| WARDROBE AND STYLING |
So what's the deal with makeup?
Regular makeup is, typically, a more natural look with complementary tones and a
moderate application. Stage makeup is designed to emphasize features when
exposed to intense stage lighting, which tends to wash out facial lines and make the
subject look pale and undefined. Portrait makeup is between these two looks.
A professional makeup artist will still use tones that complement the color of your
skin, but he or she will pay special attention to camouflaging blemishes or
imperfections, and deepening the contours of the face. Slightly more intense
eyeliner and an extra coat of mascara will really help your eyes "pop" in the shots.
Of course, make sure that the application is smooth and precise, and that the
mascara is not clumpy. Blush should be chosen carefully to blend with your natural
colors, and applied with a large blush brush high on the apple of the cheek, blending
back toward the temple. You will have better results with a large blush brush, other
than the tiny one that probably came with the product. Brushes are so very
important! Invest in a good set of brushes and learn how to use them...your face
will thank you forever.
If you are rough with makeup, or just need some honest assistance, contact us
about a Stylist Consultation in advance of your shoot, or the services of a Stylist at
your shoot. My staff is carefully chosen from individuals with practical and artistic
experience, and the personal skills to help you feel your best.
Should I get my hair cut?
If you wish to have a haircut prior to your shoot, do it 2 weeks or so in advance.
That way you have an opportunity to work with it and find the styles best for you.
Guys should be clean shaven unless that is a typical look for them.
What other things can I do to make sure I look my best on the shoot?
Get a good night's rest the night before, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and any other
substances for 24 hours prior to your shoot. Try to come in with a positive attitude,
and leave your stress at the door.
What about accessories?
For contemporary portraits or seniors, hats and jewelry are always fun. Unique
shoes and bags will jazz up your set, as will props like a cane, umbrella, or raincoat.
Will I be able to change my look during the shoot?
Absolutely! We encourage it! Hairstyle changes, different makeup, and wardrobe
choices can wildly expand the options from your shoot.
What about eyebrows?
If you are at all unsure of your eyebrows prior to a shoot, Laura recommends
visiting a specialist. preferably one who does threading. This ancient technique uses
thread instead of tweezers; it's fast, inexpensive, and will make a huge difference in
your overall look.
I don't want my scar or blemishes in my photos. What can you do about
that?
Fret not about your pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, scars, flakes, and cold sores.
That's what Photoshop is for! Of course, the unretouched images will still have that,
but we will minimize little wobbles like that with makeup first.
What do I wear?
Your best choices in portraiture will be solid colors, long sleeves, with a variety of
"looks". A more formal outfit, 2 casual outfits, a team or club uniform, and cap &
gown are usually sufficient. Can't decide? We encourage you to bring several
choices and we'll help you select. Don't forget coordinating shoes and accessories
such as jewelry and hats. Stay in color families that blend well with your natural
coloring, and with clothing choices that won't make you laugh in 20 years. Avoid
short sleeves, midriff tops or short jackets that cut your line, and wildly trendy looks
unless that is your gimmick.
For family portraits, we encourage you to coordinate the outfits around a clothing
style, fabric, or color family. For example: white shirts with jeans; polos and shorts;
red, white & blue; boys in one color, girls in another,etc. Unless you are looking for
a specific wardrobe, work with what your family already has to keep additional costs
down. Unique props that tie the group together are often terrific mementos.
Regular makeup is, typically, a more natural look with complementary tones and a
moderate application. Stage makeup is designed to emphasize features when
exposed to intense stage lighting, which tends to wash out facial lines and make the
subject look pale and undefined. Portrait makeup is between these two looks.
A professional makeup artist will still use tones that complement the color of your
skin, but he or she will pay special attention to camouflaging blemishes or
imperfections, and deepening the contours of the face. Slightly more intense
eyeliner and an extra coat of mascara will really help your eyes "pop" in the shots.
