Personal thoughts on modern boudoir

This blog was borrowed from Ginger of 422 Studio, and I think she did a great job of describing the feelings of being in front of the camera.  I too took part in this session, and I have to say I LOVE my images!

from Ginger:

Modern Boudoir and yours truely ………………..

This blog is a bit on the personal side but I’m doing it anyway. I just want to let you all know that I appreciate my clients so much. Now I appreciate what it takes to do a pinup/boudoir session even more than I previously did.

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I turned 36 yesterday. Shocking I know! So to celebrate the dawning of a new era I collaborated with Dayna from Vamps and Vixens makeup studio to do a photo session of myself and one of her as well. Here is the result from my end.

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In the 2 plus years that I have been offering pinup services I had never done a pinup featuring me. I’ve done classic ….Hollywood…. and other sets but not a lingerie set.

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I was anxious about getting on the other side of the camera. After all the last time I had sexy photos taken of me was about 10 years ago. I was 10 years younger, thinner and hotter (or so I thought) Boy how gravity and children had changed things and I just wasn’t sure about getting into my skivvies in front of the lens. Yet my clients do it at their sessions. How could I really know what it’s like to bare yourself (literally) to a stranger and trust that they are going to be kind, understanding, encouraging and relaxing all while taking your picture?  I know I’m fun to shoot with. I know I have a very considerate eye. I know a pinup session is fun. How could it not be? I know I offer my own brand of very helpful pose coaching. I also know it’s strenuous. Some of the poses are just plain hard to hold. I had done some modeling in college so I knew what it was like to be on the other side of the lens. What I didn’t know was what it was like to be on the other side over 30, with a few kids under your belt and when you seriously doubt your current sex appeal. I am a mom, wife, business owner and general busy lady. I don’t ooze sex appeal on a daily basis; in fact I routinely sport overalls and Chucks. I work from home so there are a good many days that pj’s are standard attire. This was going to be a stretch for me. I had to do it though. I’m not getting any younger (or thinner apparently) and I really, really, wanted to feel what it was like to be the “client”. I wanted to know what concerns you when someone is starring you down with a camera in hand.  I wanted to know just how uncomfortable it is to keep you tummy in, toes pointed, shoulders together, back arched oh yeah remember to breathe (but only a little haha) and smile pretty for the camera. Wow! That’s a lot to do at once.

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So to land this plane all ready. We did it! We decided to do this session for personal and promotional purposes. Dayna and I both wanted sexy, but tastefully done pictures to give to our husbands and to have for ourselves. I also wanted to show my clients a new product offering, the Modern Boudoir Session. So we combined the two purposes, added lots of laughter, and here is what you get. I set up the scene and the lights. Dayna got to play photographer for me. She did a really great job and it was her first time using a professional digital camera so kudos to her on that. Here is one of the images from the evening see the album “Modern Boudoir” for more:

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I had such a great time doing this session. It made me feel so beautiful. I am prone to getting down on myself for not being this or that. This session made me realize that yes I am over 30, I’m not a size 8 anymore, I’m getting laugh lines and you know what? I’m still hot. I’m still sexy. I clean up real well. And most of all I am beautiful right here at this stage of my life, right where I am supposed to be. If I had waited until I lost 20lbs or until I had the perfect hair cut or the sun the stars and the planets aligned just right then I wouldn’t have these amazing images of me. I hear so frequently that a woman wants to wait until she loses X amount of weight. Well stop it! You are beautiful right now just how you are. Embrace it!

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Thank you to all of my clients who have been so brave, adventurous, and willing. I think you are all amazing!

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Ginger

And here is an image from my set:

We are now booking for Modern Boudoir sessions!  Two sessions available; October 17 & 18, and November 20 &21.

Announcing 422 Studio “Scream Queens” Halloween sessions

Vamps and Vixens ventured on the other side of the camera

At the end of August, Dayna from Vamps and Vixens ventured on to the other side of the camera for a shoot with Kimberly Frost.  Kim and Dayna have joined forces to shoot a calendar celebrating Richmond female business owners, with Dayna in charge of hair and makeup and Kim in charge of photography and editing.  It was Dayna’s turn for her shoot and it was a killer!

It’s not easy to sit up straight, suck in, push out, smile, and kick your leg out all at the same time!  Kudos to Kim for all her hard work!

The calendar is slated for release November 2009 and a launch party is planned.  More information will be posted soon!

I just love happy clients!

