A unique studio in Brooklyn's Greenpoint neighborhood is offering a blast from the past by recreating the nostalgic, often awkward, glamour photo sessions popular in the 1990s. Greenpoint Glam, a 250-square-foot analog studio owned by 47-year-old Argentinian preservationist Marcos Meconi, eschews modern technology, even banning internet access on-site, to achieve an authentic retro experience. Clients are flocking to Meconi's studio for sessions that evoke memories of mall photo booths where teenagers would pose with friends, showcasing fashion trends like choker necklaces and slap bracelets.
Meconi, who has a background in advertising and was nominated for an Emmy for a Netflix documentary series, cultivated his passion for vintage aesthetics through his personal collection of retro items, including early Apple computers and cassette tapes. He described his studio as "like Doc Brown's lab from Back to the Future." His yearning for a different era, he explained, stems from his immigrant experience and a desire for a time with more tangible connections.
The studio's concept gained traction after Meconi's first clients, two Zillennial influencers, booked a session in January 2026. They had seen a flyer on a neighborhood website. Using vintage equipment and backdrops, Meconi guided them through classic, somewhat stiff, retro poses. The resulting photos went viral, leading to a surge in demand from clients of various ages seeking the old-school glamour shot experience.
Meconi noted that contemporary retailers like JCPenney or Sears can no longer replicate this specific aesthetic due to updated lighting and camera technology. His studio offers a 45-minute, 24-portrait session for $300, and a one-hour infomercial shoot for $600. Initially, he found it perplexing when clients praised his work before seeing the final images. He later realized they were responding to the collaborative experience and connection forged during the session, which he views as a lost art in today's digital age.
Clients can book appointments via the studio's website or by calling a dedicated phone number. They are encouraged to bring their own props or utilize the vintage items available at the studio, and to dress in attire suitable for a glamour shot to achieve the best results. Meconi also offers infomercial production services, a more recent addition to his business. He collaborates with clients, such as comedian Sarah Beth Luciano, to create short, stylized videos reminiscent of 1980s infomercials. His partner, multimedia artist Tall Milk, assists in creating these promotional videos, which feature exaggerated acting, cheesy dialogue, and classic flashing "BOOK NOW" graphics.
Meconi's infomercial style has proven effective for businesses, including a vintage watch shop named Walker & Crown, for whom he has photographed female bodybuilders in an 80s aesthetic. He sees his work as an antidote to the anxieties surrounding AI and automation, offering a tangible, collaborative experience that harks back to simpler times.