Beauty Photography | Building a Creative Team

When I create still-life images it is a one-woman show. I approach this kind of work like meditation. It is a very personal conversation between me and the non-animated subject, where I try to give it a voice. On the other end working on food or beauty projects often require a team.

For beauty photography, you can think of a hair and makeup artist, a model, a stylist, or in food photography, the props stylist, or a food stylist, but no matter the type of project: food or beauty, each member of the creative team is like a piece of a puzzle that comes together to create the outcome.

The people part of the team may have different roles, but the criteria detailed below are what you might look for when building a team. As you will see, the focus is more on soft skills than anything.

Expertise

Let's first address the hard skill that is essential to the good delivery of the shoot. No matter your level of expertise you want to surround yourself with people of similar levels of knowledge and know-how in their field. And this relates to the expectations from each other. For example, a makeup artist who has previously worked on photoshoots is always a good thing as she will have experience with how to deal with makeup under artificial lights. You also want to pick the right creative partner who is especially good in a specific style and can help achieve the desired outcome: Like a makeup artist who is experienced or confident in creating the specific looks you aim for. For the talents, you may start with beginners when you are learning how to pose and give directions, and collaborate with more experienced ones as you are proficient.

Behaviour

After making sure that expectations can be met, attitude is a close second. It might be undervalued but the way everyone behaves during the shoot and approaches the project of the day is critical. It may be just a test shoot or a big campaign for a renowned brand, behaving professionally shows your commitment to give your best no matter what is the job. Of all the people I have worked with, I remember the most the ones who were dedicated to giving their best.

As part of the creative team (makeup artist and hair stylist or wardrobe stylist) someone with a problem-solving attitude, open to try new things, ready to help, and a good listener is always appreciated. On the talent part, someone who no matter the shoot gives it 100%. I appreciate when models take the time to have a look at the mood board and think of what is expected from them on the day. Attitude is like a transfer of energy that comes through your actions and interactions.

Energy

The best photoshoot is not just the one with a good outcome (such as good images) but the one where a synergy has operated during the photo shoot, induced a state of flow, and produced great outcomes while everyone had fun. This transfer of energy from one individual to another is so important.

I have to confess here that I am a reserved person and despite my calm demeanor, I can sense who is in front of my lens. From the confident model to the one that needs time to warm up or feels more comfortable once they get props and accessories, behind the lens the shift is noticeable. It then becomes like a dance, where we both follow the same tempo.

Alignment

Every team member has a reason to participate in the shoot, yet when comes the production day everyone needs to align to a common goal. The creative team supports and works together to make the creative idea a reality while its members have their specific objectives (from gaining experience to building a portfolio to expanding a network...). It is a balancing act between personal objectives and the common achievement of the photo shoot. This alignment is important because it reflects the energy and attitude listed above.   

For example, when building a portfolio you may ask if they have a similar intention and if they would consider an ongoing collaboration. Misalignment often leads to frustration and disappointment, so it is important that everyone formulates clearly their expectations and objectives.

It takes time to find the people you work well with, but the outcome and experience are nothing you can compare with. These human values make all the difference. So next time you are looking to build a creative team, think about how each member can contribute beyond their skillset to the project and how it's important to surround yourself with the right people on set.

Creative team

Photographer Viviane Perenyi

Model Alessia C. from Rebel Rebel Agency

Makeup artist Krystal Tamba

Beauty Photography | Beyond Age

Last year I applied for a sponsorship program and I had to detail the projects I would like to work on if I were awarded the sponsorship.

While I was not selected, writing down these projects made me realise that I could to bring them to life anyway.

As a woman of colour, over forty and a multicultural background, my notion and perception of beauty is more nuanced than the one commonly represented.

Yet I have come to realise that after years of doing beauty photography and building a body of work along the way, my views were not completely reflected in my work. So here is my attempt to push myself and let self-expression be.

I am starting with Penelope. She exudes this natural warmth that just shines through the lens. Modelling since she is 17, she effortlessly poses and was a joy to work with. And models with a great attitude on set always have my preference.

Grateful as always for this shoot with this gorgeous lady, who shows that beauty knows no age.

Creative team

Model: Penelope S at Silverfox Management

Hmua: Nichole Lee

Beauty photographer: Viviane Perenyi

Product Photography | How Light Impacts Your Visual Message

After years of practicing my craft, there are some aspects I tend to take for granted: Like how to read the light and how it impacts our perception and emotions.

