Last months theme was "family Christmas cards". We got some pretty intense awkwardness and amazingness, that's for sure! I don't even have words for it. Go look for yourself.
The dream keeps coming true with each new group that joins in. Here are some tips from LaTressa on how the group she plays with plan their photoshoots.
People often ask "Where do you get all your ideas?!" Well, I'll give you a little insight into what goes on in the mind of this silly girl when preparing for a Silly Girls Photo shoot.
Before I even know what the month's theme is, I like to brainstorm with my group to get any suggestions for themes we'd like to do, costumes we'd like to dress up in, etc. One tip is to think back on your childhood... what kind of things did you like to pretend or dress up as? Did you love to make-believe you were a princess, an astronaut, a rock-star, an animal? Reconnect with your inner child and you will probably find it easy to come up with inspiration. So we start throwing ideas out there, and see how everyone reacts. If all seem excited by a particular idea, we add it to a list we keep in my phone notebook. So, once we've got our list of ideas we all think we'd enjoy seeing come to life, we save that until we find out what the theme is for the upcoming month is. If nothing immediatly pops into our heads as an idea for that theme, we go to our list and see if any of those ideas would fit in with the theme. Once we decide which direction we want to go in, we start letting our creativity take over, and it all sort of falls into place from there.
One thing we do to prepare for our shoot is go through our closets, our husband's closets, our mom's closets, wherever we can think to get clothing and accesories that will fit with our theme. Most of the time we find what we need and just have to put outfits together creativily with stuff we already own. But occasionally we will do a little thrift store/yard sale shopping, searching for that perfect piece that will complete our look. We have get together a couple weeks before our shoot, and bring all our clothes/jewelry/accessories/props together and share and swap stuff to make our outfits cohesive and coordinate our looks.
When it comes to putting an outfit(s) together for a specific style, we find it helpful to go to the internet and search images in that theme, we will copy those pics and share them with each other through texts or facebook messages. It helps the ideas flow and gets you in the right mood, and then we take those ideas we like and apply them, and add our own twist and flare to make it "ours."
The next step, once we've figured out our outfits and costumes, is to find a perfect location. We all brainstorm and suggest what we think might be a good backdrop for the occasion. If nothing comes immediately to mind, we each do a little looking around before we meet up for the shoot. I like to drive around town and keep my eyes open for any place that would make a good spot. I've found lots of great places just by doing "drive-by's".
So that is basically a step-by-step of our process of coming up with, and carrying out our ideas for Silly Girls Photo shoots. I find it a perfect outlet for my creativity, and enjoy stretching my artistic muscles to come up with new ideas and seeing them come to life. I think the most important part is to have FUN with the whole process!!! Don't be afriad of or concerned with what people will think, choose themes that get you excited and make you giggle. Sometimes you have to go outside your comfort zone, but that encourages growth, and makes for some great memories and interesting photos you can enjoy for years to come!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November: Theme
Hi girls,
Novemeber's theme is the ultimate in silly and I suspect anyone who joins in will have laughter cramps by the end of the session. The theme is "Holiday Cards". I know we have some non-American girls who participate so basically, it's tradition in some families to have a family portrait taken to be put on a yearly Christmas card which is then sent to friends and family. There seems to be some Christmas apparel/decorations involved in these portraits, which sets them apart from "normal" family portraits. Take a look at awkward family photos for some examples - this is what I'm encouraging. I want it to be SO much fun, the rules of photography are going out the window for this one which means Idon'tknowhowtotakepictures and Idonthaveagoodcamera can go right out the window too ;)
Find a group or put one together and have fun! Please share the poster I've posted on Silly Girls Photography facebook and encourage your friends to join in. If you feel your group could use a man's touch, go right ahead. Anyone who gets a guy to join in with this gets extra points!... didn't you know I grade you?
Here's some things that make for awkward hilarity (leave your own in the comments below):
someone doing the splits
a family pet, whether it's a dog or a possum (?)
the rebelious child
fake smiles
blinking
standing really close/far away
yawning
ankle socks
clashing colours/patterns
formal and casual
the 80's
Upload day is December 1st & 2nd - upload day with always be the 1st and 2nd of the month from now on.
December's theme is The 12 Days of Christmas
Let's send 2010 out with a bang and make 2011 the year of SHEnanigans!
Novemeber's theme is the ultimate in silly and I suspect anyone who joins in will have laughter cramps by the end of the session. The theme is "Holiday Cards". I know we have some non-American girls who participate so basically, it's tradition in some families to have a family portrait taken to be put on a yearly Christmas card which is then sent to friends and family. There seems to be some Christmas apparel/decorations involved in these portraits, which sets them apart from "normal" family portraits. Take a look at awkward family photos for some examples - this is what I'm encouraging. I want it to be SO much fun, the rules of photography are going out the window for this one which means Idon'tknowhowtotakepictures and Idonthaveagoodcamera can go right out the window too ;)
Find a group or put one together and have fun! Please share the poster I've posted on Silly Girls Photography facebook and encourage your friends to join in. If you feel your group could use a man's touch, go right ahead. Anyone who gets a guy to join in with this gets extra points!... didn't you know I grade you?
