Aubrey & Mackenzie | Sibling Session

Aren't Aubrey and Mackenzie adorable? Their mom, Cindy, wanted some new photos of the two of them and I think we got some good ones! Trying to take photos of children always proves a challenge, because they are energetic and inquisitive, but it usually makes for some great candid photos. Aubrey is the younger one, so she was very amused with everything at the Luthy Botanical Gardens. She checked everything out, but I still got some great photos of her just being herself. Mackenzie, on the other hand, was a little older and knew exactly how to pose and smile for some great photos. It was a great shoot all around and I love the results!

Jenny | Personal Session

Jenny got in touch with me about doing some photos to add to her modeling portfolio. I was very excited to work with Jenny! She was very nice and we had a great test shoot downtown.

Brian and Me | Couple Session

My boyfriend was a good sport and let me do a session with the two of us so I could have some more couple-y photos in my portfolio. We just went to the local park near my house. I really loved how they turned out.

And welcome to the new blog! I thought this format might be easier, so I'm giving it a try.

What Should I Wear? - On My Face

I think the most popular question I get asked is what I do for my makeup when I’m modeling. I thought a post explaining a simple look would be helpful for those getting their photos taken, modeling or not. Some of you might not know this, but I worked in the cosmetic department at Macy’s for a while in 2010 and picked up some good tips there.

1. Concealer. I start off with concealer on any blemishes and under eye circles. You can use liquid or powder, it’s really your preference. Just make sure the concealer is a couple shades lighter than your skin.

2. Liquid Foundation. Now go over your entire face with liquid foundation. You can use a brush, sponge, or clean fingers for this step. Make sure you blend really well, especially around your neck! In fact, go ahead and put some foundation on your neck and blend. Having a drastically paler neck compared to your face isn’t flattering on anyone.

3. Powder Foundation. After liquid foundation comes powder foundation. This will really seal your foundation so it doesn’t just sweat off. Just use a big brush and make small circular motions over your entire face and neck until it is blended in.

4. Blush. Next, it’s time for some blush. Smile really big and put the blush on the apples of your cheeks. Don’t put too much and be sure to blend it in really well.

5. Eyeliner. This is probably the one step that you could skip if you were really weary of it. Apply eyeliner, liquid or pencil, to your upper lash line. Now, this should be a very thin line to accentuate your eyes. It shouldn’t look super obvious that you’re wearing eyeliner.

6. Eyeshadow. Brown eyeshadow looks good with any eye color. It’s subtle and doesn’t distract the viewer from the photo of you. Start with the medium shade of eyeshadow and cover your entire eyelid. Next, use the darker shade on the crease above your eyelid. Finally, use the lightest shade directly underneath your eyebrow. The picture below is a dramatic example of the look, but clearly shows where the different shades should be used.

 

7. Fake eyelashes. When I say fake eyelashes, I don’t mean the huge, very-fake-looking ones. I’m talking about the little baby ones that you just put on the outer edge of you eye lashes. Put the fake lashes as close to your real lashes as possible. This will really open your eyes and acentuate the lashes.

8. Mascara. After you’ve got your eyelashes on, it’s time for mascara. This will darken your own lashes, help the real and fake lashes blend together, and help the fake lashes stay on better. Apply the mascara as you normally would, root to tips.

9. Lipstick. Next, apply some lipstick that is just a couple shades darker than your natural lip color.

10. Lipgloss. Finally, use some clear lip gloss and apply a small amount to your lips.
This is a very basic, natural look that will make sure the focus is about the photo and you, the subject, as a whole. If you usually wear grey eyeshadow during the day, then you could most definitely use shades of grey instead of brown for your eyeshadow. Wearing the proper makeup really does a lot for your photos!

I hope this was helpful and if you have any other What To Wear suggestions, please let me know!

What Should I Wear? - Outfits Should Go, Not Necessarily Match

It’s hard enough for people to decide what to wear in a shoot when it’s just one person in the frame. People can really get overwhelmed with two or more! I’m here to help! I have done an example wardrobe for an imaginary shoot. For this shoot, I imagined two sisters shooting at a lake or pond with a dock and lots of greenery around. I stuck with the colors turquoise, pink, yellow, white, and tan. Notice that every color is not in each outfit! It was just a starting point. Keep reading for how you can select a wardrobe for your shoot that looks good, but isn’t matchy-matchy.

Select a palette for your wardrobe. When multiple people are in the shot, their outfits do not have to match and be the exact same thing or the exact same colors. It’d be wise to pick about 4 colors to make your palette for your wardrobe. Make sure one of them is a neutral (khaki, grey, black, white, etc.)! You can check out ColourLovers for some premade palettes if you’re really stuck.

Keep the same casualness level. This one sounds simple, but you’d be surprised. If one person is super casual in jeans and a t-shirt, then the other people in the shot should be similarly dressed. Pay attention to the material that the clothes are made out of. A cotton dress would look fine if the other person had on, say, dark jeans and a cotton t-shirt. If one person had on a silk-looking shirt, the other people in the shot should wear items that are just as fancy.

