February 13th, 2009 by admin

Q: What does the HERO’S System stand for and how does it help actors?

A: HERO’S stands for Health, Education, Relationships, Opportunity, and Spirituality. My goal is to help individuals achieve balance in all those areas. Life is complex and tough to navigate without the right tools. We can choose to figure it out on our own and learn from our mistakes or we can find someone to teach us how to learn from the successes and failures of others. As a professional coach, I’ve helped people attain their goals, and these people include actors and models. Most importantly, you have to be happy about the journey you’re taking while achieving your goals.

Q: What do you have to say about attaining goals?

A: Attaining a goal is about perseverance and going about it in a smart way. Are you making decisions based on reliable information? Have you done your research to make sure your goal is realistic for you? Are you working towards your goal every day? Are you connecting with the right people? Getting the right coaching? Finding people with integrity who will work with you until you achieve your dream is really important.

Q: What opportunities are available in this area for an actor to earn a living?

A: Many actors work also as models to support themselves. But it’s important to be realistic when seeking work in the field of modeling. Physical attributes determine the kind of modeling someone can do. An eighty-year-old can be a print model, but not a fashion model. Companies also hire models to promote their products. There are tradeshows, car shows, technology fairs, and home shows every weekend in this area and these companies hire models to promote their products. It pays for companies to hire someone with a vivacious and friendly personality to stand on showroom floors and at tradeshows because that attracts people to their booth or product. And, as we know, happy people are attractive. But people can’t just walk in and expect to be hired because of a pretty face. They have to be smart. They have to learn scripts, be go-getters, and talk to people intelligently about the products. The age range for promotional models is generally between 20 and 40, but a good looking fifty-year-old can make it. Promotional models don’t get paid as much as fashion models do, but they may get more work because more work is available. The pay can be as low as $25 an hour and as high as $100 an hour.

Q: How do you recommend actors and models get noticed by an agency or casting director?

A: People who prepare themselves as the best package get representation. The field is too competitive to leave things to chance. If you’re not doing everything you can to be the best you can be, you’re wasting your time. Get the proper coaching. Go to acting classes and modeling courses. Learn to do your own makeup. Don’t discount these skills by thinking — “oh, if I’m pretty enough they’ll really want me and pay for all my pictures.” That’s not the way it works. On the other hand, you can be the best actor in the world, but if you’re not presented in a way that shows it, you won’t get hired. Something as simple as dressing up a little, fixing your hair, and putting on a little makeup can make the difference between getting the job and not. Success doesn’t come about by chance or luck. Success is a learnable skill.

Q: What do agencies look for in talent?

A: A model or actor has to exhibit an appealing personality. This is all about commercialism. A film actor has to sell the movie, just as a commercial actor, or print or promotional model has to sell the product. Someone who is untrained or unprepared won’t be cast because that doesn’t make the product look good. You have to prepare and present yourself to fit the bill to get hired.

Q: Do actors have the same physical restrictions as models?

A: Theatre actors have fewer physical parameters than camera actors. There is always room for another good character actor. The kinds of roles you get offered depend on your look, voice, and acting ability. People who look trim, fit, healthy, and happy will have more opportunities for camera work than those who don’t. You also need the right connections. I’m not saying to go in covertly and become involved with the casting director or president of the company. You need to go through the proper channels to meet and get the word out to the right people that you’re available for work. Then, persevere. You might go to ten auditions and not make one of them, but at the 11^th audition they want you — they love you, you’re perfect for the role. Your success is based on the number of times you go out there and fail because, in this industry, as in any area of life, you’re not going to win every time. The more often you try and fail, the closer you are to succeeding.

Q: In addition to coaching people for auditions, you also prepare them for their photographs. What is the process?

A: When I prepare someone for taking headshots, the first thing I ask is: “What kind of actor are you? Are you the prim and proper newscaster type seeking industrial and commercial work? Are you a character actor doing creative theatre work?” If you want to work as a model, you need a composite card. What the person wants to accomplish determines how they are coached. I also do their makeup and hair and help select outfits. Looking one’s best is important to succeeding in any field, and especially so in the highly visible fields of acting and modeling where so much depends on appearance.

