I decided to write a blog and make a video for my 2021 NAHA Makeup Artist of the Year submission. As a bonus I submitted a separate group of images (same theme) to UK Official PlayStation Magazine set to drop on January 12, 2021.
This photoshoot was a very significant to me. After dealing with my sickness 2019 and having to postpone so much last year, I couldn’t wait to final get this project done. This was inspired by one of my favorite visual aesthetics out there, Cyberpunk. Being a huge fan of vivid colors, post apocalyptic, and body modifications, the game Cyberpunk combines all those elements to it’s fullest.
For this I was the photographer, makeup artist, wardrobe stylist and (in one shot) the model. It was pretty involved and was truly challenging which is what makes people learn and grow.
I’ll post BTS, video, moodboard, call sheet, and tips from the shoot below.
The call sheet contained the structure of the shoot from inspirational images through to illustrating the models “mood” for each image. Using google documents and inviting all the talent to view it as I added/altered made the shoot go smoothly. Here’s the call sheet along with all the inspo I put together:
I used a software program that is the first photography studio simulator. It allows me to construct lighting setups on my computer so I can experiment and find new ways to light my subjects as well as keeping things COVID friendly so people aren’t in and out of the home studio from test shooting. This is also great for my clients because they get a chance to see lighting setups prior to the shoot so they have less to worry about on their big day. Here is an example of what I put together for this shoot using that software.
Below is what I put together for three looks
A little BTS
Aside from the three models it was just my husband and I the day of the shoot. I’m eternally grateful for having someone that loves and supports me so much. He made sure I ate, took BTS, and was on top of backing up the files when I was done with each look.
As I mentioned before, I used accessories and wardrobe I own. One of the models was generous and brought an outfit she owned that fit perfectly with the theme! One wardrobe piece that was used three times in different colors was the jacket. The spikes were added to give it an “edgier” look with materials I’ve gathered over the years. When the first model finished shooting Eddie then went outside to spray it silver. The third time we used it, fluorescent green was splattered all over to give it a “grungier” feel.
Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
I couldn’t agree more with the above statement. I spent so much time preparing - going over outfits, practicing makeup styles, studying the aesthetic, etc. Below are two final outfits I prepared for two of the models:
I used procreate to doodle some makeup ideas. As you can tell from the final images the makeup did change as I applied the makeup. Some things didn’t go very well for example Romany had bangs so the yellow dots needed to be relocated. Always be open to adapting to the challenges, nothing will ever be 100% as you envision it which is ok because most if the time it’s so much better!
I’m beyond over the moon to receive news that my Cyberpunk collection along with 4 others I photographed were nominated for the Professional Beauty Association’s NAHA 2021! To top it off a separate image along with an interview (same shoot) was published on Official Playstation UK.
Here’s some more little BTS taken from the phone. It’s 100% genuine, no filter or skin retouching only resizing so the file sizes aren’t load heavy on the website.
I want to thank everyone for being so patient, trusting and just being the bad asses they are. If you want to check out the models their instagrams are:
Romany: www.instagram.com/romanysuicidexox
Amithyste: www.instagram.com/offleshandbones
Morguenmarie: www.instagram.com/morgue.n.marie2
Below are the images I collaborated with Irina Istratova. You can find her amazing retouching work here www.instagram.com/big_bad_red
Thank you so much for making this far! For those of you wanting a video version, here it is!