What is beauty to you?
Beauty comes from someone’s personal spirit. Our physical presence is only a small part of our beauty.
What do you love most about makeup?
It’s an enhancement tool, so it’s great to add and elaborate on what someone has already. It’s like the cherry on top!
Why is makeup important for a photo shoot - even if you want a ‘natural' look?
It is like an airbrushing tool to smooth out, add colour , texture and/or depth to the face & eyes. To create an interesting version of someone that, of course, they will like because it is an enhanced version of themselves.
What is the best advice you could give to someone who is nervous about having their photo taken?
It’s just an experience and even if they are nervous, to try to learn something about themselves from it. It’s interesting to put yourself out of your comfort zone once in a while - no one is going to die (!) so try to keep it in perspective.
Have you picked up any good tips from clients or photographers during a shoot?
Sometimes fiddling with your cuff or jewellery whilst being photographed occupies the mind and is captured as a moment in time that’s private. This can work lovely as a picture.
How should people prepare their skin before a photo shoot & what would be your favourite skincare product(s)? Freshly washed, natural and clean. It’s a shame if people arrive with make up on because you have to take it off to start and their face could be irritated & red. I like British organic skincare like Votary or Oskia
If someone is applying their own makeup for a branding shoot or family shoot for example, what advice do you have?
Anything is fine, just keep it light, with fresh skin. No hard lines or heavy black eyes. A nice blended and soft approach.
In your opinion, what are the most common hair/make up mistakes?
To much!! Hard lines, heavy handed and to much lipliner well over the lip line.
Who is your favourite person you have worked with on a photoshoot & why?
To many to say, but it’s a pleasure to watch women of any age who are really comfortable in their own skin, completely at ease in front of the camera and who totally understand the creative process.
How do you feel when you are photographed yourself? I have had to learn over the years to just get on with it and I don’t make a fuss. I’m not confident with my looks and am always a bit disappointed - not with the photo, but with the way I look - in my head I’m way better looking (laughs), but I have learnt to rationalise this and see it as a healthy part of self discovery.
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