Behind the scenes of a photo shoot
As always good planning makes for a seamless shoot.
Victoria (hairstylist and tutor) and I had planned everything down to the last detail, from what order we were working on each of our models, what styles, gowns, hair accessories and overall look we wanted to accomplish, so that on the day everything runs like clock work – which it duly did!
Our models were fantastic – when you have great models that understand the brief (the look and feel of what you’re wanting to achieve) and can pull it off in front of the lense it makes a huge difference. In terms of models, it isn’t enough to be attractive, slim and tall – they really must be able to convey emotion, know how to move and know their best angles and play to them. A great model will be able to give you “the shot” reasonably quickly, which in my experience when you are doing multiple looks in one shoot, is paramount as it allows the makeup and hair team as well as the stylist to maximise the time scheduled for us, whilst still allowing the photographer to get the best shot he can with a fair degree of ease.
We had four models, each with two changes of hairstyle – the makeup I kept fairly simple, as this was really more about the hair for this shoot and I wanted to give Victoria maximum amount of time with each model.
Our first two models my brief was for very clean, flawless makeup -‘no makeup’ makeup! With this it’s vital that skin looks like skin. As I teach in my school – there is no need to pack makeup onto skin that is in great condition with an even tone to it. Eye makeup was minimal using nude tones and individual lashes, lip was similar – one of my favourite colours is ‘Hug Me’ – by MAC, I love this colour! On myself I almost use it as lip balm as I love the colour so much! It gives a beautiful nudey tone and has a creamy texture to it.
Our next two models I had more freedom with. On my blonde model, who had beautiful green eyes I chose to go with a purpley smokey eye (purples always enhance green eyes) with a soft pink lip and cheek. My last model was a beautiful brunette with big brown eyes; here I went for a more vintage look – black winged eyeliner, big lashes (Run-a-riot by Lash Republic) and bold red lip (using Atelier lip and blush palette 09).