Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Caffeine & Umbrella's....The Grant Barnett shoot....

There is something about driving through London at 5.45am in the morning that although insanely early, is also somewhat invigorating.  Our early start was to be blamed on the needs of a commercial fashion shoot, a team of 9 arriving at The Rag Factory in Brick Lane at 7am to dance, prance and generally get out and about with designer Brolli's.

Caffeine was in high demand and after some excellent work from the team, a few 'is that rain' moments and  some rush changes in the back of taxi's we finished tired but happy...oh and all with a small crush on a certain pink, punched lace umbrella.





I chose these images to post as these are the ones I am likely to put in my portfolio, they are the one's either often passed off as 'mistakes' or images that for some reason, speak to me! Plus a little behind the scenes at the Rag Factory - with thanks to: The Rag Factory, Tim, Tom, Ilona from IE Makeup, Rachel West Wardrobe stylist, Jo from Nicholas Hair and fantastic models Emily and Louise. 

Final images approved and passed to campaign to be posted soon...watch this space!


Behind the scenes....

One shot only: behind the scenes of a lookbook






Client/Handbag Designer: Bagatelles & Co
Model: Lula
Nails: Jo Webb
Make Up: Justina
Photographic Assistant: Maria Monfort-Plana

Foto Tip Friday....Portraits...

At the moment I am trying to improve my portraiture knowledge and execution.  Practically everything taken in terms of photography which isn't still life is portraiture so why I didn't think to give it more attention in the past I don't know.  Its about capturing an emotion, an expression, a moment, even a brand image all in one persons face or eye, arm, leg or shoulder.  Sounds odd but who said portraiture had to be a head and shoulders passport style image and is essentially the 2d version of a very 3d subject matter!  Anyway, the tips and tricks this week are some of my own, some given to me and some from the net.  There are some amazingly talented portrait photographers out there so research and be inspired! 
  • Minimize a round face by using some back lighting and having the sitter straight onto the camera
  • Make the person laugh - everyone looks beautiful when they laugh
  • Capture movement - weather it be a smile, a laugh, get the sitter to relax and move. This 'movement' and energy is reflected in the images
  • Be a sitter yourself and understand how it feels to be the other side of the camera
  • Shoot with the head turned slightly to one side, not full profile
  • Create a stronger, taller image by having the person lift their chin slightly
  • Cover any scars or areas the sitter may not like by using lighting and having these areas in the shadow
  • Pull shoulders and arms back
  • A long narrow face - Get the sitter to look down ever so slightly
  • Tell a story
  • If cropping tight, don't concentrate on putting the eyes in the middle of the viewfinder, have them in the top third of the frame
  • Play with eye contact
  • Look at other peoples portraits, what do you like and what don't you like? What makes it a strong image? How can you be different?
  • And of course, last but not least....experiment.
Some Portrait Photographers I admire (various disciplines).....Martin Sholler, Cindy Sherman, Cecil Beaton, Ansel Adams, Herb Ritts, Linus Ricard, Charles Freger, Tina Barney, Mary Ellen Mark, Alistair Guy, David LaChapelle,Annie Leibovitz - the list goes on! 

Glass Fairies...

If you haven't yet experienced The Glass Magazine then its definitely worth taking a look.  Lose yourself for a moment in this 'of the moment' fairy-tale video editorial....




(Image courtesy of The Glass Magazine, Diego Merino)

Eye Eye Captain...



Foto Tip Friday actually on a Friday....what is the world coming to!
So just a quick one this week but essentially its about improving skin in your photograph.  I only tend to really work on skin for fashion or beauty images but you can go overboard and that clone stamp can create a lot of softness.  This is purely what I do to improve texture, remove blemishes and so forth so take what you will out of it.