Here's some things that make for awkward hilarity (leave your own in the comments below):
someone doing the splits
a family pet, whether it's a dog or a possum (?)
the rebelious child
fake smiles
blinking
standing really close/far away
yawning
ankle socks
clashing colours/patterns
formal and casual
the 80's
Upload day is December 1st & 2nd - upload day with always be the 1st and 2nd of the month from now on.
December's theme is The 12 Days of Christmas
Let's send 2010 out with a bang and make 2011 the year of SHEnanigans!
Labels:
themes
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
How to take a Self Portrait
We've had an impromtu theme pop up this past week on the Silly Girls United facebook page that involve Sugar Skull-esque makeup and costume and self portraits and it's been so fun to see everyone join in. Hopefully there are more who will.
Here are some tips on how to take a self portrait:
1. Relax. I sometimes feel self concious of myself when I'm taking a self portrait but really, there's no-one else there and no-one has to see the pictures you take that don't go as planned. Loosen up. You can be a huge dork and no-one will know!
2. Natural light is your friend. Stand by a window with the blinds up. Play with the light.
3. Hold the camera out at arms length and press the button. This way you can play with angles and positioning. This is best for shoulders and up shots. I like to hold the camera up over my head and pointed down. When I take shoulders and up pictures I'm often wearing pj's on the bottom ;) Don't be scared to look at the camera, use your reflection in the lens as a mirror even. AND don't be scared to get close.
4. Prop the camera on something and set the timer if you're wearing a wicked outfit. I have a remote clicker I use with my camera.
5. The wonderful thing about digital is that you can look at the pictures once you've taken them. Do that and laugh. Just have fun. Create a character for yourself and act it out whilst snapping pictures. Look at the other pictures posted for tips on posing and framing.
6. Look around you for props. In my pictures I used a sheet of gift wrap and stuck it with magnets to the window frame. You have loads of things in your house you can use. Work with what you have. Wear things ways they aren't meant to be worn. Sometimes I wear tops backwards - nobody sees the back in the pictures. Megan once wrapped blankets around us and pinned them with clothes pegs to make prairie skirts. It felt weird but it looked perfect, you couldn't see the pegs and pins.
7. Editing, I've said it once and I'll say it again. You don't need expensive editing software or a degree in order to process pictures. Use free ones like picnik to make some amazing pictures.
I am really proud of everyone who takes part in these. They often start off feeling uncomfortable but it always ends up so much fun and it gets easier with practise. The creativity, attitudes and friendships are wonderful to witness.The key is to feel comfortable with yourself and to just have fun.
Here's some make-up tips from Stephanie.
Some photography tips from Alecia.
And a pep talk from Chiemi.
Here are some tips on how to take a self portrait:
1. Relax. I sometimes feel self concious of myself when I'm taking a self portrait but really, there's no-one else there and no-one has to see the pictures you take that don't go as planned. Loosen up. You can be a huge dork and no-one will know!
2. Natural light is your friend. Stand by a window with the blinds up. Play with the light.
3. Hold the camera out at arms length and press the button. This way you can play with angles and positioning. This is best for shoulders and up shots. I like to hold the camera up over my head and pointed down. When I take shoulders and up pictures I'm often wearing pj's on the bottom ;) Don't be scared to look at the camera, use your reflection in the lens as a mirror even. AND don't be scared to get close.
4. Prop the camera on something and set the timer if you're wearing a wicked outfit. I have a remote clicker I use with my camera.
5. The wonderful thing about digital is that you can look at the pictures once you've taken them. Do that and laugh. Just have fun. Create a character for yourself and act it out whilst snapping pictures. Look at the other pictures posted for tips on posing and framing.
6. Look around you for props. In my pictures I used a sheet of gift wrap and stuck it with magnets to the window frame. You have loads of things in your house you can use. Work with what you have. Wear things ways they aren't meant to be worn. Sometimes I wear tops backwards - nobody sees the back in the pictures. Megan once wrapped blankets around us and pinned them with clothes pegs to make prairie skirts. It felt weird but it looked perfect, you couldn't see the pegs and pins.
7. Editing, I've said it once and I'll say it again. You don't need expensive editing software or a degree in order to process pictures. Use free ones like picnik to make some amazing pictures.
I am really proud of everyone who takes part in these. They often start off feeling uncomfortable but it always ends up so much fun and it gets easier with practise. The creativity, attitudes and friendships are wonderful to witness.The key is to feel comfortable with yourself and to just have fun.
Here's some make-up tips from Stephanie.
Some photography tips from Alecia.
And a pep talk from Chiemi.
Labels:
tips
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Themes: November and December 2010
Let's end the year all festive-like and share the joy of SHEnanigans with all the people you visit this holiday season.
