These sessions featured soft lighting, feathered accessories, and dramatic, over-the-top hairstyles. However, the results were often far from glamorous, with many portraits showcasing awkward poses, exaggerated makeup, and a heavy reliance on satin gloves. While the idea was to make everyday people look like movie stars, the execution was sometimes questionable. Many photographers working in these studios were far from professionals, and their inexperience often led to stiff, unnatural poses that felt more awkward than elegant. Combined with the excessive use of hairspray and questionable fashion choices, the results were frequently unintentionally hilarious. If you had a professional photo taken in the 1980s or 1990s, it was likely at an Olan Mills Studio, a CPI Corporation location, or Glamour Shots. Here’s a quick look at these iconic studios. In the 1980s, a Kodak survey revealed that 60% of people associated portrait photography with Olan Mills. By then, the studio had expanded across the U.S., with over 1,000 locations. However, in the 1990s, faced with declining sales and increased competition, Olan Mills shifted strategy, opening studios inside department stores like K-Mart. CPI Corporation, in partnership with Sears since 1973, thrived due to the retailer’s widespread presence, with CPI operating over 400 locations in Sears stores by the late 1970s. Glamour Shots, founded by Jack Count Jr. in Oklahoma City, was another popular choice. The studio allowed clients to choose up to four outfits and posed from the waist up, making it possible to wear casual bottoms with fancy tops. The sessions, which included heavy theatrical makeup and high hairstyles, were designed for fun but often resulted in awkward, memorable portraits. For $29.95, clients received a makeover and photos, with immediate viewing made possible through an innovative video system. Glamour Shots primarily attracted women, with men making up just 5% of their clientele. The studio was also popular with teenage girls preparing for prom, though the thick makeup used often felt uncomfortable.
(Photo credit: RHP). Notify me of new posts by email.
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