waiting for edits and planning fourth shoot

I have received the edits from Magdalena and I am extremely pleased with them. She has been able to edit the ones I wanted as well as uploading others she wanted onto Facebook.

These are what I have received:




She also gave me the options to use images where she added a glitter background

These are the images which Magdalena edited for herself:



The images which she has edited for herself are not what I am looking for so I am going to stick with the ones I have chosen and at a later date decide the final image from the Nyane shoot to use in my calendar.

These images are relatable to my calendar because they are a simple look that can easily be used as a reference for consumers to do there own make up. The images also fit in with the rest of the calendars looks because they are also head shots, the model is looking into the camera, and the style of photography and edits are the same.

I believe these images do showcase my skills in hair and make up design. Although the design is simple, I created the beaded fringe myself and I am able to prove that I can create flawless skin on different skin tones. I love the fringe and feel it has worked really well in the image. It shows the creative ideas and links back well to my trend and mood board. I have proven to myself that if I want a certain look, with enough planning it is achievable. I did doubt that I would be able to create this fringe but feel it has transformed my image from being a simplistic design to a striking one.

There are not many elements to the image that I do not like. If I was to be picky with it, I would say that the hair design could have been stronger. As the hair was a different style to what was thought, the original plan of how I wanted the hair was irrelevant. I think I was able to create a good style but it could definitely have been neater and more refined.

I believe that the beads in the look fully relate to the roundness and circles in order part of my theme. The fringe creates a barrier between the model and the viewer, creating a slight sense of insecurity. The models pose is also closed in and as if she has a lack in confidence. The mood for this trend is very light and delicate and having this image look vulnerable I believe fits well.

I believe the look also fully relates to my mood board. The colours within the image reflect the same tones, the beads are a clear statement in the image and its delicateness is clearly shown through. 

Although the photo shoot did not run smoothly I am extremely happy with the final images. I would not use this model again as she was so unreliable but I do believe she is a strong model. I think without the high organisation of myself, the image would have turned out totally differently. I knew exactly what I wanted to create and had practised gripping in the fringe, so I knew that this was going to work. I did feel a little rushed on time but as I only had one model booked for the time I had luckily allowed myself plenty of time. The model new exactly what I wanted to achieve and was able to take guidance making the time shooting more successful.

I have shown the images to my lecturers and they are happy with them and confident that they will fit in with my calendar. This was very relieving and creating a slight boost in confidence on what I can achieve.The one comment that they made on the image, was to lighten the one eye slightly to show more of the pupil. Instead of getting Magdalena to edit this small part I have decided to do this myself. Magdalena was also extremely pleased with the shoot and decided to use the image within her own portfolio. If a professional photographer is happy to use my images then it must be a sign that my images are up to a high standard.

My lecturers also advised me to now start planning the way my images sit next to each other. I have started to do this and I believe this is helping me decide what works well and what does not. It also gives me an idea of what future looks need to be like, for example if there are two images where the model is turned to the left, then I know for the next shoot to try and get the model to face to the right. This allows me to then not create the same looks for all the images and allow variety to run through the calendar.

Magdalena did comment that she felt we had enough time to shoot two models in future as long as they were ready for when she arrived. I am now more confident that I would be able to achieve this and in future will plan to use two models in one shoot.


Planning fourth shoot:

The next shoot I have planned is for the following Tuesday (6th March). I have decided to try to stick to shooting on a Tuesday as this works well with my photographer and it allows myself to have the weekend to plan and practise the looks and if I need to do anything in the University the day before (such as booking the next weeks photo shoot in the studios) then I am able to do this.

I have managed to find myself another model for the next look. The model I have found is Toni Caroline who is a model on ModelMayhem. She is also a student at the University so this is more comforting that she is aware of the sort of shoot which will be taking place. She has also agreed to work on a TFP basis which is hugely helpful to my budget. Toni fits in perfectly for the purple look I want to create, she has short dark hair and a pale complexion, ideal for the purple look.



I have been shopping and now bought some sequins I think would work well in my design. It was important to get good quality sequins so that the look is professional looking. I do not want to bring the standard of make up and hair design down for the calendar. I am aware that the consumer is unlikely to want to stick sequins on their face when doing their own make up, but hopefully it will create inspiration into their own designs. For example the colour of the sequins may influence the consumer to use that colour eye shadow, or the shape in which the sequins have been applied may influence the shape of the eye shadow applied.

