Professional Make-up and Photography by www.eveashby.co.uk

Hi my name is Eve and I am a professionally trained make-up artist. I started my career 6 years ago after I completed a one-year full time course in media and theatrical make-up. I then spent several years assisting more established make-up artists to hone my skills before feeling confident enough to set up my own business as a freelance make-up artist.

Over my time in the industry I have worked within many different areas of make-up; catwalk shows, photographic shoots, films, TV advertising and theatre and each requires different make-up skills. This is why it takes many years to really master the skill of being a good make-up artist and why training is only the start. Professional make-up is very different to the type of make-up you would wear everyday but a lot of people don’t realise this and that is why so many people choose to do their own make-up for their photography session or why there are so many beauty therapists claiming to be make-up artist.

A professional will contour the face to soften a strong jaw creating a more desirable oval shape or create chiselled cheeks and narrow / shorten the nose to dramatically alter the face shape. A professional will also understand the effect that lighting can have on colour and therefore what make-up colours to use for B&W images or pictures taken in the studio / natural light.

Often what people find most surprising about photographic make-up is how much is applied and yet how natural it ends up looking in the photographs. This is because most of the depth of colour in the make-up is lost due to the strong light in the studio and camera flash. For this reason a bright coloured lipstick will appear more muted in the photograph and nude lipsticks can disguise the lip shape, almost as if the lip-line is blending into the surrounding skin.

The camera is not always kind to the model and can actually exaggerate blemishes and uneven skin texture. Of course these things can be improved by re-touching the images but you’d have to be real wiz in Photoshop to achieve the chiselled cheekbones and polished finish that make-up creates and you’d need to ask yourself: do I have the skill, time or money for this?

But the other main benefit to make-up is how it can make people feel. When people are looking their best it can have an effect that goes far beyond mere physical appearance. It can boost their confidence and allow them to act in a way that they may normally be too shy to do so. This enables the photographer to get the best shots of people, as they will find it easier to relax in front of the camera. 

For those people just getting started in make-up or for photographers that want to understand the basics these are my top tips:

Firstly I would recommend you buy ‘Make-up The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris as it will give you the basics you’ll need.

Over the years I have collected a vast kit but have not yet found one company that is good at everything. I would recommend that you shop around to find the products you like to work with, but to get you started here are a few of my favourite products:

1. Good make-up needs a good base so prepare the skin with Bio-Performance Advanced super Revitaliser by Shiseido, a gel textured moisturiser that works really well under make-up.

2. For more mature skins also apply a little Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch by Clarins.

3. To keep the skin looking matt and shine free regularly top up with Studio Fix powder by MAC.

4. My favourite eye shadow is called Taupe No4 by Bobbi Brown. Not only is it a lovely colour on the eyes but it can also be used for contouring.

5. Great blushers are; Gilda by NARS and Candy Pink by No7. Both look scarily bright in the pot but a light hand can get the perfect colour.

6. My favourite highlighter for the face is Mineralize Skin finish by MAC but for the eyes I use Masterpiece eye shadow in Pearl Beige my Maxfactor.

7. Vintage make-up is so popular right now and I love the bright red Trans Siberian lipstick by NARS. Apparently also worn by Dita Von Teese!

8. A cult classic and still a favourite of mine is Hoola bronzer by Benefit.

9. No kit should be without disposable mascara wands – good hygiene is always a must.

10. Once it’s all done spray on All Nighter long-lasting make-up setting spray by Urban Decay to help your make-up last under the hot lighting.

Finally here are my top tips for photographic make-up:

1. Don’t use anything shiny or light reflective on the skin as this can make the model look greasy or sweaty. (This rule doesn’t apply to highlighter, which is used carefully to draw attention to certain areas.)

2. Always apply lots of powder to achieve the perfect matt look.

3. Go much darker on the eyes than you would expect. Not only will it define the shape but also light colours around the eyes can make people look tired.

4. Never use nude or frosty lipsticks, as they will not show the shape of the lips. Instead go at least one shade darker than the natural lip colour.

5. I cannot say enough good things about fake eyelashes. There are so many different varieties and even just a few individual lashes on the outer corners of the eyes can transform a look.

