Showing posts with label model tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label model tips. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Model Perfection, Photoshop and Filters ! Why don't my Photos look that?


Next time you are scanning magazines, Instagram feeds, and websites, and you see a perfect photo of a flawless model in a dreamy location and you start to think to yourself “why don’t my pictures ever look like that?’ or “why does my hair and makeup never look like that even when I spent hours on it” – just STOP!

You know all about image manipulation and photo-shopping of magazine and web images, and you’ve probably tried out photo filters on your phone to enhance your own pics, but there is often so much to it than that, and keeping this in mind when you look at these altered images takes the sting out of it this perceived perfection.  It takes a whole team to make an image for a magazine editorial when working with a model, and an even bigger crew when the feature involves a celebrity. Models and movie stars are mere mortals and just like the rest of us, not a single one of them arrives on set looking like the final image.

A typical editorial shoot has a large crew to make a production go smoothly and to help the team achieve the images to create the “story”.  The model may have been cast by the magazine’s booking editor, or a casting director.  The producer takes care of the location, catering, transportation, scheduling, and budget management.  The fashion or beauty editor represents the magazine, has the “concept” of the shoot planned out ahead of time, and sourced the other members of the team.  They might also have assistants on set.  The photographer and their assistants look after the technical aspects of the shoot and interpret the story line given by the editor.  The digital tech processes the images as the shoot progresses, so the team can be certain they are on the right track.

The stylist brings all the clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry that fit the concept and will have several options for last minute switch-ups.  The stylist also pins, stitches, clips, irons, tapes, and alters the styling to fit perfectly for the purposes of the shot.   The makeup artist and hair stylist are given a mood or inspiration board, and it typically takes two hours to transform the model into the “look” that fits the storyline for the shoot. 

For each shot the model and photographer work to compose the image, whether it is a static, posed shot, or if the model needs to repeat a specific movement.  Add in the changing lighting conditions, wind, or other variables in a shot such as waves, crowds, or vehicles, and each shot must be done like choreographed routine when shooting on location.  And normally the team shoots eight such images in a day for a magazine editorial.  The production team must be creative, good collaborators, proficient, and flexible to get it all done in a day.  Catalogue shoots might rotate models and shoot twenty “looks” per day.  Advertising projects might have an illustrated storyboard for the shoot, and the team is then  led by an art director. 

After each shoot is completed, the images are edited by the fashion or beauty editor and the photographer, to choose the best shots to tell the story.  These images then proceed to the post-production stage to be manipulated and retouched.  Hair out of place or skin imperfections?  Gone.  The dress blew in an odd way when the model moved?  Corrected.  Less than idea lighting conditions?  Brightened.  Tourists looking on at the edge of the frame?  Out.  Model’s eyes too small, legs too thick, hair not full enough?  Altered.  Colors too dull?  Enhanced.

It takes a team of top professionals to create the best possible images on set, and then the image is still manipulated to be optimal and void of any “imperfections”.  This is the case in nearly all photo productions.  How can anyone without all this creative help ever achieve these type of images?
So don’t compare yourself, or judge, or feel inadequate when you see your photos and feel they fall short.  Do your best and be your most amazing self.  Practice what looks good for you in photos.  Try filters, but not all the time.  There is nothing “wrong” or “less” about being yourself. 

When I started modeling there was no photo-shopping of images after they were completed. We used black and white Polaroids to check the light and the details. Yes, we still had a team, and it was so gratifying to see my pictures later knowing how hard we all worked together to make it happen.  We appreciated the efforts so much more.  It was me!  It was real!  Technology has trained our brains to expect perfection in images – and in ourselves – but it is not a true representation of reality.  No one can measure up to these standards. 

I have many posts on this blog to show you from my perspective as a model how to put your best face forward and pose like a star in photos!

Instant tricks to improve your phone photos!  But first - let me take a selfie! Real supermodel tips

Natural light is the easiest way to get the most flattering photos. When you are outside, position your head so that you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Learn more about how to find the perfect light outside {HERE} Lesson #1 - Soft lighting is a girl's best friend!