This was in my inbox this morning.  It’s always nice when a client is pleased enough to write.  I look forward to setting up her personal one-on-one makeup class.  Beth was so sweet — she’s in med. school and is blessed with the BEST blonde curly hair (yes, I was jealous!)

Hey Dayna,

Just wanted to say thanks for the amazing makeup and hair you did for me
last night (at Erica's shoot). I adored the sex kitten eyes ... and I'm
pretty sure Eric would agree! (he was quite excited when I picked him up
from work)  

Quick question for you - I saw the site so I know how to track you down in
the future, but I was wondering what products you used last night. I didn't
really notice until later that evening, but the foundation/powder/base was
so light and wonderful. If a lady were in the market for some new products
(say, powder, foundation, some eye shadow kits, and a brow kit) what might
you suggest?

Again, really appreciate all your hard work. Oh, and what was the name of
the art studio and burlesque show locales we chatted about last night?

Thanks!
Beth

What’s in my kit? Smashbox Photo Finish Primer!

As a makeup artist,  I am often asked about the products in my kit.  One of my favorites and MUST-HAVES is Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer.  I swear by it!

What is it?

Smashbox Photo Finish is a foundation primer which you wear under your foundation. The idea is that it preps your skin for foundation, creating a smooth, perfect base.  I have used the primer in place of moisturizer on clients with normal/combination skin, and it worked great.  If you have extra-dry skin, you can use the primer after moisturizer, before foundation.

Product Claims:

- smooths and perfects skin

- inhibits the destruction of collagen

- fills in fine lines and pores

- creates a flawless finish

Application:

Use a drop or two, and apply it with CLEAN finger tips across face and forehead.  The product glides on easily and evenly.

How it looks on:

I use the “original” version of Photo Finish in my kit.   It’s clear and works well for all my clients, regardless of age, race or sex.  Yes, I use it on men too for shoots.  Also perfect for when your client is a bald, as the primer helps minimize shine.  The result is that foundation just seems to glide on over it, giving you a much smoother finish, which is, indeed, photo-perfect.  And it lasts.  I’ve never had an email from a bride saying she melted mid-reception!

It’s also available in ‘Light’, ‘Sheer Apricot’ (which dries clear but contains Dermaxyl Complex to cover up fine lines), ‘Color Adjust’ (green, to combat redness), ‘Color Balance’ (for yellow skintones), Color Blend (which covers up things like under-eye circles), and there’s also a Bronzing version.

Hands down, one of the best items in my kit!

An often asked question…Do you tip your makeup artist?

Here is some great information I found about finding a makeup artist for your wedding, photoshoot or special night out.  There is also a great response to the often asked question about tipping your MUA.

(Reposted from Weddingbeepro.com)

Finding

I’m continually asked how to find a makeup artists (MUA) when you don’t live in a metropolitan area or are just not having any luck with referrals from websites. I recommend the following:

1. Contact wedding photographers, reception venues, or hair stylists for referrals.
2. Go to a makeup counter and ask specifically for an artist that does bridal. Ask them questions about their rate, technique, past weddings. If an artist doesn’t know their bridal rate, then they aren’t doing weddings!
3. Contact beauty salons and ask for a referral

Choosing

I recently had a bride ask me “do I need to have several makeup/hair trials?”. My response is absolutely not. I recommend that you do your due diligence and google them before the trial and see what is said about them. If you have a lot of time and disposable income, then you can see as many as you like, but most brides are on a time crunch and a budget. If you love how you look and feel comfortable with the artist, then book her/him (see bridal trial dos). I encounter a lot of indecisive brides and my advice to them is to trust your gut and bring a friend to the trial. Don’t expect to look like you would on your wedding day – this is a trial. You can’t see the full picture, and the hair and makeup will look even better on the wedding day as the artist is starting out knowing exactly what the end product is.
Tipping

Lastly, I want to talk about gratuity. I’m asked about this often and it is tricky for me to answer since I am a vendor and don’t want any of my clients to feel pressured to tip. I have worked as a waitress, bartender, counter MUA, dog walker and nanny, so I feel that I have a good grasp on the service industry and what is expected/appreciated! Waitstaff are paid a very low hourly wage because gratuity is expected, so please take care of them. When you deal with a MUA at a counter please consider the following: their job is to sell the product and they must meet sales quotas. They are expected to help customers and show how to apply products, but they are not expected to give full makeovers, unless the customer is seriously interested in buying products. This does not mean that you should feel beholden to buy a product if you try them on. I am talking specifically about people who come in and have a full face of makeup done with no intention of purchasing.

