Moving to fashion photography

Level 5 was a particularly helpful year in developing my professional identity. Working with different materials (prosthetics) within the first part of the year really helped me establish that I didn't want to work in that forte and that fashion editorial make-ups were more my 'calling'. This being realised and a disastrous photoshoot that brought me to tears working alongside a stylist completely rebuilt my idea of working in a team, and made me a much more confident stronger artist, able to take on a challenge, be patient with myself and persevere whilst staying calm. When in theatre prior to this, although there was a rush, make-up is often basic, and there is a lot of time prior to shows as the actors rehearse all day, therefore going into fashion make-ups my attitude needed to change.

After working alongside other photographers throughout the year on 7 photoshoots and also beginning to make wigs for my own projects, I understood that this was more appropriate for my to develop my skills. As I have a passion for graphic design I really enjoyed designing my WOP business cards, logo and also website and am looking forward to developing them further to fit in the fashion make-up industry within this unit. I am however still going to advertise myself within fashion, theatre and film realms as this makes me a more employable artist.

Upcoming Collaborations

Throughout the christmas break, I was able to network with a few photographers from past shoots and have so far secured three up coming shoots to improve and strengthen my portfolio.

The first shoot taking place on the 17th of February is from a photographers assistant I met with last year, and focuses on male and female gender swap roles. Below are some images of test shoots myself and kate have so far worked on (January) prior to the shoot day.

My portfolio lacks male photoshoot images, therefore this is a shoot which will strengthen my portfolio and also the edgy styling will compliment pre existing images. I am also going to be taking an assistant to the shoot, enabling myself and the photographer to achieve the best image quality in the time given.

The second shoot I am partaking in is working with my own photographer for Specialist Practise and Major Project, Rachael. She is shooting a 'girl next door' casual themed shoot, on location across two days on the 20th and 22nd of February. Although tests for this shoot have not been completed, the make-up is very simplistic and Rachael has provided me with mood boards, so that we are working to the same brief.

My portfolio is full of very striking bright images at present, and I feel a more understated casual make-up and hair application is not available to view. Therefore this shoot is something which will help to improve my portfolio further and also break up the striking images strengthening each theme further.

I am also aiming to collaborate with artists looking for more alternate, outgoing make-up transformations (fashion based of course). I currently am liaising with another photographer to meet this target and hope to receive information about a shoot shortly.

Photoshoot 1

The first photoshoot I collaborated with this year was with 2nd year photographer Rebecca Elizabeth Tate. Although it is advised in 3rd year to try and work with 3rd years, Rebecca's website really caught my eye, with her style of photography being one I would really like to incorporate my make-up into.







After discussing the basis of the shoot through Facebook, Rebecca then sent me links to her Pinterest account, which showcased the ideas and concepts of the shoot, based on a young girl being sexualised and maturing too quickly, trying to wear too much make-up and become too provocative at a young age. The ideas of hair were left up to me but as the ideas developed, Elizabeth wanted extremely curly hair, from a model with straight hair, and a beautiful seductive smoked eye make up done, within a short time period. Therefore I recommended Rebecca also uses a hair stylist alongside my make-up application, and she got in touch with Lucy Rose another 3rd year artist.

Rebecca did not want to conduct a trial of the make-up or hair, but did discuss submitting the work to magazines, which is something beneficial to my own publicity and portfolio. Prior to attending the shoot I kept in contact with Elizabeth, discussing the colour palettes and ideas I had for the shoot. I also patch tested the model, with duo eyelash glue and also a patch of foundation, as she has sensitive skin. Both came back ok and this enabled me to complete the make-ups. This was a very small project, and I did not do designs for the application, as so often before I have attended fashion based shoots and there has been instant change of ideas, therefore instead I had a clear idea of the amount of looks required, the timescale given, the products needed, and also a confident ideas of my interpretation of the shoot.
The evening of the photoshoot (4-8) ran very smoothly. Lucy arrived to prepare the hair at 2.30pm, as the timescale had managed to be slightly adjusted, and I arrived one hour later and set up to complete the make-up application. Keeping in contact with Lucy was something I found important to consider as we were working as a team, and I believe our communications worked effectively in making the photoshoot a success. Below are three of the images I selected for my portfolio which best show off my make-up application, and I am extremely pleased with the outcome, which looks professional, eye-catching and also very edgy and unique. The 'webitorial' which will be published online by Jute Magazine is due to be published in January and I will do a small post on the feature, when the time comes.

