Hello! Just a note for anyone who’s ended up here. I haven’t updated my makeup blog for a long time!
That’s because I’m shifting my focus toward photography. Soon, I’ll have a shiny new web site to point you towards. Until then my most recent work can be seen on my facebook page, here.
Thanks for visiting!
The next image from this series, a bit darker. I’ll be sharing some of the editing steps for this one soon too. Make sure to have a look full size if you can, of you’ll miss out on the details ^_^
Here’s a closeup section if you can’t load the large version:
Model: Gabrielle Coppola
HMUA & Photo: Emma Booth
One thing I want to say at the beginning of this post, is that the techniques used here are by no means my “normal” retouching process. This image is a work of art and my models became fantasy creatures instead of representing themselves. At some point I want to do a post on the ethics of photo manipulation, because it is a very important issue. For now, I wanted to share some photos from “before” they were edited, and give some insight on how to achieve a similar look.
I shot these at sunset, with the light behind my subjects where I knew I would get a lovely golden rim light. I lugged my tripod over the dunes only to realise the base plate was missing – but I didn’t want to waste the light retrieving it. I ended up running down the beach and back, shouting up to the models who did a fabulous job looking carefree and regal in a rather strong, cold wind. Luckily my footprints made it obvious where I had my vantage point – it was important that the photos were done from the same angle so they wouldn’t look “off” when stitched together in post.
We placed a stool on top of the dunes, and I had the models stay together for safety as they balanced on top. I made sure to shoot separate feet and hands to replace those covered by the stool or held to help their balance. We threw their skirts in the air and used the wind to our advantage.
In post I flipped one model back to front so the bright light I planned to add would look correct between them. Light is your most important tool to make a composite mesh well; if the light doesn’t make sense, the photo will look “wrong” even to the unpractised eye.
Because I shoot RAW (like a digital negative) I was able to rescue a lot of detail from the shadows while keeping the bright rim-lit areas detailed as well. I whitened their skin, replaced the sky, added a rock beneath Domonique’s feet and made Gabrielle fly. I added a disintegration effect as if she were being blown away.
I’m considering doing some BTS video during shooting and editing if I can for my next big project – would anyone be interested in that?
For those wondering, the lens I used was a Nikon 105mm micro. I shot at ISO200, f5, 1/800 sec.
As a bonus, here’s a little detail edit from the closeup shot:
This is the main image I was after when I was planning this shoot. (Click for large version)
I won’t say too much about the ideas behind it but I’d love to hear your thoughts about the story behind the image. I was inspired by the ethereal work that Amanda Diaz does.
The initial idea only featured one model (in white & gold) with costume changes to make two similar characters. When said model didn’t show up, I scrambled for other options, and organised two in case the same thing happened the next time.
Since the two models I ended up with had very different features I decided to emphasise the differences while keeping them in theme with each other.
The final image is a composite of approximately 13 different photos, most of them in the skirt. I may post some “before” images too if people are interested~
Models: Domonique Lampshire, Gabrielle Coppola.
MUAH & Photography: Myself
Thanks for visiting!
I recently received some new colours to try, so today I have been rearranging and adding new colours to my kit, including making a home-made one stroke rainbow for myself. Since most of my bases are made using two colours and an inch-wide brush, fitting more colours in on the sides of existing two-tone paints really made sense. I feel like I have a lot more options now in the same space!
Tomorrow I’ll be painting at Westfield Riccarton on behalf of Melanie Poppins, so if you’re around be sure to come say hi, especially if you have children!
This photo was inspired by the work of photographer Amanda Diaz. I wanted to create something otherworldly, with hints of mythology and symbolism. I’d love to hear how people interpret this set as it unfolds, so I’m not going to explain my own thought process too much.
This close up shot is also a good one of the makeup and hair.
Huge thanks to models Domonique and Gabrielle for their time, patience and being there when I needed them. Never underestimate the value of a reliable model!
I did makeup for a Shutter Squeeze Photography shoot a while back, and the photographer Alex was kind enough to let me get a couple of nice makeup shots for myself, so here they are!
Model: Miss B – Blond Ambition
I discovered a while back that the theme I was using on this site was not cooperating with mobile devices. It wasn’t showing the posts’ main images, very sad for a makeup artist’s site!
I’m hoping everyone finds this new theme agreeable, it seems to work on my phone so I’m feeling hopeful!
In the next little while I have some pretty exciting content planned as I have a lot more time for fun makeup and body paint shoots.
I’ll also be aiming to fill in missing information on my site and update information so it’s a more helpful place for my clients. Thank you so much to those who have supported me so far on my journey.
Meanwhile enjoy this backstage photo from the Hagley School of Fashion Runway Show, or the reason I’ve been really quiet lately. Of course I did these models’ makeup, but these are also garments that I made myself over the course of the year. I’m hoping these skills will bring my costuming up a notch which is exciting in terms of making shoots really cohesive, interesting and more special than simply head shots.
Thanks for visiting!
Hey there! Just wanted to wish everyone a happy halloween, however you celebrate it (or not), it’s one of the biggest yearly events for makeup artists.
Tomorrow I’ll be found at several events including painting sugar skulls for Mexicanos staff alongside fellow face painter Casey. Looking forward to it!
Em, MUA 