Gloss Photography

Contest Video

2009-07-29T15:47:00.001-07:00

Contest: Out Of This World Wedding!

2009-07-27T19:48:00.001-07:00

So recently I was at a Recession Bride's Workshop, where one of the couples there were the hosts of The Broke-Ass-Bride and during the seminar we began talking about photographers. Dana started to share on how their photographer was holding a contest to give away a wedding package. This was something I had thought about in the past but never knew how I would lay it out. Well I got to work the following Monday and started talking to my Co-Worker Paul Manke, an amazing photographer, and he gave me an idea of how to do it.

So Paul here goes my version. We are looking for 2 couples to photograph. Now I know that with this economy everyone is hurting, so we are all on the same boat. What I am looking for in this contest is a wedding that is going to be out there. Something fun and original that is going to make for amazing memories. To give you a little background about myself I shot quite a few bands and extreme sports so something fast pace is not new to me. To get an idea of what I am looking for, take a look at this video. You will notice the photographer is kinda frozen and not sure of what to do. Trust me that will not happen with me.

So here are the Rules:

I want to hear of why your wedding is the one for me to shoot.
What will separate it from all others.
What are you planning that will make people still be talking about it a month later.
All submissions must be in By August 21st and the Wedding must be taking place in LA or Orange County.
If it is outside those areas you will be asked to cover our travel expenses, and if its more than 2hrs (not during rush hour) From LA we will ask for hotel. (motel 6 or super 8 is OK)
You can submit your entries in video format or e-mail.

The wedding must occur sometime between September 1, 2009 and June 26, 2010. Excluding Holidays, September 19th, October 10th and 31st. Already booked.

The Prize:

1 Hour Engagement session
6 Hours of shooting by 2 photographers
Professional Make-up for the bride
50 5X5 Art prints
2 11X14
Two tickets to a Recession Bride's Workshop and a One Hour one-on-one consultation with Wedding coordinator Liz Coopersmith from Silver Charm Events

All images are color corrected before posted on a custom online gallery with a dedicated URL

Special rate for additional hours, flush mount album, and digital files.

Submit entries to info@wcphotostudio.com

Subject: Wedding Contest

Good luck!

Edwin & Nancy

The Married couple

A Secret Unveiled

2009-07-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say this is magic in a bottle! I love this stuff! I recommend this to all serious MUA'S. Cinema Secrets "Moisture Spray" is a collagen based moisturizer. You can spray it before or after your moisturizer cream, or you can also replace it.

There is so much rave about M.A.C.'s Fix+( don't get me wrong its an awesome product) but, I have heard from MUA's, Cinema Secrets Moisture Spray tops M.A.C.'s Fix+ !

I also found that spraying this on my foundation brush before applying foundation, makes the application so much smoother and leaves a sheer application without sacrificing coverage. I noticed that there is less streaking and leaves a beautiful finish.

You can also lightly spray on after for a refreshing feeling, especially for hot humid days. Try it out for yourself!

Cinema Secrets "Moisture Spray"

Nancy

The Makeup Artist

Untouched Beauty

2009-07-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

When did our perception of beauty get so distorted? Many of you have seen this video before. When I saw it I had two thoughts.

One: Thank you DOVE for opening our eyes to reality!

Two: I love the Makeup used in this video on the model!

I want you to notice the model right before they take the image into photoshop. I thought the makeup look fabulous on her. Don't get me wrong, she was beautiful before the makeup and hair. My point is, as a makeup artist, we always try to enhance the beauty that the model already has. Whether its a professional model, or a Bride on her wedding day. You never change who they are. Makeup is just something to enhance.

We need to understand that TV and the Film world is a fantasy for our eyes. Its not reality, or something we should aspire to. I will admit, it is fun to go all out with makeup and create a masterpiece just like on canvas. Its an art form. But in real life, the simplest makeup look, is the most beautiful.

PHOTOGS: Try not to edit so much. Try and keep the image as natural as possible.

MUA'S: Unless its required by you to be extravagant, try to keep the persons features as natural as possible. Especially for brides. Enhance their natural features.