Photoshoot 2

The second photoshoot I participated in was arranged by Lucille a fellow level 6 student and was to be assisted by myself and 3 level 5's. The shoot was for a second year commercial photographer and was looking at using glitter and gemstones to represent stones such as Amethyst, Rubys, Emeralds, Topaz etc.
Prior to the shoot Lucille unfortunately was unable to attend, therefore I stepped in to head up the shoot. We decided which gemstones we would assign ourselves to before the shoot to make it run more smooth on the day. I was assigned to Turquoise, Topaz and Opal.

Before the shoot I used the mood boards sent by the photographer to identify the correct kit list for the day;

On the day of the shoot I was working alongside 3 Level 5's one of which was designated as hair stylist, therefore I left the hair designs up to her. Regarding my Opal make-up I was quite unsure about the hair style which was created, which made the model look like a unicorn, which I felt was going off concept, but fortunately the photographer had also thought this and the style was changed and worked very well. I was also slightly concerned about the stylist using mastix in the models hair and was able to bring this up with her, out of the models earshot to keep her calm. The situation was the rectified. Below are some images from the day whilst working on the shoot;

The images above from the turquoise shoot used gold leaf on the lip and originally used Illamasqua eyeshadow around the eyes. The photographer requested Diamantes, which is something I was reluctant to use as I often find they give a very amateur feel. I applied them around the eyes in as good an application as I could achieve however I was still really unhappy with the final look, however did really like the lip colour.

On receiving the images, I was very unhappy to see that once I had left the shoot (two of us were released early due to health and safety regulations, and my models had been completed) somebody had tampered with my make-up and applied diamantes to the lips of the turquoise model, and also applied diamantes to the Topaz model. These are now for me unusable images, which I am too unhappy with to include in my portfolio. This is a good learning curve which has taught me to stay until my models have been photographed, and also to discuss with the photographer the make-up ideas before hand. Below are the images from the photoshoot;

**** Update February 7th 2015 ****
After some hard work on photoshop I have been able to work with the turquoise image to remove the dimantes and restore the image back to the make-up application I had left with. Below is the edited image;

The image is not 100% perfect, but images that are digitally compromised rarely are. The harsh line above the left eyebrow is something I am aware of and working on currently, but I am happier with the image than I was, and am now able to place this alongside the opal image as a collective pair onto my website.

Photoshoot 3 (18th Feb 2015)

After working with Kate Davis, on photoshoot 2 (Lolita Photoshoot) I have been asked to work again on another shoot this time one she is running rather than assisting on.

The concept of the idea is to bring more feminine make-up styles into a masculine environment. The shoot has a particularly 'fetishy' feel to it, which is something that could be deemed quite controversial but also very eye-catching, allowing my work to stand out more, and contrasting my beauty work which makes up the majority of my portfolio at present.

The hair and make-up ideas Kate has are very open minded, and this allows me to design and 'play' with make-up as much as possible on request. I am looking to use some dark colours placed on the lips, eyes and also used in contouring at different times within the shoot to create the punk based style she is looking for in the make-up.

The shoot itself worked exceptionally well, and as this was the first male shoot I have done, I found it a good learning curve for myself as well as good portfolio development. The model had never worn make-up therefore applying eyeliner and mascara did take slightly longer and required a lot more confidence and reassurance than a confident model. The applications worked well and the model was happy. Working with Natalie in a team worked really well also with us splitting the shoots in half, claiming half the images as our own images, and being available for assisting elsewhere.

 Below are two images Kate has edited from the shoot, with more available after post production - please note Natalie completed the make-ups below.

Photoshoot 4 (19th Feb 2015)

The third photoshoot undertaken within my final academic year at AUB. Working alongside Rachael Cameron a photographer I worked with alongside my specialist practise unit, I will be creating naturalistic hair and make-up looks based on 'The Girl Next Door'.

Roxy has previous modelling experience as seen above, and is of very olive based complexion. Rachael is looking for very natural make-ups with the exemption of a contour and potential for a feature lip within the studio shoots. Roxy's complexion is one that definitely will work well with highlighting, as seen in the right hand image. Her hair is naturally straight and of a smooth texture, and therefore I will be looking to build more of a texture into this with the use of heat tools and also styling products. We are looking to incorporate some hair up styles in casual pony-tails and also some hair down which will have a change in texture throughout.