The difference is in the intent. If you are spending time with them for the sole purpose of a lesson or a trial, then you should buy products or tip them (or both). This isn’t a store/brand policy but it is considered proper etiquette among counter MUAs. I do want to stress that a gratuity means that you are grateful for their service – you shouldn’t feel bullied into tipping or buying products. I have also been on the receiving end of poor service at makeup counters and that is not kosher!

When working with freelance MUAs, you are hiring them for a service and leaving a tip is completely acceptable. In my experience, 80-90% of brides tip on the day of the wedding, but far less tip for the trial. Personally, I consider a tip to be extra frosting on the cake and am always very grateful that my service was appreciated. I don’t expect expect a tip and I don’t think less of my clients who don’t tip.

The best tip for me is a very happy client who refers me to her friends, family or blogs. However, I can’t speak for everyone and I know that many artists do feel slighted and expect a gratuity on the day of the wedding. I understand that a lot of people go by the rule of thumb, that if an artist is self-employed that there is no need to tip. My feel is that great service is great service, period. If you are not happy with their service don’t tip. Besides, working for yourself is a lot more blood, sweat, and tears than being an employee.

Bottom line: Trust your gut and reward great service (not mediocre).

Tait Boudoir Photography at the Omni Richmond August 27

TAIT Boudoir Photography Marathon on Thursday, August 27th, 2009
at the Omni Richmond Hotel in downtown Richmond.  Booking information available at www.richmondboudoir.com

Vamps and Vixens Makeup Studio will be the hair and makeup artists for the shoot.  Only two spaces left!

This is the fourth time we have the pleasure of working with Erica and the lovely clients!  Most ladies arrive a little nervous and have never done anything like this before!  They say it is totally out of their comfort zone, but wanted to surprise their significant other with some sexy photos.  A few clients have said they were doing the photos just for themselves.

Once their hair and makeup were done, you could see their confidence!  Everyday they look into the mirror and see a wife, mother, worker…During these sessions they see the sexy (and sometimes forgotten) woman looking back!  It’s more than just images; it’s a true confidence builder reminding us all how truly beautiful we are, no matter our size or age.

Thank you to Erica for having us back!

Rock Star Smokey Eyes class September 18 at 6pm

Hands-on classes are so much fun!  V&V and 422 Studio taught a “How To Be A Pin Up Girl” class earlier this summer, and it was a blast!  The girl’s learned how to roller set their hair, create a classic pin up eye with matte colors and  cat-eye liner, choose a red lipstick and even apply fake lashes!  Everyone had a great time releasing their inner bombshell, and a few have reserved seats for our newest class being offered.  Whatcha’ waiting  for? ???  Space is limited!!

Collaboration with Vix Sin and Redrum Photography

A few weeks ago V&V  had the pleasure to work with model Vix Sin for a third time.  Vix Sin has been a pleasure to work with, always encouraging creativity and wanting only the best from her shoots.  The first we met Vix Sin she was preparing for a “trash the dress” shoot with Pictures by Paige.  V&V created a metallic smokey eye and added lots of fake hair to create over-the-top ponytails.

The second meeting brought Vix Sin to the studio of Kimberly Frost, an amazing photographer V&V has the honor of working with on a consistent basis.  Kim’s vision for the shoot was an etheral Geisha girl.  Vix Sin was able to capture the delicate persona of her charater, all while being under the weather!  Poor Vix was sniffle-ing the whole time in the makeup chair, but like the professional she is, she insisted the show must go on!

This August Vix Sin was set to shoot with Redrum Photography and called in V&V again to help out.  Wanting to take a new direction with her look, Vix asked for a “futuristic cyber style”.  V&V took that challenge and transformed Vix in a cyber babe, complete with jewels, lime green lashes and about 250 dreadlocks.  Redrum Photography is responsible for the amazing images, finding the perfect abandoned location and toughing out the Virginia heat and humidity!

We are definately looking forward to working with Vix again!  We wonder what ideas she has up her sleeve…

Welcome to the new Vamps and Vixens Makeup Studio blog!

Vamps and Vixens is excited to be venturing into the wonderful world of blogging!  Here we’ll post the “behind-the-scenes” charm and chaos, from wedding days to photoshoots to hands-on classes!   Makeup is fun, and anything can happen!

We’ll also be highlighting some of our favorite photographers and clients we have had the pleasure of working with – we are fortunate to be surrounded with such talents in this industry!

So sit back, enjoy and check in often.  You’ll never know what will happen!