Aug
04
In addition to lightning and posing techniques that i use to flatter every figure and illuminate skin there are a number of things you can do to prepare for your session. In fact these are the things that will result in the best possible images.
1 week before your session
- Start drinking at a least 8 glasses of water a day. I know this is easier said than done but it will make a huge difference to your skin’s appearance.
- Moisturise, especially on your knees and elbows, with a good body lotion or body butter after your shower or before bed.
- Don’t forget your lips! Exfoliate with a lip pumice every few days and use a lip moisturiser every day will have them in picture perfect.
- Visit your beautician to get your eyes brows groomed, remember your eyebrows are the frame to your face.
- Fresh colour or highlights are best done at this time too but i usually advise getting a drastic new look at this time.
- This is not a good time to start tanning, if you normally use a sun bed its best to stop it at least before your session.
The day before your session
- Either give yourself a manicure and pedicure or visit your favourite nail tech. Choose the nail colour that best represents to mood you are going for.
- Shave or wax the afternoon or evening before your session. In my experience the more a client is groomed the more relaxed they are in their wardrobe choices.
- Last but not least, get a good nights sleep! Being well rested will have a positive effect on your appearance and your disposition.
Even though there seems to be a check list of things to do before your session, this is not a time of stress at all. It is a time to feel pampered and pay attention to your body. You will feel recharged and refreshed as a woman and thats before you see your images for the first time.
Feel free to get in touch of you have any questions.
Eva x
Jul
15
3 years… where has the time gone?
In all the years I was an employee I never really thought i would be brave enough to go it alone. Then over 3 years ago with Shona’s Aspergers diagnosis and my Father passing away, i realised life was too short to be in a job where I couldn’t give my family 100%.
I first started with Marketing and Photography for creative industries, but soon after began getting requests for portraits. My first few were ok, they did the job. But i was hungry to learn quickly and develop a style. I absorbed as much information about Photographers i loved. Sometimes i got it right and sometimes i didn’t. It took nearly 12 months before i could honestly say i could see a style starting to develop.
When i introduced the Couture Sessions i knew this was the right path for me. I was getting as much out of the session that my client was. My creativity was flowing and i adored the images i was creating.
What have I learnt most in 3 years?
I have learnt most of all that every day has potential to grow and evolve my business. Every day i try to do something creative, every day i try to learn something new.
Always grow and learn not just from others but from what you do too.
Service is so important. Being a one (wo)man show it can be difficult to do it all and sometimes I make mistakes (eek) but i strive to do it better every time.
I have goals i set every year, i even have a 5 year goal. My path isn’t always straight and can take me off in other directions but i just re adjust my settings and move forward.
What’s happening in the Studio
I will be working more and more on Fine Art portraits for children, this is a passion of mine. To create works of art in their own right. Keep eyes peeled during the Autumn & Winter for these images.
You will see more maternity portraits coming through the studio. This is such an important time to capture, the quiet before the storm (hee hee).
What I have loved recently is the project i have taken on with my daughter to photograph animals. I am trying to teach her how to take a photograph… she doesn’t always listen but when she does she captures a wonderful image. I have even learned that i love capturing pet portraits, so much so we have introduced it to the studio.
As ever i love working with women, whether its for the Couture Session or for women in business. I will be working on an exciting session shortly, so keep an eye out for the results 😀
Click here if you want to get in touch. I would love to hear from you.
Eva
Apr
24
I’m always delighted to be asked to capture business headshots, and I’m often asked questions about what to wear, how the image should look etc. I’ve answered the most popular questions below and hope they are of use the next time you decide to update your business portrait.
- Your business portrait should be used to put a face to your business and reflect the industry you are in. For example, if you are in the corporate world then you should look professional and welcoming, if you are in a holistic business then your portrait should be soft and welcoming.
- Body Language: If you cross your arms make sure you are smiling. When you close off your body it looks like you’re not approachable, by smiling you can look professional and open.