Whilst shopping I brought fresh eyelash glue to use to stick down the sequins and a range of different sequins in different colours and sizes. I was not sure which ones were going to work best on the face as I knew I was going to be sticking these to the eyes I needed them to sit flat. I was not sure whether the larger sequins were going to sit flat to the skin so i tested to see.

One thing that I did notice whilst testing on the larger sequins was that 1 they did not sit flat to the skin, and 2 as they were very sheer in colour the glue showed through creating a patchy look. The sequins which worked best were the smaller ones which were flat in shape but were small enough that they could be layered on top of one another.

I aim to upload the test images at a later date.


Sunday 4th March: I have been notified by Toni that she is now unable to make the shoot as she is too busy. She would be happy to reschedule. I am not wanting to reschedule the shoot as I know it means cancelling and re organising with Magdalena, trying to rebook a studio and it also setting my project back. I have decided to hunt for another model.


Monday 5th March: I have been unable to find another model so I am debating cancelling the shoot. I have emailed Toni asking if she would re consider shooting if I was able to pay for her time. Toni would be a perfect model for this shoot as she has the specific looks I am after. I am waiting for a reply.



I have now had a reply from Toni and we have agreed on a price and she is happy to do the shoot. RELIEF!!

3rd shoot

I am now ready to carry out my first photoshoot of my second trend. I feel thoroughly researched and have now got a better understanding of how shoots are going to take place in the photography studios. 


As I have been working in the library to research and write this blog I have found it easier with booking studios as I can just pop in and block a slot out. 


I booked a studio for the following Tuesday (21st February), presuming that as Magdalena had been able to make the Tuesday just gone, she would also be able to make this Tuesday. Unfortunately, when I asked her to shoot she said she would be unable to do this day. As I was so happy with her work from the previous shoot I have decided to continue using her for my other images. This way at least all my images will be consistent in style of photography and edits. This means I need to cancel this shoot and reschedule for when she is available. Magdalena mentioned that she would now only be able to shoot from 6pm onwards, last weeks shoot was a one off. This makes being on time when shooting even more important as I only have an hour and half for shooting time and if I want to use two models, Magdalena needs time to get some good images. 


Although having Natasha as a back up photographer is a good option I am finding that if I'm not going to be using her as my main photographer for my project and I'm doing the make up for all hers, I'm creating myself a lot of extra work. I am also finding that Natasha's images are not benefiting me because the photography is not up to my standard and the models she is using are friends and are not creating striking looks which I would be happy to use in my portfolio. I have decided to cancel all arrangements with her. 


After speaking to my lecturer in tutorials I explained that I had a problem with finding the models I wanted. They have now provided me with an agency in bournemouth to contact. 
I have sent them over an email asking to use models for tests, I have also attached a few images of the work I have so far created. Still waiting for a reply. 


My lecturers have also advised to take my laptop in to a photo shoot so that I am able to view the images straight away, as they are being shot. By doing this it allows me to pick up on elements of the hair and make up which are not right. It also allows me to make a quicker selection of images to edit and I have all the original files. I feel that the tutor's feedback is very useful in allowing my images to be improved and I realise that it is important to attend every possible feedback session. 




I have booked the next shoot for Tuesday 28th February and confirmed with Magdalena. My task is to now find a model for this shoot. I have very specific looks for the images I want to create so finding models is very difficult. Without the help of ModelMayhem I think I would really struggle carrying out photo shoots with models, I think I would have to use people I know.




Friday: 24th February: I have now managed to find a model suitable for one of the looks I am wanting to create. Although she is not relevant for the March look, I am still able to shoot a different look as I have planned them out in advance. Her name is Nyane and I am aware that she is a good model as she has modelled for a few people I know and they have all commented on how much of a good model she is. 


She would be suitable for the beaded fringe look I want to create as she has a copper toned hair and she has a warm skin tone to highlight the golden tones in the make up. 


Now I have confirmed the model and photographer I can now plan and prepare for the shoot. As I have this week it has allowed me extra time to catch up with my blog and prepare for the next few shoots. 




