The days are passing so quickly. I wake up one day and the snow has melted, it’s May, I’ve lived here in Pennsylvania for nine months, and suddenly I’m self employed.

All of these photos were taken during the last few months with my Holga. The prints feature my Pittsburgh muse, model Bobbi Wall.

I am entering exciting times, with many art making plans on the near horizon. Did you miss Hiss & Hearse? Tell us what you want to see: more interviews, inspiration, photo shoots, and fashion thoughts?

“I like to retouch as if I am painting, with short or long brush strokes depending on the part of the image.”
-Erin Corbett

Erin Corbett is one of the first friends I made here upon arriving in Pittsburgh. We immediately bonded over our mutual love of photography and beauty. Together we have successfully collaborated on photo shoots and other projects, including an entire identity redesign for Bloom Organic Skincare Parlor. This talented lady is currently looking to buy a home with her husband, Dan, and is the proud mother of two border terriers, Remy and Gemma.

Name: Erin Corbett
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Occupation: Digital Photo Retoucher

At this very moment, what are you doing?
Making a blog post at Digital Makeover, my retouching blog.

Where are you from?

Originally from Louisville, KY, but spent many years in Cincinnati and Athens, OH.

How did your interest in photography begin?
It began in a high school photography class. I didn’t want to take advanced math, so I had an extra course to fill. I chose photography! I thought it would be fun.

Why did you decide to go to school for photography?
I wanted to travel the world as a photojournalist. I had a passion for writing and journalism, but I wanted to express myself visually as well. When I found out about the School of Visual Communication at Ohio University, I jumped at the opportunity to apply to their renowned photojournalism program. After a year of majoring in photojournalism, I decided to switch to the commercial photography track.

Alex MacPherson

Where did your interest in retouching come from?
My interest in retouching came from Sarah Silver, a fashion photographer I interned with while in college.

How did you learn about it?
Sarah encouraged me to do an internship with her retoucher, Puspa Lohmeyer of Tweak West. Puspa really ignited my passion for retouching beauty and fashion images. She is truly an amazing artist. Her skill for retouching skin, while maintaining texture and believability, is incredible. She taught me as much as she could in a couple of weeks, and when I returned to my final quarter in college I practiced retouching daily on my fellow classmates’ images.

Do you have a secret technique?
I like to retouch as if I am painting, with short or long brush strokes depending on the part of the image. I also spend a lot of time dodging and burning to give the skin a smooth, polished look without appearing over-retouched.

Benefit Cosmetics

What is your opinion on the current trends of retouching?
It depends on the image. I don’t like the look of plastic skin in any situation, but I think it’s extremely important to consider the client when retouching. There are times when it is appropriate to take an image to an elevated level, as with beauty and fashion, but I get really annoyed when I see overly-retouched portraits. That’s what usually upsets people about retouching, and it’s what I think ultimately causes such a backlash against retouchers.

Do you have a favorite image that you’ve retouched?
It would probably be this one, photographed by Sarah Amato. I love the texture of the paint on her cheek.

What are your inspirations?
Being outside on a beautiful day.

Tell me three of your favorite songs or bands.
“Venus” by Air, “No One’s Gonna Love You” by Band of Horses, and “Stranger” by Dr. Dog

Where do you want to go from here?
I’d like to work more one-on-one with photographers who create avant-garde images.

Any advice for other people who want to make retouching their career?
Study images that you love and try to discover what draws you to them. Study people and light; try to understand the way shadows and highlights naturally fall on the human figure and face. Offer your retouching services to as many new photographers as you can, and practice as much as possible! It may mean doing tests for people for a while, but as with any art-related profession, it’s most important to have a solid portfolio.

Erin Corbett’s Portfolio
Digital Makeover

Hair by Ericka Micheals; make-up by Emily Hunt; styling by Olivia Coelho and Trisha Rohmberg for Bows & Arrows and Erica Setness for Hold My Gold Vintage.

Our afternoon was spent along the American River photographing two big-eyed beauties – Siobahan and Felica – in bright, towering, 1970’s-inspired heels. We couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather, hair, and make-up. I am really happy with the results! A big thank you goes out to everyone involved, and I hope to bring back some California sunshine to Pittsburgh.

The season seems to be on the verge of changing here in Pittsburgh, and I think the above-freezing temperatures and return of the sun will help to improve moods.  Here are some things you can do to make the countdown to spring – or anytime of the year – more bearable.

1. Write yourself love notes
I’ve filled up pages of notes to myself, from “Drink more water,” to “You can do it,” and  ”You CAN be successful.”
I think the process of writing things and seeing them right in front of your face all day is a great reminder that you can do anything you want to do.