Photographers are thought to master their gear, but they truly have to master the light. After all, photography means drawing with light. 

When done correctly, the light in an image can convey a mood and trigger feelings in the viewer. The question is why would you want to evoke a feeling? Well, because when you resonate with a message (be it visual or not) you are more likely to be sold afterward.

• The setup

These two images represent the very same subject: facial oil, lightly emulsified, in a glass container. The point of view is similar but the photos were taken under different light conditions. And as we can see this single difference results in rather distinct visual outcomes. 

• Image comparison

Now let's look intently at each picture. The first one with its soft light -where shadows and light are both subtle- and subdued colours gives a romanticised view of the subject matter. The second image in contrast with its intense hard light -casting strong shadows, crisp contour, and almost monochromatic rendering- gives the subject an edge and a modern look. 

The viewer is likely to have a different reaction or feeling to each image even though they both represent the same subject matter and the only difference is the light condition.

• Why use one approach more than another?

It’s not uncommon to see photographers adopt one particular lighting that becomes part of their photographic style.

For brands, it is important to craft a visual message aligned with their values and identity. The photographer, with their expert use of light can help brands reinforce their intended message: Do you want to emphasise the glamour and glow of using the skincare oil (first image) or do you want to appeal to the young, active, and modern-day woman (second image)?

As technology and tastes evolve, so do visual trends. One of the current trends is using hard light (2nd photo). And as we are all influenced to a certain degree by trends, the challenge for brands is to be inspired by them while remaining faithful to their own values and message.

In conclusion, the next time you create new visual content, you may ask yourself these questions: Does the visual content accurately represent your brand? Does it correspond to your target market? And in what proportion the current trends have influenced your content?

Beauty Photography | 80's Glam

Drafting this post led me to reflect on what guides my creative choices. How I came to do this shoot and chose this look over endless other options.

My conclusion is that the selection is right at the intersection of three elements:

• The inspiration, most of the time a visual that triggers the initial idea.

• The model, much like a canvas for the concept. I like to believe the model is the right fit and will wear the look so well, that it’s not only visually pleasing, but credible and can spark emotion in the viewer.

• The personal spin, made of my experiences, knowledge, tastes and views, like a layer that wraps around the other elements.

I had been in touch with Luisa for some time before the shoot came to be. The decisive time was when I could picture her in that look. Like a story unfolding in my mind. And you might agree that Luisa totally rocked in a blazer, with winged eyes and a bold curly hairstyle inspired by the 80’s glam.

View the first part of the shoot here.

Creative team model: Luisa Mariano | Hair & makeup: Nichole Lee | Photographer: Viviane Perenyi

Beauty Photography | On Perseverance

I had this idea for a long while of adding variety in my body of work. As a starting point I wanted to show mature skin models in my beauty work. The main trigger being an image I initially saw online that truly inspired me, opening my mind to the possibility.

As simple as it may sound, the truth is, I had to overcome my own fear to start this project. I doubted myself and my capacity to translate what I had in mind. So it took me some time to finally kick start the project. And to put my determination to the test, I stumbled upon a series of minor setbacks while organising this shoot. The kind that makes you doubt if you’re doing the right thing. The ultimate one being on the day of the shoot when my camera started to malfunction and the shoot prematurely had to come to a halt.

At this point, I have to say that the team on set was just amazing and so supportive. Its spirit made all the difference and helped me look at this experience from a different perspective.

I am grateful I got a chance to meet and work with these lovely ladies and how we managed to get these shots that are the start of something new…

Creative team:

Model: Penelope S. at Silverfox Management

HMUA: Ana Costa

Photographer Viviane Perenyi

Beauty | Au Naturel | Motion

As mentioned in the previous post, besides the stills, I also made a video. The same relaxed vibe with a natural look, but in motion.

Motion is something that’s on my list for a long while and that I never seemed to make room for. It’s a humble beginning, but a medium I definitely want to explore more from now on. It has triggered a lot of new ideas that I can’t wait to bring to life.

Creative team model: Luisa Mariano Hair & makeup: Nichole Lee Photographer: Viviane Perenyi

Beauty Photography | Au Naturel

On a regular basis, I like to evaluate where I need to expand or develop my body of work.

At the beginning when I did beauty shoots, I was interested to capture the elaborate looks, the transformation ones.

These days, I still want to do the creative looks, but also give more place to the natural ones. You may remember this one or that one. And as simple as it may sound, there are so many ways to capture and portray natural beauty.