Saturday 25th February: After spending the morning walking around town collecting the specific things I need for the shoot I have now bought all the beads, thread and netting needed to create the fringe. I have spent the rest of the afternoon and evening stitching it all together. It has been challenging, time consuming and fiddly to put together but I am pleased with the results and am excited to see what it is going to look like on Nyane. I feel i have pushed the boundaries in my design skills and I have managed to create an innovative piece that transforms my design. I also feel I have been imaginative in creating this piece as it look professional and also links back to my trend. 




As the fringe is so heavily detailed I want to keep the rest of the makeup design quite simple. I aim to create a golden, glowing skin on Nyane by applying a sheer foundation and golden wash over the eyes. It is hard to test for this look as I do not know anyone with a darker skin tone to practise on. I have tested the fringe within my own hair and it works fine. Luckily the make up is a simple application so if any tweeks need to be made it should be easy to do so.  


Wednesday 29th February: The shoot with Nyane yesterday did not go as smoothly as planned. 


I arrived an hour before her arrival to set up the photography studio so that it made it easy  for Magdalena when she arrived. It would also mean that she would not have to spend the time doing the lighting set up when she could be shooting. Luckily I felt confident in being able to set up the studio as I had done it before and had benefited from the photography sessions earlier in the year. By me setting up the lighting it also allowed me to decide on the way I wanted the images lit. 


When it got to 4pm (when Nyane was due to arrive) I rang her as she informed me she had no credit on her phone to ring me. When I rang she was just leaving college in Eastleigh which is a 20 minute train journey away. I was a little annoyed at the fact she was nowhere near, after her explaining she was going to be another half hour I contacted Magdalena and told her to not worry about rushing as I was going to be running about 45 minutes late. When I rang back Nyane half an hour later she explained she was just leaving the train station and she was going to walk to the University. I gave her 15 minutes to walk the journey. When I rang back she was in West Quay, by this time I was extremely irritated as it was clear she was not taking this seriously. 


After waiting an hour and 10 minutes Nyane finally arrived. I purposely acted as if things were okay as I did not want to cause a tension for the shoot. When I went to take off her make up it became apparent how much she was wearing. I had previously asked her to come with minimal or no make up, no nail varnish and to bring a strapless bra. She not taken note of any of these things. 


I had to spend the next 10 minutes removing her make up which delayed the shoot even further. Luckily the make up design was quite simple and did not take too long to apply. 
When it came to styling her hair she had clip in extensions which she did not want to remove. This meant that I had to recreate a look which I had not planned for. I was able to adapt by clipping the extra hair out of the way. The hair was also a different colour to what was explained on ModelMayhem. It was not copper but instead peach, I was still able to work with this colour and just adjust the colours in Photoshop. 


When the adjusted design was finished, the look was pleasing and when she was in front of the camera Nyane was able to transform to create striking images. Magdalena was able to achieve the desired looks fairly quickly which was lucky as Nyane then announced that she would have to leave early. 


Overall the shoot did achieve some good images but it did not go to plan and I would not count it as a successful shoot. There were many issues with this shoot which did enforce changes in the original plans and ideas but I was able to find a way around and as a result showed my initiative to finding an appropriate solution. 




Magdalena was extremely pleased with the images which gave a little boost of confidence. 

trend 2

I feel that now I have thoroughly researched I can now finalise my new trend. I am happy with the idea I have created but I do not think it is as strong as my previous.


I have created an overall mood board which explains my trend as an image. I have decided to call the Spring/ Summer trend 'Idyllic Entirety'. 


I want the trend to be more colourful with brights and washed out tones. The main colours in the trend are pinky purples, bluey greens and orangey golds. The theme is soft and romantic with no harsh edges and stark designs. Instead everything is delicate with allowance for movement. Layers are important to this trend as translucent objects become visible due to light and placement. 

Idyllic Entirety

Existence may be seen as a life cycle, a repetition of birth, life and death. Something Earth craves to form a flowing wholeness. Creation will see no end if nature and humans work in harmony to keep eternity alight. There will never be a lapse of concentration and development to meet perfection.  Although perfection is an element that should be sought after but never reached.


Spring /Summer has returned with a simplistic approach to a complete appearance. Comfortable lines make up a voluminous shape of curved silhouettes and full forms.


