Greetings all!

We’ve been shooting like mad women but we’ve decided to give you a peek behind the set! Every model knows that there is a list of prep work for them to do to prepare for shoots. It starts with what they do, then I continue to transform them once they sit in my chair. Being a model can take patience with all the poking and prodding and fussing that is constantly done to you. Take a look at some of the prep and maintenance that I dole out to our awesome model Rachelle!

I started out creating a flawless canvas using airbrush foundation. I’ve hyped up airbrush makeup before because of its staying properties under some super tough conditions, and this is just another time when it is an amazing choice. Models are subjected to varying weather conditions for outside shoots, but for this indoor studio shoot, the heat from the lights can also cause premature meltdown if you’re not careful. I’m using Temptu’s S/B airbrush formula products for my foundation, which is sweat and tear resistant. Perfect to resist fading and sliding!

When it was time to take out the lovely, yet fashionable rods from Rachelle’s hair, I then went through to sculpt the curls into cascading waves. She had an amazing head of hair to work with, so it was truly a breeze! A little product to tame flyaways and create the final product helped to set the stage that much further.

Playing around with the fan to get the hair to catch a little breeze can occasionally cause you to have to go back in. With an abundance of hair, it is inevitable that you’ll have to reposition a rogue strand or two. But it for the good of the shot so it’s cool!!

We normally aim to change things up for variety while shooting. When you have hair like this, you can play around with numerous options to give you variations on your look so you’ll have more to choose from in post production. And maybe I just wanted to get my hand in there again

Creating an awesome shot takes a lot of preparation, work, time and effort. You always want to make sure that your doing everything with a purpose. Everything that I do to my model’s face and hair has a purpose. You want to create a look that doesn’t hide them, but allows that inner chosen part of them to come out and play the role they’re in for the day. Whether is vixen, doll, natural beauty or dark mistress…everything begins with being a strong spirit that shines through your eyes. A facial and 8-10 glasses of water a day helps too

Thanks for checking in!! More to come..

Erica~

Meet Stephanie Hernandez, a 22 year old aspiring model/actress. She is currently taking the steps to developing her entertainment resume. So far she has been featured in music videos and promotions but she is currently auditioning for roles in films and television. Stephanie hopes to network with professionals and learn more about what it takes to become successful in the entertainment industry. I was originally photographing Stephanie’s friend Suzette James when she asked me to do some head shots of her as well. Take a look at them and tell us what you think in the comments section. =)
Model: Stephanie Hernandez
Make up & Hair : Melanie Swaby
Photography : www.indiajackson.com

This is 20 year old 1/2 Black 1/2 Chinese Suzette James… you can find her on several music videos and TV commercials. More of her work is coming soon so keep checking back =)

More from India’s shoot with the wonderful Hampton, Virginia based photographer

Click HERE to see India’s previous showcase of Lee’s work….

Instead of adhering to just a single photography look and feel, Nuaje Visions takes pride in being able to execute a variety of photography styles to fit the mood or concept being shot. From a soft pastel fashion campaign to a high energy “FHM” glamour shoot, they’ve got you covered. I met the team at Nuaje visions at the start of their photography career in June of 2006. I went on to work with them numerous times as a model, and through modeling I built a long lasting friendship with their staff. Nuaje Visions has also played a vital role in my knowledge and advancement as a photographer through our dynamic mentoring friendship. Here are some of the images from one of their first testshoots as a photography business and one of my first sessions as a model:

Click HERE to view more of Nuaje’s work….