This time I wanted to approach the au naturel concept differently and pepper this notion in the look, the lighting and overall feel.

• The amazing Luisa effortlessly embodies natural beauty and is the ideal canvas for this concept. Her features barely need to be enhanced to be appreciated.

• I took advantage of the natural light racking in the background to incorporate it in the shots. It adds an interesting visual element and reinforces the natural concept.

• The pose once more supports the idea. It deliberately reflects a cool and chill attitude. The one you may have when you are simply yourself.

Sharing in a coming post, the very same look in motion this time. Stay tuned !

Creative team model: Luisa Mariano Hair & makeup: Nichole Lee Photographer: Viviane Perenyi

Product Photography | Cosmetic Texture | Part 2

After exploring the benefits of using a diptych in this post to craft a food story, let's see how we can apply the same technique for product photography and create a compelling narrative for a beauty product. 

First, we will see why it's important to engage the viewer with a creative visual story that goes beyond standard product photography.

Then we will talk about how a simple aesthetic helps the viewer quickly get the message.

Finally, how pairing complementing images helps build a brand and product narrative. 

After having covered the basics of product photography it is essential to infuse a story to your product images. Having a narrative within your product photography helps the viewer connect or immerse themselves into a story. When done well, it produces interesting images and it is an effective way to help the viewer easily remember your product and brand. Because remembering a product without context is much harder than a product waived into a story that gives many little anchors to be recalled. As you can see in the following examples, the product swatch (moisturizer) could just be part of a series of images featuring the product. Now paired with the hands shot, another dimension emerges. It emphasizes the texture and suggests the tactile sensation on the hands.

The second element to consider here is the minimalism of each shot. There are no distractive props or fancy setups, just the product swatch and the pair of hands edited in a similar monochromatic way for a cohesive visual. And consequently, the focus stays on the message.

The ultimate way to build on the product narrative is the association of these two images. Looking at each one separately does not have the same impact as the diptych and story they create together. Jointly they not only have more weight but also trigger the senses, which produce a feeling. An important aspect for the emotional buyers amongst your audience.

So next time you need new product photography, consider how you can also waive your narrative as a brand and the story of the product in your new set of images. 

View part 1 of this series

Product Photography | Skincare Texture | Part 1

Recent work done to capture and portray different textures, with a focus on cosmetic texture.

From the clinical look of the gel to the nourishing texture of the moisturiser, there’s more texture to explore. And I will keep updating this new set.

The colours have been corrected to help reinforce the perception of the texture and its nature. The cool colour background accentuates the idea of the cooling effect of the gel, whereas the warm tones convey the richness of the moisturiser.

And to illustrate this point, I include some incidental shots of the gel in black and white. Proof of how colour changes our perception.

View Part 2 of this series

Beauty Photography | Pastel | Part 2

I recently got a comment on one of my photos on Instagram from a fellow photographer saying that he wished all of his models were able to do this.

This was the very strong expression on the model’s face. And I couldn’t agree more with him. What makes a good model to me is her ability to give, better than follow direction, to fit in a role. Do we expect her to be bold and defiant or sassy and fresh ?

Here for this pastel theme shoot, I wanted Kristina, the model, to embody grace, delicateness, fragility and innocence. Her features are perfect for this notion. The makeup and hand poses were all supporting the story. Yet ultimately it’s her expression that brought it all together.

And to be honest there’s a lot of satisfaction seeing the story emerge from a collective effort, where everyone brings their talent to make the narrative come to life.

This is the second part of the Pastel theme shoot. View part 1 here.

Creative team

Model Kristina at FiveTwenty Model Management

Hair & Makeup @NicholeLee

Photography @VivianePerenyi

Beauty Photography | Pastel | Part 1

Before I share with you the outcomes from the pastel theme shoot we did recently, here’s the first part with a clean skincare look. Aligned with the main theme of the shoot, beauty here is depicted in a soft and ethereal way.

The skincare look is very different from the one shared a few posts back. This time, it’s all about the porcelain complexion and that ‘classic’ skincare visual.

Here are the combination of elements that helped achieve that specific look.

• The model: Kristina was selected for her facial features that were naturally suited for this look. She embodies delicateness, which makes her the perfect match.

• The look: Hair and makeup are kept simple, subtle yet refined to enhance her features.

• The lighting. I was not looking at creating any highlights here, rather an even, soft and flattering light. So here I used the softbox with a double diffusion and I filled shadows by placing white flags under her chin and on her left side.