Q: Is hiring a makeup artist and stylist always necessary, and is it expensive?

A: Going cheap isn’t always economical. When you’re being photographed, you can’t see what the camera sees. You can’t step back and look at yourself through the lens. It’s impossible. I look at my subject through the lens of the camera to see if she has enough blush on and that her hair and clothes are right. I’m not saying everybody always needs a good makeup artist, but it’s an insurance policy that you’ll get the best photographs the first time.

Q: Do men and women both need makeup artists?

A: I think it’s a good idea. Men are usually charged less than women are charged because it’s more basic with guys. It’s more about applying highlighters and concealers in the right places and making sure the hair is right. We don’t get into the eyeliners, shadows and lashes with men.

Q: Do you work with agencies?

A: In the actor and modeling arena, I do make-up artistry for potential talent referred from many different agencies. Sometimes they ask us — “Was this person good? Was she easy to work with?” They want to know if the person they’re going to hire has what it takes to do the job. Maybe they’re choosing between two people. When someone is difficult for us to work with, I would be hesitant to recommend them. When the person is engaging, charismatic, pleasant, and enthusiastic, that’s something I think an agency would want to know as well. This is especially true for promotional models hired to work with the public. Sometimes I’ve gotten together people’s photographs and have gone with them to agencies to help them interview. These are agencies with whom we have established a mutual respect, and frankly, people we refer end up getting work because they’ve got that extra validation of being someone of character and good to work with.

Q: What advice do you have for actors to persevere through disappointment?

A: If you’ve got a dream, don’t let anybody steal it from you. Maybe you go into an audition and the producer or director annihilates you — “you’re the worst, I can’t imagine you want to be an actor.” Well, you know what? That’s only one opinion. You go to a different audition and it’s going to be a different story. You’ve got to learn to become bulletproof and how to pick yourself up and go on. If you need to work on the strength of your dream, then work on it. You are responsible for developing your own self-esteem and confidence. Seek out the company of friends and family members who support you. If you are having difficulties getting the jobs you want, find people to help you realistically assess and maybe redefine your goals, and help you improve yourself as a total package. Get lots of referrals. Ask people in the industry who they think are the good teachers. Ask the photographer for recommendations on acting coaches. Ask agencies who they think can help you put together the best composite card. Ask lots of questions and don’t assume one person has all the answers. Nobody is that knowledgeable.

Q: What’s one of our biggest hurdles in attaining our goals?

A: Oftentimes it’s fear. We all have fear of something. When I’m afraid of attempting something new, I think, how will I feel five years from now thinking back — “I should have done that, I really missed an opportunity.” We only have so much time and that’s finite. We need to be clear about what we want and go for it. If you aren’t succeeding as well as you’d hoped, find a knowledgeable coach or mentor, someone who cares about your success. It’s easier to reach your dream with someone cheering you on.

Laurett Ellsworth has worked in television and model-actor development, and has worked and traveled throughout the world. She has won the titles of Mrs. Virginia and Mrs. America and does private and corporate coaching through her company, HERO’S Strategies. Within two years of setting her goal to win a national pageant, she was crowned Mrs. United States in 1997 and went on to win a second national Title, that of Mrs. America 2002.

Mary Ann Sust is a Washington, D.C., writer and interviewer who has written and hosted articles and monthly columns on beauty and skincare, veterinary/public health issues, and arts and entertainment. She has worked as an actor and in casting at Central Casting USA. She is also an independent skincare consultant.

Digital Glamour

February 13th, 2009 by admin

One of my first award winning photographs was a photo with a waterfall in the background and a stream leading from its base right into the foreground. I was standing in the middle of the stream at a fairly low angle, but what made this photo unique was that I had also managed to capture several stars reflecting off the water. I admit it; it was pure luck, but with so many people impressed by those little stars . . . I started looking for ways to be able to do that whenever I wanted. That was when I first started exploring the world of photo filters.