2. Make yourself amazing mixes
Music moves me. I always have a rotating mix of “new songs,” which are not even necessarily current songs, but tunes that are new to me. I love post-punk and new wave, and I often create mixes of these genres for listening to while driving in the car or exercising

3. Buy yourself something nice
I enjoy treating myself once a week to something special, my latest purchase being this pair of pretty floral tights. I wear a lot of black, so this small pop of color made everyone in the office take notice and tell me how nice I looked. Beauty treats help, too. Every five weeks I get a cut and color from Beth at Evolve, and I always leave feeling pretty and refreshed. Eyebrow waxes and facials from bloom organic skincare parlor also make me feel more relaxed and my skin look great.

4. Exercise
Every time I feel bad about myself, the first thing Richard Wayne will always ask me is, “Are you exercising?” Lately, I’ve been trying to incorporate yoga and spinning into my life, which does help a lot with my self-depreciation woes. I also try to incorporate as much walking, taking the stairs, and dancing into my life as I can.

5. Write friends real letters
I have two pen pals: LA photographer Chloe Aftel, and one of my dear friends from college, Seattle based graphic designer, Erica Wong. Every time I get one of their hand written letters, it completely makes my day and makes me feel great that someone cares to take the time to write me.

6. Treat yourself to something delicious
I love coffee. I usually drink two cups a day, but sometimes, on a special day, I’ll have three cups. I import my favorite coffee, Blue Bottle, from San Francisco to Pittsburgh. It is a part of my morning ritual and makes me feel really happy. The second cup I buy is always an Americano with a double shot of espresso for a $1.66. It may add up day after day, but it’s a habit that makes the day a little easier to handle, so it’s worth it.

7. Problems? Fix them.
Do you wish that you and your boyfriend spent more quality time together? Make it happen! Since moving to Pittsburgh, I had wanted to visit an art museum calle The Mattress Factory. I could not expect Richard to read my mind that I wanted to go, so one week, I said, “This weekend, let’s spend a day together and visit this place.” He said OK, and we had a great time!

Are things not going well at work? Instead of perpetuating problems with co-workers, just talk to them about it. Today I felt bad because I was not invited to a meeting that my entire team went to. Instead of being upset inside about it, when they got back I said, “Next time, can I be invited to this?” Guess what, I am!

I am finally feeling comfortable with being more direct about my problems. I keep finding that, generally, the person was not even aware that I was upset, or they want to work with me to fix them.

8. Think about what you have
Your mom always said, “Things could be worse,” and she’s right – they can. Think about the things you have and remember that. I personally am thankful to have a really nice digital camera to make my art with, and a computer to edit the photos. I also feel thankful that I have so much love and support from my family and friends. The days I feel especially low about my physical self, I try to remember these things. It helps.

9. Help someone else
I LOVE giving presents. Birthday presents, surprise presents, love letters, and treats. Recently Richard Wayne and I bought our favorite bartender a dress she wanted. She was so surprised when we arrived one night with a box just for her. It makes my day to know that I made someone else’s!

10. Realize that imperfections are beautiful
I grew up hating my European nose. As a child, I wrote diary entries about how when I was 25, I would get a nose job. Well, I’m a few years past that mark, and it’s still here in all its pointy glory. I don’t know what happened, but somehow I stopped obsessing over my nose and realized that it’s a part of my face that makes me look like me.

I think self love  is something that has to be a dedicated daily practice, because it’s often easier to feel bad about something than to figure out how to make it better. I read a quote from Yoko Ono recently that said something like, “Try to not talk negative about someone for three hours, then three days, then three months. Can you do it?” All I want in life is to make pretty images and feel fulfilled. I don’t want negativity in my head, or from my environment. Think about it and tell me what you do to practice self-appreciation.

Today the skies are grey, the snow is still falling, and I find myself daydreaming about Forbidden Island tiki drinks, driving down Highway 1, and visiting my friends in snow-free San Francisco. Some positive things that have happened during this last frigid week: I was able to span lots of time with my honey, and my new, sophisticated KCP business cards, designed by Nubbytwiglet, arrived.

I have been collaborating with another talented person, Erin Corbett, who is a photo re-toucher living right down the street from us. We have been using our combined forces to revamp the website of a local skincare parlor called Bloom. I am also working on her business identity, and she is using her skills to help me with my photography portfolio!

Other wonderful things include: receiving real letters from my photographer pen-pal, Chloe Aftel, who constantly inspires and pushes me to be a better artist; wearing my new Betsey Johnson coat, which I bought for a steal and whose heart buttons make me feel happy; watching the documentary about American figure skater Johnny Weir, “Pop Star on Ice,” which I found to be completely inspiring; and discovering a love of yoga, which I have been doing once a week with Erin Corbett.

This morning I heard birds chirping, and these winter days are starting to make their exit. At the end of the month, I am taking a much needed trip home to California to see family and friends, and I am very excited about that! Tell me things that are making you feel wonderful.

Photographer Bunny Yeager, a model herself. She took the most famous photographs of pin-up beauty Bettie Page.

I want the weather to warm up so I can take photographs of girls dancing in trees.

This image reminds me of Dee Larsen, my Parisian muse, whom I miss daily.

Jessica M. found my model twin. More than a few friends really thought this was me!