November: Instead of a theme I want to see SHEnanigans worthy of the good old American tradition - HOLIDAY CARDS! Dress up with your group for your annual family portrait. If you want to you can add your family letter too so we can all see how well you've all done this year. My hope is that your pictures will be worthy of Awkward Family Photos. Have fun with this!
For my non-American's who might not be familiar with this tradition you can see some of the best of the worst here. You can also google image search "ugly Christmas sweaters" for some more inspiration. Oh and see this as an example. Haha, oh I love this!
December: I know everyone is likely to be traveling but this will be a really fun theme, just do your best and use it as an oportunity to share the fun. The theme is The 12 Days of Christmas as in...
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!
I would normally give you each one of these as your theme but with traveling and such I'm thinking it will be easier to let you each do whatever one you fancy as you'll need to make do with different/a lack of props and such.
I'm giving them to you in advance so you can either do them with your home groups or your away groups - or both. It's all just for fun, as usual.
November: Instead of a theme I want to see SHEnanigans worthy of the good old American tradition - HOLIDAY CARDS! Dress up with your group for your annual family portrait. If you want to you can add your family letter too so we can all see how well you've all done this year. My hope is that your pictures will be worthy of Awkward Family Photos. Have fun with this!
For my non-American's who might not be familiar with this tradition you can see some of the best of the worst here. You can also google image search "ugly Christmas sweaters" for some more inspiration. Oh and see this as an example. Haha, oh I love this!
December: I know everyone is likely to be traveling but this will be a really fun theme, just do your best and use it as an oportunity to share the fun. The theme is The 12 Days of Christmas as in...
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!
I would normally give you each one of these as your theme but with traveling and such I'm thinking it will be easier to let you each do whatever one you fancy as you'll need to make do with different/a lack of props and such.
I'm giving them to you in advance so you can either do them with your home groups or your away groups - or both. It's all just for fun, as usual.
Labels:
themes
Sunday, October 17, 2010
2011
2010 has been big for Silly SHEnanigans. It's been great to watch this grow and I'm proud of everyone who's joined in so far. I look forward to seeing new faces join in through 2011.
Here's the list of themes I have for 2011. There's a bit of time to make some changes, if you feel super strongly about getting a certain theme put on the calender let me know and I'll do what I can. I love hearing all your opinions and suggestions and appreciate the input.
January - Fairy Tales*
February - Harajuku
March - Seasons*
April - Jailbirds
May - Children's books
June - "When I grow up I want to be a..."
July - Circus/Freak Shows
August - Time travelers/Adventurers
September - 7 Deadly Sins*
October - icons & heroines
November - Decades*
December - Masquerade
* - by assignment/suggestion
Here's the list of themes I have for 2011. There's a bit of time to make some changes, if you feel super strongly about getting a certain theme put on the calender let me know and I'll do what I can. I love hearing all your opinions and suggestions and appreciate the input.
January - Fairy Tales*
February - Harajuku
March - Seasons*
April - Jailbirds
May - Children's books
June - "When I grow up I want to be a..."
July - Circus/Freak Shows
August - Time travelers/Adventurers
September - 7 Deadly Sins*
October - icons & heroines
November - Decades*
December - Masquerade
* - by assignment/suggestion
Monday, September 13, 2010
Twofer.
This months theme and next months probably seems like a doozy since they're connected. Here's some ideas and encouragement for you.
Although we're doing two themes tied together you can do them in one sitting or split them up. There's no rules for this. As long as you have fun that's all that matters. It's not a competition and you're not bound by a contract. You don't have to have a fancy camera or editing software. You don't have to be skinny and zit-less (look at me ;)... If you like fun, there's no reason for you not to join in.
Septembers theme is "Pretty" which is totally open for interpretation. Part two is the same theme but Halloweened up. Pretty to Scary, if you will. Or Pretty to dark. Pretty to gruesome. It's up to you. It can be any number of things.
If you only want to do the Pretty part or the scary part, that's fine too. Like I said, there are no rules here.
Get your group together and decide on a pretty theme you want to do then think of ways to halloween it up. Say you start with a Disney Princess or Jane Austen theme, you can halloween that up by making them into zombies, vampires, ghosts, werewolves, witches... The irony of it all is the best part and the options are endless!
You could do a Seven Virtues theme and Halloween that sucker up by turning them into Seven Deadly Sins. On the Silly Girls Photography page on facebook you'll find some inspiration and new groups forming. Join in and have fun! It's a fun way to play with each side of the coin especially if you tend to do prettier or darker shoots.
Upload days are November 1st and 2nd. Each group will upload their pretties in an album and then create another album for their scaries.
If you have any questions at all post them on the facebook page - if you're wondering about something it's likely someone else is.
Thanks to everyone who's joined in so far. I love seeing what you all come up with and seeing how much fun you all have. As usual, spread the word. The more the merrier!
Although we're doing two themes tied together you can do them in one sitting or split them up. There's no rules for this. As long as you have fun that's all that matters. It's not a competition and you're not bound by a contract. You don't have to have a fancy camera or editing software. You don't have to be skinny and zit-less (look at me ;)... If you like fun, there's no reason for you not to join in.
