MUAs MUST READ: TOP 6 THINGS PHOTOGRAPHERS DONT WANT TO SEE!

Hey Blossoms,

After asking MANY photographers and TONS of research. I've compiled the top 6 (yes 6, and I'm glad I have your attention now) things photographers do NOT want to see from YOU, the makeup artist on set. THIS will be a 2 part special so be sure to follow this blog for more.

Let's begin, shall we?

1. Park your ego, a real team is at work.

You do the most amazing cut crease looks, your "no makeup" makeup look IS virtually and digitally undetectable. GREAT! Now place your ego in the trunk of your car before you go on set. You do a stunning job, you're talented, you may even be sought after. The photographers know this. That's WHY you were hired. If you let your ego get the best of you the word "booked" just may become obsolete in your list of makeup artist terminologies. There is no "I" in team, cliche but true... get it? Got it? GOOD!

2. You have 20/20 vision, that's nice. Use it to see what the photographer wants.


Photographers know you want everything you work on to wind up in your portfolio but realistically that won't happen. So you really want an avante garde piece but you are on set of a shoot that's aiming for something that parallels an Abercrombie & Fitch print ad. I know...I know...it'll be alright...now back away from the MUFE Flash palette...

3. Did you really bring more equipment than the photographer, stylist, model and maintenance man of the studio combined?? *blank stare*

I'm pretty sure Picasso wouldn't approve! True artists have what they need. Stop treating your makeup kit like your savings account. There is no need to "save for a rainy day". You will NEVER go on a set booked for 5 models and end up with 50! So there is no need to bring every piece of makeup you've ever bought. Furthermore, let's see you fit 10 eyeshadow palettes on that little countertop area designated for makeup. *I'll wait...*

Remember rule #2. Use your 20/20 vision to see what you will truly need and just bring that.

An over packed kit can lead to lost items, broken items, stolen items and an overall unorganized looking kit. 

4. NOT ANOTHER MODEL!
No,this isn't the title of the newest blockbuster horror flick.

Models are used to having their makeup applied, hair pulled, body twisted and turned, clothes place on, shoes pulled off before most of us even have a cup of coffee.

 So if a model offers you a short cut (by giving you tips on what works best on their skin) or helps you avoid a disaster on their face, pay heed. For example, if a model states she is a chronic blinker and tears excessively , skip tight-lining unless the look your going for is "streaked face raccoon". Take what applies and throw the rest out. This is NOT a threat to you as a MUA but actually a bonus. Models NEED MUAS. You may get booked again to work with that same model if she feels comfortable with you and you actually treat her like a person and not just a face.


Most importantly, the photographer wants the model happy and focused so that the perfect shot can be captured. If you are known to upset models or cause unnecessary tension with the models then you will NOT be called back in to work. It's not about YOU remember, in case you forget, refer back to #1 & #2.

 5. Light makeup please: FLAWLESS & NATURAL

Yes, that's right. The photographer wants the model to look flawless AND natural. Makeup artist aim for years to perfect this look.  Clean beauty is where the real money is. Flip through your favorite magazines and check out the work of your favorite big time makeup artists and you will see that the "no makeup" makeup look is what rules. So get use to it, get comfortable with it, work hard to perfect it and be sure, if you have dreams of seeing your work in a major magazine and/or on the red carpet, your portfolio reflects this!

6. Time + Talent x Professionalism = MONEY


Time on a shoot can fly by. Between makeup, hair, wardrobe and all the in-betweens it can feel like a whirlwind. So move expertly and work diligently. Time management is key and frolicking is frowned upon! Photographers want to see a level of professionalism from you that rivals (and in some instances far surpasses) their own. Basically, your professional presence needs to stand out, long after you've physically left the set. It's that type of impression that will have you booked with that photographer time and time again. So remember the time management and talent you bring to the table times your level of professionalism will equal MONEY (in the bank) for you for future booking. Simple enough, eh?

That's it, 6 simple things photographers DO NOT want to see and what you must do to overcome them. Photographers will appreciate your understanding of the aforementioned. Apply it to your business and the results just may surprise you!

