Photos by Cohen Studios, hair by Jessica Williams, Lather Hair Salon
February 10, 2010 (RALEIGH, NC) – Photographer Max Cohen of Cohen Studios and Jessica Williams of Lather Hair Salon decided to pool their creative resources recently to build both of their portfolios.
Williams needed to create and document a few color and styling techniques that she doesn’t often get to do in the day-to-day work of a hair salon.
“As much as I love treating, cutting, coloring and styling hair for everyday wear, sometimes it’s fun — and challenging — to stretch the envelope, so to speak, and show the edgier side of my artistry,” said Williams, whose salon was recently named one of Raleigh’s trendiest hair salons by American Salon magazine. Her work is also featured in this month’s Rouge magazine. “Bold color and dramatic cuts are seldom requested by our ‘regular’ clients!”
Williams is also applying to become a training specialist for Wella hair care products and needed photos of her work to accompany the application.
Enter Max Cohen of Cohen Studios in downtown Raleigh.
For several months, Williams has displayed examples of Cohen’s work on a wall in the salon. They’d met during a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser for which they’d both volunteered. It seemed natural to ask him to collaborate.
“And I was more than happy to do it,” said Cohen, who specializes in portraiture and wedding photography. “I was already interested in expanding the fashion portion of my portfolio, so when Jessica approached me about shooting some examples of her edgier work, I immediately saw how it would benefit both of us.”
Williams found three clients who were willing to let her go a bit extreme with their hair. For one model, she added bold reds to her long brown hair then shortened the cut with multiple layering to create a sweeping silhouette around her head. “Very rock-n-roll,” Williams quipped.
For another model, Williams created deep, heavy bangs, or “fringe,” then added warm browns to the model’s original color as well as bold blond chunks to dramatically lighten the top. A hint of curl around the model’s face completes the look.
For the only guy in the group, Williams opened up the facial area and turned a previously shaggy style into a striking geometric look. 
The photo sessions took place in the salon, in Cohen’s studio, and near a train track that slices through downtown Raleigh where for natural lighting.
“I wanted to do some studio shots because that would allow me to emphasize the hair without environmental distractions,” Cohen said.
Williams and Cohen intend to continue collaborating as both professionals build their portfolios.
“It was a lot of fun,” Cohen said.
Williams agreed. “Max is really easy to work with, and seeing my work through his gorgeous images is exciting.”
For more information on Lather Hair Salon, visit www.latherhairsalonnc.com
For more information on Cohen Studios, visit www.cohenstudios.com.