Septembers theme is "Pretty" which is totally open for interpretation. Part two is the same theme but Halloweened up. Pretty to Scary, if you will. Or Pretty to dark. Pretty to gruesome. It's up to you. It can be any number of things.
If you only want to do the Pretty part or the scary part, that's fine too. Like I said, there are no rules here.
Get your group together and decide on a pretty theme you want to do then think of ways to halloween it up. Say you start with a Disney Princess or Jane Austen theme, you can halloween that up by making them into zombies, vampires, ghosts, werewolves, witches... The irony of it all is the best part and the options are endless!
You could do a Seven Virtues theme and Halloween that sucker up by turning them into Seven Deadly Sins. On the Silly Girls Photography page on facebook you'll find some inspiration and new groups forming. Join in and have fun! It's a fun way to play with each side of the coin especially if you tend to do prettier or darker shoots.
Upload days are November 1st and 2nd. Each group will upload their pretties in an album and then create another album for their scaries.
If you have any questions at all post them on the facebook page - if you're wondering about something it's likely someone else is.
Thanks to everyone who's joined in so far. I love seeing what you all come up with and seeing how much fun you all have. As usual, spread the word. The more the merrier!
Monday, August 30, 2010
September & October!
The free for all is looking awesome! It really encourages me and gets me more excited about SHEnanigans when I see what you're all coming up with. I love it a lot.
Here's the info for next month's theme. We'll do a filler shoot too since upload day is a while away - November 1st and 2nd.
The filler will be something you can do on your own.
Without further ado, here's the next big theme info. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
Here's the info for next month's theme. We'll do a filler shoot too since upload day is a while away - November 1st and 2nd.
The filler will be something you can do on your own.
Without further ado, here's the next big theme info. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
Don't forget to check out and comment on the pictures from this month over on Silly Girls United!
Thank you all for participating. It makes me so happy to have you all joining in and I hope for more and more participants with every shoot. Spread the word ;)
Thank you all for participating. It makes me so happy to have you all joining in and I hope for more and more participants with every shoot. Spread the word ;)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
5 tips from Doe Deere
Xenia is a huge inspiration to me. I don't think I even need to explain why. Take a look at her gallery (and here) via her blogazine to see more.
Here's five tips from the Deere herself just for you...
Here's five tips from the Deere herself just for you...
She's a breath of fresh air. Maybe we need to do a Doe Deere themed shoot?
Don't forget Top Secret Movie themed pics are on the Silly Girls United page.
Next upload day is August 30th & 31st and it's a free for all :)
Next upload day is August 30th & 31st and it's a free for all :)
Labels:
tips
Top secret movie genres has been a huge success. Everyone did SO well. I've loved seeing what you all came up with and seeing how much fun you all had. I love it! Pictures can be viewed and commented on the Silly Girls United facebook page here.
Thank you everyone who joined in. If you had as much fun as it looked like please spread the word and encourage more groups to join in.
Thank you everyone who joined in. If you had as much fun as it looked like please spread the word and encourage more groups to join in.
Friday, July 23, 2010
They don't make 'em like they used to...
Old Hollywood inspires me. I dream of living in that era. Being a leading lady. What puts you into a happy day dream? What era do you imagine yourself in?
Labels:
favourite things
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Photo Tips by Alecia.
Hello, SHEnaniganers!
This is Astrid from the Omega Force!
(aka: Alecia~ aleciasphotography.blogspot.com )
I was asked by the awesome, inspirational, head SHEnaniganer herself, Laura, to do a photography post!
She could probably do this herself, because she does photography also, so this was way nice of her to ask me!
* I do not claim to know it all about photography, just so ya know! you may have a style you prefer, and if so, that's wonderful! I just want to share some things I have learned through my journey in photography.
_________________________________________________________________
.
First of all: CAMERA
-You do NOT need an SLR (aka: big, nice expensive camera) to take good photos. It does help of course. And if you do have one, by all means, use it! Better yet, if you have knowledge of manual mode, use it! But chances are, unless you do photography for a living, you do not have a huge camera or the know how. WHICH IS FINE. People like to think that the bigger camera you have, the better photos you'll get. Not entirely true. Big cameras do produce better quality of course, but why do you need super great quality and humongous sized files unless you plan on blowing those suckers up large and selling them? Truth is, you don't. These days, most digital point and shoot cameras will do the job just fine, if you know a little about what you are doing.
This brings me to camera settings. Again, if you are comfortable with manual mode, that is wonderful. If you have never even heard of manual mode, its ok! chances are, if your group assigned you the photographer job, you have a camera that you are comfortable using, and you can produce some nice lookin photos. you probably know how to disable your flash, right? because you can get better photos without that darn flash most of the time.
-Second: LIGHT
-Photography is all about light & knowing what to do with it.
Some amazing things can be done with light, all different kinds. The trick is, making it work with the light you've got. I usually head straight for some nice open shade. If you are doing headshots, or close ups, shade is your best friend.
this photo was shot in the soft shade of a building. Instead of facing her toward the building, I had her face toward where the light was coming from but not IN the light, if that makes sense.
