Kalina Meets Editorial Urban

Meet Kalina. Also known as Kali Jane, Kaliners, or Allison Day (IYKYK). We all know she is one of my favorite muses. She’s fun, bright, and bubbly and most importantly - has a calm demeanor which makes my job even more fun! I love working with models who have chill personalities and are willing to try out new ideas.

If you haven’t already - be sure to check out my Posing by Outfit guide. Never freeze when trying to come up with poses! Practice, practice, practice! Practice is always key.

As a photographer, midday lighting can be a challenging scenario to work with, especially when there is no shade available. The harsh, direct sunlight can cause unflattering shadows and overexposed highlights, making it difficult to achieve a well-balanced exposure. However, with the right approach, midday lighting can also offer unique opportunities for creative and striking images.

Another approach is to use the midday lighting to your advantage. The strong, direct sunlight can create interesting patterns and textures, especially when shooting subjects with strong lines or shapes. Look for areas of contrast, such as where light meets shadow, and experiment with different angles and compositions to create a dynamic image.

Another technique to use during mid day lighting is to embrace the harsh shadows and use them creatively in your composition. For example, you can incorporate the shadows into leading lines or use them to create contrast in your image. Additionally, you can experiment with different white balance settings to enhance the colors in your image.

Regardless of your approach, it's important to pay attention to the quality of light and adjust your settings accordingly. Consider using a lower ISO to avoid overexposure, and adjust your shutter speed and aperture to achieve the desired depth of field. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, midday lighting can offer a wealth of opportunities for stunning and unique photographs.

A creative editorial photoshoot is a great way to showcase a trendy style with glamorous makeup and sleek fashion. For a successful photoshoot, bright neutral light is essential, as it creates a soft and diffused look that flatters the subject. To add a touch of drama, backlit shots can also be used to create a stunning silhouette.

For this particular shoot, an urban location was be ideal, as it would add to the trendy and edgy vibe of the shoot. We wanted the model’s outfit to be modern and fashion-forward, making a bold statement, bright colors, and unique textures. Immediately we knew we want the makeup to be glamorous and bold, with a focus on the eyes and lips.

For the best results, I worked with the model and the makeup artist to create a cohesive look that complements the overall theme of the shoot. Honestly I debated the use of props such as sunglasses or hats to add an extra element of interest to the photos, but ended up going in a different direction.

The final product was a collection of stunning images that showcase some of the latest fashion trends and capture the essence of the urban lifestyle. With the right combination of lighting, makeup, and fashion, this creative editorial photoshoot was an exciting and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Professional Hair & Makeup

It makes a difference

As a professional photographer, I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of models, each with a unique look and style. However, when it comes to hair for a photoshoot, there are a few key elements that can make or break the overall vibe of the shoot. For me, the perfect hair for a photoshoot is one that is effortlessly stylish, yet polished and put together.

To achieve this look, hair prep is key. I always recommend starting with clean, freshly washed hair to ensure maximum body and volume. From there, I love to create loose, beachy waves using a curling iron or wand. This style is casual and relaxed, yet still looks polished and editorial.

For this photoshoot specifically I wanted to finish off the look with a light mist of hairspray. This was an essential way to keep the waves in place without weighing down the hair. I love to use a flexible hold hairspray to ensure that the hair still has movement and bounce. Overall, the perfect hair for any photoshoot is one that exudes confidence and effortless style, and these loose, beachy waves are the perfect way to achieve that look.

As a professional makeup artist (yup! I sure am. Photographer, hair stylist and makeup artist), I understand the importance of using the right products and techniques for a photoshoot. Skin prep is the foundation of any great makeup look, and it's essential to start with a clean and moisturized face. I often use a hydrating primer to create a smooth base and ensure the makeup lasts all day.

For this photoshoot I wanted to acheive a smokey for a classic and timeless look. I like to use neutral shades to create a subtle yet sultry effect. To make the eyes pop, I added individual lashes for extra volume and drama.

Glowing skin is key for any photoshoot, and I achieved this by using highlighter on the high points of the face. I also love to mix a liquid illuminator with foundation for an all-over radiant glow.

A bold lip can add a pop of color and complete the look. I like to choose a shade that complements the eye makeup and skin tone.

The importance of professional makeup for photography cannot be overstated. Professional products and techniques are designed to last all day and look flawless in high definition. A professional makeup artist can also customize the look to suit the individual's unique features and style, ensuring the best possible outcome for the photoshoot.

Don’t be afraid to be bold!

You won’t know if it “wont work” until you try it!

I remember the time when I was first working as a photographer, and I learned the importance of location scouting for a photoshoot. In my experience, finding the right location is crucial to the success of the project. It can make all the difference between an average shot and an exceptional one.

One of the most important factors to consider when scouting a location is the lighting. It is essential to find a spot with the right lighting to highlight the subject’s features and capture the mood of the scene. I always made sure to scout locations at the same time of day that the shoot would take place. This way, I could get a good idea of how the lighting would look during the actual shoot.

Another aspect that I found to be critical in my work was the urban environment. An urban setting can provide a unique and dynamic backdrop for a photoshoot. It can add texture, depth, and character to the images. I always enjoyed scouting for locations in the city, looking for interesting and visually appealing spots.

In conclusion, location scouting is an essential part of any photoshoot. It can make or break the final product. Finding the perfect location with the right lighting and an urban environment can elevate the photos to a whole new level. As a photographer, I always made sure to put in the time and effort to find the best location for each project, and it paid off in the end.