Wedding Season

Hi Everyone-

I came across a really good article (www.ppm.com) for brides, and bridal parties, giving advice on make up application/tips for weddings.  Not only is this good info for brides but for anyone having their portraits taken by a professional.  If you have any other advice to share, feel free!

Tips from makeup artists Steve Moore of The Moore Agency in Atlanta, Deanna Rene of Scottsdale, Ariz., and photographer Holly Schumacher. 

1. BLEND, BLEND, BLEND. You can use your everyday makeup, but use more than you normally use every day. Many makeup professionals use airbrush makeup, the method of choice for high-definition TV, because it’s lightweight, waterproof and gives flawless coverage.  

2. SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE. Use less makeup for a day wedding and more for evenings. You can get dramatic with eye makeup.  

3. DON’T SKIMP ON CONCEALER. Use a moisturized concealer on the thin, sensitive skin under the eyes. If your concealer isn’t moisturizing, blend it with a skin cream. For blemishes, first treat them with a natural or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, then cover with concealer.  

4. DO A MAKEUP TRIAL RUN. It’s the only sure-fire, stress-free way to make certain your makeup will look beautiful.  

5. NOT ALL MINERAL MAKEUP IS CREATED EQUAL. Titanium dioxide, a chemical used as sun block, can reflect flash, giving the bride a ghostly appearance. In 2009 makeup artist Annie May launched a line of mineral makeup especially formulated for photography called Advanced Mineral Makeup. May promises it won’t white-out the bride under a flash.  

6. USE WATERPROOF MAKEUP WITH STAYING POWER. You don’t want to spend your reception in the bathroom reapplying your makeup. Foundation, eyeliner and mascara all should be waterproof. And in case you cry (and you probably will), have a tissue or handkerchief handy to gently blot your tears right at the eye.  

7. KEEP YOUR LIPS MOISTURIZED AND COLORED. Dry lips look dreadful in photos. Have someone carry your lipstick for you and touch up often. Matte and gloss lipstick both photograph well, and be sure to use blended lip liner for enhanced definition. 

8. DON’T FORGET THE GROOM. If the groom is red faced due to too much sun (or drinking), a little powder can help. That goes for shiny heads, too. And it’s a good idea to slip a tube of Chapstick in the groom’s pocket for his dry lips, as well as a handkerchief to dab well-wishers’ makeup smudges off his suit.  

9. DON’T SPRINKLE ON GLITTER. In photographs, it tends to look like little white spots, as if there’s something wrong with the camera.  

10. REMEMBER to apply foundation and powder to your neck, shoulders and décolletage—you want your head to look like it belongs to your body! 

Enjoy!

D

xoxo

Baby Boy, Vincent.

I had the pleasure of sharing  a special afternoon photographing one of the cutest little boys in Saint Johns, his name is Vinnie and he was baptised today.  I had such a good time with his extended family, his parents  and big sister.  Below are some pictures of the time I had with them today.  I cannot wait to share with the family the rest of the photos I captured!

xoxo

D

So today....

So today it hit me!  I have been following Style Your Life blog for a while now.  Jennifer has great clothing suggestions and great style.  She creates outfits from head to toe, accessory ideas, and even virtual styling for a variety of occasions.  What "hit me" today is her post on what to wear for your photo shoot. How appropriate considering my last blog entry was on exactly the same theme.   So today I had to let her know what perfect timing she had.

So, I'm sharing with you the Style your Life link and hope her blog gives you some new ideas and inspiration for your photo shoot and everyday style.  Lucky you, right!?

I hope you all have a very safe and great holiday weekend! I know I will as I am heading back to VA to see our family.

I've scheduled my photography shoot. Now what do I wear?!?

A lot of people have asked this question, including me. Just what do you wear to a photo session once it has been booked with a photographer?


My response depends on a few factors: 1-the weather 2-photo theme 3-location. I think the first response is kinda obvious....you don't want to be dressed for the beach when it's 40 degrees outside!! Well maybe some do!  Nor do you want to wear white, in the rain, unless the sheer look is what you are going for. :-)

So let's start with number 2: What type of session did you schedule? Family, mother daughter, event session? I recommend for family session for the members to have some sort of continuity to the photos. Not necessarily all matchy-matchy but if the colour of choice is blue, then some where pale blue, baby blue while others wear navy blue, deep blue, etc. That way everyone's personality shows through creating individuality and bringing more emotion to the picture. The younger children could be dressed in fancy clothes, while the parents/adults are more casual. How's that for a statement!?


In regards to number 3: Location. Location. Location! (had to...LOCATION! ok! phew! done): Clothing choice and location can be flexible, but I wouldn't necessarily want to see someone dressed in a snowboard getup in the park, or on the beach...tell me I'm wrong in thinking that (and I'll give you $1) or on a mountain, covered in snow, with a naked newborn.  See what I mean?


BUT, what you can do is try to coordinate colours for the outfits. Include texture (ruffles, knits, demin) and don't forget to ACCESSORIZE (earrings, bracelets, necklaces)!

Accessories do not have to be limited to just women. Don't forget to about all the things you bring along for your children when you go places with them; favorite blanket, stuffed animal, colouring books, toys, skateboard, bike, etc. Having these types of things not only adds character to the portrait memory, but it helps to relax the younger child more and for the older child, it gives them a chance to capture their latest talent and excitement. As far as accessorizing men, please see the latter suggestions for children. Ha! I am kidding. OK-half kidding. But men love gadgets. They love their electronics, cars, books (catch my drift) and such. Having a prop that they value, that anyone values, brings more emotion and character to pictures and tells more of a story. And the story is what we want portrayed in photography.

Another tip would be to have layers.  For example, if you are wearing a tank top, bring a shrug or a cardigan to wear over the tank for a different look to the photo.  Have a skirt? Bring shorts or jeans along too! You never know how a small wardrobe change can make such a big difference.

Hope you've enjoyed your tips!  TTFN!

Deirdre