At Terribly Girly Studio with Janette Valentine

© Janette Valentine / Terribly Girly Photography

Janette Valentine is the powerhouse behind Terribly Girly, a photography studio in Wynwood that specializes in classic and modern pin-up photography, and retro boudoir photography. She'll take any lady (or gent) and turn them into a retro pinup goddess. She's re-framing history with every click of her camera.

I caught up with her at Terribly Girly Studio in Wynwood to talk about throwback fashion and her bright head of hair.

Describe your outfit head to toe.

I'm wearing Doc Marten's ankle boots I got for $20 bucks at Austin’s Buffalo Exchange, argyle socks from Target (best socks ever), deep red stretch jeans from AngryYoungAndPoor.com, t-shirt cut up by me from Kill City online store, a black belt from Trash & Vaudeville in New York, a scorpion bracelet from Evolution in New York, and a handmade eye necklace I got from Etsy.com

Describe your style.

My everyday style is pretty laid back. I like to be comfortable. I wear Chuck Taylor's, Doc Martens and boots on a daily basis. Wish I'd have the courage to put on a pair of badass high heels but am afraid of falling off! I like jeans, t-shirts with cool graphics, tanks…easy stuff. I'm not much of a risk-taker when it comes to fashion and I'm definitely into rock n' roll style.

When did the hair turn pink?

My hair has always been my signature of sorts. I started using henna to turn my hair red at fifteen. Went jet-black, and then platinum, then stuck to red for many years. The hair has become brighter with time. I love bright hair. And since I don't take many fashion risks, keeping my hair bright is my way of keeping it fun.

You are known for photographing this burlesque pinup style, where does this passion come from?

I love the fashion, hair and makeup styles from past decades. I'm stuck in that era, between the 20s and the 30s, because that style is so classic! It's so much fun to transform an everyday gal into a pin-up bombshell. It's fun for me creatively and rewarding as well because it's a real self-esteem boost for the ladies I work with.

Looking back at original 1950s fashion, what are your favorite qualities of that period?

I like the fun, light-hearted and classic looks of the 50's. But I must say, that I favor the dark, sexy look of the 20's…definitely my favorite time period for hair, makeup and fashion.

What other styles of photograph do you enjoy? What would be your perfect scenery?

I love fashion photography. I'm currently working on building a fashion portfolio to explore new creative ventures. I'd like to mix the edginess of fashion and add a retro flair to the photographs. Be it the hairstyles, makeup, props or fashion accessories. I'm very much looking forward to getting started! An ideal situation would be an incredible hair, makeup and wardrobe team paired with an outstanding model that is fun and creative in an outdoor location, preferably around sunset right before a storm…an ominous sky would be the perfect backdrop.

Tell me a little bit of what goes behind the scenes when a photo shoot takes place.

Our photo shoots are fun the moment we all get together. It's absolute girl time and we talk about everything. We have a "no boys" rule. Everything is planned before the session. Once we get started, wardrobe is settled. Then the hair and makeup process begins. The moment our model or client is transformed, the photo shoot begins. The longest part is getting ready for the shoot, it's always so much fun to witness the transformation. It's always a good time for all of us.

You are also part of a hard metal band called Shroud Eater, if aligning everything that you do together, what’s the common characteristic of all your talents and passions?

The common characteristic of everything I do is that it allows me to push my creative buttons at all times. I've never wanted an average life, have always been independent and very business oriented. I'm terrible with numbers but knew early on that I wanted to work in a creative field and work for myself. Photography is my job but it allows certain creative freedoms that feed me and keep me motivated. Playing music is therapeutic for me and has always been a great passion. Being in a hard rock band is fun as hell and so is my job. Come to think of it, I guess I just wanna have a lil' fun.  What's wrong with that!

Do you have any other hidden talent that we don’t know about?

Hidden talents? Great question. I can read minds, can leap over tall buildings, can fit my fist in my mouth, have the great ability to talk about nothing at all for hours and make sense. I can also whip up a super-tasty veggie lasagna and make a mean espresso. 

What has Miami offered you as an artist and young entrepreneur such as yourself?

Miami has made me work harder and taught me to be self-sufficient. It's a very competitive place and as a woman you have to work double to succeed and to be taken seriously, especially since photography and music are both male-dominated fields.