Photo Session Close-Up

How I made it happen:

Great Lighting. I used softboxs along with a large reflector to capture and direct the lighting onto the face. I also use a macro lens to really capture cosmetic/facial detail.

Makeup. I applied a matte black base eyeshadow on the bottom and lid of the eye.

I applied concealer on the eye and added more than usual as to counteract the dark shadow I lined the bottom of the eye with.

I then added a bright neon green shadow to the black base eyeshadow and applied a reasonable coat of black mascara before applying a set of false lashes. I shaped and filled in her eyebrows using a brow pencil. I combed out the eyebrow hair with a disposable mascara wand and set it with a bit of hairspray. Lastly, with the help of photoshop, I did a bit of skin cleanup and color corrected the images and viola!

Miss Teen Saginaw/Flint 2010 Beauty Pageant

This weekend I was invited by Nationals Incorporated to be a judge at the Miss Teen Saginaw/ Flint Pageant. The girls range from 16-19 years old. The entire pageant process was a two day event. The first day was comprised of personal interviews with each of the contestants. Each girl was allotted approximately 5 minutes to let us know what she was about. It was so hard to stay within that time frame because all the girls had interesting things to say!

The 2nd day was the actual pageant. Casual wear came first, which the girls used as a means to showcase their interests and hobbies. Next was formal wear which was followed up with an individual question to each of the girls. The whole process was interesting and exciting! It was great to see how each girl chose to express her unique personality and how pageants truly can encourage self confidence. Interestingly enough, last night as this pageant was still underway, Miss Michigan was also on her way to winning the Miss USA title!

Announcing the New 2010 Miss Teen Saginaw/Flint

After the crowning, I along with the other judges went back stage to congratulate, take pictures, and present prizes to the girls.

Announcing Top 10

Other Winners/Contestants:

Nationals Incorporated also gives the judges the opportunity to provide material from our own particular business so I put together a presentation board to showcase my artistry and what I can provide.
(In the picture on the left I am in the middle with part of the judges panel.) All the materials were placed in the front entryway of the theater. All the judges were very gracious and a pleasure to work with. Everyone brought something unique which made this event so great.

My Presentation Board

The Ladies of May

Before every session I naturally plan how I want the phootshoot to turn. I do this by creating a storyboard where I tack up pictures, fabric, textures, etc. to form a flow/rhythm. I wanted a soft pink lip which to me invites a playful innocence. I then introduced a harder smoky eye for an effect of dark mystery. When combined it makes for a very alluring look. My muse was Kim Kardashian.

I love thick cuffs and bangles midway up the arm. It invokes an exotic element that I love.

The Ladies of May

I chose to work with a warm palette. I used a rich bronze hue for the crease and paired it with a creamy pearl tone for the lid. I swept black gel liner across the lashline and I applied a set of false lashes for a bit of beauty hyperbole.







I took a blowdryer to my model, set it on the cool setting, and blew up her hair! I wanted drama on the face to really captivate.

I added silver hoop earings for a contemporary more urban quality.