Don’t forget to check out all the excitement this Saturday night! 
Archive for August, 2010
Seattle Models Guild coming to Ellensburg
August 20, 2010I have a famous sister! No really…. I do.
August 6, 2010I have to brag a little. I have a famous sister and she is a model, actress & belly dance in Cairo, Egypt. Her name is Carolyn Hamilton but her stage name is Leila and she is absolutely gorgeous. She has been modeling for as long as I can remember and has traveled all over the world. When I visited her in Cairo a couple years ago, her face was everywhere; on bill boards in the city, in tv commercials, and in a full length movie that aired on tv repeatedly. People would stop her in the street and ask for her autograph. I felt like I was hanging out with Nicole Kidman. My sis will be coming home for a visit next week and we are lucky to have her here for our fashion show coming up on Aug 21st. She’s agreed to do the choreography for the show and teach the models how to strut down the cat walk. I’m very excited for our show and also thrilled to have my sister home for a visit.
In Egypt, Carolyn employs an orchestra that writes original music for her shows. Last spring, she asked me to photograph her most recent CD cover titled Helwa, meaning sweets in Arabic. We did the photography in studio and came up with the idea of surrounding her in candy. She wanted a vintage or 50’s feel for the finished album and this is what we came up with. Here’s a link to her website www.leilainegypt.com
Model Shoot with Jessica Hanna
August 6, 2010Jessica Hanna, a local Ellensburg girl and owner of Hanna Marchel, www.hannamarchel.com just signed with TCM modeling agency www.tcmmodels.com in Seattle and needed a test shoot for her comp cards. Jessica’s previous modeling experience made her fluid behind my camera and we were able to get some beautiful images of her. I really enjoyed working with Jessica because she was game to try anything and was completely outgoing. We worked in her salon for the first 3 outfits using the available ambient light and a couple daylight balanced halogen lights that Jessica had. I wanted a wind blown look for drama and the regular fan wasn’t strong enough so we brought in the leaf blower and it worked great! We then headed to the local bowling alley and the owner there was nice enough to let us use several lanes and gave us a pair of official bowling shoes. We had to make a run to Fred Myers for the argyle socks, which were a must to complete the outfit! I used my little power pack and drug the shuttle to capture the ambient background light. Jessica came across as very young and playful in these images. We then headed outdoors for that “ All American Girl” look. Jessica was very animated and I was able to capture some great movement and fun. Over all, I’m very pleased with the images and the emotions that I captured. I hope TCM is too.
Getting ready for your senior pictures
August 2, 2010What to wear
Start with your personal style. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in the outfits you’ll be photographed in and that they flatter your body type. As you plan your outfits, try to bring a variety of necklines, sleeve lengths and color options. Be aware that sleeveless or strappy tank tops and dresses can increase the appearance of the size of your arm. If this is a concern for you, then stay with shirts that cover your arm. Also, bring several tank tops in different colors to go under low cut shirts. Dress head to toe with each outfit: tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, shoes, and proper undergarments. Girls, make sure you bring the appropriate bra for the shirt or dress you will be wearing. This is often forgotten. Boys, please bring a solid white tee shirt to wear under shirts. Also, wrinkles will show in a photo, so make sure your bring your clothes on hangers to the session. When in doubt, bring extra clothes and we can assist you in selecting the most flattering and greatest variety of outfits.
Accessories
Accessories are BIG this year and they can really liven up an outfit. Think big necklaces, earrings, fashion rings, hair pieces and belts. Add a scarf or hat to an outfit and get a whole new look. Bring several pairs of shoes from sandals to pumps.
Makeup
Eyes- Well groomed eyebrows are a must. Enhance eyelashes with black mascara. If your mascara is old and clumpy, make sure you replace it before your photo session. Dark brown eyeliner is a natural alternative to heavy black eyeliner.
Cheeks- Add a little blush on the top of your cheekbone. It will add dimension and color to your face. Avoid makeup with “sparkles” in it. When you move it creates a nice shimmer, but in a photo it can create a white spot that almost looks like a zit.
Face- Avoid makeup with an SPF in it. Although it is good for your skin, the SPF tends to create a shine. Apply a base coat of foundation that matches your skin color and use a translucent powder that will help control shine. Go a little heavier with your base coat for your session than you would for everyday.
Lips- Go for gloss that will add a little bit of color to your lips and keep them from looking dry or chapped. Guys make sure you bring some chap stick with you.
Please bring your makeup with you when you come to your session. It’s nice to have access to makeup that compliments your skin color if we need to reapply. Even if you are someone that does not wear a lot of makeup in your daily life, it’s a good idea for your session to wear a base coat to even out your skin tone, cover up blemishes and control shine. Also a small amount of eye, cheek and lip color will enhance your features.
Sunburn/ Tanning
Avoid over-tanning and sunburns before your session. Being over-tanned for your skin type can add weight to your face and arms. Tan lines are very hard to fix in photoshop so avoid getting them before your session or wear clothes that will cover them up. Also, if you spray tan or use tanning lotion, be careful that the tan is even (no streaks) on your hand and feet.
Nail Care
Your finger and toenails most likely will show in your pictures. It is not necessary to get a manicure but remember to remove old, chipped nail polish from your nails before your session and apply a new coat either in color or clear.
Favorite Things
Try bringing a few of your ‘favorite things’ to your session with you. It can be a cool way to show your personality and what you love doing. These images can be really fun and are perfect to include in an album. (sports, pets, instruments, books, cell phones, ipod, laptop, starbucks, car, dirt bike- are a few examples that other seniors have included in their session.
Don’t Forget
Most importantly, make sure you get enough sleep the night before your session and come ready to have a great time!!!