Photo filters are NOT going to change a bad photo to a good one, BUT . . . they may change a good photo into a great one. In other words; filters are like the frosting on the cake, if the cake itself tastes bad, it doesn’t matter how sweet the frosting is. For the sake of this photo article we are going to assume you know how to make a good cake (take a good photo), and now you are ready to go to the next level.

Star Filters - these are available in 4 point, 6 point, or 8 point variety. These photo filters add glamour to nature or highly reflective surfaces (like someone playing a trumpet).

Polarizer - this type of photo filter is often thought of for enhancing clouds in the sky, but they also give you more control with reflections on water or glass. They also help with extreme photo lighting situations like snow or sand.

Close-Up Filter Set - not everybody can afford an extra $300 to $400 for a macro lens, this set of photo filters is well worth the investment. This gives you the edge to be able to take advantage of, and photograph the unexpected; whether it is a butterfly on a flower or dew on the morning grass.

Split Field Filter - A Split Field Filter allows you to go beyond the limits of traditional depth of field in photography. Half of the lens is basically a close up filter, half is regular glass. Now you can take an extreme close up photo of a flower at the edge of a vast canyon and still have BOTH sections of your photo look crystal clear.

Split Color Filter - This filter comes in several combinations. Similar to the split field filter, part of the filter is just regular glass, BUT the other half is colored. If half the filter is deep orange for example, you can take a photo of any mountain range and make it look like it was taken at sunset.

Spot Filter - The idea behind a spot filter is that a small portion of your photo will appear sharp (usually a spot in the middle) and the rest of the photo looks soft and dreamy. Often used in Wedding pictures or individual portraits.

Soft Focus Filter - As the name implies this photo filter gives the entire image a soft focus or dreamy effect. Use this VERY sparingly or people will think you can’t focus.

Besides photo filters there are some other small items that you should tuck into your camera bag to help you improve photographic opportunities. The cost of these photo gadgets are relatively small but can give you big time (professional looking) results.

Double Sided Poster Board - For many years I carried a 10 inch x 12 inch poster board that was black on one side and white on the other. This can be used to make a small subject stand out from

the back ground. A small tree frog on grass is much harder to see than one against a black background. This can also be used for controlling light like a small photo reflector.

Spray Bottle - having a small spray bottle of water means now you can take a “flowers with morning dew” photo, even if it’s the middle of the afternoon. You can make athletes sweat when you want them to; or wet down wild hair that is blowing in the wind for better outdoor portraits.

The last fairly cheap item for big results is a Tripod or a Monopod. Tripods don’t have to be built so a man can sit on it to be of good quality. And if you are worried about space as you are taking your wonderful photo trek into the wilderness consider a monopod. It offers stability as well as making a good walking stick.

All of these items are considered photo add-ons. None of them are required to make a great photo, but when the opportunity arises it’s good to know you have the right tools at your disposal. Of course there are hundred of other photo gadgets and gizmos that you can get, but I advise sticking with the basics. Far more important than anything you can add to the outside, is the vision you have on the inside. Learn the elements of design. Practice leading lines, balance, repetition, framing and the rule of thirds . . . these are the ingredients of a great photo. All the rest is just frosting on the cake.

Award winning writer / photographer Tedric Garrison has over 30 years experience in photography. As a Graphic Art Major, he has a unique perspective on the Elements of Design and how those elements relate to all aspects of photography. His photo eBook “Your Creative Edge” (http://www.betterphototips.com/creativeedge.htm) proves that creativity CAN be taught. Today, he shares his wealth of knowledge with the world, at: http://www.betterphototips.com

Digital Glamour

February 12th, 2009 by admin

Babies can be the most challenging and rewarding portraits to take, but can also be the most frustrating.

Babies tend to sleep, eat and cry a lot and won’t pose in front of the camera but don’t let that put you off photographing them. Creating the perfect baby portrait, when done right, will certainly be rewarding.

One of the most important factors in photographing babies is patience and the way you apply child psychology when relating to the baby. Babies over six months may be shy and won’t react well to a complete stranger. This is where child psychology comes in - you must try to play with the baby, or even become a child yourself while taking the photograph. The keys of your car can be very effective. But remember, your job is to take a baby portrait; you must be able to react quickly when the infant responds to your entertainment.