Of course, make sure that the application is smooth and precise, and that the
mascara is not clumpy. Blush should be chosen carefully to blend with your natural
colors, and applied with a large blush brush high on the apple of the cheek, blending
back toward the temple. You will have better results with a large blush brush, other
than the tiny one that probably came with the product. Brushes are so very
important! Invest in a good set of brushes and learn how to use them...your face
will thank you forever.
If you are rough with makeup, or just need some honest assistance, contact us
about a Stylist Consultation in advance of your shoot, or the services of a Stylist at
your shoot. My staff is carefully chosen from individuals with practical and artistic
experience, and the personal skills to help you feel your best.
Should I get my hair cut?
If you wish to have a haircut prior to your shoot, do it 2 weeks or so in advance.
That way you have an opportunity to work with it and find the styles best for you.
Guys should be clean shaven unless that is a typical look for them.
What other things can I do to make sure I look my best on the shoot?
Get a good night's rest the night before, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and any other
substances for 24 hours prior to your shoot. Try to come in with a positive attitude,
and leave your stress at the door.
What about accessories?
For contemporary portraits or seniors, hats and jewelry are always fun. Unique
shoes and bags will jazz up your set, as will props like a cane, umbrella, or raincoat.
Will I be able to change my look during the shoot?
Absolutely! We encourage it! Hairstyle changes, different makeup, and wardrobe
choices can wildly expand the options from your shoot.
What about eyebrows?
If you are at all unsure of your eyebrows prior to a shoot, Laura recommends
visiting a specialist. preferably one who does threading. This ancient technique uses
thread instead of tweezers; it's fast, inexpensive, and will make a huge difference in
your overall look.
I don't want my scar or blemishes in my photos. What can you do about
that?
Fret not about your pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, scars, flakes, and cold sores.
That's what Photoshop is for! Of course, the unretouched images will still have that,
but we will minimize little wobbles like that with makeup first.
What do I wear?
Your best choices in portraiture will be solid colors, long sleeves, with a variety of
"looks". A more formal outfit, 2 casual outfits, a team or club uniform, and cap &
gown are usually sufficient. Can't decide? We encourage you to bring several
choices and we'll help you select. Don't forget coordinating shoes and accessories
such as jewelry and hats. Stay in color families that blend well with your natural
coloring, and with clothing choices that won't make you laugh in 20 years. Avoid
short sleeves, midriff tops or short jackets that cut your line, and wildly trendy looks
unless that is your gimmick.
For family portraits, we encourage you to coordinate the outfits around a clothing
style, fabric, or color family. For example: white shirts with jeans; polos and shorts;
red, white & blue; boys in one color, girls in another,etc. Unless you are looking for
a specific wardrobe, work with what your family already has to keep additional costs
down. Unique props that tie the group together are often terrific mementos.
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| Laura's Styling Tips for Ladies |
First of all, let me first remind you that true beauty is in your smile, your personality, your
warmth and loving nature. It is in your creativity, intellect, and imagination, and grows with
the wisdom of each year until you are the woman you are destined to be.
Your charisma and appeal to others is not dictated by your looks. It is the essence that flows
from your eyes when you smile, and extends from your hand when you are kind to another
human being. Other people long to spend time with, and share relationships with, friends who
make them feel special and valued.
While you are working on being the best you can be on the inside, let's take a look at the
outside. The look of your face and body can be modified by many methods: clothing,
cosmetics, technology, and surgery. The difference between the plain woman and the
gorgeous is really just styling. Knowing how to match clothing, wear styles that complement
and flatter your shape, and have good grooming habits are the keys to looking your best.
Makeup can be your best friend, or your worst enemy, depending on how you wear it. Applied
properly, cosmetics can even out skin tone, emphasize features, minimize flaws, and build
confidence. Applied improperly, cosmetics can be horrid face paint better suited for an episode
on the SciFi Channel. Your best bet? Find someone whose makeup you admire, and ask them
what they use. There are a number of very high quality cosmetic lines offered through
independent consultants, such as Avon, Mary Kay, and Artistry. There are also upscale
cosmetic counters in major department stores, staffed with sales professionals who will help
you make your initial choices. Spend carefully.
