JAC Beauty » Hair

Part II: Posing for Pictures

Carol — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:00:23 +0000

Now my lovely Miss K model made me think about how to pose for pictures. Miss K isn’t a professional model so she probably felt weird during the first few dozen shots because my camera was about 12 inches from her face.

Shy Miss K

Lots of people have a certain “side” of their face that they prefer to be shot at. And of course, Point #1 requires you to try posing from that side as much as you can. The idea that one side is better than the other is probably all in your head — BUT it does boost your confidence. And confidence is key, my friends!!

Doesn’t a natural smile look SO much different? You can totally tell, even if you don’t know the person at all!

Miss K's natural, genuine smile! I probably made her giggle at something random. Being funny helps! HA

Then there’s the “looking dreamily” gaze that some people like to do… The one thing to remember here is to not look TOO fiercely to the side. I actually learned this from America’s Next Top Mode;! =) Tyra Banks (as crazy as she is) says that you actually have to gaze a little bit more towards the camera than you think… because the whites in your eyeballs might be too harsh.

Also another really cute is the head cocked to the side… but do NOT over do this!! Ugh if you went a little bit more than this, then you could look like you’re trying way too hard. I think that these are the maximum degree of head tilting… anything over these I would say is a no go!

Sweet and adorable!

These are just random suggestions I have… I know that everyone loves having a relaxed photoshoot, so some people recommend taking a few sips of wine to loosen yourself up. (Of course, don’t do that if you turn red or puffy!)

Does anyone have any other suggestions? And didn’t Miss K do such a lovely job, for a non-model? *clap clap*

C’s Photoshoot Part I

Carol — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:00:37 +0000

I haven’t seen my friend in 2 years because she’s been… well, saving LIVES! I love to brag about my super cool friend who works as a PA resident at John Hopkins. My friends who know Miss K would laugh at this post because she’s always known to look like she rolled right out of bed and she truly doesn’t care — but everyone knows she’s gorgeous anyways! (Like literally, wearing PJs to the market and everything! LOL)

Most people like the natural look and just want to look like a better version of themselves. I went for an very light makeover. This is type/amount of makeup I would normally use if I wanted to look nice for a special day.

The things I used for this makeover and the order in which I used them: (not including primers and moisturizers)

- Prescriptives concealer (2 tones)
- Makeup Forever’s mineral HD powder
- Smashbox bronzer
- Smashbox eyebrow shadow w/Bobbi Brown brush
- MAC eyeshadow + LORAC eyeshadow + TwoFaced shadow
- MAC gel eyeliner + Buxom inner eyeliner
- Christian Dior lipstick + MAC lipstick + MAC lipliner
- Individual false lashes only at the ends, trimmed (Miss K said she had trouble with strip lashes because she hated the way they felt, so I opted for individuals only)

Note that I didn’t use ANY foundation and just cleaned up her face with a light concealer and HD powder. If you don’t have any serious skin issues like acme or scars, I think it looks great to just go with something just as light as concealer + mineral powder! (I personally don’t use regular powder on a daily basis.)

Next I decided to step it up just one notch and give her a slightly more dramatic look. I thought her skin looked fine so I didn’t add anything else except for:

- Bobbi Brown blush
- darker shade of MAC lipstick
- Stila smokey eyeshadow kit (top and bottom of lids)

To be continued…

Katy Perry vs. Zooey Deschanel

Carol — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:00:30 +0000

Wait… who’s who again? These dark haired, blue eyed beauties get me confused! Both are singers, both can rock the blunt bangs and both became popular around the same time! Who do you like better?

I LOVE that these two have brought very new and different things to life — Katy Perry has brought a new twist to the Vita Don Teese age. Curves, dark black hair, red lips and flaunting their awesome bod!

I loooove the makeup style that Katy Perry brings to the table. Absolutely stunning!

Zooey Deschanel has a different approach. Although she looks good all made up, I think she’s most famous for her doe-eyed, “deer in headlights” innocent look. When I think of Zooey, I think of floral dresses, summer and swingsets. Not a bad vibe!

Which style do you prefer? Again, when I asked around for guys’ opinions, they ALL preferred Zooey! Interesting….

Real Engagements

Jina — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:48:36 +0000

NYC is such a beautiful place to shoot photos in. The landmarks, landscape, history.

Here’s an engagement session of a beautiful couple shot by CHRIS CHEN!

Happy Saturday ~~

Susan + David :: Wedding Engagement Photos (Central Park + Flatiron District, New York) from Chris Chen on Vimeo.

Engagement shoots

Jina — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:00:19 +0000

A lot of brides have been asking me what to expect, what to wear, how to do your hair/makeup, location of .. for their engagement shoots. I have yet to take my engagement shoot but here are a few pointers I have picked up from all the brides we’ve met thus far.

ENGAGEMENT SHOOT 101:

(Photo by Chris Chen of my most recent beautiful bride to be Miss S)

First thing is first:

WHERE TO SHOOT THE PHOTOS: Most couples choose locations that are significant to them. Like a first date restaurant. Others choose specific landmarks. Like Meatpacking District <>

Yug & I love fishing so we plan to shoot around water. Where we feel captures us.

WHAT TO WEAR: Most of my brides so far choose 2 outfits. 1 casual and 1 dressed up.

Susan + David :: Wedding Engagement Photos (Central Park + Flatiron District, New York) from Chris Chen on Vimeo.

WHICH BRINGS ME TO …. HOW TO DO YOUR HAIR & MAKEUP: C & I recommend for our brides to make the most of the hair & makeup trial. So to kill 2 birds with 1 stone, take your engagement shoot after the trial. Always remember that as much as you want to look like yourself, a lot of it gets washed out in photos. So wearing a lot of makeup won’t make you look like a different person. Miss S is sporting a brown smokey eye with big false lashes (3 layers). But in these photos, you would never be able to tell. She just looks a bit made up.

J’s tips:

- Bring a bag holder friend. Someone who will watch your bags while you are shooting.

- Have a designated driver. Especially if you plan on shooting around the city where parking is not readily available. This driver can literally just circle the block while you are shooting that location and be ready to drive you to the next on call.

- Map out your different locations. Think about where you will change your multiple outfits.

- Be hydrated & well fed! There is nothing fun about a HANGRY (Angry cuz your Hungry) bride to be.

Is there anything else I should add to this list for all our future brides?~