Shooting a portrait of a newborn baby can be difficult. At this age the baby will not be active, so it’s better to focus on close-up headshots. Try using natural light from a bedroom window to add mood to the portrait.

Babies over a few months of age will be more alert and will have a lot more movement in them. Shooting fast is a necessity, the infant will tire quickly.

Babies seven months or older can be very tricky to shoot. The baby will bore quickly and will not want to stay in the same position.

If you are serious about baby photography and you tend to shoot from your own studio make sure you have a lot of toys to amuse the infants. A light colour background will work best and shoot the portraits in colour and black and white.

Parents may be worried about the affect of studio lights on their baby. Point out that strobe lights have no effect on kids. Try to point this out before the parent asks.

Don’t ever handle a baby without the parents consent. Most parents will be very protective and won’t react well to a stranger lifting the infant.

Watch out for the fingers - fingers in the mouth can be attractive but on most occasions they will obscure the face.

If you plan to resell the baby photograph to an agency make sure you get a release form signed from the parents. There is a large market out there for baby pictures but agencies or magazines won’t touch them without the parents consent. For baby portraits to be sellable they must be technically perfect, but the picture must illustrate the baby being active or some form of child care.

TJ Tierney is an award winning Irish Landscape photographer and a freelance writer. He frequently writes for the Art site Goldprints.com and the Gift ideas site shop-4us.com

To view or buy some of his images visit his on-line gallery of - Pictures of Ireland and flower pictures

Digital Glamour

February 12th, 2009 by admin

Creating a model portfolio is a process

Ok, you’re ready to create your portfolio. All you have to do is contact your local photographer, set up a photo session, have prints made and put them in a book, right? WRONG!!!
You want your model portfolio to be professional, complete, and impressive when you show it. This is one of the single most important steps you’ll take other than promotion so get it right!

What is a model portfolio?

Your model portfolio book will be made up of a book with anywhere between 10 and 25 photos normally consisting of 9×12 prints.
You will want a good selection of different types of “looks” in your portfolio. For example; have some photos created indoors in a home setting, some in the studio, some outdoors in different locations.

Also include shots which may be considered commercial, fashion, casual, and editorial content. Ask the photographer to help you with choosing looks that best fit your personality and the type modeling you wish to pursue.

You’ll also want to include a good headshot (without makeup) and a good body shot (swimwear or tight-fitting clothing) especially if you plan to apply to the larger model markets. These larger markets such as the top NY agencies like to see exactly what they are getting when they view your photos. They don’t want to see fancy posing or clutter, just you so keep this in mind when creating model photos for them to view.

Do not think that “more is better”. It’s much more effective to have 8 absolutely beautiful, perfectly shot photos in your portfolio than 100 mediocre ones.

Please keep this in mind when putting your portfolio together because it’s very important! If you have to really pine over whether or not an image makes the grade for quality or belongs in your model book, it most likely doesn’t.

A professional photographer or agent can help you decide when it comes to quality of photos so ask for advice if you’re not sure. Also, you can view model images on agency websites or on my on site at www.bobpardue.com/model/photo-gallery to see if the quality of your image is up to standard.

Let’s get started

Now, let’s get started in developing your model portfolio. A really good, complete model portfolio is not created overnight. You will develop it as you develop your talent by working with different photographers.

Different photographers? Won’t this cost a fortune?

A terrific model portfolio won’t cost you a fortune if you follow the simple steps below. Your model portfolio will not be free, mind you, but way less expensive than paying several different photographers to shoot each section.

Step One - Paid Photo Session

If you are working on a tight budget, this may be a little painful to you but worth it if you are trying to build a killer portfolio.

Finding a photographer for your first model session

Although your local portrait photographer may be teriffic in doing family portraits or weddings, he/she may not know all the ins and outs of creating a model portfolio. You may want to check to see if they offer this service but I would check places like One Model Place or Model Mayhem for photographers who are well experienced in portfolio work.

You should be able to hire a really good photographer for anywhere between $300. to $1,000. with the latter being the extreme in a high-end market area. I would think the average would be around $600.
When choosing your photographer, don’t just base your decision on price. If the photographer can’t produce those perfect images for your portfolio, it doesn’t matter what it costs!