-The key to knowing you're in some great light for portraits is to check your subjects eyes. If they are reflecting tons of light in them (photo above), you're set! (these are called catchlights)
this photo below, is an example of shooting in spotty, uneven shade.
where is the first place your eye goes? Mine go straight to that big patch of light on his shirt!
yucky!
If you can find soft open shade, you are in luck. But sometimes you can't. Maybe you are shooting in an open area at 12 noon on a cloudless day. This would be your worse case scenario! If this happens, you'll be needing to turn on your flash, to fill in the shadows that the harsh sunlight is creating on your subjects face.
this isn't the best example, but it is one. This was before I knew squat about photography, obviously. I wasn't shooting at noon, but there are yucky shadows on all of their faces. With a flash, this would have been taken care of.
See? This is better. Their faces are all evenly lit. I hate using flash, but sometimes you have to in harsh lighting situations.
Then , there is backlight. I love backlight and always use it on photoshoots. If you sun is bright and glaring, you NEVER , EVER, EVER have your subject face it!
this is a nice photo of everything else EXCEPT my son, because he's squinting. His face is tense because the only thing he can focus on is trying to keep that sun out of his eyes!
This is NOT flattering, or comfortable for your subject.
Instead, put their back toward the light. See that lovely glow behind him?
That's how you deal with a bright sun. (and we have lots of that here in St. George)
If you are going to shoot indoors, don't use fluorescent light. Place your subject in front of a window.
Soft window light is terrific!
When there is NO light, get creative!
silhouettes are SO FUN!
So there's my quick run-down on light.
OWN your light.
Next, TIPS ON SHOOTING
- Either get on eye level with your subject, or be above them when shooting. Looking up at them with your camera is NOT flattering. (Unless you are trying some creative angle, then its fine) Pretty much, you want them looking up at you.
- Try to have your subject relax. This helps if you relax. Laugh, joke. This is fun, remember? We tend to tense up in front of the camera, and it totally shows.
-Laugh. Tell your subject to give you a fake laugh. a fake laugh will turn into a real laugh, and a real laugh turns into a real smile. And real smiles are beautiful.
-Take LOTS of photos. If you have a digital camera, then you can just get rid of what you want later. Its better to have too many than not enough. Plus, if you take lots, you'll be capturing more.
-Don't stop taking photos if they start laughing or do a silly face. That is totally them! You are wanting to CAPTURE them. Sometimes these photos, (the ones we don't think to even take, are the best ones!) Plus, you'll look back at the photos, remember the moment and laugh even harder. That's what we want, right?
-Tell them to be natural. You can tell when someone feels uncomfortable because what they are doing is totally unnatural. I always tell my subjects to go sit down like you normally would, if I wasn't here. And THAT's when they look the best.
-Details. Capture details. (I forgot to do this on the Omega force shoot) Shoes. Jewelry. Accessories. ANYTHING that helps depict what YOUR photoshoot is all about. We spend so much time on details, and most of the time forget to capture them.
-Get close-ups. Fill your camera's entire frame with their face. Don't be scared. You'll be glad you did later.
-Keep composition in mind. Does something look off? or unbalanced? An amazing photo is usually amazing because of the composition. Make it look interesting to our eyes!
-Get Creative!! Have FUN!!! try new things. focus on something different. Some of my "mistake" photos have been my faves!
WHEW!!! Am I done yet??? Never! Haha, I could go on and on....
BUT I only have one more thing for you now..
and
it's
EDITING
Photos NEED to be edited & touched up! Most photos need brightening, sharpening, enhancing, cropping,
you can create so much drama depending on the way you edit. You can make a photo look old and vintage or bright and cheery, or classic black and white. You can add textures, change colors, fix things! You can do so much!
Here is a photo straight out of camera:
and here it is with a simple, basic edit.
you can completely transform a photo & this is where you can have lots of fun!
if you don't have photoshop, or photoshop elements, ITS OKAY!
I used photoscape for a very, very long time. You can do some great things with that program! and ITS FREE!
there are also others you can use, like I've heard picnik is good.
Here is a photo straight out of camera:
and here it is with a simple, basic edit.
you can completely transform a photo & this is where you can have lots of fun!
if you don't have photoshop, or photoshop elements, ITS OKAY!
I used photoscape for a very, very long time. You can do some great things with that program! and ITS FREE!
there are also others you can use, like I've heard picnik is good.
Aaaaand..that's my rundown.
I hope I didn't bore you to tears, or confuse the crap out of you. Hopefully, this HELPS you and inspires you with new ideas!
We can all learn from eachother, so lets get that creativity flowing!
Can't wait to see what you all come up with! :)
Labels:
photography,
tips
The Pep talk a la Chiemi
Hey everyone! Are you ready to rock the next photo shoot?! Just a wee bit nervous? Sometimes it can be embarrassing to come out of your comfort zone and try something completely new and different. So I have a composed a list of things to help you feel more comfortable and have fun!