In dreams.

First off, for a limited time, ModCloth is having a big “Cabin Fever Sale” in which selected items are 70% off! Go here and check out the goods.

Hopeless Lingerie is making affordable and beautiful silk bow headbands, which you can buy in various colors through their Etsy store.

Richard Wayne sent me a link to fashion site, 80s Purple and I was pleasantly surprised to recognize the work of an LA photographer that I admire, Julia Galdo!

Last weekend I had the pleasure to work with model Bobbi Wall and stylist Lindsay Williams for a Margot Tenenbaum-inspired photo shoot. Check out some of our images! It was probably the coldest weather I’ve ever photographed in, and the only fashion images I have with snow!

Other things that are making daily life happier: bi-weekly shipments of my favorite San Francisco treat, Blue Bottle Coffee; NubbyTwiglet’s Week In Pictures (who doesn’t adore a lady who has an affinity for taxidermy and wears stilettos at home?); beautiful letters, music, and cards sent from friends; my new houndstooth baby doll coat; and daydreams of an upcoming California visit.

I know that I’m late on this, but I love the character of Vince Noir, played by Noel Felding, from the British comedy series The Mighty Boosh. I started watching Season 1 this weekend and am hooked because I want to see what he will wear next! Silver spandex, cowboy hats, furry boots, and the most perfect hair? My favorite scene so far is when Vince Noir paints a portrait of Bollo the gorilla dressed up as Julius Caesar, and then says that Bollo looks like a “naked, little squashed-up hairy boy.”

Low-fi living in a modern world?

A new Urban Outfitters contest asks you to send them three photographs that illustrate how you are living a low-fi lifestyle. Enter, and you could win a $300 UO gift card!

Recently I had the opportunity to watch a documentary called, “Beautiful Losers“. The films website says, “In the early 1990’s, a loose-knit group of like-minded outsiders found common ground at a little NYC storefront gallery. Rooted in the DIY (do-it-yourself) subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip hop, and graffiti, they made art that reflected the lifestyles they led.” It stars a selection of the leaders of this movement, artists like Shepard Fairey, Barry McGee, Margaret Kilgallen (whose colorful paintings I have seen on the streets of San Francisco’s Mission District), and others.

I am still trying to figure out how to live in snow and bitter chill. Basically, with the the “high” temperatures being in the 20s, I’m cold all the time. I thought that I could get away with protesting the snow and wearing heels all winter, but each time I set foot on the sidewalk, I feel like I have to really focus or else I’ll fall down! Fashionable ladies who live in the snow, please tell me your secrets! Kid Congo Powers tells us about his shopping habits and twenty-five pairs of shoes (including four pairs of slippers). here.

In memory of Rowland S. Howard’s recent death, here’s a song by the Birthday Party for you. It’s one that I can’t stop listening to on this grey, snowy Pittsburgh day“Shivers”.

It’s a high of 25 degrees today in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! While I sit inside a warm office watching the snowflakes swirl and fall softly to the ground, I have some things to share with you, dear readers.

I couldn’t be more than pleased with the new black and white identity designed by my friend, the talented and darling, Miss Nubby Twiglet!

I came across the website of Austin-based freelance web designer and writer, Paige Maguire, called flux-rad.com, where she has some really great mixtapes available to download!

2009 was the year in which MadMen inspired me to start wearing pegnoirs to bed instead of pajamas, and in my searches for them, I came across this the pegnoir of my dreams.

Shae Acopian Detar always inspires me with her self portraits that she posts on her fashion blog, EverythingStyle.com. On Christmas Day, Richard Wayne’s mom gave me a fancy wireless remote, which means I have no excuse for not taking more photographs of my own face. Maybe this can be a goal for 2010?

This morning I opened my eyes and Pittsburgh was covered in snow! The sidewalks, the cars, the tree branches – it all looked like a scene from Groundhog Day!

I think the snow is gorgeous to look at, but of course I am saying this from my cozy apartment, while poor Richard Wayne is outside scraping snow off his car.

How are you? I am enjoying learning about my new environment but really missing California and my family. How are you going to spend the holidays? One of the things from the internet that I have been enjoying lately is Regina, the jewelry designer behind Chain Chain Chained’s blog.

Finally able to take pictures again, this week I was really curious how to make my own bokeh and found this really easy to follow tutorial.

What I love the most about this time of year are the decorations and giving gifts to my nearest and dearest. I wish that I could reveal what I purchased for Richard Wayne, but let’s just say that this year, Etsy was a great gift resource!

I also collaborated with Lindsay Jean, ModCloth fashion buyer and budding stylist, along with friend and model Bobbi Wall to create some gorgeous images. Can you believe that this was Bobbi’s first time in front of a camera?

I am anxious to focus on my photography again. There are some collaborations in the works, including an exciting identity redesign with graphic designer, fellow black and white lover, and snow white beauty, nubbytwiglet! Updates coming soon! Other than that, I am trying to stay positive and enjoy where I am.