What you should ask the photographer

Below are some questions to ask your photographer before agreeing to hire him/her for the job of creating your model portfolio.

Ask if he is experienced in model portfolio development - Be sure to choose a photographer who is used to creating model portfolios so that there is less chance of confusion about what you need and desire in your portfolio

Ask where the photographer is located (This really seems silly but I have received hundreds of contacts from across the US just because models brought up my website when they did a search on photographers in their areas)

Ask for references of recent model shoots (contact at least two models)

Ask for the price range for portfolio packages, how many photos, etc.

Tell the photographer the type 0f model images you need and ask if she has the ability to create them

Ask who will provide the hair and makeup artist(s), you or the photographer. This varies greatly and I would suggest having these services no matter who provides them

Ask if he provides retouching or airbrushing services and whether this is included in the original fee given

Ask how the photos are delivered - This also depends on the photographer’s way of doing business so is very important. For instance, we deliver all our images on cd but in printable and web formats so that the model can have copies made whenever she needs them. Also, this means she does not have to print every photo to get what she needs.

Ask about usage rights - This question relates to the previous one. It’s very important that you receive usage and reprint rights for your promotions. If the photographer does not offer reprint rights, ask about usage of the prints. You may be able to work something out with him

Ask how long it takes to receive your images after the shoot. You don’t want to wait for an eternity or until you are six months older before receiving your portfolio photos.

Ask about clothing and props - What should you furnish and does the photographer have any props and/or outfits on hand

Ask if she will assist you in your posing - Tell her that you are new and ask for posing suggestions

Ask if you can bring a friend or parent (If the photographer refuses this request, I would suggest looking for a different photographer)

Ask if the photographer will help in your promotion - Not the usual job of the photographer but some will. We offer an online comp card album online for six months with each model portfolio session.

Ask the photographer if she offers a guarantee. You should be well satisfied with your photos. After all, it’s your model portfolio you will be showing to the world so you’ll want it done right!

Whew!!! You may say, “That’s a fountain of questions!! A geyser!!” but all these questions are essential to choosing your photographer wisely and will help you to have a better chance of working with someone you can trust to create your all-important model portfolio.

I hope that this report has been helpful to you and I hope you lots of success in your modeling career!

Bob Pardue is a professional model photographer located in the Southeastern US. His work has been published worldwide. Bob Pardue Photography

Digital Glamour

February 12th, 2009 by admin

Portrait photos are not difficult to take but do take some practice and skills. This article will try to get you to take better portrait photos by providing some easy tips and techniques.

Gestures

The gestures of the model you are taking portrait shots of must be authentic. Unauthentic gestures will make the photos very fake and “canned”. You do not want this at all. To get good gestures you must be sure that the model is relaxed and comfortable with you. This is not that difficult with adults but with children it can be harder.

To get children more relaxed give them some candy, a coloring book, or a Barney stuffed animal. If it’s a young adult then give them Dark Wing Duck videos and their childhood memories will come back and they’ll instantly relate to you.

Positioning

You want to position the models body in an interesting yet realistic way. You don’t want crazy poses but something that is nice and pleasing to look at. The best way to get better at posing models is to look at the model as a silhouette. How would you take their picture if they were void of any details and one solid color. This will get you to see the lines and shapes of their body and take better pictures of them.

Sometimes the best way to take pictures of people is when they don’t realize you’re taking pictures of them. Talk to them and get them laughing and then shoot the photo. That will be the most authentic.

Al Sanez has a Free Video that shows you how to learn digital photography tips

Digital Glamour

February 11th, 2009 by admin

When shooting in a studio one of the frequent demands is to create a perfect white background or a perfect black background. Whilst small variations can be corrected using software such as photoshop this will frequently change the subject as well. Also fine detail such as hair might be lost. It is always best to try to light your subjects as close as possible to the final image and not rely on photoshop. You will however require a flash meter to get the settings right, otherwise there will be a large amount of trial and error.

White Backgrounds.

