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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Sh*t Fashion Girls Say...at New York Fashion Week

There are so many videos like this, but this is just too perfect - especially for New York Fashion Week.  Love it!


Clothes from Oscar Nominated Films at FIDM


Running through April 28, FIDM in Los Angeles is showcasing clothes from Oscar nominated films.  With all of the Oscar buzz surrounding The Artist, you can check out the beautifully themed costumes from the actual movies.  This is the 20th Annual Exhibit of Costumes.  There are 100 costumes from over 20 movies.  The Artist was filmed in black and white - go see what the real clothes look like!


Sunday, February 12, 2012

How to produce your own outdoor photo shoot!

Last November I produced my own photo shoot for my jewelry line!  I had little idea what a large undertaking it was!  I decided to do a gypsy/vagabond theme, so I wanted to shoot outdoors, and get the story across with the location, prop and wardrobe styling.  First things first, if you would like to shoot at a local park or nature area, call the park in advance to find out what days they are available for shooting.  Many places are incredibly busy, like Vazquez Rocks, so you will need to know what days they have open.  I opted for Placerita Canyon in Santa Clarita.  Make an appointment at the park, and do a walk-though with the park ranger to let them know exactly what and when you are planning on shooting.  If approved, the park ranger will sign an approval form for you to move ahead and get your shooting permit.

Now, to do a shoot at one of these parks, you will need a permit.  To obtain one for a Los Angeles county park (full list of LA parks here), you must contact Film LA.  You will then be assigned a coordinator for your project.  You will need to get insurance for your shoot, short term insurance is available locally, or if your photographer already has insurance, that will cover your shoot as well.  Film LA needs a COI (Certificate of Insurance) from your photographer, they will not issue you a permit without insurance.  Luckily, my photographer Marilyn Nakazato already had insurance available for my shoot!  Film LA typically needs about 3-5 business days to issue you a permit, so be sure to give them as long a lead time as you can. There are fees involved--for the permit, it's about $60.00, and if you shoot at an LA County park, it's an additional $100.00.  Also keep in mind that the park you choose will also charge you a separate day rate, and depending on the park, it could be anywhere from $80.00 - $250.00 per day.
At the same time, while coordinating between Film LA and your location, you must coordinate with your photographer, hair stylist, make-up artist, models, and assistants to find out which day is available for all of them to shoot!  Sounds easy, right?  LOL!  But first, before you coordinate with your team, find out which days the park is available to shoot! 

I chose Placerita Canyon since it had a beautiful rock formation, overhanging trees, lush green meadows, and an amazing dry creek bed.  Also, the park had an available prep room with electricity (for hair/make-up), and adjacent bathrooms!  There were other beautiful nature areas, close to Lancaster, but they have no restrooms and electricity.  (Unless you're bringing a trailer!)  Park ranger Frank Hoffman was very helpful, and kind enough to even share some of his food and beverages with us!  Below are more images from the Placerita Canyon shoot.




Now if you don't want to do the whole "shooting with a permit" process, you can always go "shoot guerrilla-style!"  Just find a place you want to go to, and start shooting!  But keep in mind, park rangers and cops CAN enforce you to leave, since it's technically illegal to shoot anywhere public without a permit.  However, it can still work if you go somewhere remote enough, where no one will bother you.  For my shoot's second location, we shot "guerrilla-style" at Franklin Canyon park--although we had to keep hiding from the ranger trucks that were always patrolling the grounds.  Below are a few images:
 Best of luck with your own shoot!  Images courtesy of Marilyn Nakazato, hair and makeup by Emily Christison, models are Tashina HunterTyler Batson, and ModelWire Network member (and my intern!) Jamie Nocher.  Prop assistant:  Jodie Guirey.  Photo assistant:  Michele Rivera.  Wardrobe provided by Tashina Hunter (dresses),  Madisonpark Collective, and Cityzen Green


Friday, February 10, 2012

Hairstylists and Makeup Artists Need Representation Too

Just like models and actors, hairstylists and makeup artists need agents too.  The thing with hairstylists and makeup artists is that it's all about your personality - you need to be able to get along with the models, producers, photographers, etc.  A lot of you ask what's the best way to get out there.  My suggestion is that you work closely with a specific agency and build that relationship.  Ask to work with their fresh faces or kids department.  Don't be afraid to experiment with agencies - show them everything you've got.  In due time, they'll be asking you to do more jobs.  Just make sure you work well with everyone; your personality will be your key to success!

LADY LISA
I am a hairstylist currently working in a salon, however my main goal is to do mainly editorial work (print).  I am in the process of networking and building my portfolio.  If you have any advice for me, I'm all ears! 

You already said it - you definitely need to build your portfolio.  You have nice work.  Go out and work with small agencies and become their 'go-to' hairstylist.  You should also consider adding more photos to your portfolio.  Perhaps some professional ones from the shoots you've worked on.  Again, I like your work.  Keep at it.
JACQUELINE FANCHER
Hi Joey.  I'm a makeup artist and I'm just breaking into the world of plus size modeling.  I would love to hear what advice you have for me.  Your critique and guidance is much appreciated.  Thank you in advance.
 
I'm confused of what you're asking - are you a makeup artist or a plus size model?  If you're a makeup artist for plus size models, you should be able to do makeup on any face, plus size or not.  I'm just unclear of what you're asking.  Looking at your pictures, I like what I see.  You should work with all different types of people.
BIANCA MCMILLAN HAIR/MAKE UP
Hi Joey, I just joined ModelWire Network and enjoyed reading your article providing feedback to models.  I am a hairstylist and makeup artist living in Los Angeles and would appreciate any suggestions on venturing into high fashion, editorial and more runway work.

I suggest you get friendly with an agency.  When you work with an agency you get to meet models and photographers and people who are behind the planning of a shoot.  In return, you can build your portfolio with more photos.  It's important to build that relationship.  That relationship is how you'll get an agent.  It's important that you focus on working on that relationship.  Good luck!
MARIE WOOD
I just wanted to know what exactly do agencies such as Ford look for when hiring a makeup artist?  What are the standard requirement for a portfolio book to be accepted by a major agency?  Is there a certain look or a particular style that seems to stand out above the rest? 

Work with different agencies.  Ford (like all agencies) is looking for a makeup artist that gets along with agents and models harmoniously.  Everyone works as a team and they promote each other.  If a team of agents, models and photographers like your work and enjoy working with you, they'll ask you to keep coming back.  I would start small and work with a local agency.  From there you can move to bigger agencies.  
 In the meantime,

Have a successful day!
JOEY

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