Wednesday 28 December 2011

Fashion Photographer | Natalie Lynn


This month, I was so excited to be shooting with fashion photographer Natalie Lynn, who is without a doubt, a very talented girl!

She was born and raised in Australia, but has travelled and worked extensively as an international model. She worked in Europe and India for a lengthy period of time, all adding to her worldly vision! With several years of experience in front of the camera, it’s no wonder she has mastered the art of getting the perfect shot. She has a feminine style and approach, and a devotion to her work, which only help promote her unique talents!

A picture says a thousand words, so I will leave it you to make your own opinion on this creative young lady..


How would you describe your photographic style?
Feminine/ modern and I photograph for a female audience, not a male.
What are the most difficult aspects of fashion photography?
Some of the lighting equipment is definitely made for males and are so heavy and clumsy.
What does it take to be a great fashion photographer?
You have to love fashion, always keep up to date with the latest trends, and work well with models and your team.
What do you love the most about your job?
Its very rewarding seeing the end result when you and your team put so much work into a shoot. I also have made the most amazing friends.
What is most important technique or vision?
I’m a strong believer in technically learning everything you possible can about photography and then once you know all the rules break them and experiment with light, angles, poses etc.
What is the best advice you have received so far about photography?
Whenever you photograph a model full length always lie on the ground to make them look as tall as possible
Is there something you always ask yourself when having to pick a shot?
Do I have the same vision as the client? if not, its never going to work.
Is there anything specific you focus on when shooting?
My shoots are always about making the model look as beautiful and as flattering from all angles.
What is the most important element for you when doing a shoot?
Keeping a good relationship with the model so they are relaxed and having fun, because when they are loving the shoot, they will give you everything they can.
What is your definition of beauty?
Confidence & humour.
Except from your husband and Bella…what are 3 things you can't live without..
Holidays! There is so much behind the scenes work in photography that you never have time off to do nothing. I’m either planning a shoot, doing one or retouching one.
What is you number one beauty advice?
Get a good night sleep before any photo shoot, always drink water and eat healthy.
What motto do you live by?
Happiness is not a station to arrive at but a manner of traveling.

A couple of pictures from the shoot...


Photographer | Natalie Lynn
Makeup Artist | Ann Lodberg

Monday 19 December 2011

Tutti Frutti


Just a little sneak peak from a recent shoot...

Photographer  Natalie Lynn
Makeup Artist  Ann Lodberg
Model  Keely @ Vivien's
Jewllery  Paula Walden

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Exam Jitters


Last Monday I had my final exam at the Academy of Makeup. It was a bit nerve wrecking…but my beautiful friend Natalina Ford from Vivien’s Model Management was my model for the day, which made everything seem easy and fun!  Here are a few snapshots of the makeup…



Wednesday 7 December 2011

You had me at hello...



Recently in Brisbane, I had the pleasure of being the makeup artist for Amanda Rootsey on a photo shoot and segment for ‘Today Tonight’ (http://www.amandarootsey.com.au).
Amanda has worked as an International model and featured in ad campaigns for major global brands. A couple of years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer, however this didn’t stop the young beauty. In the process of fighting her illness she completely changed her lifestyle, she became a vegan and an advocate for Mother Earth. She is also the co-founder of VeganEra, which is a news hub for everything vegan (www.veganera.com).
With her strong passion for taking care of our planet and with 10 years of experience in the modelling industry, she has rightfully been named ‘Australia’s first exclusive Eco Model’. She now works solely with eco-friendly and ethical companies that share her values. This girl truly is inspiring and after talking with her, you can’t help but think about what you can do to make this world a better place to live…

Why has Today Tonight taken an interest in you?
From what I understand, Today Tonight are interested in covering my journey from being a fashion model, to being diagnosed with cancer and how I’ve changed my life since beating it.  They came up to our home and were very interested in the simple way I live with my boyfriend and puppy.  They then spent an afternoon filming me back at work as an Eco Model, where I was lucky enough to have my make up done by you!

What is an Eco model?
An eco-model is a fashion model who works exclusively with eco-friendly and ethical companies.  For my clients, it means that the face of their brand also shares their values and for me, it’s nice to work with clients who are on a similar wave-length!

Are there other Eco models in the world that you look up to? or look to for inspiration?
Yes there is one in particular in the US called Summer Rayne Oakes (http://www.summerrayne.net/) who has inspired me.  She is very successful there and is also involved in other projects that are working towards a brighter & greener future.


Why did you decide to get into modeling again?
To be honest, after changing my way of life and becoming passionate about the environment, I thought my modeling days were over.  After doing some research, I realized how detrimental the fashion industry can be on our beautiful planet. But I was approached by a couple of eco-friendly companies, including Sanctus Stones Motivational Jewellery (www.sanctusstones.com) to be in their latest campaign and it has grown from there.  I am now an official ambassador for Sanctus Stones and work with the company on a deeper level, acting as a role model for their customers and assisting the brand with ways that they can further incorporate sustainability in to their business model.

Have you always been into eco products and organic living?
No not at all!  A few years ago I didn’t know the first thing about the environment, health or organic living.  But after going through cancer, I realized how fragile life is and I started to think about the type of world we are leaving for future generations.  You don’t have to look very far to see that we are destroying the planet, so I started to look in to ways I could reduce my impact.  I learned that raising animals for human consumption is the leading cause of climate change.  I was shocked!  I decided to go vegan for this reason and for health reasons and I haven’t looked back.  My boyfriend and I try our best to live simply and we are not connected to any town water, electricity, sewage or phone lines.  We rely completely on nature for our power, water and for a lot of our food.  We really love it!

What is your definition of beauty?
It probably sounds cliché but I really believe that beauty comes from within.  No amount of make up or expensive products can compare with a happy, healthy woman who shines from within.

What is your most favorite makeup product and why?
I absolutely adore Adorn Mineral Cosmetics! (www.adornmineralcosmetics.com.au). I have only recently discovered them and they feel incredible on the skin – it is as though you are not wearing any make up at all.  They are completely toxic free and cruelty free but they don’t compromise on quality.  The lipsticks and glosses are still full of vibrant colour, even though they are completely natural.

What is your beauty secret?
You are what you eat!  When I eat a high raw, vegan diet and drink lots of water and fresh juices, I notice a difference straight away.  Right now, I’m enjoying too much dark chocolate and chips as we head in to the holidays!

If you could change the world in one way, what would it be?
I would ask everyone to consider going vegan.  If we have enough compassion in our hearts to let animals live in peace, then it goes without saying that we would also have peace amongst humans.  What a beautiful world that would be!

What is the worst thing about living 'off the grid'? and what is the best thing about it?
The worst thing about living off the grid is that we are quite disconnected from the world and are quite remote.  But these are also the best things about it!  It’s unbelievably peaceful where we live and there is a simple pleasure in getting back to basics.

What inspires you to live the life that you do?
It just feels right to try to live each day without harming another being and without taking too much from our lovely little planet.  I’m inspired every single day by all sorts of things, from a little birdy that wakes me up in the morning with his song, to the many people I have had the pleasure of meeting who have found their passion in life.

What are 3 things you couldn't live without?
I can’t imagine life without my little family – Dave and our puppy Trudi.  But as for things, I think I would struggle without my Macbook, my kettle (for endless cups of tea!) and I hate to admit it, but my iPhone!  Haha so much for being off the grid!