The power of transformation

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.

You look good, you feel good.

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!

 

 

 

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How to prepare for your photoshoot

This blog post is a long time coming and with spring being here and all the photoshoots scheduled already, I thought it’s the right time to write this and prepare everyone on how to prepare for your photoshoot.

Prepping for a photoshoot is an interesting experience.

A client of mine just said “It is such an exciting experience and I am really looking forward to it.” Another one: “The Glamour Experience has begun! Loved the intake with Cristina Stoian in Amsterdam for a professional photoshoot including a team looking after you all day. For business and fun!”

This makes me so happy and motivated to give you the best service I can.

Ok, so you’re about to have your portrait taken. Congratulations! I want you to think about it for a bit and start preparing it.

There are some aspects to consider, these are the little details that can impact your portrait and I want you to get them right.  It is time to plan. Decide on outfits, schedule beauty appointments, prepare a mood board. Chose what fits your lifestyle, current beauty regime and go from there.

Face

IMG_0974Whiten Teeth ahead of time. White strips will go a long way and they’re easy to apply 2 weeks before your shoot.
Breakouts – don’t scratch and squeeze; if you have a pimple the week of he shoot, leave it there, it’s easier to cover up with makeup than covering a red wound.
Exfoliate twice a week before the shoot. Spend a moment in your morning routine to gently scrub your face, use a quality organic facial scrub to feel like you’re really taking care of yourself.
Tweeze eyebrows one week before.  Don’t overdo it!  This is crucial since eyebrows are defining your face and can change your expression. Do it 2-3 days before the shoot, to allow the redness to cool off.
Facial For a total pamper session, have a light facial to close the pores, a week before the shoot – leave time to heal ! A facial at home is a good alternative, masks on Sundays is what I do to relax.
Red Eyes – Visine is your friend. Not getting drunk the night before your shoot helps, too.
Lips – Use lip balm and scrub for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your lips look their best.
Moisturizer – Dry skin can take away from a great photo shoot. Start moisturizing nightly a week in advance of your shoot.

 

Hair

IMG_3832Haircut –  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.
Treatment – Give your hair a deep-moisturizing treatment. At your favourite salon while you’re having your haircut or at home.  Apply it together with the facial masque. Wrap your head with your towel after the shower, turban-style. Wear your bath robe and pretend you’re having a day at the spa and read a book. Take some time off for yourself.
Touch Up your Roots but don’t change the colour of your hair. You must be comfortable with your colour of your hair 3 months in advance. This is a big one, your photos will last forever.

Skin

Cristina-Stoian-Portrait-Photographer 22Wax/Shave Take care of all hair removal prior to a shoot, but leave at least 2-3 days in between.
Exfoliate and moisturize your whole body. When you get out of the shower, dry off until lightly damp, and use moisturizer. Focus on your arms, shoulders, neck, face, hands, anywhere you’ll be exposed to the camera. This includes your legs if you’re shooting in shorts or a skirt.
Tan If you are using self-tanner or go to a salon, do this couple of days before the shoot. I prefer you not to, I love fair skin, but this is your personal choice.

Hands

 

_MG_2261Manicure: 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.

Clean your rings: This is something I never use to think before, it makes a difference to have clean jewellery. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your jewellery the night before or have them cleaned professionally.

Clothes

cristina-stoian-106Prepare 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.
Little black Dress Bring at least one dark outfit or top or dress. black, navy, burgundy, dark green, etc. work best here.
Creamy Light Soft, sheer, not necesarerly white, can be cream, nude, light pink or peach.
Hip&Happening This outfit is your chance to show your personal style. If you tend toward more conservative tastes, choose a classy look. Instead of Funky, try Structured, Soft, Elegant, or Formal.
Sexy. This one is entirely your call. You could skip sexy, and that’s up to you. But if you’d like to, you can be an understated sexy in a backless formal dress, or a more overt sexy in a pretty pinup-style swimsuit. Beautiful lingerie is lovely and empowering.
Necklines. I love to be able to see your collar bone, so boat neck, scoop neck, square neck, deep V and off-the-shoulder are my favorite necklines. Whatever you choose, try to make it more interesting than the basic T-Shirt neckline. If you love turtlenecks, go for it! Feel free to bring whatever calls to you. Mixing up the necklines will add variety to your shots, so try not to bring all of one style.
Texture. Sumptuous textures lend a rich, tactile element to your photos.
Avoid Prints. Patterns and prints are distracting. We want people to look at you when they see your portrait, and even the most beautiful print will steal that attention.
Fit Your Form.  Fitted clothing that shows your shape work best for photographs. Skip that billowy, blouson top, or anything with dolman or batwing sleeves. While they might be flattering in person, they will not be slimming in camera. This applies to any body type. Choose outfits that will hug your curves, especially your waist, hips, arms, and chest.
Forget Shoes. Unless you have a special pair you’re dying to photograph, there’s really no need to worry about the shoes you’ll wear. Most images won’t show your feet at all, and if some do, bare feet will add an organic feel to your portraits.
Bras – Please bring according bras, nude underwear,  strapeless bras – depending on the outfit.

