LUIS ARAGON

I Could Wait…

Kathy and I were driving back from a job the other day talking about nonsense things. I’m not sure why I said it but I told her that if something were to ever happen to her, I didn’t think I could be in another relationship. She responded with one of the most unselfish things she could say. She told me that she wouldn’t want me to be alone for the rest of my life and she hoped that I wouldn’t be. That’s a difficult thing to say considering we’re still alive. That was pretty awesome.

My response to her was that I have an image of what I believe heaven will be like and that I honestly believe in my heart that I will be reunited with my loved ones. I could wait…

“The Perfect Portrait” Workshop with Kevin James Bennett

I often get asked from makeup artists what I look for when working with other artists. My requirement may seem like a simple and easy requirement but that is far from true. I always look for a makeup artist that can do a clean, natural look that is demanded in the commercial industry. 

It is a misconception that clean makeup is easy to do. It involves proper foundation application. I always check to see if an artist mixes to achieve the proper shades which usually indicates they understand color theory.

In addition to proper foundation application, I look for an artist to come with the mindset that they are doing corrective makeup rather than creative makeup. Far too often artists want to overdo what they came out to do and have a hard time holding back. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Knowing when to hold back should be part of a makeup artist’s arsenal.

Lastly, I always look for a makeup artist to know his/her products. If I see a kit with one brand, that throws up red flags for me. Artists should know what products to use under specific lighting conditions. They should also know what products mix well to achieve better results rather than just using a single product.

In my honest opinion, the guru of product knowledge is Kevin James Bennett. Kevin is a multiple emmy award winning makeup artist who will grace us with his presence at studio400 for a two day “Perfect Portrait” workshop July 11th and 12th, 2010.

The first full day will concentrate on technical as well as practical hands on applications of makeup.

The second day will put what you learned to the test with a real hands on photo shoot with yours truly. :)

You will be working on experienced models to create the looks you learned the day before with Kevin guiding you through the process. You will get photos back that will be portfolio ready and that will give you a leading edge in a market consistently looking for clean commercial makeup artists.

All detailed information on the class and price can be found at the link below. Deposit of 50% ($300) is required to hold a spot with the balance of $300 to be made at the time of class, if not before. Only 20 spots total are open for both days so book now for this workshop at our studio400! Signups have already started and are going fast.

http://www.studio400.net/kj-workshop/

Commercialness

I’m not one to shoot down people’s hopes and dreams but I’m certainly not in the business of taking someone’s money and blow smoke up their butts. It’s my responsibility as a testing photographer to help models develop and steer them in a path that would help them succeed. 

I always run into those models who want to move to NY, do runway for a top notch agency, and walk fashion week at only 5’ 6” tall and in their late 20’s. I try to inform them of their options and how I can help…very few listen honestly.

Today I had a commercial shoot with Monique @ Direct who just embraces her “commercialness”. You could just tell that she loved to smile and move. She had just an awesome spirit about her that made the whole shoot just enjoyable. She made me want to embrace the “commercialness” in my photography.

BTW, it’s been a long time since I’ve had to break out 5 lights for a shoot…LOL.

UPDATED INFORMATION: Prep to Post Beauty Workshop

Phase One reps will NOT be at the workshop with their bodies and backs. However, they are giving away Capture One 5 software license keys to all of the attendees. Imagenomic will also be there demo-ing their Portraiture software and will be giving away a copy of their Pro Plugin Suite to one lucky attendee. Blinkbid will be giving away $30 coupons off their software and Think Tank Photo will be giving away a free accessory with purchase of $50 or more off their website.

We still have seats available for this workshop so don’t miss out!

Click here to signup!