Nancy

The Makeup Artist

Smasbox has a miracle product? (so they claim)

2009-07-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

PHOTO FINISH COLOR CORRECTING FOUNDATION PRIMER

I went to to my Smashbox counter to get a sample of their Photo Finishing color correcting Primer in ADJUST (green). I have been eye balling this product for a while and was hoping it would be useful to have in my makeup kit for photo shoots. Here is what Smashbox claims thier product does:

"Color correcting, wrinkle reducing, and dark spot defying — talk about a miracle product! Create a perfect canvas for foundation application and even out skin tone with this silky, lightweight blend of antioxidants, vitamins A & E, and soothing botanicals like lemongrass, aloe and orchid complex. The totally unique oil-free formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer, younger-looking skin. Wear under foundation to increase its longevity, or alone for a velvety-smooth finish. In a new square airless pump for freshness to the last drop!"

BLEND is apricot-toned to even out skin tone and counteract discoloration and dark spots.
BALANCE is lavender-toned to brighten dull or sallow skin.
ADJUST is green-toned to reduce redness.

I took it home and tried it on my self, and really wasn't found of it. It felt silky, a bit thick, but something wasn't right. I wanted my miracle! At that point I was so happy I did not buy the whole thing. Thank goodness for samples! I was so devastated and really wished it would have gave me my miracle.

I decided to give it a second chance, and used it on a model (she didn't know i was experimenting..lol) She had some redness on her chin. I dabbed on some product, and said "what the heck" lets see what happens when i mix it with foundation. Behold, there was my miracle! Right before my eyes, i saw the redness cancel out and adjusted with my foundation.

Here's the trick: Dab on a pea size where the area is red. Do not blend, just dab on the skin. With a brush blend the foundation with the primer on the skin, and instantly you will see the redness reduce.

Don't be scared to always experiment with your products. Certain techniques might not always work for everybody. Explore the possibilities!

In case you were wondering, I would definitely have this in my makeup kit!

Nancy

The Makeup Artist

Lights, Camera, Practice!

2009-07-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

So I know I'm a little behind on my posts but with work and church time to post isn't always there. So a few weeks back my friend David asked me if I could loan him my flashes for a photo shoot he had and of course I said Yes. Actually as I write this now he has my flashes again. He explained to me that he had to do a photo shoot for a local beauty pageant, and like many photographers out there when the terms flash or studio shoot come up he cringes as do I. But in the past few months we decided we would conquer our fear and beyond just conquering it we decided we wanted to try to excel at it. Many of what we have learned in this field has to be credited to the strobist blog. I was referred to look up that blog after a portrait session back in 2007 and I haven't looked back since. Some have said that I have become obsessed with flash photography.

Now MUA's stick with me there is a moral to this story for you too. Since I figured that this was an important gig for David I suggested we do a test shoot. Now one of the blessings of serving at my church is that I oversee our skate park which meant I had instant access to a warehouse where we could practice. The first step in our choosing the lighting set up was to scout the location. David came back with the pictures of the place and we were both relieved to see that there was only one type of light at this place. For photographers mixed light is a nightmare because its extremely hard to white balance when there are two or more types of lights, because after all white light really isn't white. This is important for MUA's to understand along with photographers because the light you use when applying the make up can affect how models or clients look on camera if you are using different lights. Remember a trip to Home Depot can help solve this. What you want to do is pick up two sets of energy efficient light bulbs. One set rated at 5500K which is the same color as daylight at noon, or a standard flash and another set at 3200k for indoor lights. Carrying these light bulbs along with a couple of clamp lights can make your life soo much easier. So if you get to talk to a photographer before a shoot ask what temperature light they are using, and a good professional photographer will be able to tell you what they are shooting with. So back to our session. We decided we would try to match the light in the building so off David went to home depot and purchased some lights, and Clamp lamps both a must have. We decided to set up two lights to the background and two for our model. We also decided to use our flashes as simple fills. We were going to Gel the flashes, but our CTO gels were too strong (Mental note get your gels in 1/4, 1/2, and full strength) something we didn't do but have now learned to do. The purpose of the Gels is to make sure that your flash color matches the available light. A photographer should always carry CTO Gels for normal indoor lights and a plus green also known as a window green Gel for fluorescent lights. So after about 30 minutes of trying to get it right we decided to just blow out the lights by cranking up the power of the flashes and white balancing to that. We tweaked our flashes first to make sure we had no shadows and then tweaked our white balance.

After about a 2 hour session of testing we figured that we had it down pretty well and packed everything up plus our test model was having vision issues after two hours of being hit by several flashes repeatedly. The first picture contains our photographer David, and the progression of shots, finishing off with the actual final shot of one of the girls. All these shots are straight from the camera they were only resized in photoshop, and NOTHING else.

