I was surprised to open up the Summer issue of NZ Weddings Magazine to find one of my wedding images as a full page add for a well known designer…
Make-up with Simone Mare
Make-up artist, Simone Mare, shares her tips on contouring
To define and perfect our features contouring and highlighting can make a huge difference. Contouring can be done with foundation, concealer and powders. For everyday contouring and highlighting I like to define the cheekbones starting with a dark brown right under the cheekbones where your face meets your ear. I then continue in a downwards diagonal direction with a bronze colour further along, this will also give the face some colour. The easiest way to locate the area to contour would be to suck in your cheeks and make fish lips, this will show the hollow in your cheeks and where you need to contour. Highlighting on top of the cheekbones will then brighten up the face and enhance the cheekbone area. Highlighting down the centre of the face starting at the forehead until you reach the chin will also brighten the face.
Extra highlighting areas include the brow bone and inner corner of the eye to again create a brighter appearance as well as the Cupid’s bow above the top lip to create the appearance of a fuller lip. My favourite contouring products to use are benefits hoola and macs medium deep, my favourite highlighting product would be macs soft and gentle.
Behind The Lens
Meet Melissa Wetherall (aka. Missy M). She is the newest addition to the Miss T Pinups Team. A creative photographer, editor and all around cool chick.
We first met Missy M when she was shooting for our parent company, Take My Photo Ltd, for about 3 years. She had a break from photography and is now back in full swing as our Sunday pin-up photographer and editor.
Missy M has a real passion for pin-up photography, “It gives ladies confidence. Even someone shy can transform and come alive in front of the camera”. She loves seeing the clients’ reaction to her images and says it’s the best part of the job. Missy M also has a talent for natural light photography and enjoys shooting individuals and families. She also enjoys editing, learning about make-up, health and fitness but not sports.
Missy M has a strong conviction that photos should be printed, “I literally have no more space on my walls. I love to print and frame my favourite images. Too many people take photos and leave them on their computers never to be seen again. It’s such a shame. Photos should be enjoyed”.
Here are a few tips from Missy M:
- Relax and have fun with your photo shoot. Leave your inhibitions at the door. And if you can’t…then bring wine.
- Sending us reference pics is a great way to communicate your ideas.
- If you are buying a shoot as a surprise for someone, make sure you give them at least 24 hours notice so they have time to mentally prepare for being half naked in front of the camera.
- Print, print, print!
To book a Sunday shoot or consultation meeting with Miss M, contact us at info@misstpinups.co.nz
Pinup:Kendall
How to Look Hot In Photos
Tip #5 Hands
“Ah the claw hand. It can happen so easily. While we are concentrating so hard on getting a great shot, the hands are sometimes forgotten and tension there can really ruin an image. Soft ballerina hands always…especially around the face. Speaking of hands near the face, be sure to have your hands either side on to the camera or further away from the face. You don’t want your hands to look bigger than your face.”
Tip #6 The Prep Work
“1) Get a good night’s sleep! It goes without saying really but boozing it the night before or staying out late can really affect your skin, mood and puffiness around the eyes. 2)Exfoliate, pluck, wax, shave, manicure, moisturise – do what you’ve got to do to feel more confident in front of the camera and make it easier for the make-up artist to work their magic. 3) Be confident – you’ve already proven your confidence by booking a shoot in the first place. Keep it up – you are gorgeous. You will have more fun if you have a positive attitude. If you totally lack confidence within yourself then have confidence that the photographer will make you look hot. 4) Be clear about what you want. Discuss your ideas on clothing, themes with the photographer so you are both on the same page. It may come as a surprise to you but we are not mind readers. Help us deliver to you those creative ideas in your mind. “
– Miss T
How to Look Hot In Photos
Tip #4 Legs
“If you’ve shot with me before you would’ve heard me say “point your toes” several times throughout the session. The reason being that pointed toes elongate your legs and add that pinup finish to any pose. Even in heels, pointed toes work the right muscles in the legs that will give you extra tone and shape. With the right leg and hip pose you can transform your entire look and appear to be slimmer and taller. Who doesn’t want that? Don’t worry if you have bruises or scars on your legs that you’d prefer not to show. We can either cover up with gorgeous stockings or use our favourite accessory…Photoshop!”
– Miss T
Pinup: Nikki, HMUA: Sarah Marie Summer
Latex Dreams
We caught up with Whipshhh Latex creator, Shannon Avery, on a recent trip to Tauranga.
There was no mistaking who Shannon Avery was when she walked into the Tauranga airport. Latex sailor top, pink purple hair and gorgeous yellow Jefferey Campbell shoes. Shannon has an obvious talent and passion for creative design which she can confidently back up with a Visual Arts Degree and a Masters in Art.
Music is a huge influence on Shannon’s designs. While fronting the Rockabilly band Molly Gun, she wanted a latex stage outfit but couldn’t find anything in New Zealand that was custom made. So she started making her own. “I love making my own clothes – but not hemming. That’s why I like working with latex. The techniques used are more like sculpture which is more my background.” Shannon says “some people find latex intimidating but you’d be surprised at how forgiving it is. “
Shannon was only making latex outfits for herself until she was approached by her first client Sarah Marie Summer in April 2012. Sarah had seen Shannon’s work on-line and wanted her to create a customized piece for her photo shoots. Since then, Shannon has made countless bespoke creations for both local and international latex lovers. Shannon’s favourite part about customised designs is the story behind each outfit.
Looking ahead for the brand, Shannon is in the process of creating a ready-made lounge range including items such as kimono robes and kaftans. She feels lounge wear is “accessible to everyone”. The range will be launched on Little Death. A site created by her husband, Sean Joyce.
Shannon wants to expand the brand, get international recognition for her work while still creating quality pieces that don’t just reflect what is already been done overseas. She wants to make latex dreams come true!
Check out more about Whipshhh Latex here:
What is Pin-up?
#2 Rockabilly
Rockabilly is a style of rock music which basically combines rock ‘n’ roll and hillbilly together. It started in the early 50’s and has had a recent revival in popularity. This style of music translated into fashion and for some, a way of life.
Everyone has their own way of expressing this style, but to me, Rockabilly has a ‘too cool for school’, ‘I don’t care about rules’ type of attitude while still achieving a polished finished. It’s probably one of my favourite styles of pin-up. I love the all essential do rags/head scarves, red lips, leopard print everything, wiggle skirts, jeans, tattoos, polka dots, hotrods, and so on.
Pinup: Ashley
I find you can quite easily change from a classic pinup look to a rockabilly look with a few minor tweaks. Hair dos can easily translate into both styles as well. It’s all about how you wear it.
I thought this diagram was pretty cool. This is just one way of wearing a modern rockabilly look for guys and gals.
Reference:http://vi.sualize.us/rockabilly_style