  • One you have messed with exposure and colour balance etc I would then start any skin work.  
  • Keep editing bits and then look at what you have as a whole, its seriously easy to get carried away and not realize the difference being made.
  • Take regular snap shots to see your progress
  • I use quite a high opacity brush for skin cloning (between 11 - 22) and do all the work on a separate layer, i then lower the opacity of that layer if needed.
  • Use a bigger brush on the forehead, cheeks and chin and then get smaller around the mouth and the eyes.
  • The eyes are particularly important hence the image.  Using too much cloning can really make them soft and  you lose the impact.  It is also important to not go overboard on removing dark circles or wrinkles as these all add expression.  
  • Work slowly, adding more as you go.
  • I use a harder clone brush around the eyes so things aren't quite as soft and in areas where feasible i use the spot healing brush.  Again on around 11-22 and the larger the better.
  • Use your history brush on 'Multiply' to accentuate the lashes and the eyebrows.  I also use it like an eyeliner to create some definition if needed.
  • Use a high pass sharpen action if you want more sharpness but remember this will bring out pores and lines Don't remove all the pores in the skin, this is not realistic.  Fade some and even ger rid of some but dont remove entirley otherwise the model will look like a doll.

Got your own tips? Know a great way to improve pics...get in touch and show people what you've got!

"I'd be a toaster" Meet the Ltd Ink shoot crew...



If Sophie was an object found around the home she would be a pillow.  Not I assure you because she is round and soft but because she loves them.  I mean who doesn't, a sofa would be incomplete without them.  She also likes to remind us that socks with sandals are only fashionable when worn with heels and to be turned on she requires something edgy, interesting and unusual.  These are the fine words as spoken by Sophie Paxton, the stylist and miracle worker with whom I have worked before and chose to work with on the Limited Ink shoot.  She brings that 'pop' to my bang.

I would also like to introduce you to the rest of the lovely crew.....


Antonine Allen, Male model, is a quiet laid back chap who has been in the modeling industry for just over a year.  He enjoyed the Ltd Ink shoot due to its cool concept and arrived listening to Tirrs Riley.  The man has attitude, style and a crazy set of locks.

Elle, part French put some sweetness into the shoot and loved the Geek chic styling.  She last spent her hard earned pennies on food and believes that if she was any object she would be a mirror as it reflects the truth.

Our fabulous MUA was the wonderfully talented Jenny, who day to day works on great film productions and is a dab hand at effects.  She loves to come back to fashion and beauty though even if it does involve living her life out of a suitcase!

The shoot was a new experience for Maria Monfort who assisted and is currently studying hard to complete a BA in Photography.  She mentioned that she likes to sit and relax and would therefore be a sofa if she could be anything.  I like the thinking behind that.

Now if you hadn't already guessed I was the photographer, no there is no pic of me I stay behind the camera.  I liked the shoot because I like the tee's and I love getting a team together and experimenting with ideas.  It was a new experience with me as I tend to stick to natural light situations and outdoor spaces.  If you asked me what turned me on clothes wise I would say nothing, literally nothing.  Naked is best.

So there were a few words from the team and now to get the pictures edited and up for you to see!

In the meantime if you have the luxury of procrastinating this Saturday morning, check out this link - StudioXil.  Some excellent advise for lighting scenarios and getting the most out of those Bowens.  Plus they even show you the make up brief and the finished picture.  Great site. 

Casting Call.....

This time a request!  
I am looking for a Make Up Artist and Hair Stylist for this coming Saturday, the shoot is based in Buckinghamshire and is a Commercial Fashion shoot.  Style - Geek chic.  Compensation TFCD and £15 expenses, if you are interested or want to learn more please feel free to EMAIL ME.

Frolicking Fashion...


Front cover of a Pan-European (what does that mean?!) Fashion, Lifestyle and generally all round awesome magazine.

Thank you to the models, stylist, make up and hair, my Mum (who helped out loads!) and Alice at Running in Heels. Big snogs.

See it HERE



What do you think?

So the Front Page of Running in Heels has been put back until next year. Still totally chuffed they want to use my pictures but somewhat annoyed I was told 7 days AFTER my images were meant to go live, its just a case of manners really. Maybe thats how it is in the magazine world?! I don't know unfortunately...one day I tell you one day! Oh the world of fashion, full of sharpness, apples and last minute changes. I will keep you posted on when they will appear in next years issue, presumably a summer month as the images tend to lend themselves accordingly.