Pay attention to where you are shooting. If you are shooting in a more woodsy, green, nature-esqu location, please, avoid wearing green! You don’t want to blend in, you want to stand out! Make sure that the colors you choose go with green. Neon yellow probably wouldn’t look the best in some green grass. Neutrals, soft colors, and earthy tones tend to work well in nature. Just think, if you could find the color naturally in the world (flowers, water, sky, etc.), then it’d probably work for a shoot in a nature location. Now, if your shoot is somewhere more urban, like downtown in a city or lots of concrete around, you want to think bold. Rich colors that stand out against the dull background work best. Bring blacks, dark jeans, and jewel colored items if your shoot is more urban for the best pictures.

It’s better to bring too much, than not enough. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: When in doubt, bring more! I’d rather have tons of options and help you put an outfit together than have you show up with a limited selection.

I’ll post more examples of wardrobes that ‘go, not necessarily match’ in the future!

What Should I Wear? - Nature Setting

Previously I discussed what to wear in an urban setting. Today, I’m going to go over some options if your shoot is in a nature setting.

Soft, natural colors. When you’re selecting clothes, try to pick ones that are soft colors that you can find in nature. I usually try to avoid green, though, because we don’t want you blending into the background. That only applies during summer. Once fall hits and the colors start getting more muted, green is perfect.

Delicate, girly patterns. If you want to wear patterns, I suggest floral prints and delicate patterns. Nothing too large or overwhelming.

Jeans are always good. Bring jeans to every type of shoot! That said, I would specifically bring light to medium washes if I was shooting out in nature. It just seems to go better.

Neutrals. Yes, again, always bring neutrals. Browns and cream colors, especially. Not so much with black and grey, but those can still work. Navy is another great neutral when in a nature setting.

I hope this helped give you a better idea of the types of clothes to bring to a photoshoot in a nature setting. Another good thing to bring is bug spray!

What Should I Wear? - Senior Session Guy

Here is the guys version of a senior session. I selected a very casual look, something a little nicer, a summery outfit, another casual look, and, finally, a dressy look. Notice that I have stripes and plaid. Don’t be afraid of prints! Just make sure the rest of your outfit is on the simpler side. Remember to bring any school uniforms you have, too! Below are some other helpful tips.

Keep it simple. Bring basic, timeless pieces. I wouldn’t get too carried away with the clothes. The focus should be on you, not what your wearing. One super trendy outfit is fine, but remember that trends change, but the classic pieces will always be around.

Bring fun accessories. Accessories are a great way to bring some fun into the picture, but not overpower the photo. Don’t bring all crazy accessories, though, make sure you have some basic shoes and jewelry, too.

It’s better to bring too much. I’d rather have you show up with a suitcase of options that we could pick from, rather than bring three outfits that might not work as well.

No labels. Only bring shirts that do not have writing on them. Just trust me on this one. In five years, you will not want ‘American Eagle’ or ‘Cutie’ written in huge letters on your shirt. It’s distracting. People will be reading your shirt, rather than looking at you.

Bring things that are particular to YOU! Brings items, clothes, props, etc. that fit your personality. If you love shoes, bring a bunch of pairs and we could have you sitting among them! If you have a beloved pet, we could get some pictures with him or her! The possibilities are endless!

What Should I Wear? - Urban Setting

When selecting a wardrobe for your photoshoot, it is important you keep in mind where the photoshoot is taking place. As of right now it’s easiest to group photoshoots into two different types: urban and nature. I’ll be going over some basics of what to wear in an urban environment. Urban environments are the city: concrete, bricks, metal, etc.

Bold, bright colors. In my opinion, urban settings are not the lace for girly pastels. Urban calls for bold and bright. Think primary colors and jewel tones. Darker colors always work well, too, like maroon

Prints. Any animal print looks great in an urban setting. Plaid, believe it or not, works well, too. Plaid gives off a very grunge feeling, so keep that in consideration. Stripes are always good. Dots work, too. Stay away from floral prints, though.

Neutrals. Neutrals always work, no matter what. It’s always good to bring some black, white, greys, and browns to pair with the bolder items.

Of course these are just some guidelines to help you, if you’re deadset on a girly, country-esque dress, I’ll make it work anyways. Just bring things that really express who you are. That is the most important.

What Should I Wear? - Senior Session Girl

‘What should I wear?’ is one of the most common questions from people getting their picture taken. I’ve put together an example wardrobe a senior girl could bring along. I’ve selected a casual look, a business-casual look, a summery look, a dressier look, and, finally, a fancy dress. If you have any school uniforms, I would definitely bring those as well, along with any equipment/props! Below are some other helpful tips.

Keep it simple. Bring basic, timeless pieces. I wouldn’t get too carried away with the clothes. The focus should be on you, not what your wearing. One super trendy outfit is fine, but remember that trends change, but the classic pieces will always be around.

Bring fun accessories. Accessories are a great way to bring some fun into the picture, but not overpower the photo. Don’t bring all crazy accessories, though, make sure you have some basic shoes and jewelry, too.

It’s better to bring too much. I’d rather have you show up with a suitcase of options that we could pick from, rather than bring three outfits that might not work as well.

No labels. Only bring shirts that do not have writing on them. Just trust me on this one. In five years, you will not want ‘American Eagle’ or ‘Cutie’ written in huge letters on your shirt. It’s distracting. People will be reading your shirt, rather than looking at you.

Bring things that are particular to YOU! Brings items, clothes, props, etc. that fit your personality. If you love shoes, bring a bunch of pairs and we could have you sitting among them! If you have a beloved pet, we could get some pictures with him or her! The possibilities are endless!