For this situation you will not only a light for the subject but also lights to illuminate the background. The backlight should be set up so that it provides a diffuse light over the background that will be in shot. There are various ways of achieving this, the easiest method I have found is to set up some cheap flash units that having an optical firing system.

When you have set up all the lights, turn off the studio flash which will be for the subject or model you are shooting. Then fire the background flashes and make a measure of the lighting. The figure you get, say for example f32, will be to produce a neutral grey. To make this pure white you need to over expose by 2 or 3 stops, so adjust the exposure accordingly (f11 for the above example).

Now turn off the backlights and turn on the models light and adjust the light output so that you get the correct amount of light for the chosen exposure.

Now turn on all the lights and do some test shots. You will probably have to make some minor adjustments to the exposure depending on the actual photographic studio set up you have. How confined the space, what color the walls are, how how the ceiling is will all effect the amount of reflected light and consequently the exposure and light levels you need. You will however be in the right ball park.

One frequent problem to look out for is the background having subtle variations from white to light grey. By repositioning the backlight or backlights and perhaps adding additional lights or diffusers this can be corrected. Don’t fall into the frequent trap of trying to increasing the backlight massively so you have a 3 stop over exposure in the darkest area of the background and a greater over exposure say 4 or 5 stops nearest the light. This will create problems with lighting the subject, especially if you are working in a confined space.

Black Backgrounds

A black background for photography is actually far easier to achieve than a white background. There is one simple rule that will ensure that your blacks and jet black if you follow it. Make sure your background is at least twice the distance from the light source than the subject is. It really is that simple. If you have the space and there is little reflected light you will also be able to turn a charcoal grey background cloth into a jet black one by moving the background further back.

By using these two tips you will find that your photography is so much more enjoyable - when you finish a photoshoot you will find that your images are perfect without having to resort to changing levels or curves in photoshop. Above all experiment and enjoy your photography.

Paul Klein lives and works in Loughborough. He is currently undertaking a project to photographically document places and events in Loughborough. The work to date can be seen at Photographs of Loughborough.

Digital Glamour

February 11th, 2009 by admin

If you are serious about your hobby, consider joining a camera club. Most areas will have at least one camera club and some places will sport several to choose from. There’s bound to be one near to you. There will be groups of people, just like you, with a love and passion for photography. And you can learn from every one of them.

Clubs vary from one to another. Some will have their own premises and resources. Others will rent the facilities. All of them will share your enthusiasm. And all will offer a warm welcome.

Things you can expect include:

- Regular meetings

- Social nights

- Exhibitions

- Competitions

- A photographic library

- Digital imaging resources

- Portrait studio and resources

- Expert speakers

- News, views, tips and advice

- Specialist groups, meetings and outings

- Inter-club associations

- Discounts on purchases and second-hand equipment

- Digital and non-digital darkrooms

All clubs need a subscription to fund their existence and some charge for certain events (for example, meetings). Subscriptions are great value for money. You can learn a great deal from the work of others and most members will be pleased to discuss their techniques with you.

And, there is no better feeling than having someone ask YOU how you managed a certain effect!

Join now. It is really worth it.

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com

Digital Glamour

February 11th, 2009 by admin

What do men find attractive? Maddeningly explosive or elegantly presented? Surveys have shown that, most of the men don’t find too flashy, trashy or cheesy outfits much of alluring. This is also quite true for lingerie too. My dear ladies, you want to look sexy? Trust me you do not necessarily have to be a daredevil and put on lingerie which might question the most primitive pattern of clothing! You can still look sexy and inevitable with much less exposure- all you have to do is put in a little thought while choosing lingerie.

One most important motive behind opting for sexy lingerie is to be appealing in front of the partner. Now, before you start applying the rules of attraction from some book you have read- here is a secret which you can treasure all your life; romance is nothing extinct, it is rather alive and kicking. So there is no point in attempting to allure a guy unless you learn to blend tasty amount of romance in it. So girls say welcome to satins and laces.