6. Always shape the eyebrows – it’s amazing what a difference the shape to the eyebrows can have on the face.

To see further examples of my work please visit my website www.eveashby.co.uk.

Or to get in touch email me: eve.ashby@hotmail.com. Or follow me on twitter: @southwestmakeup. I look forward to hearing from you.

Interview with Sean O'dell of Sean O'dell Photography.

1.     Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?

I cover the whole of the UK, I’m currently based in the south but I enjoy travelling to new and exciting venues and places and it’s great that I can incorporate that into my work. I’d consider myself a social photographer, that’s anything involving people, and of course weddings are the ultimate event to capture lots of people looking and feeling their best.

2.     What inspires you as a photographer?

I’m inspired by being able to re-tell the story of any special occasion with photography, capturing the emotion and atmosphere of a wedding or social event is something that fascinates me. When I meet with my clients and they choose me over the competition I am honoured to be their photographer and inspired to create timeless images that will last forever – my stamp on the world (albeit a small one)

3.     How long have you been a photographer?

I have now been a photographer for around 5 years, my background started as a nightlife and event photographer and evolved into what I do now.

4.     When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

Well the best way to take a photo as they say is to have your camera with you, so I try to follow that rule wherever I go; I’m a keen traveller so I’m often on the hunt for new and excited places to visit.

5.     Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?

For budding pro togs I would have to recommend the book by Damien Lovegrove, normally I’m sceptical about these kinds of books, but I found it a very worthwhile purchase. If you are looking to develop your brand then a book called ‘Brand You’ by John Purkiss & David Royston-Lee is a very inspiring read and I’m certain it will help you develop your business.

6.     Best marketing idea? 

Social network marketing! You can no longer avoid it; you have to be up to date with these trends because they are going to at the forefront of the way we work soon. Facebook has changed the way we communicate. I used to add the couples and people I met after the wedding or social function, now I add them before hand. I can create an event, they can invite all their guests/ friends, and when the images are uploaded the tagging begins. Can you think of a more efficient way for your work to reach out to people and in return the people come back to you? I get more enquiries from facebook than direct emails now.

7.     Worst marketing idea?

I think the worst marketing ideas are the ones that cost the most and give you the least; I was quoted over £100 a month for a 4cm x 4cm ad, that’s just a bit bigger than a stamp. You don’t need to pay that these days; your money would be better spent on facebook or Google ad words.

8.     Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?

I don’t have a studio and these days it’s all about going to the customer, my equipment is fully portable which adds to the clients experience when you set up in their home or back garden. The internet has changed the way we think, now almost everything gets delivered to us, you can order your food shopping online and have it delivered an hour later

9.     What do you think makes a photographer successful?

Different types of photography demand different qualities, if you don’t like people or socialising you can’t do wedding photography. If you’re outgoing and love being amongst others then landscape photography probably isn’t for you. But whatever you do passion, creativity an open mind and an absolute belief in yourself are core qualities to have.

10.  What’s your weakness in this business?

Digital camera’s cost much less now and you have to offer something else to the clients you work with to stop a family friend or uncle bob taking away your business, almost every wedding I shoot I am asked if I’m a family friend and there is almost surprise when I tell them no I’m the professional photographer. I have friends come to me and ask about shooting their mates wedding or a close relative and I tell them don’t do it, it’s not easy, then they do it anyway seeing an opportunity to try something new and regret it instantly knowing they are out of their depth. This isn’t the place to learn photography you have to have mastered it first.

11.  Are you a Nikon or Canon?

Canon, I shoot on the 5d mkII which has transformed my work and I have a back up just in case.

12.  And Lens?

I’m a big fan of prime lenses and wider angles. My kit includes a 50mm F1.4, 85mm F1.8, 17-40mm L lens, and a 15mm fisheye

13.  If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

Tough question, I really feel that this is who I am and what I was made for; imagining anything else would almost be admitting that I wasn’t meant to do this.

14.  Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business?

Take your time, learn at your own pace, learn from your mistakes quickly to minimise impact and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.

15.   Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

I decided to put all of my efforts into starting my business in the middle of the recession, I invested in a new website and branding, learnt what needed to be learnt and can now say that I’m on target for the year ahead – purely through word of mouth, recommendations and social networking. And in this climate with competition at an all time high I think that’s a pretty strong indication of the quality of my work.