Again it was a very successful shoot, where I was able to use different techniques the photographer required to get the correct images. The natural state of Roxy's hair was a slight wave which required some back combing at the top and taming with product however did not need to be heat styled which saved time and allowed us to condense two days of shooting into one. As well as MUA for this shoot I took on the duty of transporting the model from different locations, as well as keeping the model warm with water bottles and hot drinks on one of the coldest days of the year (to be wearing a chiffon playsuit). Below are some unedited images of the shoot with edits to follow up in my portfolio.

*** Since the shoot unfortunately Rachael has been advised to reshoot 3 images, which were originally studio based, as they do not fit with the collection. Therefore we will be shooting on location on March 11th from 1-4pm***

Photoshoot 5: February 23rd

After seeing a last minute advertisement for an MUA on the AUB networking page on Facebook, I have taken on another shoot which is a very minimal, but bright shoot, which I will only be allowed 30 minutes for hair and make-up. This is for Lizzie a textiles student who is having a brief 45 minute shoot of her garments and pattern collections, including her swimsuit which will need to be shot on the model it was made for.

The shoot is beneficial to my portfolio, to add some more ethnic skin tones into it, as well as experimenting with colour on this skin tone. The hair was simplistic plaited in a fish tail plait which would not interfere with the nature of the shoot basing it on colour. The model had a weave which was another experience for me to be working on hair extensions other than my own.

Although I was pressed for time on the day, the shoot went well and being punctual was part of this. The model provided her own foundation, and although I had not asked her to do this did use it simply for time saving on this occasion. Using colour on the skin was really exciting and blending a palette of pink, yellow and turquoise together created a beautiful smoked coloured eye. Paired with a pink lip, Lizzie was very pleased with the outcome with her costume. I have not received any images from this shoot yet however they will be available within my portfolio at the end of the term.

Photoshoot 6 - Test shoot February 24th

On February 24th myself and Natalie began working on a project with photographer Rosie Wood, also in her final year. I had reviewed Rosies website, after she advertised for a Make-Up Artist, and contacted her. She requested to see some previous work or my website beforehand, which was something I hadn't been asked before, but is a realistic way of getting a job. I was very happy Rosie did contact me and want to work with myself and also Natalie Allan, which worked perfectly for us, as we have already began working on shoots together. Below are some correspondence between us.

Once we had secured dates, we set up a group message with myself Natalie and Rosie, which enabled us to communicate directly and discuss ideas between us. Below are some images which inspired the hair for each individual sense and we would be working with on the day, however we were first completing a test shoot with our model Laura, who is experienced within the industries of modelling and acting.

The shoot went extremely well, and although Rosie didn't have an idea of hair at this stage, it was important to trial the make-ups and also work with Laura's complexion to maximise the effect of the test shoot. Below are some behind the scenes images as well as test images which I have analysed roughly, and on the next post regarding the final shoot some images of hair and makeup inspiration.

Photoshoot 7 25th Feb

The 7th day of shooting this year, was again with Kate (Photoshoot 3), and was the second look in a series of 3. She has chosen to shoot for 4 hours in different days, as being a second year she does not have the priority to long studio bookings that third years have, and also having three separate models on three separate courses means that they are not all available at once.

As she was very happy with the first shoot she was happy to keep working towards the same inspiration boards as before, but bringing different elements into the looks.

The model (below) has very prominent bone structures which she would like to emphasise with contouring. 

Kate also would like to work with the natural state of his hair, working with the curl, before straightening it towards the end of the shoot. 

The shoot itself was a success, with myself and Natalie team working again, utilising our time but being able to make our own marks on the shoot and being able to receive individual images, without having a credit mix up (over who did what etc). The model was a very nervous model, who did not want us within the studio as he was not comfortable whilst being photographed, which was a new but very realistic experience of the diversity of models and their preferences. He also was recovering from the flu, and the day after I was quite unwell myself due to this, but again it is a circumstance that as an artist you persevere and continue with the correct attitude into the next job. Below is an image we received from kate of the make-up, which she is extremely pleased with.

** Please note the make-up above is Natalie's application, as mine are still in post production ***

Photoshoot 8 - 4th March - Rosies Final Shoot

After communicating with Rosie and Natalie throughout the week from the test shoot, we were able to work together to look at ideas regarding each hairstyle. Below are the images we were working to, for four of the five senses. Rosie wasn't certain about taste yet, and this sense was to be shot on the second day (5th march).


