Head Shots

So. . .I needed some new head shots but I knew there was a lot of work that had to go into this undertaking first.  Here are some of my thoughts on my process whether you are considering doing this for yourself for professional or personal reasons.

My first step was deciding I needed to update my look.  That entailed the decision to go to a short haircut.  That was not such a stretch for me as I had been going progressively shorter for the past couple of years.  I'm nothing, if not someone who loves the shock-value of changing things up a bit.  And after all, hair grows. . . I'm lucky that mine grows pretty quickly.  But even that's jumping the gun: I happen to love my short hair.  It works for me, and as a makeup artist, I find it provides the perfect excuse to raise the bar on my own applications.  Enter my dear friend, Tanesha Dupree.  We were working a photo shoot about a month ago and I looked at her and asked, "Do you think I could carry a short pixie cut?"  She didn't hesitate in her answer, "Yes!"  My next question was, "would you cut it for me?"  Her reply: "you've given me goosebumps. . . of course, I will!"  Tanesha and I are professional soul-mates.  I know her work and trust her ethic and skill, blindly.  But I knew I had to contact the stylist whom I patronize:  The Fabulous Kim Jones of Salon 101 Spring.  I spoke with her briefly and although she was not available to do the cut, she confirmed my idea: yes, I could do a pixie.  Side note: I'm a very lucky lady to have the friends and be privy to the talented artists in this industry that I do.  However, once I've made up my mind that a big change is in order, it needs to be done yesterday.  I'm an instant-gratification gal that way.  Thank you, Kim, for giving me the courage to proceed.  And thank you Tanesha, for executing the cut I longed for.  Although I see Tanesha work in a mostly bridal and editorial capacity, each time amazed by her hair artistry, she's a Master Barber by training.  I now know why.   I dearly love both of these super-talented women.

Then comes the process of planning your look.  Knowing why you are doing head shots is of primary importance.  For me, it was a means of communicating to my potential clients.  I needed a photo that conveys confidence and trust; something that says, "I'd love to do your makeup, and I'll do it expertly."

Enter Diana Deaver, photographer of souls.  Her mantra matches mine: "I'd love to do your portrait, and I'll do it expertly."  I've blogged previously about some of my experiences with Diana.  She's simply someone who loves beauty in its many manifestations, and someone I fall into easy banter with.  I knew I had to be super-chill for the best results, and I thought Diana would be the person who could help me get there.  Even now, I could sit and write about the sensory experience of being photographed by Diana.  The rain forest incense from her home is still with me, hours after picking up my proofs.  And that's a great metaphor for Diana: she lingers.  Her words, her essence, her heart . . . it's just out there.  I'm tuned in to her.  Thank you, D.

There's so much more.  Maybe even worthy of another blog entry.  The lessons I learned from each of these ladies, along with the "be prepared" credo.  I'll be thinking on that, too:)  Oh, and the makeup?  By Yours Truly.  My makeup is very indicative of how I approach my clients.  I know that I'm more of a "naturalista" and those types tend to gravitate toward me.  Don't get me wrong. . . I can beat down a face with the best of the makeup divas, but the ladies who like "Me. . . just an enhanced version. . ." are people I understand.

xo,
Pamela

p.s.  A shout out to Kira Elizabeth Designs for the lovely earrings I was able to wear in the third photo. Kira is a featured designer in Charleston Fashion Week's Bridal Expo, as well as a house designer for Belle Couture Bridal.