ScarletDiva Portrait Studio Group
Monica Holloway began dreaming about a photographic studio as far back as the late 1990’s when she was studying photography at college. Her dream was to launch a photographic studio focusing on women and fashion, as a means of bringing together her two passions - Photography and Style. Initially working from home creating Modelling Portfolios for aspiring “Catwalk Queens”, in 2007, Monica launched her first studio in Berkhamsted. The objective of the studio was to create something for the large number of women who she knew loved dressing up and making themselves feel glamorous - just like her. She also knew that a large number of Photographic studios were run by men, were impersonal and inflexible. Monica then set about building a studio designed for Women. At this point ScarletDiva was born.
The first step in Monica’s business venture was to equip her studio with the props and back drops necessary to create a series of “looks”. Moving away from traditional head and shoulders or stiff contrived poses, Monica encouraged her clients to relax and enjoy the experience of dressing up and being pampered. Reaching back to a more glamorous - Hollywood - age, Monica looked to images of beautiful people such as Ava Gardner, Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe for inspiration. Being an all women studio also meant that Monica could create images which were, by their very nature more intimate than the average photo shoot. Again seeking inspiration from the Dita Von Teese look, Monica developed the Burlesque and Boudoir side of her business.
In April 2010, Monica added to her portfolio by launching personal photo shoots with Make-Over and Styling. Partnering with Liz Taylor to provide make-up and styling for these sessions also added that extra something to the whole experience. Throughout all of the work done by ScarletDiva, the ethic of the studio has always been founded around the question - “is this an image you would want your Granny to see?”. Sexy and stylish not tacky or seedy!
Having successfully created the ScarletDiva business, Monica was asked to work with renowned local Hair Stylist Ciente, creating images for their entries into prestigious stying competitions. In 2009 one of Monica’s images won an award for Ciente for the Best New Stylist Photograph. Success in Commercial photography meant that an additional element of ScarletDiva could be developed under the name of PurpleDiva. For more information on Monica’s commercial work and personal portraits click here .
You are welcome to browse the rest of this site for more information on the ScarletDiva make-over sessions.
Monica Holloway - Photography
Despite an early interest in Photography, Monica began her career as a school teacher and then moved into accounting and finance. After completing an MBA in 1998, she went on to study City & Guilds Photography for four years at the Centre for the Arts, North Herts. College, gaining distinctions in 7 out of 7 modules. During her time at College, Monica developed a passion for photographing people. She has recently added to her photographic qualifications by completing a professionally recognised, advanced Studio course, again gaining distinctions in all modules. As well as many personal commissions, Monica has also undertaken many assignments in several commercial and beauty related sectors, and has had her work published in style and fashion magazines. Recent clients include: Ciente - Berkhamsted; Gorgeous of Tring; Tricia Bennett Garden Design; Design Wardrobe - Kings Langley
Liz Taylor - Make-Up & Styling
Local businesswoman Liz, was previously National Trainer for Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. She currently has her own skincare clinic, ABOUTFACE in Berkhamsted.