It's pretty easy to "put a smile on your face" - read this post to make sure it at least "LOOKS" genuine because you can definitely tell when it's not. {HERE} How to smile for a photo - No cheese please!


Use makeup to enhance your beauty and create illusions with highlighting and contouring. This is a trick celebrity makeup artists have used for years for flawless perfection in a photo. Learn how to do it yourself {HERE} Contouring is the New Photoshop #NoFilter!


Practice. Practice. Practice. Moving in front of the camera is easy - Learn how the pros do it {HERE} How to move for a photo like a model!



❤            ❤           ❤ ❤           


My book “Face This: Real Advicefrom Real Models on How to Become Picture Perfect!: A Model’s Secrets”  gives in-depth tips and photo illustrations to anyone who wants to look better in photos.  In today’s social media world, who doesn’t need this advice?  You can find my book on Amazon!



#modeltips  #modelingadvice  #howtolookbetterinphotos  #magazineeditorials #fashioneditorials  #beautyeditorials #facethis:amodel’ssecrets #shelleygoodstein

Monday, April 18, 2016

How to Look Better in Pictures and Selfies!




Get in the Best Light
Forget filters, if you can get yourself in the perfect light your photo will sparkle. Ditch direct sun - the magic hour, as far as light is concerned, is the sunset. Otherwise, look for what photographers call "open shade" underneath a porch or archway where the shade is completely even. A light source that is over your head like the sun or canned ceiling lights will cast shadows underneath your eyes. Sunset light is beautiful because it can light up the shadows underneath your eyes, making you look younger. If you find yourself outdoors in the middle of the day, place yourself to the edge of the shade so the sun is not directly on you and force your flash on to try to fill any of those shadows. When you are inside try to find natural light from an open window, or soft light. Face toward the light.


Angles are your friend 
Angles can be flattering to make your face appear thinner or to disguise a big nose, but think of twisting at the waist to look 10 pounds thinner - one shoulder toward the camera and the other back with the twist in the middle. And don't forget to suck in the tummy!




Turtle time neck. 
To get rid of a double chin and to elongate your neck, for your next photo imagine yourself as a turtle coming out of his shell. This feels awkward but it really works! And while you're at it remember posture - stand tall like a ballerina - shoulders back and then down.



Big hair
Hair is the one thing that is almost impossible to photoshop or fix in any app so it's important to get it right. Flat hair can make your face appear wider. Fuller hair will make you appear skinnier! Fluff your hair, shake it up and add some hair extensions like Hidden Crown Hair Extensions - they are the easiest extensions that you could every use and take a minute to put on. A whole head of hair on an invisible wire with NO clips and NO damage to your own hair. Get yours here: www.hiddencrown.com



Show your best side
We all have a better side! Studies have shown that for most people it's their left side. Look through your old photos on your phone - the ones you don't post. You will quickly see there is  one side that is the most flattering. 


Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Walk in Heels like a Supermodel - Tips from the Runway

Shelley Goodstein Dec 2014

I have to admit, I banned myself from runway modeling for a few years because I had a tremendous fear of falling from the sky high heels required to walk in these shows. The photo above is from a couple months ago  - I guess this goes to show that I've learned a few things over the years to help me get "back on the horse."

In the words of Right Said Fred,  "I'm a model if you know what I mean. And I do my little turn on the catwalk, Yeah on the catwalk!"

Some tips to walking in heels:
  • Buy your sky high heels a half size too small. All my runway shoes are just a tad small. After all you're not buying stilettos for comfort anyway. This way your foot and shoe plant solidly together and there is no risk of one stepping out without the other. You know Cinderella would concur!

  • Lean into your hips and push off your back foot for a long, graceful stride.

  • Posture is key and this goes straight to confidence. Chin should be parallel to the ground. Shoulders back and arms should be ever so slightly bent at the elbows behind you.

  • You should be walking in a straight line with one foot in front of the other  -landing on the ball of your foot. Don't let your feet cross over each other. 

  • Practice makes perfect!!!


XOXO,
Shelley

Check out fellow model Karlie Kloss and her tips below:

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

2 million views for A Model's Secrets - beauty blog!