1. First things first, find a group or start one. This might be the hardest part for some. Don't be afraid to make new friends and get your current friends in on it.
2. Share your thoughts with your group when you get your theme. Don't be afraid to say you aren't comfortable with something or if you need help. It's okay to ask. :) I am willing to admit I dropped out of my group at first because I was worried about how strange our photo shoot was going to be. I mulled over it for a while and got back in once I realized I could "just say no" to anything too over the top. Though in all actuality it turned out just fine.
3. Have confidence in yourself. It's so hard at times to take a picture of myself because I don't like the way I look anymore. These photo shoots should be the opposite. You should feel awesome about yourself. Just remember, and keep telling yourself that YOU are smokin' hot. Take that attitude to the photo shoot and you will feel awesome.
I know these are just a few things, but it's all you really need to have a super time. I hope that you all have fun and rock your photo shoots! I can't wait to see what everyone does with their theme. You can do this!
You're AWESOME!
1. First things first, find a group or start one. This might be the hardest part for some. Don't be afraid to make new friends and get your current friends in on it.
2. Share your thoughts with your group when you get your theme. Don't be afraid to say you aren't comfortable with something or if you need help. It's okay to ask. :) I am willing to admit I dropped out of my group at first because I was worried about how strange our photo shoot was going to be. I mulled over it for a while and got back in once I realized I could "just say no" to anything too over the top. Though in all actuality it turned out just fine.
3. Have confidence in yourself. It's so hard at times to take a picture of myself because I don't like the way I look anymore. These photo shoots should be the opposite. You should feel awesome about yourself. Just remember, and keep telling yourself that YOU are smokin' hot. Take that attitude to the photo shoot and you will feel awesome.
I know these are just a few things, but it's all you really need to have a super time. I hope that you all have fun and rock your photo shoots! I can't wait to see what everyone does with their theme. You can do this!
You're AWESOME!
Labels:
tips
Monday, July 19, 2010
Fierce Makeup Tips for your outstanding photo shoots by Stephanie "Mammory Cannons" Toland.
You most likely already know how to apply makeup for everyday use but there are a few things that are different in applying makeup for a SHEnanigans photo shoot.
-First and foremost, RESEARCH is KEY in creating the correct makeup look to your shoot. Whichever Movie Genre the lovely sexy Laura assigns you; research the era in which you will be portraying. For example if you are doing a 1940’s Musical, Google Image 1940’s musicals and print off some desired makeup references such as the classic Judy Garland look in Meet me St. Louis. In doing this, it will also motivate and excite you to get started.
Fix your face:
-The first key to HOT steamy SHEnanigans makeup is to simply fix your face as if you were going out for the evening, wearing more than for daytime use. We want people to look at you and think “WOW” you don’t even look like your ‘Plain Jane’ homely self.
- Foundation: (Again keeping in mind to what Era you are doing and staying with that time and style). Create extra contrast by using more powder, blush, and or bronzer. With that you will achieve that natural look (in the photos) also covering your bumps and blemishes in the photos (also with great photo editing you can get rid of that monster pimple… So don’t worry about that). But keep in mind to stay true to your natural colors (don’t use a darker color tone in your concealers and foundations then what your skin requires; it may not even hurt to go lighter in your concealers)… we mustn’t look like Oompa Loompas.
-Blush: Apply your blush a little heavier than normal but neatly and precisely. Don't over or under apply blush. This will also be in accordance to the effect you want to accomplish with your look for this particular shoot. Like I said before in your research you will find which “blush look” you will need to achieve to your era. Because as we all have noticed blush styles have changed drastically over the years as much as hair styles do.
Lips:
-In order for your lips to stand out and be noticed, be sure that your lip gloss is a solid color and at least one shade deeper/with higher contrast than you normally wear.
Your lip liner should be the same color as your lipstick. Unless you are going for the hooker look… slut it up and go Dark…we aint Hatin!
-Stay away from any frosted lip colors entirely because they hardly show up in photos and will give the illusion that you are not wearing lip color at all. The only time you would wear frosted is when it's for some effect you’re trying to accomplish like a HOT 1970’s Sci-fi European Bomb expert… then it's cool.
Eye Makeup:
-In order to produce the best results, your eye liner needs to be bold and thick… BUT MOST IMPORTANT if it’s thick on top- NONE on the bottom and vise versa… we don’t want to look like a skanky stripper with eye liner alllll around circling the eye (again IF that’s the look you’re going for… balls to the wall and DO IT, we love us some stripper looks), but if you are going for any Vintage Classic look… it’s all about the thick top eyeliner. This gives of the illusion of bigger eyes… and who doesn’t want BIGGER eyes? Along with achieving a bigger, vintage eye, if you aren’t natural blessed with amazing eye lashes… go with the thick FAKES... nothings more classic 30’s-60’s than that!
