First Underwater Photoshoot -- 8/23/2011

These are some behind the scenes shots and the final edits from an underwater photoshoot that I assisted in doing makeup and styling for. This was my first underwater shoot ever. It was really amazing. The model and makeup artist were such nice ladies. Everyone was awesome and the photographer's set up was really nice. The shoot was conducted in such a precise and professional manner; and when great minds think alike and are passionate about ones craft you get amazing results such as these.

I worked with wardrobe and accessories brought to the shoot by the model. She had alot of great items with her and my creative juices began flowing. The first look was just a plain gold dress. She had some tulle that she had purchased from a craft store. With some pinning, tucking, and twisting I was able to fashion a beautiful golden train that appeared as if it came with the dress. I loved how such a simple item can add so much life and drama to the outfit and the photo. The golden leaves were props that she had brought to hold in hand while under the water for posing. I placed and pinned this in the hair to give her the appearance of an ancient Greek nymph; and that is exactly what she looks like. A gorgeous golden water nymph.

For the second look, I was going for a more bold and dramatic look. When shooting underwater, because water takes on the color of the sky and is "blue", colors underwater become absorbed and it is difficult to see them. Colors like red, purple, and lighter blues tend to not be able to be seen the deeper you travel underwater. The model had an amazing body and I felt the leopard unitard would be unique when photographed underwater because of the black and gold colors.

Overall it was an amazing shoot and I was so thankful for the opportunity to partner for such a unique concept.

ENJOY!!


Credits:

Photographer: Dana Chapman Photography
www.danachapmanphotography.com

Makeup Artist: Hannah Rodriguez

Model: Antoinette Gibson
http://www.facebook.com/pages/-Antoinette/137414696320074

Procrastination...smh & Q&A

Things never really go as we want them to in life.

We envision something one way and the final product maybe a slight or total variation of our original dream. Accomplishing the goal, in essence, is truly what matters. So Alas...finally, I am here. So many ups and downs have been going on with this roller coaster called life that I just wasn't able to keep up and devote the time to this project. I guess the best way to start this off would be to give a little Q & A about myself.







Style Q & A w/ Couture Voyeurism

How long have you been styling?
I have been styling for about 5 years now. I only decided to transition into wardrobe styling professionally a couple of years ago. I still share the dual identity of model and stylist. But im enjoying working behind the scenes instead of being in front of the camera.

How did you get into styling?
Being an amateur model and competing against a giant cest pool of other amateur models makes it hard to improve and expand ones portfolio of your images are lacking. Styling is everything when it comes down to that picture perfect photograph. So I began to analyze how I could improve my portfolio based upon the items i donned for a shoot. When I realized how much of a thrill I got from budgeting out materials for a shoot and combining what I had in my own wardrobe and seeing everything come together in a photo I was hooked. Ever since I have been styling :-)

What does your personal style most reflect?
I am a combination of a little bit of everything. I love classic chic looks that have a different twist to them. I tend to channel aspects of various genres (bohemian, vintage, edgy hardcore etc.) and I am very big on extravagant statement pieces.

What can you say about your styling habits that would make you stand out/make you different from another stylist?
Im a real woman; when I state this I have a body and it has curves. I am all for embracing who you are and loving yourself however; rail thin models are not the only facet of the modeling industry. I love for a look to flatter the bodyshape of the subject at hand. Be you a size 00 or a size 24; you want to wear the clothes not have them wear you. There are certain aspects of fashion i think that everybody type is not suited for and the way that I style I feel as though if you look at the photograph 10 to 20 years from now you'll still say "Oh wow, he/she looks great."

Blog Launch!

Greetings & Salutations to All!

I am just beginning this site to showcase my work and to also display what I love the most about fashion and what inspires me.  I'm so excited to begin this portion of my journey, actually documenting what I love to do most. Thanks so much for checking me out.

Most Humbly & Graciously Yours,

Ava