Trash the dress!

Andy Martin Photography did a photo shoot with a lovely lady and a wedding dress. The big day is over...might as well have one more fun day in that dress before it gets archived to the back of the closet to never be seen again!

This is a great opportunity to do with any formal gown you may have in the back of the closet. Get decked out- fashion style. Get some fierce makeup done, fabulous hair and go out and have some fun, in a dress that you've only wore (and intended to wear only) once. Sounds like a great time for all!







If you are interested in getting in on the action: Let me know!!
Check out Andy's other work: http://www.andymartinphoto.com/

Also, I thought I'd post some other of my fave Trash the Dress photos...as much as I'd love to claim these photos, I can't.....just some inspiration for future projects! :) Enjoy!

Why your husband, fiance, or boyfriend is the wrong person to ask about your makeup.

Originally, I was going to write this about bride-to-bes bringing their fiances to bridal consultation, but then I realized- this is something that everyone can benefit from. :)

Let's start with an analogy- your significant other comes to you and says- 'Honey, look under the hood of this car, what do you think of the engine?' Being the great girl you are, you walk out and look under the hood. You have no idea what you are looking at, but you know this means a lot to him, so you say- 'It looks great to me babe.' He says- 'Really? The car won't start.'

It's the exact same situation reversed when you say- 'Honey, what do you think about my makeup?' He doesn't know, but he going to try to be helpful and say- 'Oh babe, I like you without makeup. But you look great as always.' It's meant in a nice way; he thinks you're beautiful. But all the sudden all the doubt and self-consciousness within us over rides good judgment. As women we are more effected by this then men are. We want to look pretty and feel good. If that's not enforced (especially when we ask for it), our brains fog up and we can't see clearly.

If your significant other doesn't like a lot of makeup, you probably already know that. So, you either go along with that or you don't (and if you don't- definitely don't ask)

Here's my opinion. If you want to know if it looks good- ask another girl. They will tell you- 'Lighten up on the black eyeliner' or 'That is a great blush color.' or 'Your skin looks great!' Things that are constructive feedback because they know the dynamics of makeup in the first place. Just remember- it's not that your guy doesn't like it or doesn't care....it's just that he doesn't know what he's even looking at. So do your thing- he'll love you for it! ;)

Pretty Boudoir...

So boudoir is making a comeback. Black lace clad ladies rolling around on a bed with big hair and dark smoky eyes. Right? We've all seen it. Some are shocking- which makes me wonder: How does the recipient of these photos really feel about them? Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of men who love it and even more women who like to get dolled up and model for them. But what about the woman who isn't so...whats the word...raw? I mean we all weren't built to look like Raquel Welch! I did this shoot yesterday and I thought- well, this is a nice alternative. There's something just as beautiful and sexy about these photos, but in a different way...what's the word...honest.



Photos by BVphotos
Model: Marissa Nguyen

How did we get to this?

Here's the scenario-

MUA: So, tell me a little about what you'd like your wedding makeup to look like.
Client: Well, I don't what to look like a clown.

(Really? Ya don't say!)

MUA:
'I have no intention of making you look like a clown. Tell me about makeup's role in your life.' ***If you are in a MUA's chair who does not ask you a question like that- get up and get out, fast!***

Why? Because I normally get one of two general responses-
Client 1. I don't wear much. Maybe some mineral powder and mascara. Liner if I'm going out.
Client 2. I love makeup. I wear a full face every day and when I go out, I add lots of liner, and mascara. Oh and I love blush.

If I proceed to do an evening look that Client 2 would love, on Client 1....well, let's put it this way- I won't have Client 1 as a client any longer. Basically the answer this question gives me is the individual's definition of 'Clown.'

***If the MUA asked this question and still made you look like a clown, chances are they don't know what they're doing.*** Just saying.

But honestly, almost everyone who sits in my chair can relate a horror-story experience about having their makeup done by someone who clearly didn't listen to them, or think twice about who they are. Whether they didn't care, didn't know how to listen, or just plain doesn't know how to do makeup- well, it doesn't really matter. A tragedy is a tragedy.


Here's some pointers on how to make sure the MUA and you are on the same page:
1. Most importantly- get yourself a good makeup artist. Don't go to the mall and expect to get anything but product. Are there talented MUA's at the mall- yes. Should you assume they're talented?- Absolutly not. Best method- Ask friends or use Google and look at their pictures.
2. Know what you wear on an every day basis, and what you do to 'bump it up' for evening. (This shouldn't be hard considering you do it every day)
2. Know what your 'vision' is for you makeup on the occasion that you are getting it done. Do you want to achieve a different look? Do you want your normal look, just executed professionally?
3. Bring pictures. Magazines, online, anywhere. Look for people who have similar features- hair color, skin color, age.
*A note about photographs: If it looks too go to be true, it probably is- thanks to Photoshop. Remember to keep your expectation reasonable.
4. Think about adjectives that you would want people to say about you when you are wearing the look. ie: Pretty, flirty, romantic. vs. Sultry, sexy, gorgeous.