What has worked best for you in your makeup artist:photographer relationships?

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms

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PHOTO SHOOT WITH REALITY TV STAR : ANN KHAZANOVA

Hey Blossoms,


I'm super excited to share the photos from a recent photo shoot I worked on. I've worked with the photographer,Fiton Gjonbalaj before and didn't hesitate to join the team again, he does amazing work. The model was agency model and Reality TV Star, Anna Khazanova. An amazingly sweet girl with a super sense of humor. She is the founder of Link Model Management, a premiere modeling school which focuses on the development of female models. 


Ann had expressed a little concern about a recent acne breakout from the makeup she wore during the filming of the reality tv show and was worried it might still show through. I told her not to fear and used moisturizer to hydrate her skin, primer and then concealer to combat the redness the acne had caused. Despite the slight skin breakout, she was super excited about the shoot and really loved the makeup. Initially the photographer wanted a red lip ,but he seemed a little unsure, I suggested we stick with Ann's natural lip color but intensify it a little. I used OCC's lip tar in Grandma and Clear. I lined her lips with a nude rose colored lip liner and filled her lips in with the "new" lip color created when I mixed the 2 OCC lip tars. I totally forgot a before picture but here is a candid digital camera shot taken just after I finished her makeup but before the stylist had started her hair.

Now for the amazing shots from the photo shoot. There was some implied nudity. All was done in good taste and Ann looks absolutely amazing in every shot.

Absolutely stunning aren't they. I have done many photo shoots & many times I'm so busy I am unable to get behind the scenes photos. I will be sure to post about them nonetheless. This won't be the last time you see Ann(keep your television channels tuned in), Fiton or my work again I'm sure. So stay tuned!

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms!

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QUICK BLOG: FINT PHOTO SHOOT

Hey Blossoms,

So today I had a photo shoot with a gentleman named Kwesi Edwards of www.fintny.com. An online retail store that features up and coming clothing lines as well as some already established lines, like, LUXURY or "LRG" as most know it by. Photos from that shoot will follow soon so stay tuned.

So here's what www.fintny.com is all about. Words taken straight from the website.

WELCOME TO FINT NY – THE FASHION AND LIFESTYLE NUCLEUS

FINT NY is a fashion retail e-commerce and Lifestyle Company that plays a vital role in the creation and evolution of fashion and lifestyles that is forever setting new trends, styles and patterns introduced by designers and trendsetters from the fashion districts of New York, Japan, Paris and Milan.

FINT NY serves as a melting pot for lifestyles, fashion designers and consumers whereby we assist our clientele in the process of trend creation, supplies them with the latest fashion, trends, accessories and ensures that designers and clients products gets into the hands of consumers.

FINT NY is dedicated to providing high quality services to its customers and clients. FINT NY’s staff has a proven record of market knowledge and strong practical experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry.

As part of FINT NY education & service initiative a portion of each sale will go towards higher education to create college scholarships.

I for one LOVE the fact that FINT is providing variety and a mecca for designers international and making it available to the consumer..US! Another great idea is a portion of each sale will go to future college scholarships. So the next item you buy for yourself or someone else will keep giving! How cool is that ?!


Here's a few photos of some of the items that are available! (I did NOT do any makeup for the models I'm showing below)

What a great name and fashionable items! Check the website (www.fintny.com)for yourself so you can really get a feel for what its offering. There will be more items added very soon (I got a sneak peek at some of the items and they are hottttt!) 

I know how many of you are tired of going into your local stores and coming out looking like a mannequin or worse hoping that when you wear your outfit no one else walks by with it on, piece for piece. Online retail stores are the future. As close to exclusiveness as anyone can get while its still fresh and new! 

FINT even has a blog....check it out...http://fint-ny.blogspot.com/

Overall it was a great shoot and I met some cool and creative individuals. To top it off, I have let all my blossoms know of a new online retail store with some nice rags(ok tried to find a cool word for clothes but I guess it didn't work out lol) Hit up the website and blog and give me feedback on your thoughts, opinions or even review of an item you purchased!

 Until Next Time...LATER BLOSSOMS!

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