Still on the fashion front but in a commercial sense I am shooting a new banner ad for the trendy geek / urban brand Limited Ink. These guys do some really cool T-shirts for men and women and up and coming artists can even submit their own designs to have printed on limited edition graphics tees. Bit of customer research needed so this is where you guys come in and would love to get you involved! I have included some of the graphics below and would seriously appreciate your comments....the good the bad and the ugly. Just give me one word or image that is conjured up in your mind, something that you think of when you imagine the graphic on a tee or of course, on you looking hot in the garment!

I look forward to your feedback!


Running in rain soaked heels...


So a theatre packed weekend trip to London was swiftly replaced by shopping as unbelievably there were no tickets left under £70 for a matinee, call me naive but seriously it seemed a little ridiculous. Maybe pay day and a pre Xmas get together was on the cards for more people than me! Anyway enjoyed the shopping delights of Camden Market & Covent Garden and after much dribbling over some beautiful punched metal jewellery I settled on a suitably festive purchase of Bambi in black. Well, even Disney is fashionable these days.

Anyway busy week this week with 3 full days of shooting. Friday I am looking forward to as am descending on Stoke Parks exclusive Christmas Party and getting some snaps of the guests and the wonderful venue which i understand is going to be decorated in black and gold top to bottom. Even introducing a fire torch filled entrance and gold dip bar. Sneak preview pics to come at some point Saturday.

Ooo and before I forget although it hasn't gone live quite yet I believe it will be there by midnight. Not that I am staying up or expect anyone else to but check out my 'Louis me and Nettle Tea' pics on the front cover of Running in Heels!! (Talking of which I did a lot of that this weekend from bar to bar or bar to bus stop while tipping with rain!) There are a few brief words as well which I am now worried will make me sound like a total nonce but fingers crossed all is good and screw the words....it's the pictures!! Check it out here.

Over and out for this evening

C x

New New NEWS!

So felt it was time for a new feature on the blog and the name of the game is keeping one's ear firmly pressed to the current, wet soggy ground. Once a week (maybe more, don't know yet!) I will be bringing you some hot gossip, some what is hot and what is not and some Art, Culture or Fashion News.

| Bow, E3 studios open |
A.S.C has just completed a new studio development in Bow, E3 with 48 art studios available. Wnat to know more - contact Julia on 0207 7274

| U2 to headline Glastonbury |
Waiting only 26 years and U2 have finally confirmed they will be headlining at next years mud filled festival who are also celebrating their 40th Anniversary. Check out the full story here.

| Tattoo you |
Body art has been getting increasingly popular for the past 20 years with the stereotype of hairy, mobbish bikers being thrown to the wind and middle class fashionistas almost classing it a necessity. Much like a pink well bagged pooch. Jo Waterhouse has now released a book about the art which forces the viewer to look at it as not only skin pigmented images. Check out the full article and info on how to get the book here.

| Vicky's secret |
The luxury lingerie brand is famous for its elaborate shows and didn't fail with its recent show featuring a full choir plus Heidi Klum who adorned the stage in a purple corset after giving birth only 5 weeks ago!! What, did she stop eating for the full 9 months?! (images courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk)


Got something to contribute? Love a good nose at the newspapers? All ears in art and fashion?
Get in touch and write for this blog! hello@carli-art.co.uk


A week or so in pics...

....Fashizblack editorial online
....Portrait Images on location
....Mad Hatters Tea Party
....Reading at Night, location scouting




Leather strapped decisions...


My biggest conundrum today is....which boots to get?!
Black go with everything or Brown also go with everything? It is a tough one!

Well I needed something to keep me motivated while making calls to various South East Venues about Christmas Events and so forth. Its only 7 weeks away or something and I needed to get on it in terms of getting some seasonal work. I should have been 'on it' about 2 months ago, again, bad planning. If I am still here next year...I promise I will think ahead more!!

My planning will look like this:
Jan - July
Get over the sherry hangover and say a happy new year to all your clients.
Continue to build on my events guide for 2010.
Call, call and call business's to promote my services - concentrate on advertising and PR agencies
Decide on an actual marketing budget and plan for it - help needed for this I think
Work work and work
Market Market and Market
Network Network Network
Events Events Events
Research Research and more research
Assist - I have decided 8 weeks are being dedicated to assisting.
Aug
Xmas Events! There it is....start in August!
Get to London Fashion Week
Sep - Dec
Hopefully actually work!