Of course guys can have latex fetishes or they can be gawking at those almost-wearing-nothing models- yet most of the guys cannot ignore the kissing touch of satin on a velvety skin, nor will he be able to deny the seduction of fancy-exquisite crochet laces. Most of the guys love personality emitting from women body-it makes them believe that there has been a touch of art in the whole romantic procedure, in the ways of making love.

If you are ready to spend a little money that, I will suggest you that you opt for brand ones. There are loads of quality lingerie brands available. To name few- Le Parla, Eres, Victoria’s secret. Even the brands like Calvin Klein and Christian Dior also launches lingerie. For young girls Lycra has been quite a buzz. This lingerie definitely leaves off those cheap porn-like look, and make woman look radiant and a lot more appealing. In other words they make women look a hell of sexy.

Moreover, that cheap and trashy lingerie are not that comfortable either. They tend to emphasize on exposure and in the process they rudely sacrifice another vital issue of lingerie- providing comfort. I don’t think any of the women will say they were comfortable in super-push up bras or crotch less panties. Such lingerie is too contemporary to use- they only serve for a moment! Lingerie looks the most exotic when it suits the wearer’s body- not when it makes body parts of the wearer pop out and thus make her the most uncomfortable.

Also remember to include a good looking and elegant night wear to your sexy lingerie wardrobe. Such dresses at night- sure to turn your partner on! Also the fact that sexy lingerie can instantly turn on the mood for passive lovemaking and some intense romantic sessions makes the sexier lingerie as an elegant luxury by the world’s foremost and most passionate lovers.

If you are looking to buy sexy lingerie online, you should look for a vendor that has excellent customer service and good reputation. Klyque is a recognized brand and has excelled in customer reputation being one of the best lingerie store online.

Digital Glamour

February 11th, 2009 by admin

Pubic hair shave is not a taboo any more. It seems like all women are shaving pubic hair. It is not an unusual phenomenon which is attributed only to models and athletes any more. Find out why pubic hair shave is so popular and what the hot pubic hair shave fashion is nowadays.

So why is pubic hair shave so popular?

1. More and more women are exposed to the issue of pubic hair shave. Every body’s talking about pubic hair shaving — Pubic hair shaving stories and guides are being published on the media.

2. Models, actress and other celebrities which are serving as role models are shaving their pubic hair and speak of it publicly.

3. Pubic hair shave has become more accessible — Pubic shavers and accessories can be found in most of the department and cosmetic stores and on fair prices.

4. Pubic hair shave is easier, faster and causes less pain than ever. The modern shavers have been developed for years to apply the most effective pubic shaving.

5. Pubic hair shave provides a great feeling of freedom and helps you feel better with your body. It is one of a wide selection of cosmetic treatments that have become popular in the last couple of years like teeth whitening, sunless tanning etc.

What is hottest pubic hair shave fashion?

There are two trends that are definitely the most popular of all pubic female shaving styles.

The first one is the Brazilian Bikini wax. In this pubic hair shaving method all the pubic hair is being shaved. It is recommended to have a professional to Brazilian Bikini waxing you. You could find a Brazilian Bikini Wax in any big city. Gwyneth Platrow and Naomi Campbell have done it. What about you?

The second hot pubic hair shaving trend is the different pubic hair cuts. A few samples would be the star, the arrow, the heart, the butterfly or the traditional downward or upward triangle. Many women make a pleasant surprise for their boy friend / husband with a new pubic haircut each time.

You are welcome to join the club of pubic hair shaving.

911 corp. has made a research on the issue of pubic hair shave — find the best methods and shavers only on Pubic hair shave center. http://www.leandernet.com/Pubic_shaving/Pubic_shaving.php — Your home for hair issues

Digital Glamour

February 10th, 2009 by admin

There are a number of photographers in any given area offering portrait and wedding services. Do a simple Google search, and you are bombarded with information on different photographers. So, how do you choose a reputable photographer that is just right for you?

Here are some simple guidelines to help you find just the right photographer for you and your needs and avoid disreputable individuals whose only aim is to collect your money and run.

* Visit the photography website, learn about the photographer and view the available digital samples. If you like the style of the images presented, schedule an appointment to see the studio and view framed wall portraits. Digital images are great, but they are no substitute for framed portraits. You need to know that the print quality is excellent and worth the price you will pay.

