This session started with me walking through a torrential downpour right before meeting Amanda for our branding session. Located in downtown Salem, I was fortunate enough to find a parking spot only a half block away from where Blink Tattoo & Esthetics (BTE) was located. However, I think within the first three seconds of getting out of my car, I was soaked. *Cue 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' Someone!!* Well... All I could do was laugh. With my head hung low to avoid raindrops directly in my eyes (as the tradition is here in Oregon) and an ironic smile spread across my face, I made my way into the building.
The session couldn't have been more opposite than my walk to the studio. I mean.. Isn't Amanda the most gorgeous woman you have ever seen?? And the lighting?? A photographer's dream.
Let me introduce this wonder woman. Amanda is the owner of BTE, and is a cosmetic and paramedical tattoo artist! What is a paramedical tattoo, you ask? For instance, a mastectomy can have major impacts to a woman's sense of self. Consequently, a realistic areola tattoo may be one step a woman might take to sort of restore their sense of being a woman. That's where Amanda and BTE comes in! How cool, right??
Amanda is hard working and dedicated to her craft. During our session together, it was important for her to demonstrate things such as cleanliness and professionalism. We captured these important details by her wearing gloves during photos with her equipment and other photos such as her washing her hands. Amanda is a professional on all accounts and it showed by how seriously she takes her career.
Admittedly, Amanda let me know she was a bit nervous for the shoot. I appreciate this so much from my clients so I can slow the session down and take them through each step with lots of explanation. I felt Amanda's trust in me grow as our session continued, and, by the end, we were both professionals at photography.
Amanda did an amazing job in front of the camera. She let me try all my ideas, and even my iterations of ideas. Her beautiful studio is located in downtown Salem, and has a wonderful view of the city. If you guys have any cosmetic or paramedical tattooing needs, reach out to her and tell her Ciara sent you!
That about wraps up this blog! Thanks for reading and see you next time!