I better actually write a plan like this, you know, running a business and all that. There is a lot I would like to achieve next year. Hmmmm, Christmas project for sure. My next two years in business, planning and execution. Scary.

Ethical fashion treat.....


*LOVE FASHION AND BEAUTY AND WANT TO SUPPORT A LOAD OF GOOD CAUSES AT THE SAME TIME? THEN THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU......

Celebrate your passion for fashion with an event that brings together local creativity, innovation and style.

17th October (6pm - 10pm at Henley River & Rowing) showcases a whole range of inspired fashion ideas from local creative industries and inspiring new designers.

Delicious cocktails, an emporium full of trend led accessories, hair and beauty products and demonstrations, one off designer pieces, tailored advise at the make up bar and stay ahead of the pack with the latest trends from fashion experts at Speakers corner.

Designers include FOAM Fashion, Peppermint grove and TVU, where students were given £10 each to buy items from the Sue Ryder store in Nettlebed and customize them producing beautiful one off ethical pieces.

Other involved parties include The River and Rowing musuem, Chi Salon, Sue Ryder, The Emporium, Lipsy, FrockyWockyDooDah, Jane Norman, River Island, The Ethical Fashion Forum, John MAsters ORganics, Tiger Lily, Vintage Roots, Exclusively ladies, Paule De Lange, Lorraine Milligan, Rachel Lloyd, Kaz Heard and Carli-Art photography.

Arrive in style and get your free glass of champers on the way in!

Support education, ethical fashion and Sue Ryder all at one event.

IN SHORT:
FASHION CATWALK SHOW
DESIGNER AUCTION
EMPORIUM FULL OF FASHION AND BEAUTY STALLS
BEAUTY AND FASHION TALKS AND TIPS
ETHICAL FASHION
TAILORED ADVISE
CHAMPAGNE AND COCKTAILS
SUPPORT FOR SUE RYDER, TVU AND THE RIVER AND ROWING MUSEUM


GET YOUR TICKETS:
http://www.foamfashion.co.uk/
http://ff09.com/
http://www.chisalon.co.uk/

Tickets are £25 each and limited to only 200 so get yours now!


Like my buns?

Have been to see a creative agency today, fabulous folk and wanted to leave them something special. There I was the other night thinking about things that I could do when as per usual I had an urge for something sweet, me and sweet things are like totally bezzy mates doooode. Anyway, BAMM! It hit me. Cakes. I would give them cakes. Okay okay so nothing great there so I got some icing branded, got some plain cake boxes and jazzed them up a little and I am really chuffed with the results!! Marketing....here we come!! I hope they like them when I drop them off tomorrow and thank them for their time today.




Oooo on another note......new shoes!!! Yay!!

**SPECIAL**
Coming soon......in like a week....A WHOLE WEEK OF INTERVIEWS WITH PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS!
I have interviewed a whole load of different photographers and will be posting the interviews here! I dont do a lot about portraiture, weddings and only recently have started actually writing about corporate stuff so thought I would give you guys something
to get your teeth into!
Got a question you want to ask? Email me your questions by Tuesday 13th and I will put them to the professionals. carli@Carli-art.co.uk. Get em in while there hot!!


Shades of grape....the return of velvet?

As promised here is a quick email interview with the lovely Theresa from La Geneve North Events. Submerged in the fashion world and currently living it up at LFW she gives us some news on their most recent show which offers emerging designers the opportunity to establish themselves in the fashion world and promote their garments at a professional, well managed catwalk event. Plus, get free goody bags of course!