 The images are all appropriate to the senses of touch (crimped style) smell (Slicked back framing the face) Hearing (Volume within the hair and sight (2 bunches replicating eyes).
The makeup is very neutral subtle make-ups which fit in with Rosies portfolio, and also with our models face.

The shoot itself began well, with myself and Natalie working together and the hour designated for make-up being kept punctual and the model being ready for costume by 10:30am. However the day then began to go dramatically wrong. Our stylist steam pressed trousers on our model, which when she is under hot lights and in very thick fleeced fashion garments, and the model began to feel ill, sitting herself down onto the floor for air. Natalie took full charge of the situation as the model lay herself down and the stylist attempted to cool her by flapping a paper bag onto her producing cool air. I then went into the room and was advised what was happening. I offered assistance, and advised Natalie to apply some cool compress' onto her neck which would reduce the heat. Laura began to shake quite a lot saying she was cold but insisting she was fine. Rosie made her technicians aware of this but they were not concerned at this stage. Laura proceeded to model after this, although we were all very aware of her feeling unwell. As Rosie asked her if she was ok stood in front of the camera she replied 'Yes' before fainting. This time Laura was not well at all, and a technician was immediately called back with a first aider. Being in the situation but unable to help I just made sure there were several cups of cold water available, and the cool compresses were also available. Rosie called off the shoot and I drove Laura home and made sure she had somebody to look after her. However I left the shoot feeling I should now educate myself in first aid and be able to hand and help with a situation much better today - even knowledge of the basic recovery position and how to help somebody who has fainted would be beneficial. Therefore from today I will now be looking into first aid courses and where I can partake in one.

Meanwhile regarding the shoot, Laura felt much better that evening and was happy to try again the next day, where we would all be cautious but happy to continue the shoot.

Photoshoot 9 - (5th March) - Rosie final shoot Part 2

After the problems that arose yesterday with our model, and the decision to cut shooting, we proceeded to shoot again today after our model assured us she was feeling much better (and had booked to see a doctor).

We advised Rosie prior to this that two make-up artists would not be needed for a simplistic shoot on one model, however she wanted both of us to attend so we did this, bringing work that needed doing if and when we were able to. The day itself began well with the model being well and the shoot following time plans through the morning, however towards the afternoon things began to unravel. As the looks that were being shot today were predominantly designated to Natalie, I was sat around a lot doing my own work, not being needed. This became obvious as the day proceeded and from 12.30 - 7.30pm I worked on my Major Project in the Tutorial Room near the Photography Studios. I continued to offer assistance to Natalie and the photographer through this time however none was needed. At the end of the shoot this was a good time to explain to the photographer why we only felt one of us was needed either day, and this was something she now understood and was happy to let just myself attend our next shoot on Monday 9th March, which will be making up time on yesterdays shoot. The stylist and photographer were both very unorganised throughout the shoot, not knowing what styling goes with what 'sense' and what poses and positioning the model needed to do, which will hopefully be improved within the next shoot.

Photoshoot 10 - 6th March - Hats Photoshoot

In January I was contacted by a costume student looking for edwardian hair and makeup (with a contemporary twist) to enhance a final shoot of a collection of hats.

I met with Natalie after this for a coffee and to use Pinterest as a tool for makeup and hair designs. She wanted the hair and makeup to be period with a contemporary edge, therefore I also looked at a more modern red lip, as well as more prominent eyeshadow placement. I was reluctant to use any eyeliner within a historical theme this early and Natalie was happy with this. I also spoke to Meg Purnell a fellow third year MUA who is very passionate about historical work and was looking to build her hair work for TV, therefore she became the hairstylist for the shoot. This makes it easier to credit and also reduces time distribution for the day making it simpler. Below is a Pinterest board of ideas for us to work towards.

                                    https://uk.pinterest.com/charleelouisehu/photoshoot-hats/

The day itself ran very smoothly, with the makeup and hair being completed slightly earlier than the designated timeplan drawn up from Natalie. I had prepared all the makeup and hair supplies prior to the models and meg arriving so we were able to start straight away. The makeup was co ordinated to each models skin tone, with feature lips revolving around the shade of each individual hat. The hair was designed around each hat and what parts of the hair would be featured, and how to best show our own skills. Below are some images of the day with final images to be sent when they are edited.