Multiple looks for Rebecca

Though I've worked with many models, I have to say Rebecca is one of my favorites. I knew it would be a blast work with this girl from the first handshake, and I was right. She was smart, friendly, and fun to work with. She delivered what the shoot calls for, considering she was quite new in the industry. I think it was only her 3rd or 4th time doing a serious modeling shoot at the time. Typically, it's harder to work with new models because as a photographer, you have to give them more direction and as for a makeup artist, you will encounter more blinking & more moving around because they are nervous or finding it hard to stay still.

Rebecca did a lot more than I expected from a new model. We changed makeup & styling 3 or 4 times, and it was fun each time. We went from a clean, minimal makeup look at first, then slowly moving toward a more editorial bridal look with purple/gray smoky eyes. I did this shoot to freshen up my portfolio, and also for fun.  I photographed her myself because it would be tough to collaborate with a photographer on a weekday morning - the only time I'm free. Our shoot lasted for about 4 or 5 hours, including makeup & hair time, testing outfits and sipping on hot milk tea. We truly had a blast, and for that, she came to work with me 2 more times after this :)

Below is her before photo and the 2 photos after this are un-retouched (no photoshop):

She followed my direction really well throughout the shoot & tried this very difficult pose with no hesitation.

Below is a natural bridal look, the makeup was still minimal and I only dressed up her hair with a hairband. I could imagine this look for a beach wedding: low-key, relaxed, yet elegant & beautiful.

Rebecca brought with her a box full of antique/collected watches and asked me to take some photos with those on. Here's 1 nice shot. I love her hair in this.  

Our editorial bridal look. I did her hair in 5 min

I think Rebecca had the most fun when we put this wig on. She felt totally "transformed".

To wrap things up, I changed her lipstick to a deep cool red and had her put on her favorite red coat. It was a perfect ending!

Semi-natural makeup and fancy side-bun

Today Devi - a bride who got married last year, sends me her wedding photo link, so after viewing through her pictures, I decide to blog about it. I think my makeup & hair work on her is 1 of my most-requested style: semi-natural. I consider my makeup & hair skill is very versatile, all depends on who I'm working with, but throughout my years working as a bridal makeup artist, I'm always get asked for something in between - not too made-up & not too natural, glamorous but not overdone. I call it semi-natural or semi-glam. I think semi-natural makeup will suit those who wears little or no makeup everyday; and semi-glam will be great for those who's not afraid of makeup & wears it often.

Based on exchanging emails & after a consultation or trial, usually I can figure out which hairstyle will best compliment the client's face & dress, how much makeup will the bride be comfortable wearing, and most of all, how far can I go with my skill (achieving flawlessness or keep it nice & real).  

With all that said, below are photos of Devi's trial and also her wedding day. At the trial, Devi told me she normally doesn't wear much makeup and probably wants something natural but still enough definition for photos. So, I suggested a semi-natural look with smoky eyes to make her eyes looking more balanced & stand out, and the updo would be best bringing to the side for a stylish & youthful feel. She booked me right after the trial. However, Devi emailed me a few days later & said she's probably prefer a lighter eye makeup on her wedding day and the low bun to be more visible on the right side. I thought so myself about the hair placement, so I said yes and on the wedding day, I did everything Devi was asking for.

Here are photos from the trial:

And, here are her wedding photos. I love how the hairstyle looking gorgeous on her, but in my opinion, she could have had a little bit more colors for her makeup because makeup does lighten up throughout the day. Good makeup last long, but you'll loose the color intensity eventually, especially if it's outdoor and the weather is windy or humid. Plus, each photographer has a different approach as far as color processing (vibrant or muted), composition, angle, and more... As with Devi, her photographer did a good job, but most of her pictures are candid moments and taken far away most of the time. Keep this in mind and do tell your photographer if you prefer to have some bridal portraits. Though I love journalistic style and candid moments, I still think bridal closeup shots are great because these will show your glowing beauty best :)