Pixies Photography, Chaska

While working as a makeup artist in Southern California, Pixies Photography cofounder Kelly was floored by how ordinary most of the models appeared. She realized that magazine-quality beauty could only emerge after intense cosmetic work and postproduction edits—and that, therefore, anyone could achieve it. So, she teamed up with salon-owner Stephanie to establish a studio where women of all backgrounds could tap into a starlet's confidence and poise.

Before their shoots, the duo oversees hair, makeup, and wardrobe services before capturing clients in sultry pinup poses, drawing from a closet full of vintage costumes and lacy lingerie. They then fade imperfections from the proofs according to the subject's wishes, which might request a light re-touching or a full overhaul. The sizzling portraits appear as prints, photo albums, and calendars, which make for playful gifts to significant others on an anniversary or prospective employers after an interview.