- Business or casual? What you wear should reflect your business. What would you wear meeting a client for the first time? Your business headshot is more than likely the first impression they will get of you, so make sure it’s a good one!
- What to wear? Keep your style simple and avoid high fashion and anything seasonal clothing (short sleeves) as it dates the image. Go for a look you know suits you. Opt for solid colours and avoid strong patterns. And if possible bring a change of clothes/colours to maximise your investment with a photographer, you might get a second or third image.
- Lastly, where can i use them? You can use it on your website, blog, business cards, social media, press releases, company brochures, marketing material, industry papers…. the list goes on.
Apr
05
Every day I meet wonderful people and get a small glimpse into their lives just like this family. Lorraine asked me to photograph her son Dylan for his confirmation, along with his extended family. Dylan looked amazing against our new grey backdrop both in block colour and pattern.
Not only did we shoot in natural light but also took the opportunity to photograph the whole family with the studio lights against white, which is perfect for group shots.
Next time you are thinking about getting a Confirmation or Communion portrait done, why not consider getting a family portrait done too 😀
Check out the gallery for more confirmation photography
Mar
24
Jessica Shortt is a freelance makeup artist that has worked with me many times on the beautiful Couture Sessions. I have asked her to write a few words about what to expect from the Couture Session makeup process
Your couture session come’s with professional makeup application and hair styling which will be tailored specifically to enhance your natural features and beauty. Before we begin we can discuss what makeup look you may like and what will fit with the concept of your couture session.
With this in mind, I have pulled together a guide for you on what to expect from the Couture Session makeup and styling process.
A few tips from me – Bare faced is best! If possible, I would recommend coming to the session with little or no makeup. Secondly, feel free to bring along some pictures as inspiration for make-up looks and hair styles that you like, words can sometimes get lost in translation so a picture can act as a guide for us both to work from. Lastly, relax and enjoy the experience.
Like all of the beautiful faces I paint, I will begin by cleansing, toning and priming your skin. I carry a wide selection of high-end, designer products such as the ultimate Global brands of MAC & Bobbi Brown, the artistic French labels, NARS & Makeup Forever and of course the timeless classic, Lancôme. Once your skin is prepped and primed we will continue by creating a beautiful even base, If you would prefer a light foundation base we can use tinted moisturiser or you may want to go for full, flawless coverage. I will cater to both and everything in between. Once your picture perfect base is applied we will move onto colour – vibrant pink lips, peach blushed cheeks or smoldering smokey eyes. Everything will be tailored specifically to suit you and the concept of your couture session.
Getting in front of the camera can be nerve wrecking but don’t worry, you are in the hands of professionals who will make you look and feel truly fantastic. The proof is the in the photo – Check out Eva’s gallery for past Couture Session images.
I hope to meet you soon
Jessica
Mar
21
I love meeting new people, i love learning about a person i never knew before. The reason is that everyone has a story to tell. And when you photograph someone it gives you a bit of an insight into who they are. When we do a Couture Session, this is when you learn a lot about someone usually through insecurities.
I have plenty of these insecurities myself, so when it came to put myself (and my Mum & Sister) in front of the camera, they all surfaced! Thoughts like “i’m too heavy, I don’t feel beautiful, what if i look awful in the final images…” the list goes on. I had to have a wee chat with myself, the same conversation I usually have with my clients.
Don’t put it off until you’ve lost those few pounds, you are perfect as you are today. Embrace who you are now!
Lets show our children (and daughters especially) we are strong confident women even with all our insecurities, they make us who we are.
I don’t want to regret not having that beautiful photograph of my Mum, Sister and myself to treasure forever.
Be brave and love the experience.
So the day of the shoot, the three of us with our nerves embraced the experience. I had a dual role, being photographer and client but i experienced the fun and laughter that goes with feeling a little exposed but ultimately loving it.
I don’t regret for one minute having the Couture Session done and maybe the next time I do it I might not feel so vulnerable but if i do i will still give it 100%
Mar
07
Welcome to our new home, website and blog combined. Put on the kettle, pull up a chair and enjoy 😀