Here is where you can find Sean

twitter.com/sean_odell

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Photography-By-Sean-ODell/21060841146

Website – www.seanodellphotography.co.uk

Blog – A new blog is currently being created.

Interview with Danny Gartside - Music Photographer

1.     Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?

I’m a live music photographer living in Wakefield, the Merry city. Most of my gig shoots are in Leeds and sometimes Wakefield, but I do travel to Sheffield every now and then when the opportunity arises.

2.     What inspires you as a photographer?

My inspiration is to reproduce an image that conveys what is happening on stage. The energy, the sound and the excitement. Hopefully this then accompanies a review that puts the same vibe across in its writing.

3.     How long have been a photographer?

I’ve been shooting shows on and off for about 4 years, more off if I’m being honest, but I decided at the beginning of 2010 that I would try and make a name for myself and took it from there.

4.     When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

By night I’m a gig photographer (if there’s a gig on that is) and by day I’m a structural draughtsman.

5.     Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?

I’m not sure whether there are any books that are specifically music photographer related, although I suppose picking up any music magazine or artist specific book will give the reader and million and one ideas about what they’re wanting to produce, so I suppose inspiration can be gleaned from there really

6.     Best marketing idea?

I use twitter mainly, mix with the people! If you’re tweeting about what you do, the readers could be people interested in the band you’ve photographed, they could be a PR company who work with the artist, they could be their record label, or even the band/artist themselves. Once you get a merry following, your work gets spread far and wide through the splendour of blogs and re-tweets.

7.     Worst marketing idea?

I don’t know that there are any ‘bad’ marketing ideas. I would probably say, avoid trying to blow your own trumpet too much, especially if you haven’t got the work or the portfolio to back it up. There’s nothing worse that someone saying they’re the best photographer since sliced bread only to find that their portfolio leaves a lot to be desired.

8.     Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?

I don’t have a studio. Currently it wouldn’t lend itself to me with what I am doing. I have a couple of friends who have studios locally to me, so if the occasion arises, there is a studio space to hire.

9.     What do you think makes a photographer successful?

I think this is something that applies to all types of photography. The finished result is what everyone wants to see. If you can produce a great image, your client will be over the moon, and I think that large clients will be more than happy to pay large fees if they know what the final image will be right. Top get to this point in time, you have to be in the right place at the right time and have a good set of contacts, and in my music photography experience, someone along the way has to give you a chance, a foot in the door. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg business when it comes to music photography. You will never get commissioned if you don’t have a strong portfolio. The only sure fire way of getting to shoot a show to build your portfolio is if you’re commissioned. So, you need, in the first instance, to be very honest and polite to the people that will add you to the guest list without a commission to start building that killer portfolio.

10.  What’s your weakness in this business?

I’m not sure I have any weaknesses as such that would affect me in a business sense. I suppose having a 9 til 5 job could make things complicated if I was to get a commission that would involve taking time off work etc.

11.  Are you a Nikon or Canon?

I’m a Canon user. I have a 50D and a 60D

12.  and Lenses?

I swear by Sigma lenses, I currently have a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM, a Sigma 24-70 f2.8 and a Canon 17-35 f2.8L. I also have a Canon 50mm f1.4 but it is need of repair as the focusing motor has failed (a common problem I’m lead to believe)

13.  If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

Other than my 9-5 job, I would have loved to have been a competitive mountain biker. I still get out on the bike when can and commute to work daily.

14.  Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.

Set yourself goals, and always take advice. The chances are that someone out there has had a similar problem or been in a similar situation as you’re experiencing. Don’t think that you’re better than anyone. This will come across in your attitude to both other photographers, who may pass you work on later in your career, or your potential clients, who you may end up disappointing. In the music business, a lot of people know each other, be in at record companies, PR companies or within bands, you don’ want to upset any of them as word will get round and your chances of making anything of it will be gone.

15.   Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

As I’m only a short way into it at the moment, I suppose being published in a glossy national/international magazine for the first time is my proudest moment…so far! But then getting to work with Pulled Apart By Horses on my photogumentary is ranking pretty high too, and hopefully something great is going to come of this in the very near future!

