Oct
07
For the last few days I’ve been trying to come to terms that my little baby will no longer be a child as Friday she turns 18. I never had a problem turning my significant ‘ages’ (30, 40..) but for some reason I am finding this a little sad.
For 18 years I have dedicated myself to doing the right thing by her. Anytime I was making a decision I would always think about how it would impact on her first. I know she still needs me and will for a while to come but even thinking that my baby is all grown up just brings a tear to my eye.
I’m so happy that I captured so many images of her growing up as these moments are so precious. I used to point my lens towards her face so much that once she asked me to stop, she was about 11. But when she went to secondary school she told me she didn’t mind me taking her photo again, you can imagine my delight, woohoo.
So last weekend we captured a grown up portrait of her to mark this transition, it was then, when I saw her portrait on my laptop, I realised this was big. This marks a time that she moves from being a child to a young woman, I could even see it in her face, how it has changed since I last photographed her. I’ve begun to look at her differently too, she is now a woman, with her own choices to make, ok I will use the “you’re under my roof” parenting tool, but maybe just a little less.
Make sure you capture those moments, they are so precious and pass by so fast.
Eva x
Jul
04
“You are beautiful, it’s my job to make you feel it”. Whether you choose a Couture or Boudoir photoshoot I believe that all my clients should feel amazing after their session. It’s a mantra I live by so much so that today we organised for a local artist to hand paint the quote above our gorgeous throne. So anytime you visit you know that more than anything we will do everything in our skill and power to make sure you leave knowing how beautiful you truly are.
#youarebeautiful #couturesession #boudoircouture
Apr
26
This post is a guide to what to wear for your photoshoot, it is most important that over anything else you are comfortable on the day. Ok i don’t really recommend tracksuit and t-shirt, but if you’re wearing something you don’t feel good in then it will show in your portrait. 🙂
First off, decide whether you want to be photographed in a casual look, a little dressier or even in that WOW outfit! If you are being photographed with other family members, make sure that you look similar in style but not matching, as each of you are unique and should dress accordingly.
Avoid patterns and choose block colours instead, as your eye gets drawn to pattern and you should be the focus of your photo. Details such as lace sleeves or lace necklines are stunning! Sequins, V-Necks, semi-fitted tops or dresses are gorgeous to photograph too and so complimentary to every body shape.
Before your shoot try everything on and make sure it fits comfortably. Repair any faults, steam, iron or launder your outfit before your shoot. Give your nails a polish and don’t forget your accessories.
If you have any questions feel free to give me a shout, talk soon.
Eva
Apr
24
So we headed to Kerry this weekend to celebrate my Mum’s 79th Birthday. I can’t believe she is one year off 80, she certainly doesn’t look it or act it. I suppose that is part of the times we live in, you no longer have to act a certain way when you get older. I remember when I was a kid, once a woman reached 60 she wore matching knitted skirts & tops with flat shoes. Today I love to see women carving out their own path, wearing what they want and not bowing to what was once convention.
Boudoir Couture at 78
I remember asking my Mum years ago how was her skin so beautiful and she said her Mum told her not to put soap & water near her skin, only cleanse & moisturise and she has been doing it ever since. (and so have I)
I asked her what was the best advice she would give today and what she has learnt over the years to keep her skin looking amazing.
When she was about 15 she started off with Ponds Cold Cream as her daily routine, it was the only thing that was really available then. She also wore far too much makeup back then too, with her then boyfriend telling her he could “shovel it off her face”. Eeek.
Once she got married and started her family she couldn’t afford and didn’t have time for her makeup. She moved on to Oil of Ulay (now Olay) when it first came out and would experiment with different types of moisturisers, basically whatever she could afford. It was around this time she stopped using soap & water and began cleansing her face morning & night.
Now a days she just cleanses (Clarins), uses a serum (No7) and moisturises (Clarins), “these aren’t cheap, but you only need a pea size amount so it lasts ages”. As she does a lot of outdoor activity she also applies SPF 50+ La Roche tinted Fluid every day before she goes out, she also swears by lip balm.. “I don’t go anywhere without it” she tells me.
Couture Photoshoot at 76
I asked her what advice would she give a woman in their 30’s onwards, she replied “as your skin changes you need to change the products you are using, you don’t have to buy the most expensive or the big brands. Don’t listen to what someone else uses, everyone has different skin, experiment, get samples, go with what suits you today. ”
I asked her was drinking loads of water part of her keeping her skin hydrated… “I don’t drink enough water, about 3 glasses a day. I much prefer a glass of bubbly, Prosecco on a normal day and Champagne for a special occasion” Gosh, I certainly picked up a few of my Mum’s traits.
Louise and I helping Mum celebrate her 79th Birthday
Happy Birthday Mum and thanks for your advice. Right I’m off to buy some Factor 50 and a bottle of Prosecco xxx
Apr
13
A few months ago Brenda of Annie Ruffles Vintage Creations asked me to create some new business headshots for her. During her pre-session appointment we chatted about personal brands, her band values & brand personality and decided to shoot at a location that reflected her brand personality, classical, vintage, designer, relaxed… We also talked about wardrobe, creating a Pinterest board to attach ideas to and Brenda even snapped and sent some of her chosen items before the shoot.