-You'll need to use an eye shadow to compliment the rest of your makeup and clothing but use a light shimmer shade on the BROW BONE and in the inner crease of the eye (ya know the part of the eye you itch if you have really bad allergies… and the part where your tears mostly come from… if that helps… I’m not a real doctor but I play one on TV HA); so that your eyes will appear more alive. And then on top of that if you are doing a dark smoky look… smoke it up and go dark bold and CRAZY!
(Really work on those eyes and lips. These are the two key features in a photo shoot ).
Good luck... and I know you will all be too hot to handle that Universes will collide and explode with awesomeness by the time these shoots are done!
-First and foremost, RESEARCH is KEY in creating the correct makeup look to your shoot. Whichever Movie Genre the lovely sexy Laura assigns you; research the era in which you will be portraying. For example if you are doing a 1940’s Musical, Google Image 1940’s musicals and print off some desired makeup references such as the classic Judy Garland look in Meet me St. Louis. In doing this, it will also motivate and excite you to get started.
Fix your face:
-The first key to HOT steamy SHEnanigans makeup is to simply fix your face as if you were going out for the evening, wearing more than for daytime use. We want people to look at you and think “WOW” you don’t even look like your ‘Plain Jane’ homely self.
- Foundation: (Again keeping in mind to what Era you are doing and staying with that time and style). Create extra contrast by using more powder, blush, and or bronzer. With that you will achieve that natural look (in the photos) also covering your bumps and blemishes in the photos (also with great photo editing you can get rid of that monster pimple… So don’t worry about that). But keep in mind to stay true to your natural colors (don’t use a darker color tone in your concealers and foundations then what your skin requires; it may not even hurt to go lighter in your concealers)… we mustn’t look like Oompa Loompas.
-Blush: Apply your blush a little heavier than normal but neatly and precisely. Don't over or under apply blush. This will also be in accordance to the effect you want to accomplish with your look for this particular shoot. Like I said before in your research you will find which “blush look” you will need to achieve to your era. Because as we all have noticed blush styles have changed drastically over the years as much as hair styles do.
Lips:
-In order for your lips to stand out and be noticed, be sure that your lip gloss is a solid color and at least one shade deeper/with higher contrast than you normally wear.
Your lip liner should be the same color as your lipstick. Unless you are going for the hooker look… slut it up and go Dark…we aint Hatin!
-Stay away from any frosted lip colors entirely because they hardly show up in photos and will give the illusion that you are not wearing lip color at all. The only time you would wear frosted is when it's for some effect you’re trying to accomplish like a HOT 1970’s Sci-fi European Bomb expert… then it's cool.
Eye Makeup:
-In order to produce the best results, your eye liner needs to be bold and thick… BUT MOST IMPORTANT if it’s thick on top- NONE on the bottom and vise versa… we don’t want to look like a skanky stripper with eye liner alllll around circling the eye (again IF that’s the look you’re going for… balls to the wall and DO IT, we love us some stripper looks), but if you are going for any Vintage Classic look… it’s all about the thick top eyeliner. This gives of the illusion of bigger eyes… and who doesn’t want BIGGER eyes? Along with achieving a bigger, vintage eye, if you aren’t natural blessed with amazing eye lashes… go with the thick FAKES... nothings more classic 30’s-60’s than that!
-You'll need to use an eye shadow to compliment the rest of your makeup and clothing but use a light shimmer shade on the BROW BONE and in the inner crease of the eye (ya know the part of the eye you itch if you have really bad allergies… and the part where your tears mostly come from… if that helps… I’m not a real doctor but I play one on TV HA); so that your eyes will appear more alive. And then on top of that if you are doing a dark smoky look… smoke it up and go dark bold and CRAZY!
(Really work on those eyes and lips. These are the two key features in a photo shoot ).
Good luck... and I know you will all be too hot to handle that Universes will collide and explode with awesomeness by the time these shoots are done!
Labels:
tips
Sunday, July 18, 2010
THEME!
The theme for the next shoot (week of July 25th) is Movies which beat Sugar & Spice by ONE vote! I have some good ideas already but more are welcome, I want to hear your ideas. Post them on the discussion board on the facebook page.
Groups we have so far are located here:
St George, Utah
Eugene, Oregon
Aurora, Oregon
Northern Virginia
Everett, Washington
Aberdeen, Scotland
Laie, Hawaii
Hayward, California
South Carolina
Salem, Oregon
Count them. That's 10! YEOW! If you want to get a group together go ahead. Anyone can join in at any point. I'm going to make a facebook event page where you can invite your girly friends to join your group or make their own. Either way.
Groups we have so far are located here:
St George, Utah
Eugene, Oregon
Aurora, Oregon
Northern Virginia
Everett, Washington
Aberdeen, Scotland
Laie, Hawaii
Hayward, California
South Carolina
Salem, Oregon
Count them. That's 10! YEOW! If you want to get a group together go ahead. Anyone can join in at any point. I'm going to make a facebook event page where you can invite your girly friends to join your group or make their own. Either way.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your name and location in a comment here if you have a group together for this or if you're looking for a group for the (week of) July 25th shoot. I'm going to try and help as many people as possible find groups. I've made a goal to have at least 3 more groups joining in than we had last time. That means 9 groups. Heck, lets round up and make it 10!
