Pam Connolly

Salon Studies (2012-2022)

‘Salon Studies’ takes a close look at women between the ages of 45 and 65, and the choice they make to either alter their appearance by means of dyeing their hair, or alternatively allowing their hair to “go grey”. For many women this decision is fraught with strong emotions, first and foremost among them a fear of aging. 

As part of my process I often photograph my subjects’ reflections in the mirror. I direct them to look closely at themselves, or directly into the camera lens, through the mirror. As a result these portraits are very much about the experience of being looked at: by oneself, the camera, the viewer, and by a society that values youth above all else.