AlexaArt Photography, Rocky River

It's been said that the clothes make the man; but at AlexaArt Photography, clothes are just one ingredient to making an entire world—one nearly solidified 50 years in the past. Photographer Alexa specializes in staging retro pinup portraits and has stocked her studio with era-appropriate tools. She might set up a 1950s living-room scene complete with red rotary phone or switch to a beachy backdrop with vintage props, such as fans, parasols, and steam-powered jet skis, for one of her shoots. Meanwhile, the attentions of a makeup and hair artist combine with Alexa’s sprawling wardrobe of sultry, vintage-style fashions to primp her clients.

As Alexa channels her own modeling experience to direct alluring poses, she maintains a supportive, comfortable ambiance to match her sense of style. After all, her ultimate mission is not to capture historical accuracy but the satisfaction and confidence of her subjects. She encourages women of all ages and body types to schedule one of her specialty session packages, each of which is named after a pinup icon—from Marilyn Monroe to Bettie Page. Once the shoot is complete, she applies retouching techniques and can imbue images with an old-time, faded aesthetic using special effects. In addition to producing traditional prints, Alexa will even copy sensual still frames onto decks of playing cards, iPhone cases, and calendars.