* Look for testimonials from clients. You want to know that other clients have been satisfied with the work offered by a particular photographer. If you don’t find testimonials, look elsewhere.

* Choose a photographer who is a full time professional. There are so many people out there trying to make money with their digital cameras by trying to convince consumers that they are “professionals.” You wouldn’t hire a part-time doctor, lawyer, or dentist. So, don’t hire someone who is only a photographer part of the time.

* Beware of the “soccer mom with a camera” photographers. There are a ton of folks like these out there who offer to meet you in a park, take photos and hand you a disk of images. What you will get from that session is virtually worthless. If you are going to make an investment in photography, be sure to work with a reputable professional who will stand behind their work and still be there tomorrow if you have a problem.

* Make sure you are offered a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Fine photography can be a significant investment. You need to know you will get the quality and service you are paying for and deserve.

* Don’t choose your photographer based on price alone. While it may be tempting to call on offers for free sessions, you will get what you pay for. Visit a few studios, interview the photographers and then make your decision. Otherwise, you may end up with mediocre photographs at best. Any price you pay for mediocrity is too much.

* Beware of prices or free offers that appear too good to be true. They probably are. Department store and mall studios are particularly bad about offering teaser rates to get clients through the door. Then, clients realize that to have the portraits they really want, they have to pay as much or even more than they would have if they had chosen a professional studio. Also, keep in mind that photographers who give away their time (sessions) and products for free place little or no value on what they do. So, why should you?

* Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Make sure you are offered a number of choices for backdrops, session locations, clothing options, etc. You don’t want your portraits to look like everyone else’s. So, beware of studios offering one or two backdrops and few, if any, props, sets or location options.

* Extras! Does the studio you are considering offer incentives, promotions and other savings? Be sure to fully understand the details of what you are getting.

* Is the studio flexible as far as rescheduling sessions, if necessary? Some studios will charge a high fee if you have to reschedule. Things happen, and the studio you choose should be flexible and understanding.

* Avoid working with any studio that forces you to choose from unretouched, unedited images. You are investing in professional portraits, not raw digital image files. How can you be sure of the final printed image if you don’t even get to see the edited portrait in advance?

* Ask how many proof images or portrait originals you will view and choose from. If the answer is more than 40 or so, then the photographer clearly lacks focus and isn’t taking the time to understand what you are looking for. It’s nearly impossible to narrow down images when you have to weed through more than about 40 images.

* Does the photographer you are considering take the time to meet you in advance of your session and plan your session thoroughly? If not, consider finding one who will. Snapshot studios, not unlike department store or mall studios, will cram as many people through the door as possible and use the same canned poses to maximize profits. They care little about getting to know YOU or what you want in your portraits. Professional studios, on the other hand, will generally plan to meet clients prior to the scheduled session and coordinate clothing, backdrops, location settings, etc. After all, how can someone purport to capture the “real” you if they don’t know you?

* Be sure to always visit the studio you are considering for your portraits BEFORE you book. Are there plenty of creature comforts to make you feel at home? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Are you treated with respect and care? Does the studio go out of its way to make you feel special?

* Does the photographer have a good reputation within your community? Does he/she contribute to the community, charities, schools, etc?

* Check your photographer’s credentials. Are they self taught or professionally trained? How long has he/she been a photographer? Is the photographer a member of Professional Photographers of America and/or other professional organizations? If not, find a photographer who is a member of at least one professional organization.

Whether you are looking for a photographer to create a precious family portrait, high school senior portrait, children’s portrait, pet portrait or maternity portrait, be sure you are working with a dedicated professional who truly cares about you and your portraits. Fine portrait photography is an investment. Be sure you take the time to choose wisely.

Kim Balsman is a published author and professional photographer based in Longmont, Colorado. Kim owns Balsman Photography, a fine portrait photography studio offering heirloom quality modern classic portraits for families, children, high school seniors, pets and models. Kim is a member of Professional Photographers of America, Wedding & Portrait Photographers International and Senior Photographers International. Her work has been featured in a variety of print and online publications, including international magazines.

Digital Glamour