One night before:

Remove any watches, rings, or other jewelry that could leave an impression on your skin.
Relax Try not to schedule any activities this day, just relax and rest your nerves if you are anxious about the shoot. Sleep 8 hours.
Location Be sure that you know how to get to the studio or location where you are shooting.
Eat healthy Drink plenty of water. Avoid fatty, greasy, and salty foods prior to shooting. Please avoid alcohol or anything that will make you puffy or bloated. Also avoid anything that may stain your teeth.

The day of the shoot

Jog If you can, go for a light jog prior to the shoot to wake up your face.  This eliminates the tired look we see on most people first thing in the a.m.
Shower and apply antiperspirant
No Pony Do not wear a ponytail to the shoot, it leaves a kink in the hair
Eat light Don’t eat very much for 2-3 hours before the shoot, you may get bloated.  Sip water and eat light.
Relax Make sure you are relaxed.  I recommend doing yoga or meditation on the day of the shoot to get rid of jitters.
One coffee– Don’t have too much caffeine.
Arrive on time
Have fun !

Beauty trends 2016

In my photography practice, I work with a handful of talented artists to help you achieve that look we desire for your photo-shoot.

I have asked them to give us their expertise on the new beauty trends this year – they are very passionate about what they’re doing and they were happy to help us out.

I can see us trying some of these ideas together!

 

Make-up Trends 2016

“2016 will be the year of a beauty awakening. People are becoming more and more conscious about their skincare and makeup choices and the demand is slowly but steadily turning to ‘clean beauty’, which means that non-toxic, natural and organic beauty solutions are going to be huge this year.

Even if red lips are the eternal classics, the past few years they have had to take the back seat and let the nude lips enjoy the spotlight.

Now it’s officially over!

The biggest makeup trend in 2016 will be the perfect red lip, which is applied with extreme precision in the lively shade of a ripe red apple.“

Anna Szoke, Make Up Artist / Beauty Blogger , thesparklingblueberry.com

 

Hair Trends 2016

“Long hair is never out of fashion but now it’s become less polished, a more bohemian style and centre parted. The long bob (the lob) will also be this year’s trend. Sleek, or loose in ‘beachy’, textured waves. A heavy, blunt fringe is back this season and can be costumized on both long and short hair.
Hair color trends this year are still bayalage and ombre or granny greys. A new trend beginning is metallic colours in lilac and pale greens.”

Daniel Smeets, Hairstylist and Color Specialist, danielcolorist.nl

 

Skincare Trend 2016

“Healthy, glowing, beautiful skin. Glowing skin can of course be achieved with make-up, like the Light Reflect Highlighting Creme, but a true natural glow requires regular exfoliation, to transform dull winter skin into a dewy, fresh glowing look. Combine the Glow Baby Youthful Face Scrub with daily moisturising and an organic skin-brightening serum like the Brightening & Correcting Serum from Apostle, to give your skin an irresistible healthy glow that radiates from within. Shirley Tol, Founder of Shizo Natural Cosmetics  www.shizo.nl

 

Make-up Trend 2016

Blue statement eyes. This spring it’s all about blue eyeliner, blue eye shadow and blue mascara. The catwalk shows have given us everything from bold cobalt on the eyes to bright turquoise for winged eyeliner, to Pantone’s Spring ’16 colours of the year – ‘Serenity’, pastel-like soft blue for building up a blue smokey eye shade.”

Shirley Tol, Founder of Shizo Natural Cosmetics  www.shizo.nl

 

Brow Trend 2016

Brow Freedom: Whatever chaos with brows is allowed this year, wide natural thick brows are the trend.

Makeup without makeup – Literally almost nothing on your face.

Bright skin applied with a strobing technique, which is a brilliant new face-sculpting style. It’s

implemented with a highlighter, where light would naturally hit your face.”

Olia Svarga, Make-up and Brow Artist, oliasvarga.tumblr.com

 

While preparing this blog post, I got all giddy with excitement and I wanted to try them all on me first. So much fun ! I found out that some are for me, some definitely not, I’ll let you be the judge of that. See below some selfies I took after putting these on.

 

Beauty Portrait

Let's try these together

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