On the day of the shoot, Brenda had her hair & makeup done at our studio by Marian of Wedding Heaven. Marian listened to Brenda’s ideas as well as bringing her expertise. An hour and half of pampering and chatting we were ready to head to our stunning location… No 1 Pery Square.
We had pre-ordered the delicious afternoon tea to mirror the her brand with it being served on vintage tableware. We both found it nearly impossible not to eat the “props”… nearly!
During the shoot we chatted about business, family, tea, cake… not only helping Brenda to relax but also to get to know her more. We got through a series of images quiet quickly and when we finished shooting, we devoured the afternoon tea. Yum!
The results were just perfect, a series of images that reflected Brenda’s brand that will serve her and her business well. Click here to check out some more of Brenda’s images from her shoot.
Mar
21
I adore the quality of natural light and i am so fortunate to have stunning light in our studio. We begin all Couture Sessions using the light form our windows, bouncing and bending it to get the desired effect.
Being inspired by Irish artists such as John Lavery or the Dutch Masters like Vermeer natural light is a perfect (& free) resource to light our subjects. Yes there are days I curse the brightness of it as I adjust my settings to compensate or days when there isn’t enough and I ask my client to sit as still as possible, however my ideal day being an overcast one like today.
I am preparing a new back drop today similar to the style I shoot to create a painterly feel to our Couture Portraits, and I am so excited to think of the possibilities we can create.
Here are some of my favourite painterly inspired emotive portraits using natural light:
I adore Couture portraits, timeless <3
Mar
19
Oh i love weddings! I am an utter romantic and can’t help getting swept away by the emotions of the day and shedding a happy tear for the couple. Martina & Damien’s wedding was no different. A beautiful couple with lovely family, delighted being together to celebrate this day. Capturing their moments was such a privilege. Here are a few of those moments…
Huge thank you to Martina & Damien for allowing me to share this with you, and yes i fell in love with her Dad’s restored vintage Beetle.
Eva x
Dec
29
A New Year is all about redefining you, not reinventing. Are you looking for a promotion, a new job or to market your business to a wider audience? If so you need to think about the image you put forward. Think of yourself as a brand, how do people feel when they hear your name? Do they know who you are and what you do?
Follow these steps to help you build your personal brand:
What do you stand for?
Are you funny, trustworthy, creative, an expert in your field? What are your passions? What makes you you? What ever you stand for you need to define it and communicate it. Make a list of “key words” that describes you, what you are about and then use these to help you be more strategic in your communication.
Your Domain
Using your own name is important to build your personal brand, therefore branding your business with your name is recommended. Try and secure your domain name for your website or even a blog and make sure you use it across all social media platforms.
Your Personal Style
Create a style that makes you stand out from the crowd or create a signature look that communicates your “key words”, e.g. are you a creative designer or a confident business woman. Make sure you wear your signature look at meetings and in your business profile. If you are unsure where to start, I would recommend finding a wardrobe consultant that specialises in working with executives. Check out Gaye Moore on Twitter
Personal Brand Kit
Your personal brand toolkit consists of many elements, make sure they represent you & communicate your personal brand key words effectively.
- business cards
- websites/blogs
- social media profiles
- professional headshots
- email addresses
Communicate your Personal Brand
Now you have created a personal brand it’s time to communicate it to your audience. Be active online, create original content, join a network group, speak at public events and ask for introductions.
Best of luck with redefining your brand in 2016, if you need any help please feel free to contact me 🙂
Eva
#personalbrand2016
Nov
30
Women in Business Headshot
Blog / business / Couture Sessions / photography / Portraits / women in business Posted by admin
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So you have decided you need a new business headshot as the one you have just isn’t professional enough. Fantastic! Next thing to think about… what to wear for your shoot?
Keep it Simple! No, really simple. A headshot should be all about you, not your accessories.
Avoid anything high fashion as it will date your image quickly and you want to get a few years out of your investment.
What suits your body shape? Are you pear shapped, apple or even triangle.. (didn’t know this was a shape) .Try on different necklines as you may be surprised at what suits you.
Opt for solid colours and please do avoid patterns and the viewers eye will be drawn to your body rather than your face.
***If in doubt…. wear a solid colour, semi fitted v-neck top.
(high v-neck for smaller bust, a deeper but not too deep v-neck for a larger bust)
Have a look at some of our clients images here.
Nov
24
What a great event we had in the studio today for Feeling Fabulous at 40+. Not only did we learn how to pose in front of a camera and what to wear but also a few new tricks when it comes to makeup and skin care.
A huge thank you to everyone who was able to make it, a big squeezy hug to our Model Yvonne, Brenda from Annie Ruffles for the tea service and of course Alison & Marian for the makeup demonstration (The people we will blame for having no money left).
There are a few products I would love to remind you of… the Mac 24hour Prep & Prime for under the eyeshadow! Inglot Under Eye Concealer (see below), Puff Off from Benefit, these products will make a huge difference to your eyes, making sure they are bright and beautiful.
If you have any questions about today please feel free to contact me by dropping me a line here
You can find Annie Ruffles on Facebook here for hiring of stunning props and Tea Servcie
You can find Alison & Marian here to chat about there new Showcase Brand or ask questions about the Skincare & Makeup.
Again, thank you for making it such a lovely morning.
Eva x