So the lessons learned from the shoot:

1) Practice

2)Be prepared.

3)Don't give up right away.

4)Its ok to improvise.

In my next article we will see how a trip to the dollar store can help you go a loooooong way.

Edwin
The Photographer

Kelly Ann Studio: Tips for Photography Makeup

2009-07-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

When I came across this video I was so excited to see that it featured tips on photography makeup! This is a great video for MUA's that work with film or phtography. Thank you Kelly Ann for providing this video. Enjoy!

Nancy
The Makeup Artsit

Let There Be Artificial Light!

2009-07-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

To a photographer lighting is everything. To a Makeup Artist its essential. Thankfully the cosmetic world is opening up their eyes to a world where advance makeup is needed for photography.

One of the products I am testing and experimenting at the moment is Smashbox's Artificial Light luminizing lotion. The shimmer in the luminizing lotion claims to softens the way light reflects off the skin, adding radiance, hiding wrinkles and imperfections, just like a soft focus lens would do for a camera. When I read the reviews I had to try this for myself! The sweet lady at the Smashbox counter was a doll. She offered me a sample for each shade:

Diffuse (iridescent pearl white)
Glow (luminous bronze)
Flash (iridescent Rosy peach)

I have never been so happy and thankful for Edwin's constant Photography terminology! Before I just though it was all mumbo-jumbo. I right away knew exactly what the purpose of each shade was for (after his pounding lectures).

These shades are great to use with moisturizer, primer or foundation for an all over look. Or you can also dab on the cheek and brow bone for highlight.

Diffuse: Can be used for fair skin, distributing a soft over all even brightness to the skin. Be careful when mixing it with foundation, a little pump goes a long way. Too much and it can cause your face too look shiny instead of a soft radiant look. You can also dab on cheek or brow bone for highlight.

Glow: Is perfect for medium skin tones. You can also try it with fair skin, again just be careful and use just a dab when mixing it with foundation. This will give a soft bronzed look. Too much of it and it can make you look like a penny!

Flash: This shade is perfect for all skin tones. It gives a pink highlight effect. Giving your skin a youthful look, and brightening up the face when mixing it with foundation. Warning, too much and it will give you a pink halo effect on film! Remember a little goes long way!

Nancy

The Makeup Artist

The Recession Bride

2009-07-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

Quick Update: On July 19th we are sponsoring a workshop in downtown Los Angeles. I will be doing a makeup demo for brides-to-be and Edwin will have samples of his photography. He will also be shooting the entire event. If you are interested in attending the workshop feel free click on the link. There is a special discount for our friends who would love to join us! See ya there!

* The Recession Bride Workshop

Nancy

The Makeup Artist

Beautiful But Self Conscious

2009-07-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

As a photographer I have been given a unique gift, the gift of being able to capture the beauty around us. For a split second, for a quick moment, we get to stop time and record what is in front of us. In this world full of beauty there is a huge problem occurring around us today. It’s a problem that in part we are guilty of creating. As photographers we have taken our skills and have produced images that sell. Magazines without images would just be BLAH. Unfortunately we have developed a society of self conscious teens. Teens who think they are too short, or too fat, or just ugly. No matter how intelligent, active, or friendly they are they still feel ugly or just not good enough.

Two weeks ago we were privileged to take one of these beautiful but self conscious teens and for a day turn her into a model. It was extra special because she is a relative and it’s hard to see her feel this way about herself. We did the full make up, had the designer there with the wardrobe changes, and the locations scouted. After a day of shooting we were all exhausted and drove her home. The next day was father’s day and we spent it together as a family, and she was back to the pony tail with no makeup, and shooting spit balls out of a straw. But for one day we were able to have all revolve around her and capture that natural beauty that has always been there.

For technical details of the shoot just follow us into the lectures section.

Edwin

The Photographer

A Cinderella Story In Downtown. . .

2009-07-02T09:11:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there was young maiden, named Cristal. She was the most beautiful girl, with model like features, perfect chin, and hair that was long as a princess. She couldn't believe she could pose like a model...

