 50% deposit due up front to hold the date and the balance due the day of the shoot. This includes professional make-up and hair styling, wardrobe, photo shoot, and consultations, photo re-touching and 2 prints in any size. Additional prints, poses, themes, etc. are available for an additional cost. The studio is located in a quiet residential neighborhood close to City Ave and the Overbrook Train Station and is very easy to access. It took about 2 weeks from the date of the shoot to receive my proofs and I received my prints about 4 weeks after I made my selection. Celeste will also keep your images available for additional ordering for a minimum of 1 year.
This is a must-do with your best girlfriends and the photos are a great present for your significant other…it can even be a great gift idea for the dad’s out there looking to give mom a gift he can also enjoy! I am already considering doing it again.
REVIEW BY LOCAL MOM: NATALIE N!