Thank you for choosing to read this blog! I write and share information that I have learned as a model, with the hope that you might find some value for yourself  on this journey to having a more beautiful life. 



A Model's Secrets was started after I published my book Face This: Real Advice from Real Models. Even if no-one wanted to read my posts, I wanted to write. The success of this beauty blog never ceases to surprise me and that I feel like I can make a difference in this little way to inspire and empower. I joke .. all you ever wanted to know about everything that's not really important! Afterall, my comparison is the doctor husband I love who saves lives for a living.

But, what I have found out is that this beauty stuff is important. Feeling beautiful makes us become more confident and confidence is attractive! Knowing what celebrities and models do to look their best helps us do that. We are all drawn to beauty, connected to it and it's origin. Whether that be a painting, a person or a kiss. We are like moths to a flame to learn more about the source.

I think that the Internet and this platform  enables real women to open up and join in the conversation to understand that even supermodels feel insecure and rely on tricks and tips. The world of beauty is not so intimidating when you understand the illusions that can help keep you looking radiant, and that true beauty really starts from the inside out - even photoshop can't give your eyes that magic twinkle like genuine happy does. The right lighting helps too which is why I want YOU to know how to get in it.

I hope in the coming year I can heat things up, with more beauty - mind - body image topics and discussions. It took over a year to hit 1,000,000 views, but only 6 months to get to 2 million so I will continue to write. Check in with me before it hits 3, I promise to do my best to make in fun and of course beautiful. 

XO
Shelley

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Model tips to taking better photos - look better in your pictures!



A girlfriends' chat with Ford Model Shelley GoodStein about  tips model know and use - Watch the video and link up below for tricks you need to look better in your next selfie!

Natural light is the easiest way to get the most flattering photos. When you are outside, position your head so that you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Learn more about how to find the perfect light outside {HERE} Lesson #1 - Soft lighting is a girl's best friend!

It's pretty easy to "put a smile on your face" - read this post to make sure it at least "LOOKS" genuine because you can definitely tell when it's not. {HERE} How to smile for a photo - No cheese please!

Use makeup to enhance your beauty and create illusions with highlighting and contouring. This is a trick celebrity makeup artists have used for years for flawless perfection in a photo. Learn how to do it yourself {HERE} Contouring is the New Photoshop #NoFilter!

Practice. Practice. Practice. Moving in front of the camera is easy - Learn how the pros do it {HERE} How to move for a photo like a model!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Crazy Secret Beauty Tricks that Really Work! Including Deodorant for Face, Milk of Magnesia mask, Prep H for puffy eyes


Click to Watch the Video

Monday I had the pleasure of visiting Arizona Midday to share some secrets about products that you have at home that you might not realize can offer some beauty benefits in a pinch. Check out my segmenand let me know what you think! 

Kitty Litter mud mask - using the same ingredient in expensive spa treatments around the world. For the recipe click {HERE}.

Deodorant for your face to cut the shine.

Hand sanitizer as anti-perspirant.

Cotton t-shirt to cut the frizz.

Milk of Magnesia and Pepto Bismal for oil absorbing masks. Great for oily acne prone skin.

Preparation H avec Bio Dyne - only available in Canada for eye depuffing.


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

DIY Caffeinated Coffee Mask to wake up your skin and depuff!




It's well known that coffee can help wake you up, but did you know it can recharge your skin too? Here's how to prep your skin with a DIY caffeined mask tomorrow morning:


  • Recycle old coffee, making sure it's the caffeinated kind, by placing it in a jar in the refrigerator.


  • Soak an old washcloth in the leftover coffee overnight in the fridge.


  • Apply the washcloth to your face for at least 5 minutes ... This is a great time to meditate or think about what you want to accomplish for the day!

Caffeine helps with redness and puffiness due to it’s vasoconstrictive qualities. Plus, the coldness automatically reduces any swelling.

Watch my video about other beauty products incorporating  caffeine to help you look younger and depuff your eyes.



*Shhh, no one needs to know that you washed with Joe!