Creativity

The shoot went well! Hoorah. 

Yesterday morning myself, Alex, Harriet, and Jenny Davies, a Bristol based make up artist collaborated on a studio shoot.

From the beginning of the preparation for this shoot I knew that I wanted to use two make up artists in order to create two completely different and creative looks. I had so many ideas that I didn't know where to begin, but I started from the beginning with these two... with more shoots to follow.

Cerys

Harriet created an organic look on our model Cerys, using shades of grey and black. I wanted to keep all of the sequins a similar colour and size in order to keep the consistency throughout the image. I think the colours have complimented the model and pulled out the colour of her eyes. I kept her hair simple in order to emphasise the make up as it had taken Harriet around an hour and a half to produce.

Briony

Jenny created a very striking symmetrical look on our other model Briony. I was looking for a dramatic look using face lace on neutral make up. Face lace is an unusual type of make up that is not often seen or worn. With Briony's hair up, it emphasises the beauty, and originality of the make up.

I am really pleased with the outcome of this set of images as all of the focus is on the beauty of the make up. I like working with make up artists who have the ability to produce original make up and allow their creativity to flow through their work. Thank you to everyone who helped make these photographs work as well as I think they do; Alex for helping with the lighting, Harriet and Jenny for producing such amazing make up, and Cerys and Briony for modelling.

I love this set, but what do you think? More studio shoots to follow, one being the 13th February. I will hopefully be using Valentine's as my theme... watch this space.

'Minnie's', Cabot Circus, Bristol

On the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd February 2013, The Only Way Is Essex cast members Sam and Billie Faiers and their family members, Sue Wells, mother and Libby Low, aunt, travelled 160 miles from Brentwood, Essex to open their 'Minnie's Pop Up Boutique' store in Cabot Circus, Bristol.

On the 1st February I was invited to attend the exclusive preview which gave the press, media and VIP guests the opportunity to see the store and all of the products in their glory before the store officially opened to the public the next day. With sixty invited guests expected to attend, the evening was very relaxed with champagne flowing throughout the night whilst Sam and Billie were mingling happily with their guests. Some guests even had the opportunity to receive a make over by the girls where they picked out clothes for them to try on. An interesting collection of fabulous cakes were available for all throughout the evening. Each cake was beautifully presented, and I couldn't resist photographing them.

Throughout the evening I enjoyed mingling with their guests, and meeting other bloggers and photographers. There were only three photographers present, a Rex Features photographer, the official Cabot Circus photographer, and myself. Both gentlemen were very welcoming and I enjoyed watching how they worked. I also met Tara, a Bristol blogger from The Style Rawr. We discussed how lovely and down to earth the sisters were, and Tara told me all about her travels. 

Note to self: MUST go travelling and explore the world.

If you have a passion for fashion, then I would definitely check out her blog: http://www.thestylerawr.com/ and I am pretty sure that Tara would not mind helping you out with any styling tips if you needed them.

Overall the evening was a wonderful success! There was so many beautiful products to photograph, and the girls were a delight. I even got a goody bag full of lovely fake bake products.

I went back to the official photo call for the public opening of the boutique on 2nd February. Sam and Billie posed for the paparazzi and additional media. One agency photographer even travelled down from Birmingham just for the event! It was an overwhelming, but amazing experience. The photographers had to be quick in order to make their shots as the sisters had a very busy schedule for the day.

                                                    

The Minnie's Boutique Crew

At 2pm that day the sisters' held a book signing in the centre of Cabot Circus. Members of the public started queuing at 12pm so you can only imagine what the queue was like, I have never seen Cabot Circus so busy. The girls happily signed autographs in Minnie's Boutique diaries, and books whilst meeting and having photographs with their fans. With an event like this I had to be able to think quickly in order to achieve the shots that I was looking for as I had to work around specific people.

Sam Faiers (Left) with sister Billie Faiers (Right)

Over the past couple of days I have been given numerous photography opportunities and met some amazing people so I am incredibly thankful. For more photographs please visit: http://sophieelbourn.4ormat.com/#1

Non of these photographs are for reuse. Copyright Sophie Elbourn.