As with any other product, there is a tremendous quality and price range in cosmetics and skin
care. If you have tons of money, by all means buy whatever you want. If you don't,
investigate store brands until you find shades and brushes perfect for you. Cover Girl,
Maybelline, Max Factor and other common store brands have been around for decades and will
serve you well. Off brands such as Wet-N-Wild, NYC and Aziza have some good products, and
some that don't pass muster. As a general rule, spend your best money on foundation, eye
products such as pencils and mascara, and a quality brush set. Provided you don't suffer from
sensitivities or allergies, you can opt for less expensive choices on blush, loose powder, nail
polish, basic skin care and eye shadow.
Affordable Skin Care Secrets
Every face is composed of areas that have different levels of natural oils and emollients. For
most women, the forehead, nose, and chin are the oiliest and most prone to breakouts. This
area is called the T-Zone. In contrast, the cheeks and eye area are often dry to normal.
Meeting the needs of combination skin takes some practice; too much cleansing can cause the
skin to be stripped, which tells it to make more oil, causing more of the same problem you had
in the first place. The key is finding balance. Faithful standby Noxzema has been balancing
skin for four generations and is less than $5. Reasonably priced brands like St. Ives offer
exfoliants for all skin types.
If makeup and skin care has always been a mystery and a problem for you, find a consultant
who will help you. The guidance of a knowledgeable friend can go a very long way toward
helping you look your best.
Watch this page for updates on makeup and skin care techniques!
warmth and loving nature. It is in your creativity, intellect, and imagination, and grows with
the wisdom of each year until you are the woman you are destined to be.
Your charisma and appeal to others is not dictated by your looks. It is the essence that flows
from your eyes when you smile, and extends from your hand when you are kind to another
human being. Other people long to spend time with, and share relationships with, friends who
make them feel special and valued.
While you are working on being the best you can be on the inside, let's take a look at the
outside. The look of your face and body can be modified by many methods: clothing,
cosmetics, technology, and surgery. The difference between the plain woman and the
gorgeous is really just styling. Knowing how to match clothing, wear styles that complement
and flatter your shape, and have good grooming habits are the keys to looking your best.
Makeup can be your best friend, or your worst enemy, depending on how you wear it. Applied
properly, cosmetics can even out skin tone, emphasize features, minimize flaws, and build
confidence. Applied improperly, cosmetics can be horrid face paint better suited for an episode
on the SciFi Channel. Your best bet? Find someone whose makeup you admire, and ask them
what they use. There are a number of very high quality cosmetic lines offered through
independent consultants, such as Avon, Mary Kay, and Artistry. There are also upscale
cosmetic counters in major department stores, staffed with sales professionals who will help
you make your initial choices. Spend carefully.
As with any other product, there is a tremendous quality and price range in cosmetics and skin
care. If you have tons of money, by all means buy whatever you want. If you don't,
investigate store brands until you find shades and brushes perfect for you. Cover Girl,
Maybelline, Max Factor and other common store brands have been around for decades and will
serve you well. Off brands such as Wet-N-Wild, NYC and Aziza have some good products, and
some that don't pass muster. As a general rule, spend your best money on foundation, eye
products such as pencils and mascara, and a quality brush set. Provided you don't suffer from
sensitivities or allergies, you can opt for less expensive choices on blush, loose powder, nail
polish, basic skin care and eye shadow.
Affordable Skin Care Secrets
Every face is composed of areas that have different levels of natural oils and emollients. For
most women, the forehead, nose, and chin are the oiliest and most prone to breakouts. This
area is called the T-Zone. In contrast, the cheeks and eye area are often dry to normal.
Meeting the needs of combination skin takes some practice; too much cleansing can cause the
skin to be stripped, which tells it to make more oil, causing more of the same problem you had
in the first place. The key is finding balance. Faithful standby Noxzema has been balancing
skin for four generations and is less than $5. Reasonably priced brands like St. Ives offer
exfoliants for all skin types.
If makeup and skin care has always been a mystery and a problem for you, find a consultant
who will help you. The guidance of a knowledgeable friend can go a very long way toward
helping you look your best.
Watch this page for updates on makeup and skin care techniques!