Well we prooved her wrong! Let me introduce you to my amazing cousin. She is an outgoing girl who doesn't like taking pictures, and hates wearing makeup. Shiho, one of my dear friends who owns a fashion clothing line, asked me to help her with her catalogue. She wanted my husband to photograph the cover of her catalogue. Like always, Edwin picks what he thinks is a perfect place to shoot. I'll admit, it was a cool place. It's amazing what the Art's District in Downtown L.A. can do for a photo shoot. I love it!

In this shot the colors of the brick wall pop out with vibrancy complimenting Cristal's wardrobe, hat, and her beautiful makeup. Let me just share how difficult it was to do what I do best to this nagging model, who couldn't trust me with my eye shadows and blush. This girl almost had a heart attack, and I quote " Your putting on tooooo much makeup!" She horribly screamed, " Nooo not lip gloss! Mascara to?" All the nagging and the mistrust was worth it! In the end she looked natural, stunning and looked like she had been kissed by the sun.

MUA'S: Here I highlighted her checks with Cream Color Base in “Pearl” from M.A.C. For Blush I used NYX Mosaic Powder Blush in "Peach." For the lips I used NYX Mega Shine Gloss in "Gold." I love this lip gloss for bronzed summer looks. It gives the lips a golden tone and also makes the lips look plumped! Always remeber to carry your bronzer as well as your highlight base so you can re-touch when needed.

A quick tip: Hook up with a local photographer and ask about their lighting temperature. Knowing this, can help you choose your bronzers and highlighter shades accordingly.

Photogs: On set, take the time to teach your MUA about lighting and their temperatures. It will defiantly make a difference for your model's makeup!

As my story ends for this beautiful shot, I know my husband will also write his tid-bit on our Cinderella Photo shoot!

Happy Shooting!

Nancy

The Makeup Artist

In a world where Photoshop doesn't exist. . .

2009-07-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

Imagine yourself in a world were Photoshop didn’t exist. As a makeup artist that meant your makeup on your model had to be flawless, perfect and blemish free. WOW! Well, we don’t live in a world wherePhotoshopdoesn’t exist, but we do live in a world where many MUA’s and photographers rely too much on Photoshop for their final post production.

It could be tempting to just cut corners, and save a little time who would know… right? My dear MUA”S and photographers one word of advice…DON’T DO IT! Fight the temptation!

Photogs: Do not rely on giving that summer sun kissed glow on your model by using special effects in Photoshop with some type of photo filtering or diffuse glow. You want your model to look as natural as possible and enhancing their natural beauty. Don’t under estimate yourMUA. An experienced MUA knows how to give that sun kissed glow, using a makeup that has these magical pigments called, Bronzers and Highlighting powders! Ask your MUA if they carry in their kit different shades of bronzers to compliment the models look or even garment.

Here is my secret tip for Photogs: Ask your MUA if they carry in their makeup kit “Mineralized Skin Finish” by M.A.C. My favorite shade is “Soft and Gentle” for a natural rosy look or “Gold Deposit” for a summer bronzed look.

MUA’S: Please do not rely on your photographer to cover those dark scary under eye circles for you! You are the makeup artist and who better than you to cover up those tired eyes! Some photographers have a limited knowledge of skin tone color and pigmentation. Though if you get lucky and have a professional photographer know it all (like my husband) they might just be able to erase those bags under your models eyes NATURALLY. But if you don’t, you can end up with a final night mare post production print for your portfolio! A concealer pallet is a MUA”s best friend. Bring out that secret weapon to your photo shoots, and show off your magic

My secret weapon: A color wheel and MUFES “5 Camouflage Cream pallet.” Thanks to their dense texture this pallet can correct any flaw. With their high pigment concentration its ideal to cover any dark spot or blemish.

1. Take the color wheel and match the under eye pigmentation color and match it with the color wheel.

2. Now counter act that color and look across the wheel. Perfect! Now you found the shade that will cancel any discoloration. Here is an example, if your models dark circles have a hue tone of purple then you would use a yellow tone based concealer. If it’s much lighter with pink reddish under tone then you would use a green tone concealer.Photogs if you still need to use Photoshop this can be vital information for you as well! With knowing what cancels a certain hue, your skins tones will look much more natural.

Doing this the old fashion way can make a big impact on your final prints. Cutting corners can sometimes cost you from separating you from being a professional to being an armature. I will admit its hard work and effort to do things the old fashion way, but you will soar in your skills, and avoid a post production nightmare!

Sweet Dreams!

Nancy

The Makup Artist