We have people in Rexburg, Idaho looking for a group and there was mention of Colorado Springs also.
Help me out, eh? Spread the word. Blog it, tweet it, facebook it, tell your sisters and sister-wives (dunno), everyone! My goal is 10 groups but secretly I want to have 15. I know!! How hard can it be, everybody likes fun, right?
I added some new tabs up the top there for you.
Here's the info so far:
*Week of July 25th is the shoot. You organise the date.
*The theme is whichever category gets the most votes (in the poll to the right) by Sunday.
*I will assign each group a top secret genre that falls under the winning category.
*Get your group together, collect props, find a location, ask any questions you might have etc. and have fun!
*Upload day will be August 2nd and 3rd. It'll run like last upload day - I'll make the person with all the pictures admin whilst they upload then admin will be removed so you can post under your own name.
If you can't join in this time but you want to don't worry there's going to be other events PLUS you don't have to wait for me to come up with an event to do this. If you do it post a link to the pictures on the facebook page or let me know and I'll admin you (I made it a verb) and you can upload to the facebook.
For those shy girls out there having a little inner turmoil because you want to join in but don't think you can because you're too shy/fat/awkward/friendless/just like me haha! STOP! You're fun, just the fact you want to do this means that! Pull it together and make a difference to yourself! Speak to any of the girls who have already joined in. They felt those same things and don't regret it at all - this is where Chiemi tells us how much fun she had ;) (love you)... You'll love it.
3 Hippy Girls from Laura A on Vimeo.
We have people in Rexburg, Idaho looking for a group and there was mention of Colorado Springs also.
Help me out, eh? Spread the word. Blog it, tweet it, facebook it, tell your sisters and sister-wives (dunno), everyone! My goal is 10 groups but secretly I want to have 15. I know!! How hard can it be, everybody likes fun, right?
I added some new tabs up the top there for you.
Here's the info so far:
*Week of July 25th is the shoot. You organise the date.
*The theme is whichever category gets the most votes (in the poll to the right) by Sunday.
*I will assign each group a top secret genre that falls under the winning category.
*Get your group together, collect props, find a location, ask any questions you might have etc. and have fun!
*Upload day will be August 2nd and 3rd. It'll run like last upload day - I'll make the person with all the pictures admin whilst they upload then admin will be removed so you can post under your own name.
If you can't join in this time but you want to don't worry there's going to be other events PLUS you don't have to wait for me to come up with an event to do this. If you do it post a link to the pictures on the facebook page or let me know and I'll admin you (I made it a verb) and you can upload to the facebook.
For those shy girls out there having a little inner turmoil because you want to join in but don't think you can because you're too shy/fat/awkward/friendless/just like me haha! STOP! You're fun, just the fact you want to do this means that! Pull it together and make a difference to yourself! Speak to any of the girls who have already joined in. They felt those same things and don't regret it at all - this is where Chiemi tells us how much fun she had ;) (love you)... You'll love it.
3 Hippy Girls from Laura A on Vimeo.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Together-nanigans
Have you seen a cool video lately that's made you smile or become inspired? I want to see. I'm going to create an "our-nanigans" tab at the top to keep a compilation of stuff that's made us happy so we can always be uplifted. Leave them in the comments of this post or email she_nanigans@hotmail.com anytime :)
Check out this girls hula hoop skills and energy. Love it!
Check out this girls hula hoop skills and energy. Love it!
Labels:
our-nanigans
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Chapter 2.
Chapter 1 went like this. Chapter 2 is still spicy and sassy, don't worry!
For the first Shenanigan you're going to vote on the poll up at the right. Choose a category and then whichever one wins I'll tell you a genre that only your group will have ie. If "fast food" was the winning category, I might assign you KFC, McDonald's or maybe even Pizza Hut. You would interpret that and base your photo shoot on it. You could go literal, symbolic or whatever. Just keep it a secret so when you upload your pics everyone can guess.
Check out the Schedule tab at the top to see how this is going to run.
Get ready for some serious Shenanigans!
The date for this shoot is the week of July 25th.
** As Silly Girls is the essence and spirit of Shenanigans the Silly Girls facebook page is still the hub of this operation.
For the first Shenanigan you're going to vote on the poll up at the right. Choose a category and then whichever one wins I'll tell you a genre that only your group will have ie. If "fast food" was the winning category, I might assign you KFC, McDonald's or maybe even Pizza Hut. You would interpret that and base your photo shoot on it. You could go literal, symbolic or whatever. Just keep it a secret so when you upload your pics everyone can guess.
Check out the Schedule tab at the top to see how this is going to run.
Get ready for some serious Shenanigans!
The date for this shoot is the week of July 25th.
** As Silly Girls is the essence and spirit of Shenanigans the Silly Girls facebook page is still the hub of this operation.
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