• The edit: The colour balance was corrected to give the images a slightly cooler feel and reinforce the diaphanous skin.

Stay tuned for the second part of this shoot, coming soon.

Creative team

Model Kristina at FiveTwenty Model Management

Hair & Makeup @NicholeLee

Photography @VivianePerenyi

Beauty Photography | Natural Glam

After the skincare look, we shot two other different looks. Here’s the final one, the natural glam makeup look.

You’ll notice the change of lighting. No more hard light. The lighting setup is my usual one: one light bounced into a deep octabox and a white flag under Lili’s face to fill the shadows. This setup helps get the nice highlights on the cheeks, chin and forehead. It works so well for this look that’s all about dewy skin.

Beauty Photography | Natural Skin

I recently wanted to shoot a skincare look and here are some of the results from the beauty shoot. I knew that I wanted to steer away from the traditional or conventional imagery that tends to be very polished and meticulously posed. After a quick chat with Nichole -makeup artist- I decided to showcase the bare beauty with a fresh, spontaneous almost candid perspective.

Here are the elements that helped me translate this concept.

• The look

The skincare shot usually features a model with hair neatly pulled back, in a slicked back style or a variation of it. I wanted to keep the look more relaxed and casual and we opted for this updo that looks natural. In the same way, the bare beauty of the skin is highlighted with a no-makeup makeup look.

• The expression

A strong facial expression -as seen here- can add interest to an image. Here, I wanted to experiment with expressive poses that add energy.

After we warmed up, shooting usual poses, I directed Lili to give me playful expressions. I allowed her to be as expressive as she wanted. I was looking for genuine and youthful expressions that would communicate spontaneity and being comfortable in your own skin.

• The lighting

Skincare imagery is often shot with soft, flattering and even light. Here I intentionally shot with a direct light, simulating an outdoor situation and as if under the sun. Because there’s nothing to hide under the sun. All to convey this notion of carefree and real.

Coming next, the second look from the same shoot: Natural glam. Stay tuned.

Creative team

Model @LiliFord at Chadwick Models

Hair & Makeup @NicholeLee

Photography @VivianePerenyi

Beauty | Alisa

A beauty story with an edge.

After playing with sunlight and a warm natural look in the first part of this shoot, we continued with a very different look.

Here the sun light has been diffused through the translucent white diffusion panel of a collapsible reflector and a white panel placed under Alisa’s face to bounce back the light and fill in the shadow. The light is soft and even. While it’s a flattering light, it does not add much to the story. What make the visual result interesting are:

• The look

Slick back hair, bold makeup and strong expressions result in a totally novel narrative. This time it’s all about the bold and fierce woman.

• The expression

As a photographer, I do appreciate the versatility of a model. And Alisa seamlessly moved from the beach girl’s natural beauty to a sophisticated and edgy woman. I gave her few directions and she brought these strong facial expressions so aligned with the look.

• The edit

The black and white edit removes all colour distraction and creates contrast within the image. As a result the focus remains on the bold expressions and look.

Creative team:

Model @AlisaPensola

Hair and makeup @nicholeleemakeup

Photography @vivianeperenyi

Beauty | Summer Glow

Today’s story is an exploration of that free spirit and summer feel by the seaside when the warm light kisses the bare skin. If you start to see a recurrent theme in those beauty stories of mine, I do too. I guess this Sydney-way-of-life is slowly but surely sinking in.

Here’s a simple deconstruction of how I built this visual narrative.

• The light. As a photographer the light is the first way I think to craft a visual story. Because the light is what brings an atmosphere and what draws the viewer’s attention. Here it’s a play with the natural morning light: direct (third photo) and diffused and the use of a reflector (gold side) to bounce back warm light and fill in the shadows.

  It would have made sense to shoot this at the beach, but personal constraints came into play and we ended up shooting this in an urban park. Would you guess ?

• The look. Alisa, the model here, is the perfect beach babe who naturally matches the theme. Her look is just lightly enhanced to let her raw beauty shine through. In the third and last frames, her pose and the way her bang is pulled back give the illusion of the sea breeze blowing on her face.

• The props. Sometimes it’s the small detail that makes the difference. And the shell here helps to reinforce the concept. It acts as a visual clue, gives a sense of place and brings playfulness in the frame.

Of course there’s more that come into play, but those three elements woven together build the core of this visual story.

Stay tuned for a radically different look, yet from the same shoot in a coming post.