Romantic roundness reflects in a rediscovered use for circles. A shape so important in life, it could not be lived without.


Fantasy takes over the mind in a wash of hope for the summer sun. A light which brings a warming haze with the season, which intensifies, in a rotation like the London eye. Bubbles of excitement bloom as the Common Wealth Games approach and the buzz of the Olympics drifts as a distant memory.


Colour follows a series of being reborn before softening out into beautiful mid tones with poetic blurs. Nurtured shades of powdered pinks and purples merge into delicate dreamy blues and aqua to form a palette of pleasing completeness.


Smooth textures add a sensual experience to fantasy state. Floating thoughts sway like balloons in the breeze as dreams blossom into reality. S/S 2014 allows a feminine mist of aroma to settle and soothe any un-eased thoughts.


I have selected these colours becasue I would class them as feminine tones. They are not intense but strong enough to not be classed as a pastel tone. They include some of the same colours as the Olympic rings. I also took inspiration from the images of London. I wanted to use warmer shades for the season so as the months pass the colours become warmer. The last look of the season will end in golds. I also wanted to draw upon Spring colours (shades which appear when in bloom) so pinks and purpes appeared quite often. Lastly I wanted to draw upon the blue and aqua seas that the summer holidays bring. I feel that all these colours gel well together and represent a softer feel to the trend. 
The trend will start in brighter colours before fading out as the bright sun bleaches out the colours due to it being intense in the summer months. As it comes to the end of the trend the warmer tones such as golds and bronzes will shine through, ready in time for the autumn months.

From this mood board I then went on to create 6 more mood boards which relate to the hair and makeup for the months of Spring and Summer. The first was the most striking in colour and started the season off with a intense clear change to the previous season. 


I selected blue as the starting off colour of the season, a colour related to the world, the sky and the sea. A deep meaningful colour with a calm mood which is what I wanted for this trend. The tone is a light bright colour which suggests a fresh, clear mood for the spring. It relates to the trend in that it is based around the soft circles within the trend. The hair is sculpted with sleekness but then opens up into its own softness to create its own shape. The makeup has a blue feature but a simplicity to the image. A purity, a focus upon natural beauty. I want to bring in accessories for this trend to add to the structural softness of circles. I like the idea of using earrings that hang delicately from the ears.


I would want the model to have pale toned skin and small soft features for this look.
I am unsure of the layout of this mood board I like the idea and concept but am not sure the images portray strongly enough what I mean.


The next mood board I created was this.
 I want to lead the blue onto softer more feminine tones which will reflect the romantic feel to the trend. The look will be more intense in colour by directing it at the pinks and purples in the colour scheme. The pinks and purples relate to the flowers and blossom appearing on the trees in time for spring. I want this look to represent a delicate flower so although the colours are more intense compared to the other images in this trend, the feel and mood is very soft. I also want the pinks and purples to show the character being in the first stages of love and where life is a whirlwind. The model is in a dreamlike state and the lips are full and pink. With the hair I plan to have a slightly rounded style, whether this is in styled shapes or into a rounded cut, I have not decided yet.
Relating back to the Idyllic Entirety trend, the soft dreamy mood and warming tones relate to the roundness of the trend. 

The ideal model for this trend will have large rounded eyes, full lips and a skin tone that will highlight and work well with the pinks and purples. I like the idea of using a black skinned model as I would like to use a variety of different skinned and looking models to add some variation to the calendar.

The style of photography will be quite hazy with a bright backlight and very little shadowing on the face.

This next moodboard is for the hight of the Spring Summer season. I want this image to be the most washed out in colour but have a very warm, gentle feel. It is the look that represents harmony. The image will have colour but  in very subtle washes. This will be the most natural of all of my images. 

The main colours within this look are nudes, aquas and purples. I have decided to use these colours because although the aqua and violets are at opposites on the colour wheel they still work in harmony together. The colours suggest a very calm, relaxed mood something that is and should be felt as the warmth of the sun shines down onto our skin. 

In relation to the trend, the look will represent the dream. Where everything is happy and perfect. 

The hair and makeup design will be very simple  with easily achievable looks. The hair will have soft curls which link back to the circles of the trend. The makeup will have washes of colour on the skin so the natual nude skin tone shines through. 

