We always thought the yuhmmiest thing in Austin was the dry rub flavored bbq from the Salt Lick until we were introduced to the photographic genius of 666 Photography. Photographer Gayla Partridge and her crew create retro and pin up portraits that are distinctly lush and magnificently constructed. Booking a session with Gayla is about as hard as sneaking into a SXSW showcase without a pass. So, book now while the waiting list is only 4 months long.

The name 666 Photography… Is Satan part of your creative team?

We here at 666photography love puppies, little children, and fluffy bunnies. Oddly enough, I was raised Southern Baptist. Satan has no power here! ;)

Your approach to photography is that it’s more than just taking a good photo. Please explain.

I love taking photographs. But I equally love creating and building sets, costumes, wigs etc. For me, the whole process, from constructing the sets to styling the models to eventually taking the photograph is important. I do most of it myself, with the help of a wonderful makeup artist, and I think the continuity of the photo from beginning to end makes it more than just a photo.

We’re assuming that you have a theater background being able to create the amazing props, costumes and backdrops… or were you part of a traveling circus at one point of your life?

I have a theater background growing up acting and singing, but never in the prop department. Art, in any form, has always been my passion and I happen to be handy with a hammer.

What first attracted you to retro/vintage and pin up photography?

When I first got back into photography, years after college, I was really interested in swing dancing and rockabilly music. Because a lot of the gals and guys I danced with embraced the vintage culture, it was just natural that I began shooting them. Because of the style, it lent itself to pinup.

You provide a service where women can come to you for a retro style or pin up photograph. If my granny came in and asked to look like Bettie Page, could you make that happen?

I could make granny look the best she has ever looked, and more importantly, feel more gorgeous than she has ever felt! I work with an amazing makeup artist, Lisa Naeyaert, who is wonderful at transforming the average gal, or granny, into a bombshell.

The models in your personal collections are delicious. You’ve worked with some of our favorites like Heidi Van Horne and Sabina Kelley, but are many of them local discoveries?

Some of the gals are local. Many have flown in to shoot. We count the majority of our lovely ladies as friends, so we have been lucky enough to shoot some of them numerous times.

Describe the characteristics you look for when choosing your models.

These days I dont really look for the typical pinup look. I am always searching for gals with something interesting about them. Could be their eyes, or lips, or a general style, but I tend to enjoy working with the gal that has something a little bit different.

Is there someone out there on your radar that you’d love to photograph?

There is a model in LA named Betcee May, who has everything I could ever look for in a model. She is my dream model! We are so booked we dont get to travel to shoot, but someday our paths will cross!

Are there any current photographers or artists you feel are pushing the envelope or inspire you?

I havent really been bowled over by anyone lately that is pushing the envelope. There are tons of amazing photographers whose work I admire. With that said, I do adore Marla Rutherfords work! Her shoots with latex just thrill me!

Besides your website, where else can we see your work and what’s on your horizon for 09?

We have our first coffee table book coming out in Fall of 2009 through Korero Books. It will be a retrospective of my work for the last 6 years or so. We have a few gallery shows we are participating in in 2009, in a few different states, so there might be one near you soon.

Taste it:
www.666photography.com