I Need Faces To Practice On!!

Aug 25, 2014

Jasmin V.

I need faces to practice makeup on and build my profolio... I have a full kit I just need to start practicing so I could start working on clients any ideas? or anyone near NY? maybe we could practice on each other and build are pro folio by helping each other out.

Aug 25, 2014

Naomi S.

Grab anyone you can. models are great but everyday women are even better.
I used to have makeup parties with my friends when I first started.
I'd make a lasagna or egg plant parm n have dome drinks n dessert and they'd snack while I'd do faces.. its the best way to learn.

I agree with Jacqueline as well. model mayhem is great. but always beware when meeting up with strangers. you don't want anyone eyeing your big screen n having their hood rat cousin come nab it while you're at work..just saying b cautious about locations. sorry, I'm from Chicago, that's always on my mind. lol.

Aug 25, 2014

Val V.

@Naomi, that is such a good idea with the makeup party. I think I am going to do that. I am trying to build my portfolio as well and in need of models.

Aug 25, 2014

Naomi S.

You

you should definitely try it.
and you don't have to b ashamed to mess up (which you will because you just have to get used to different eye shapes, face shapes etc). you can have them wash their face and just start over. and don't overdo it, just have like 3 or 4 friends over to start and go from there as you feel the need.

Aug 25, 2014

Val V.

Thanks, I have been working on different face shapes so I feel comfortable with doing the makeup. I was thinking 4-5 depending, but 3-4 sounds better so I am not in a rush. Thanks again for the great idea.

Aug 26, 2014

Bree B.

Naomi makes a lot of great points.
Practicing on friends: you're going to move a lot slower at first. Some people are good at sitting for a long time and some are not so good. Some people are really flinchy at having their eye makeup done too. So depending on the person you may notice they start to get super antsy and fidgety. It's not a reflection on you, it's just personality. My SIL has very little patience for having her makeup done(it doesn't help that she's a crunchy mama who's not into makeup) and I've learned I need to wrap it up when she starts sighing, lol. Models are the same way, ultimately they have no choice but to sit there but some sit better than others.
Model Mayhem: I've gotten some great connections from there. And I've been invited to do some work that while intriguing, was not what I was looking to add to my portfolio. Also beware of people who have made a business out of selling portfolio pictures. Believe me it can seem appealing in your desperation but it's not something you should pay for. There are a ton of hungry young photographers and models out there who want to add to their portfolio and they need you to do that! Find them, network, make it happen, be proactive in setting up TFP gigs. While usually it's the photographer who does, why not be the one to initiate?

Also being in NY, you have great opportunity to attend workshops. Do it! The more education, different techniques, aesthetics, styles, etc.you can learn the more I think your work improves and the more I think it fosters your confidence.

I'm really just starting out at freelance too but these are the things I've found to be helpful.

Naomi, I'm from Chicago too, living in a town outside of Baltimore now. I was at a shoot yesterday in this fancy neighborhood and it was a nice day and I realized I could leave my car windows down. Which made me laugh because in Chicago you have to worry something might be stolen from your car, or your whole car, OR there's always the fear if nothing else a homeless person may use it as a bathroom. I thought you might understand ;)

Aug 26, 2014

Naomi S.

Bree I did makeup at a photoshoot Saturday and it was in the artist lofts in Chinatown on canal. I swear I was afraid my car would b gone. good googly moogly!. lol... its like warehouse and crazy elevators and ppl were making reference to michale Myer as their were scratches on the inside of the elevator door. oh lawd I made it out alive!. lol.. ;-)

Aug 26, 2014

Bree B.

Eeek! Old warehouses are the creepiest. Especially the elevators and the slanty floors. Or anything where you have to walk under the el tracks. smh.

Aug 26, 2014

Naomi S.

Lol..yeah no El tracks this time. but I agree.. haha.

Aug 26, 2014

Naomi S.

@Val, you're more than welcome. have fun!..

one thing that sucked tho was my lighting. I couldn't get a good spot but that was before selfies were all.the rage so you prob no the good spots in your place but if not test out the location n where you're going to seat folks for pics esp.. day time natural light is awesome for a novice photo from my humble experience.

Aug 26, 2014

Val V.

Thank you Naomi. I am planning on having it at my sisters house since her location is more centralized. Plus she has a huge bay window in her dining area that lets in a lot of light. My husband is really good at taking pics so he will be my photographer.