I want the model to have blonde hair and very small doll like features to help relect the soft feminine look. 

The style of photo will have a warm filter and be very soft, showing a comfortable warm skin. There will be no shadows upon the face as the model is reflecting a fresh faced natural look.




The next look follows on well from the previous, it will have subtle hints of colour but a little more pink and purple. The colours of this look will relate to the sweet floral perfume which is floating in the air. Again I want the look to be very soft with delicate facial expressions and poses. It will still have a washed out feel but with a little more depth. This may be brought in through lighting. I like the idea of playing around with shadows for this look so although the make up design will be simple and natural there will be a overpowering scent casting a shadow upon the face. The sun light is also much more powerful during the summer, casting harsher shadows. As this look will be for the first month of summer I want to really draw upon this. 


The make up is very simple but with flattened circles stuck to the face. I Like the idea of using sequins to create this look. I would like to use them around the eye to create a new form of eye shadow. By placing the sequins around the eye in a rounded curve it relates back to my trend as well as linking in with the mood board. I had contemplated what product to use but settled on sequins as they are flat, easy to get hold of and easy to use on the face. Glitter would also work but from previous experience it is very difficult to work with as it goes all over the place and it can also be looked upon as looking a little amateur. I want to create a classy look for this month with the hair slicked into waves, like the sea, washing upon to the face. This relates to my soft wash of roundness of the trend. 


The choice of model for this look is very important. They would need to have dark short hair and pale skin. This contrast links in with the shadows and simplicity of the look. 





This mood board continues to follow on from the previous. It is still drawing upon the circles part of the trend but using different products. The idea for this look is to use beads in rows. A way in which of creating this is to create a fringe of beads, something which is shown in the mood board. I like the idea of using clear beads so that the detail behind can still shine through, something also drawn upon in the research of the trend. 


As the hair for this look will be a lot more detailed, it is important to not create a detailed make up look. 


Colours which will relate to this look will be whites and colours which are starting to get warmer for at the heat of the summer months. They do however have to link to the trend so only subtle hints of gold and shimmer will shine through for this look. 


The photography style for this look will relate to the previous, there will be slight shadows cast upon the face but as there will be detail in the beading I do not want the shadows to detract or distort the clean looking image. 


The mood for this look will be very relaxed but striking enough to carry the detailed beading over the face. 


The model will need to have longish hair to style upon the head, ideally in a golden or auburn tones. They will need to have no fringe and a striking and strong face. A skin tone that would compliment golds and warmer tones would be ideal so a warmer, more tanned complexion would work. 





As this is the last look of the trend I want it to be one of the strongest and one to finish the trend off. As most of the make up designs for this calendar have been focused upon the make up, I want to showcase what has been learnt in my hair design skills. So for this look, the focus will be on the hair. I want to draw upon elements of the trend such as the Olympics as well as the theme of unity, (this is why there has been a wedding ring included within the mood board). It has been decided to use rings within the hair to link to the trend and as the previous looks have not used plaits, this will help to create the interlinking theme. 


The look will still need to follow on from the previous so the colour theme will be continued and extended into golds and bronzes. By using a ginger haired model this will link the colours to the look and also add some variation to the calendar. 


The make up will need to link in with the hair but not over power it. Keeping in with the rounded circle theme, the eyes will be the focus of the make up. The idea of using golden eyelashes is appealing as it is something not normally seen. 


The mood for this look will be stronger, a more structured hair will back this decision. It will still need to fit in with the softer theme so there will be an air of confidence but not arrogance in the models expression. 


The style of photography for this look will be similar to the previous in that there will be a warm wash over the images and a small amount of shadow. 






I feel that the communication of each mood board shows clearly what I want to create for each month of the calendar. From the previous shoot I found that the mood boards were more useful than the face charts I created. They express a clearer feeling. They show the mood as well as showing the hair and make-up which can be shown to the model and photographer, therefore I have decided to stop designing face charts and use my mood boards as a reference for each photo shoot. I also feel that the mood boards showcase some innovative designs that strongly link back to my research and trend. I want to really challenge myself to create some interesting images which really showcase my hair and make-up skills. If I am successful in doing this then I can demonstrate I am devising innovative and appropriate solutions to a specific styling brief.