" Darling hi hi" Kiss on both cheeks then the left one again. "So your fashion show gave emerging and independent designers an
opportunity to showcase their talents to the masses...out of the list did you have a favorite designer there?"
Well our show saw 10 designers showcase over two nights. I would say on the first night, my favourite was Hanna's collection HMH Couture. Her grecian style dresses are just beautiful, and I fell in love with those when I first saw them about a month ago! She is very talented and she already has a celebrity following so that is sure to continue...http://www.hmhcouture.com/ <http://www.hmhcouture.com/> For the second night, I loved Marthe Aime's collars http://www.martheaime.fr/ <http://www.martheaime.fr/> . They stood out as being quirky and unique and I could definitely see myself wearing one of those! Marthe Aime was our only unisex label in the show. This show also featured Monica Couture's collection which was extremely popular at our last event at the Valmont Club. Her collection contains beautiful pieces with embroidery, embeli
ishments and Swarovski crystals. Stunning!

"Favourite item of clothing at the event and it doesnt have to be on the catwalk?"
Mazelinos's whole look which was evident throughout her collection was incredible - there was a strong Breakfast at Tiffany's feel (and I love that film). I abolutely adored the bright red headpieces which each of the models wore on the catwalk. I think I might make a trip to Brighton soon for one of those!

"Come on, were all dying to know - What did the goody bags include?!"
So our goody bags included an item of Love Genevieve jewellery, lots of designer and exhibitor info, a copy of DV8 magazine which has recently launched in South London, and a bottle of SIP water. I was loving the lemongrass and ginger flavour!

"Ok moving onto more recent fashion week events who was the last person you spoke to at the event and what did they do?"
Well last night, Yolande and I
went along to the KTZ show and then straight on to the Carlotta Gherzi for Sado show. We were with Daryl from Cliquisse Models and a lady called Tara who has been in the fashion indust
ry for many years.

"Have you any backstage gossip such as trips, falls, bitch fights or exciting bits of fashion info we should be looking out for?"
Well, we almost had an incident at one of our last shows where the one of the models shoes came unstrapped so she was having to slide her foot around whilst pretending that everything is fine. She managed to make it back without falling, I am not sure how!!

"Who do you usually attend fash
ion shows with and what do you go with the intention of achieving or getting from the event?"
This is my first year attending LFW and I have had a great time! It's very hectic and manic, especially as our shows were scheduled for the first part of the week too. Yolande and I have both been attending shows though, and so I think by the end of this week we will be ready to collapse. The main reason, I go is to see which trends are going forth to S/S 10. The hair and beauty trends are also really interesting as we have to create our looks for shows so it's great to get inspiration.
I would love to have seen the PPQ show and the Louise Goldin show.

"Your fashion style tip for the Xmas season?"
Velvet! I love the new style of velvet dresses with the intricate embroidery and devorie effects. They can be really sexy, sculptured and they look incredible! They are perfect for the Autumn and Winter season. Plus my colour for A/W would have to be the teal colour as seen in the shows for Mark Jaco
bs and Twenty8twelve (A/W09). I love it!

"And what other events has La Geneve North got planned for us this year?" We have lots of shows lined up for private clients, plus we are going to be starting a range of workshops shortly, designer samples sales and February's "A La Mode" looks set to be another exciting show with designers already requesting applications! Better get back to work I guess...


Well I would never have guessed velvet, you mean that horrible fabric that causes palpitations if stroked the wrong way and hangs from old women in shades of grape?! Yes indeed people.....look out for it!



LFW quick fix.....

Have been far from up to date on the current London Fashion week buzz and should really be paying far more attention. If like me you are not at the event and cant seem to keep up with it or just cant find the time then here is a quick overview thus far.

Day 1:
Headonism by Stephen Jones - new designers and their hats!


Day 2:
Hello who is this Mary Katrantzou, she is amazing!


Day 3:
Erin O Connor models for Hannah Marshall for nothing more than £10 and a cheese panini. (Ok i actually don't know if this happened on day three but it was an interesting fact and I couldn't find out what day it was!)


Day 4:
Fashion Fringe the nurturing initiative to help London designers was won by Jena Theo.


Day 5:
Viccie B turned up at Fashion East, the no profit organization set up by London's Truman Brewery in 2000. She said "I know what its like, how stressful and scary it can be." Yeah sure you do love. Bet for your new range launch you also had to remortgage your parents house, work bloody hard for years at college / university and then market yourself on actual talent rather than fame.

Day 6:
To come! I do have an insider who is getting back to me with goss and what to look out for in fashion next season!