February 10, 2010 (RALEIGH, NC) – Raleigh hair stylist Jessica Williams of Lather Hair Salon and photographer Max Cohen of Cohen Studios 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.

About Lather Hair Salon:

Lather Hair Salon is a full-service, upscale salon specializing in color, cuts, waxing, deep conditioning treatments, shine glossing, perms, anti-curl treatments, and both trendy and classic styling. The salon was recently named one of the best salons in Raleigh by American Salon magazine. Lather also offers special wedding party services both in-salon or on location, and the stylists maintain “Hair Academy 101,” an on-going blog on hair care, styling, products, and DIY techniques. Lather Hair Salon is also available on Facebook and through Citysearch. For more information, visit www.latherhairsalonnc.com or call 919-792-0715.

About Cohen Studios:

A graduate of the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, Max Cohen of Cohen Studios has been a professional photographer for five years, working in both digital photography and film. At H.I.P., he was exposed to a wide range of technical skills and studied under world-renown photographers as instructors and guest speakers. Describing himself as a “generalist,” he enjoys all types of subjects, from children and high school senior portraits to commercial and editorial assignments. For more information, visit www.cohenstudios.com. Cohen Studios is also available on Facebook and Citysearch.