As the year renews, it is a good time to reflect back and see what still works with you, so you can keep it, and what does not, so you can throw it away. You can apply this for any item in your closet, kitchen, cosmetics, paperwork. Same goes for habits and rituals. Notice what has to stay, and notice what is better to go. Same for feelings or emotions. Don’t hold onto it if it does not serve you.
We are spiritual beings that evolve, change, with the passing of time. Make sure you like who you are becoming. Make sure you notice and accept your transformation, make sure it’s in alignment with your vision of your best self.
Since the beginning of the year, I am looking more into the meaning of things.
Naturally, I am observing what I am doing in my daily life and what I chose to create in my daily job. My job is to transform people. To show them the transformation. To bring them from their every day self to a potential very best self. Then to show it back to them. So how do I do that ?
1) It begins with makeup and the power of transformation once you put it on.
It is a very controversial topic, with or without makeup, and it seems the dispute comes apparently, from ancient times.
Make-up was considered to give you more attention, “transforming a person’s appearance, but changing their mood while inspiring feelings of power and confidence”. Ancient Egyptians believed lipstick has healing powers. (Read about the History of makeup here, I find it fascinating). Some believed it has powers over other people. There is a link between makeup and witchcraft and of course, there were also laws put in place to prevent it. Witchcraft, I wonder ? Then if you think about it, there all the beauty rituals, cosmetics and fragrances. Sounds a bit like spells.
I love everything about the power of transformation, and the art of beauty.
And how does makeup, make you have more confidence so you become empowered ?
Well, I think when you apply your makeup, it gives you a certain sense of yourself that you look better. And with that feeling, your inner self falls in-love with yourself a little bit more than before and then there’s your sparkle coming out with it. I feel it works from the outside – in. It has the power to transform your inside. Because your true beauty lies inside, and sometimes it needs a little kick to come out.
2) Then, after the makeup is done, I ask you to get dressed in your best clothes. Clothes that make you look good, that transform you from your casual self to your more glamorous self. This also contributes to your confidence and your perceived notion about yourself.
So looking into the meaning further, I research the word glamour. Its origins come from ‘enchantment, magic’, ‘beauty’ or ‘charm’. Imagine my surprise when I read that. That made me smile and think: what we are doing in my studio is truly magical.
3) There are some tips and tricks I give you for posing, I know what works best for your body type and face shape. There is science behind it, figure 8 shape is the most desirable body type. So every pose I put you in, enhances the figure 8 shape. Also, creating triangles in posing creates a pleasing image to the eye. I go through this posing training and after a couple of shots, you become a pro. You go from “I hate this”, to “I love this, give me more”. I like it when clients start revealing themselves fully, giving in and switching to their confident selves.
Have a look below to some of the metamorphosis I’ve done throughout the years. Notice first of all their increase in confidence besides their change of physical aspect. Magic!
Whiten Teeth ahead of time. White strips will go a long way and they’re easy to apply 2 weeks before your shoot.
Haircut – If you’re getting a hair cut for your shoot, do so about two weeks beforehand, your hair falls into place best – 1-2 weeks after the cut.
Wax/Shave Take care of all hair removal prior to a shoot, but leave at least 2-3 days in between.
Manicure: Get a manicure done 1-2 days before your shoot. Clean nail polish. Short nails are preferred. A natural, non-colored, or French manicure look is preferable, but if you color them, think about the outfits you’re shooting in, the colour should work well with all your choices. If you plan on posing barefoot, be sure your feet and toes are in good condition.
Prepare 5-6 outfits. Your portraits should be a reflection of you, just more polished. Choose the outfits you love. Think of those special pieces you might not wear often because they’re impractical for day-to-day use, or the go-to blouse you always wear when you’re going somewhere nice.