Creative team

Model Alisa Pensola | Hair and makeup Nichole Lee | Photographer Viviane Perenyi

Beauty | By the Pool | Part 3

For the third and last interpretation of the concept ‘by the pool ’, we leave behind the indoor pool.

This time the scene takes place outside, on the private pool deck of a luxurious villa. The subject is leisurely sunbathing on a long chair. Effortless and chic, her natural beauty is highlighted by the warm sunlight, the water reflection and her silky hair flowing.

In reality the set-up was far less glamour. Useless to say that there was no pool in sight as it was all shot in my small living room. And to achieve this kind of lighting I asked Mia to lie down under a large transparent container filled with water. The light was directly pointing to her face filtered through the water swayed by Nichole.

Things are not always as they seem, but I love creating stories.

For the whole editorial story that interprets the theme by the pool you can view Part 1 and part 2

Creative team Model: Mia Brooks | HMUA: Nichole Lee | Photography @VivianePerenyi

Beauty | By the Pool | Part 2

Click through to see part 1 of this series.

For the second interpretation of the ‘by the pool’ concept, the subject is the girl next door who just came out of the swimmingpool after a lap or two. She’s heading to the changing room with her hair and skin wet and her natural beauty barely enhanced.

This series was part of the editorial publication Dreamingless | Issue 49

Creative team Model: Mia Brooks | HMUA: Nichole Lee | Photographer Viviane Perenyi

Beauty | By the Pool | Part 1

These beauty shots were part of an editorial feature and a series on the theme swimming pool.

Inspiration

Initially inspired by an image while creating a mood board, the theme sparked different stories in my mind. Each narrative with a corresponding look:

• Athletic

• Casual (part 2)

• Chic (part 3)

Synopsis

For this athletic look, we are at the edge of the pool, the competitive swimmer is getting ready, warming up, focused and determine to win. And in the last shot, the competition is over, the athlete has triumphed.

Messsage

It’s a combination of different elements that helped convey the message of strength and fierceness:

• The use of relevant props -swim cap and goggles- essential for the competitive context.

• The choice of make up with bold lipstick -because it’s a beauty story after all.

• The lighting -clamshell setup- to draw attention to details like the water drops on the skin and sculpt the cheekbones.

• The black and white edit that remove distraction and bring focus.

Coming soon: Part 2 of the series with a different interpretation of the theme and a casual look.

Editorial work published in Dreamingless magazine | Issue 49.

Thanks to the team: Model Mia Brooks and HMUA Nichole Lee

Beauty | Rocci

Here’s one more look that was part of this editorial feature.  The light this time creates a dramatic look and emphasises facial expression and beauty of the bare skin.

While these were outtakes, I like how strong yet simple they are.

Thanks to Rocci for lending her beautiful face and Nichole for the mise-en-beauté skill.

Beauty | Editorial | Unshakeable

For this editorial feature in issue 48 of Dreamingless magazine, I let Nichole, hair and makeup artist, tell you her approach, inspiration and how she built different compelling looks.

When I get the comp card of the model, that is when the initial inspiration start to form. I have a library of clippings and images that I keep on my phone that I like and might want to try out. What really stood out about Rocci when I saw her comp card and then in real life is her bone structure (especially her cheek bones and jawline). Which fit in really well with Viviane’s androgynous, moody vibe that she wanted to try out. I then draft out the look sequence. Normally going from minimal no-makeup look, building up to a dramatic look for practicality.

For Rocci, it was an obvious move to do a wing eyeliner to keep the angle sharp and strong. Sometimes what I had planned goes out the window as the day progresses and I like working with things that I am drawn to on the day. Rocci really looked amazing when she had an intense facial expression. Which meant I wanted to play with the shadows of her brows so the final look ended up being a electric blue smokey eye that emulated the 80’s power makeup. This then led to her with a match in her mouth, clenching her jawline and frowning as though she is James Dean out of Rebel without a cause (the coat collar up and all!). Her hair was slicked back to really emphasise her cheekbones and jawline. 

I like throwing visual and conceptual ideas at the model so that they can really embrace the overall feel that we are going for. Usually iconic Hollywood star or movie references tend to work.

The inspiration comes from the visual world that we live in, but ultimately, the subject that sits in front of me in the makeup chair determines my ultimate look.

Thank you Nichole for sharing your thought process.

Model: Rocci Smit

HMUA: Nichole Lee

Photographer: Viviane Perényi