Hair and Makeup. That is how it started. And, I am proud of that.
Beginning in the beauty business really taught me a lot about what a client really wants – how the client wants to feel. I learned that any client is really someone you are in a relationship with; you are sharing life with them, if nothing but sharing dreams, or a coffee, giving lipstick tips, or a story about a boy. And, some of you might even remember how I started out in the beauty biz (if you don’t or if you are new, feel free to check out my story – it is a humble beginning, but it is mine).
But, then came photography. Some of you might not be aware that I was essentially forced to learn to take a photo so I could have the honor of writing for www.dailymom.com; an experience for which I am incredibly grateful. Here are a few articles I wrote, so you can see the various topics that I have been honored to write about (yes, there is more than makeup there!). To write those articles, I really needed to turn in some photographs so my photos were not just a sea of words. I shot a LOT of product for these articles, so it was not just a barrage of models. This took lots of coaching by a sweet friend who refused to let me walk away because I did not have, or even know how to use a DSLR camera.
When I started, it was like learning a new language. I could not force the moment, or make the photo happen. I just had to be there, connect with my client, and share the very best of them with the world through my camera lens. And, that is it. That is all I do. I am a conduit of my client.
As time has gone by, I have begun doing that in a number of new and exciting ways.Taking a good, crisp, emotional, creative photo is an art I will likely work at forever. I practice with my clients (who share my feelings about selfies and shun professionals using selfies as profile pictures) and continue to expand the areas in which I share the very best of my clients. I share their products. I unveil their hearts. I steal their silliness. I build their business. All of it. Can you believe I get to do this?
Here are a few images that I recently put together for a real estate agent in my area selling a home who wanted a story to go with her listing. I was so glad to be a part of the story too!
I also work with young women, who want senior portraits, social media updates, and just want a moment captured. I love being a part of their lives. I am so grateful to be invited in.
I have also had the privilege of working with other photographers, taking care of just the camera-ready aesthetics. I love that too. Just beating a face (beauty business talk for applying makeup), and flipping a wig (drag speak for hair styling). I think it is a blessing to bring out the best in anything; to coax out beauty hidden in anything – but especially in people who might not feel so beautiful, or maybe forgot just how lovely they were created.
And, (yes, there is MORE) I also do headshots and commercial work for clients who want different kinds of photos or just need a professional update for their own personal brand. These are a few images I created for other professionals who wanted to update the face with their brand:
Are you a beauty professional too? Photographer? In need of a little personal attention or want to up the ante on your image? Contact me on social media. I cannot wait to meet you!!
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Love and Lipstick,
That Basic Chic
