Should I Have Professional Makeup for My Engagement Session?

Guest post by Vanessa Quinteros at Beauty Mark Ink

Most people don’t think of having their makeup professionally done for their engagement session, because they think they would just like something natural and could probably do it themselves. However, if you are investing in professional photography, you want to ensure to look your best and have photo friendly makeup; while still looking and feeling like yourself.

Here are a few things to remember. Primarily, professional photography will minimize your makeup (it will appear to remove about 20% of what you have on your face). So once you see the photos you may be surprised that you did not have coverage you thought. You may even look “washed out”. Because of the way professional photographers use light artistically you will also notice that skin imperfections are more noticeable if not concealed properly.

The type of makeup used is also important, as not all makeup is photo friendly. You want to avoid any makeup that reflects light; which includes shimmery makeup and makeup that contains these light reflecting ingredients: titanium dioxide, mica, zinc, paba, and any oxides. These ingredients will make skin lighter and often look gray, white, purple, or bluish. Proper highlighting and contouring can also make a huge difference in your photographs. Airbrush makeup application is highly recommended as it is the closest in skin appearance, and has a beautiful light weight finish. Many brides take advantage of their engagement session to schedule their bridal trial/consultation. Since your makeup will be “photo ready” it’s easy to quickly make a few changes to your bridal look, and be ready to go for your engagement session! You will have an opportunity to see what the makeup looks like in photographs, and how long it will last. Why not get the V.I.P treatment for engagement shoot!

Do you have any questions on professional makeup application? Contact Vanessa Quinteros at vanessa@beautymarkink.com and check out our website for more beauty tips www.beautymarkink.com

Family Photography Surprise Arizona

I love going to see my sister and her 5 children! Honestly though I usually only last 3-4 days and then I need a break, but the first few days are always a ton of fun. We typically try to plan fun and educational activities each day; which can be a challenge in the Arizona summers. So I prefer to go in the winter.

Usually the last day I'm there we do a photo session with all the kids. This time the oldest was gone, typical of a sixteen year old. And another child wasn't really in the mood. Having a stranger take family pictures definitely has its advantages!  However, my niece is always ready to pose, anytime. So I always have at least one model.

The newest and last addition to their family is a face maker. Love it! I had to share a few of the images - I couldn't resist.

Maternity Photo Session Los Gatos, CA

I photographed Zeyad and Lydia's maternity session about a week before she went into labor. They scheduled the session just in time!

They scheduled a half and half session. Half of the shoot was done in the studio and half at a local park.

I also photographed the newborn session at their home in Castro Valley a few weeks later. Images to follow. 

Family Photography Session in Mountain View, CA

This is another session I photographed a few months back, but didn't have time to post while I was working on the new website. I met Stephanie and her family at her sister Joanna's wedding in August 2011. They scheduled a family photo session while they were in town from SoCal .
Their daughter is such a doll!

I learned a new trick to getting toddlers to smile even when they are sleepy, clapping! :)

Tax Season Special

I was so happy when the accountant said "you are getting money back this year". Sweet!! Because we usually don't calculate it quite right and end up owing a bit.

I'm passing on my joy to potential clients. To celebrate I am offering 10% off any wedding booked between now and May 15, 2012!

Offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Offer ends 5/15/2012. Contacts and deposits must be received by 5/15/2012.

Family Photography in Los Gatos, CA

Anastasiya modeled for a photo shoot at Radonich Ranch a couple years ago; so her face may already look familiar to some of you. Her family decided to have portraits taken while her grandmother was visiting from Russia. 

It was fun photographing her entire family. Her grandmother was awesome! She made everyone laugh and smile during the session.

A little brotherly love.