Here is where you can find Danny Gartside

Twitter :- http://twitter.com/danny_gartside
Facebook :- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Danny-Gartside-Concert-Photography/356097704255

Blog :- http://danny-gartside.tumblr.com/
Website :- http://www.gartside.net/

How to choose a name for your photography business...

...if you’re not going to use your own name?

So you’re starting a new photography business? Deciding on a name is the most important thing you’ll do to establish your brand and its identity.

Your name will signify everything your business stands for and your strategy. It’ll reflect you’re style of photography and how people perceive you. Perhaps you’re looking for a more serious name, for a more elegant fine art style of photography? Or perhaps it will reflect fun and playfulness as a family photographer? 

To come up with your name, start brainstorming by listing the emotions you want people to feel when hearing your name. From there, pull out related words and phrases, and write them in different variations to test them out. Perhaps you could check a thesaurus for similar words. Write down anything and everything.

Consider what the visual identity would be for the names you’ve come up with. Does the name lend itself to a logo or graphic design or even a fancy font? Think about how your target market would react to your company name. Are you aiming at Mums, Brides to be, teens, young professionals, budget-oriented parents?

Eliminate the names you don’t love and then share your list with a friend and get their honest feedback.

Things to bear in mind (though I’m no expert):

1. Probably avoid generic names – though that said lots of us fall into that one Sara Smith Photography etc
2. Avoid geographical names such as Leeds Photography. You never know when your company will expand and if the name is not bound by a geographical locale, expansion will be easier. Don’t restrict yourself. If you want to grow your company to be a national brand, avoid using a city or County in the brand name.
3. Avoid cheesy names
4. Choose something that’s easy to spell

Once you've narrowed down the name to two or three options, do some research on the internet to make sure there is not another company out there with the same name? It would be a terrible shame to find out that Butterfly Photography is in the same town...

In the end, hopefully you will have a couple of names which you like, and whichever name you decide to go with, start promoting it like mad.

Here are a few examples of photographer’s sites, with more unusual names:

Glacier Cake Photography
Light and Day Photography
Aspire Photography Training

Having said all of this, obviously this is just my opinion, and perhaps using your own name is the way you want to go, it is much more personal and you’re the brand!  People will be able to connect with you in a way they can’t with a business name?

Next time we’ll be discussing your logo...DIY or professional design?

Interview with Helen Howard of Helen Howard Photography

Interview with Helen Howard

1. Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?

I live in the small but beautiful cathedral city of Lichfield, in Staffordshire and I would describe my photography to be a combination of lifestyle and contemporary photography, my main business is photographing 'people in love' - wedding photography and I don't know if it is my age (almost on the wrong side of 30) but there has been a massive baby boom amongst my friends so I have also expanded (no pun intended) into the area of maternity portraiture, newborn and family portraits. It is so amazing to have couples come back to me a year or so after I have photographed their wedding to ask me if I would take some bump pictures or newborn shots.  I am a bit of a geek and will pretty much photograph anything!

2. What inspires you as a photographer?

Mainly my clients inspire me, I love forging relationships with a couple before I photograph them on their wedding day, I see the time and effort they put into their day and I just want to capture it as it happens so that they can look back in years to come and remember every little detail.  There are a number of other photographers out there that also offer inspiration, I like seeing what people are trying that is new and a little bit different or alternative, also I find that there is a good community spirit amongst the photographers I have met and a willingness to share knowledge and ideas.

3. How long have been a photographer?

I have always been interested in photography, but in 2007 when I got married I upgraded my camera so we would get some nice shots on honeymoon and from taking few snaps at a friends wedding in June 2007 I managed to build up a portfolio by photographing friends of friends, then people that contacted me through a wedding forum and on the internet, I left my full time job in logistics in October 2008 and became a photographer full time and honestly never looked back!

4. When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

Enjoying a long walk with my husband and our labrador Roxy, mucking out and looking after my retired and faithful horse Janie (my best friend for the best part of 16 years) or honestly?  I probably have my head buried in my iMac editing photos, Blogging, Twittering or Facebooking!!  Very occasionally you might find me at the gym, but not often!

5. Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?

