Sources for Timeless and Historical Garments for Photography Sessions
For those seeking to create captivating and authentic period portraits in Atlanta, there are numerous options to find the perfect outfit. This article offers a guide to various sources for period clothing, ranging from costume rental shops to vintage boutiques and online marketplaces.
### Costume Rental Shops Atlanta boasts a number of costume rental shops that offer extensive wardrobes suitable for period portraits. Notable options include Universal Costume House at Assembly Studios, Metro Bolt & Supply Co. Inc., KaliCollection, Norcostco Atlanta Costume, and Costumes, Etc… Inc. These shops often cater to productions and events, making them ideal for creative portrait sessions as well.
### Thrift and Vintage Stores Atlanta's vibrant vintage shopping scene is another great resource for finding authentic period pieces and accessories. Local vintage boutiques and antiques malls, such as Kudzu Antiques & Vintage Home Market and The Treasure Mart, could offer unique items that add an extra touch of authenticity to your portrait.
### Online Marketplaces For those who prefer shopping digitally, popular online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, or specialized vintage apparel sites provide a global marketplace with thousands of listings for period clothing. These platforms offer a convenient way to find custom or rare finds.
### Costume Designers While not all costume designers in Atlanta are listed, many costume rental shops have in-house designers or can connect you with local designers who can create custom period pieces for photoshoots.
### Community Theaters Collaborating with community theaters can also provide access to unique period outfits not available elsewhere. These theaters typically maintain wardrobes of period costumes for their productions and may offer rentals or collaborations for creative projects.
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### Quick Reference Table
| Source Type | Notable Options in Atlanta | Notes | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Costume Rental Shops | Universal Costume House, Metro Bolt & Supply Co., KaliCollection, Norcostco Atlanta Costume, Costumes, Etc. Inc. | Large selections; rental for productions or sessions | | Thrift/Vintage Stores | Kudzu Antiques & Vintage Home Market, The Treasure Mart, other antiques shops | Potential for authentic period items and accessories | | Online Marketplaces | Etsy, eBay (recommended beyond search results) | Convenient for custom or rare finds | | Costume Designers | Often affiliated with rental shops or independent (inquire locally) | Custom-made outfits possible | | Community Theaters | Local theaters (contact to inquire) | Access to theatrical period wardrobes |
When planning a creative portrait session, comfort should be prioritized, even while focusing on authenticity. Breathable fabrics and garments that fit well are essential for comfort during a photo shoot. Researching and planning are also crucial when selecting authentic period clothing. Checking a seller's ratings and reviews is important when shopping online for costumes. Accessories and props can enhance the authenticity of a period look and add visual interest to portraits.
Renting a costume from these shops allows for an authentic outfit without a significant investment. Collaborating with costume designers or local seamstresses allows for personalized, one-of-a-kind garments tailored for a portrait session. Shopping online for costumes provides access to a global marketplace with thousands of listings. Collaborating with community theaters not only provides access to a diverse selection of costumes but also supports the local arts community. Discussing ideas and outfit choices with the photographer is important to ensure harmony with the overall aesthetic of the shoot.
Expanding your resources for a period portrait session in Atlanta, consider exploring fashion-and-beauty options from local vintage boutiques and antiques malls like Kudzu Antiques & Vintage Home Market and The Treasure Mart, which offer unique, authentic period pieces and accessories. Or, with a focus on home-and-garden, collaborating with community theaters can offer access to unique period outfits not available elsewhere, while supporting the local arts community.
