Movies can be about anything.

 Movies can be about anything. I love that.  Since my Classic Beauty Project is based on the lighting and posing on Old Hollywood, we can stick with dramatic black and white photos, but use whatever theme we want!  Recently, we did a lot of photos based on FANTASY-- swords, cloaks, crystal balls, wands, etc.  So, those people into Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc. got to play! I took a trip to England with my wife this spring, so I used some of the gothic architecture I took photos of to add a medieval element in the background.

Design Matters

 Finger position can be really important. Separating them like Whitney does here changes the movement, redirecting the eye back up vertically towards the face. Notice how that index finger lines up with the verticals of the background and the line of her right cheek follows that vertical as well. It all matters. I was trained as a fine art painter, so building a composition like this is something we dealt with all the time. It's interesting how few people these days seem to worry about the principles and elements of design in what they create. Whitney Bourne for Double Danger, 1938. This is from my collection of thousands of original vintage movie stills.

Inspiration!

 I like finding inspirational quotes and pairing them with my photos.  It's a nice way to start the day. I post more of them on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/classicbeautyproject

Do you shoot lingerie?

 "Do you shoot lingerie?" I got asked this question this morning. It's a common question. My stock answer is no, I don't do normal lingerie sessions--no bra and panty pics, etc. "Boudoir" has become a big trend with some fine photographers doing it and a lot of people shooting it who give photographers a bad name. I want to stay away from that and make sure that people don't lump me in with that crowd. HOWEVER, I'm totally fine shooting photos that let women express their femininity and show off a bit--just in a classic, classy way.

Cynthia from Cincinnati's Classic Beauty Project photo session.

 Muskopf Photography, LLC is based in Beavercreek, near Dayton, Ohio.  Most of my clients actually come from Cincinnati, Columbus, or even farther.  Such was the case with Cynthia who drove from Cincinnati.  She loved the classic Old Hollywood looks that I do with many Classic Beauty Project sessions as well as doing some sexier shots similar to what boudoir photographers do.  I do it all, because if you look at the classic shots of Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard, Rita Hayworth, Jane Russell, etc., that's exactly where boudoir photos began.  My photos can be just as sexy as boudoir, but you don't have to be prancing around in your underwear. :)

Cindy

 Cindy is an over-60 beauty queen!  Absolutely stunning!  Her Classic Beauty Project photos prove that this is not just for people in their 20s, 30s, or 40s.  The Classic Beauty Project by Muskopf Photography, LLC.  Photo sessions based on the lighting and posing of Old Hollywood, updated for modern women. For more info you can visit www.muskopf.org and www.classicbeautyproject.com

Stephanie

 Stephanie came to me twice within a few months.  She's a college instructor here in the Dayton area.

The Classic Beauty Project by Muskopf Photography, LLC.  Photo sessions based on Old Hollywood, updated for modern women.  You come in and dress up in my dresses, boas, jewelry, furs, hats, etc. and I photograph you using the lighting techniques of Classic Hollywood.  Located in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Paula

 Paula lives in the Akron area and made the drive down to Dayton, Ohio to visit me. Her Classic Beauty Project photos were simply beautiful!