Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Not a professional photographer…. Albeit hold a cosmetologist license in makeup artistry… as such I’m a commercial bridal makeup artist… Learned photograph simply by assisting other commercial shooters in my market. (Also an ASMP Associate)

As requested: Camera: Nikon D3x; Lens: AF-S 200-400mm f/4 IF ED VR Nikkor
Illumination: Classic Paramount with strip softbox kickers and silver parabolic overhead hair light. Foam core reflector just out of frame at chest level. Illumination balanced with incident light meter.

Model: 12 year old tween commercial model (Currently Unsigned)
Makeup: Samantha (Studio MUA)
Hair: Devon formally with VOGUE NYC (Studio Stylist)
I’m guilty of Creative Direction and Photography
Pearls compliments of David Joseph Designs
Hope this might have merit…
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Tween Model

(Download)

BTS: MUA (D3x w/ AF 80-200mm f/2.8)

(Download)

BTS: Hair (D3x w/ AF 80-200mm f/2.8)

(Download)

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Beautifully done...great job!!! Can't believe the transformation!!!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Many thanks for your very kind words Bob...
Albeit all credit goes to this accomplished stellar talent and a very gifted team of highly experience professionals... they made this happen, I'm only a minor player in this complex mix...

btw, loved your May 18th post of an epic lifestyle editorial with your granddaughter...
Such an enchanting talent to work with... Looking forward to more of your stellar efforts with her...

All the best on your journey Bob

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

All your posts and replies are always top notch and so informative...thank you for that!!!

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

I really like the third photo. In the second photo, she's pretty without the make up.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...In the second photo, she's pretty without the make up..." flathead27ford the hallmark of an agency beauty genre model is that they look breathlessly beautiful sans hair and makeup... Agencies know what client's art directors are seeking in the talent they choose to hire...

btw, even President Trump has a team of makeup artist (called male grooming professionals) and hair stylist. My most lucrative gigs are for male grooming of corporate CEO's promotional marketing imagery and videos.

Females typically apply makeup to raise their self esteem i.e. a subjective evaluation of their own worth primarily in the eyes of their peers...

btw, flathead27ford I believe the P-51 produced by North American Aviation for the British Royal Air Force (RAF) looks far better without nose art... just saying... lol

Thanks for taking the time to review and comment... it is greatly appreciated!
All the best on your journey flathead27ford and stay safe!

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

Hello Thomas, first of all, I love your photography and thank you for your very informative posts that you take the time to share! You are truly a master of lighting a subject beautifully.

I do have a question in regards to this set, the pupils in your models eyes seem to be higher rather than centered, do you have the model look up very subtly or how did you achieve this look?

After seeing some of your photographs I now search the hog for your submissions as I think they are always outstanding. Please keep sharing you work.

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

Another great set Thomas. The second one is my favorite.

SpyderJan Loc: New Smyrna Beach. FL

What a beautiful set Thomas. Each has it's own merit and they all could be different models since the look changes so much with the hair and makeup. #1 is very high fashion, and #2 is soft and angelic, but #3 is what I would hope to achieve if I were to pursue portrait photography more seriously. 👍👍

R.G. Loc: Scotland

#3 could turn a few heads.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

The secret to a beautiful face is. symmetry. The line between the pupils and the lips must be dead parallel and the virtical line must be in the middle of the eyes and nose and the middle of the lips and be a perfect 90 degrees. This beauty has a perfectly symmetrical face. Next time you see a beautiful woman notice the symmetry. Terrific photos

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

YES! but, first of all, WHO dictates what is considered beautiful in a facial structure and where do these "standards" come from. Facial aesthetics is complex. Folks of various cultures and ethnicities may have different concepts of beauty and of course, may have very different, exotic facial structures built into their DNA and perceptions of beauty.

As PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS, how do we address folks who do not have symmetrical facial structures, high cheekbones, perfect noses? These standards may be great and fully applicable to your job is to select modes for magazine covers. In the daily life and work of a portrait photographer, one finds that few folks have symmetrical facial structures and would qualify as a "cover model". Many people are beautiful and very attractive in their own way but have certain facial asymmetries and features that THEY themselves caonsder NOT to be particularly photogenic. Aside from massive and artificial retouching or over-the-top makeup, how do photographers and makeup artists work to show everyone at the best and still treat good likeness in a flattering manner?

There are lots of techniques, methodologies, and procedures that nowadays are ignored, negated, never taught or handed down and may be considered "old school" but are time-honoured, natural in results, and work well. The element is posing, camera position, light strategies, and preparation as t makeup, hairstyle and clothing coordination. It's not an easy job. It requires empathy, skill, patience, study, learning, practice and time.

A rarely see this in so much of the work I observe online and in current portfolios. Lots have to do with the photographer having a good report with each subject and be able to direct and relax folks at the same time and capture expressions that are indicative of their personality.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

The concepts of beauty vary over time and culture and individual opinion. There is no "one size fits all" I was just giving one example. But , at this time, in the US, Symmetry , is an important consideration. I did not mention photo technique, which in this photo was wonderful. Again take a look at todays beautiful faces and take notice of the symmetry