I am ashamed to say it but I just don't read books! Generally the things that have inspired me have been other photographers blogs, although my photography is not alternative, I would say contemporary and fresh, but not 'alternative' but I absolutely love something that is a little bit different.  My two favourite photographers who have given me so much inspiration are Steve Gerrard  http://stevegerrardphotography.com/blog/  and Emma Case http://www.emmacasephotography.blogspot.com/  - I get a lot of inspiration through talking to other photographers about how they have grown their businesses and how they started out, everyone has a different but amazing story to tell.

6. Best marketing idea? 

One of my brides submitted her real life wedding story to Wedding Ideas Magazine (Uk national brides mag) and from that issue alone I got about 7 enquiries and 4 confirmed bookings (the other 3 were for dates that I already had booked so who knows, it could have meant 7 bookings!)
Also I find that (a bit of a cliche) but if you do a good job and people like your work then they will tell everyone about you.  Most weddings will give me one, two, three or more bookings from friends seeing the pictures and loving them.
Facebook - I give my couples some low res, quick to upload, watermarked images that are 'facebook' ready and just ask them to use those ones so if anyone sees them it helps spread the word about my work, ultimately the less spent on advertising the better and it helps me keep my rates down so people can afford me.

7. Worst marketing idea?

Standalone adverts in UK national press often are less effective than local press/mags and they are very expensive.

8. Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?

I have just bought a share in a studio, as I saw it as a way that I could expand and grow my business.  Although I love doing natural photography in the great outdoors, sometimes the elements are against you and having a studio means that I can work all year round and if it's minus 13 outside I can still photograph babies and children in the warmth of the studio, and it is smiles all round!

9. What do you think makes a photographer successful?

Every photographer will have their own style, I think to be successful you have to realise that not everyone will 'get' what you do and won't necessarily 'like' your style of work.  I don't believe in hard sell, people will meet you and within probably a few minutes they will have made up their minds whether they want to book you -  based on whether they like you or they like your work.  I feel that if I have to try really hard to sell myself or my work then maybe we won't form the right partnership, on a wedding shoot we have to work together and to be honest a lot of my clients have become good friends and I know that part of the reason they booked me was because we had an instant rapport and knew we would get on well working together.

10. What’s your weakness in this business?

I hate taking money from people, I do not have a very good business head on my shoulders.  I have learned though that by lowering your prices and giving discounts you not only devalue your own work but you undermine photography as a profession so it is important to maintain a level that you feel comfortable with. 

 
11. Are you a Nikon or Canon?

There was no particular reason for choosing Canon, but after I bought my first 40d I decided that I liked the usability of Canon and then various bit of kit are transferable when you upgrade.  Last year I upgraded to a Canon 5d MkII and it completely changed my photography it is such an amazing camera! 

12. and Lens?   I love my 24-105mm L series lens because it gives me flexibility to shoot wide if I need to or a bit longer for portrait shots, I have just bought an 85mm which again is a great lens for the price.  So far I have only invested in canon lens'.

13. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

I'm not sure what I would be but I feel like I would probably be still in Logistics and probably not a happy bunny!

14. Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.

I don't claim to know what is the right or wrong way for setting up a business, but I feel I could have learnt a lot by shadowing another photographer early on, I kind of just jumped straight in at the deep end and it would have been good  to have some guidance.  Networking in the photography business is very important and you will find that people who are passionate about photography will want to talk about it all day if you share their interest and their passion, so learn, learn, learn and never stop learning!

15. Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

Come to think of it I felt quite proud when a magazine I was featured in (UK Mag) was on the shelf of a newsagents in South Africa, then my sister in law proceeded to tell the whole shop I was famous, it was quite funny at the time but good to know that your work can be seen all over the world without you even knowing it, now what's the chances of me getting a booking in Cape Town I wonder??
I don't have just 'one' proud moment as such, but just being able to say I LOVE my job makes me very proud and whenever I get a thank you message from one of my clients it quite often puts tears in my eyes because they say such lovely things about my work, it really makes it so worthwhile!  Recognition from friends, family and clients also makes me really happy that what I am doing really does have an impact and make an impression on people.

Here is where you can find Helen Howard:

http://www.twitter.com/hellsbellsphoto
Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=234804285071
Website  http://www.helenhowardphotography.co.uk/
Blog http://www.helenhowardphotography.blogspot.com/