January 2016 archive

Nam Nguyen Hair and Makeup

Studio Shoot

Having talented friends is a blessing! This shoot was for Nam Nguyen, hair and makeup artist in northern Virginia. Previously, I knew Nam for his fashion expertise. He worked for a client of mine as the inventory manager and stylist for a ballroom dress company. While I was there for photo shoots, I was impressed with his talent. Not only did he excel in styling dresses for imaging on the website, but he was great with customers. Being that dancers will be performing in front of large crowds, they want to look their best. If Nam approved of your look, you would be ready for the judges!

On this occasion, Nam had some ideas for a stylized shoot. Since his days at the dress company, he studied hair styling. When I heard that was his plan, I knew he would be successful. Together with his overall fashion aesthetic, I knew he would be a sought-after stylist. We collaborated on a few photo shoots over the years, and I enjoyed having these images in my portfolio.

These models offered to help him create marketing materials for his hair and makeup services. Of course the hair would be done nicely for the camera. Then, the makeup would color match extra props that would be added to the hair. In particular, blue makeup with grapes, yellow-orange makeup with yellow birds, and red makeup with hydrangea flowers.

For this purpose, I setup a plain white backdrop. Along with the Eyelighter to make the eyes pop, a large softbox created a soft light on their faces. The lighting worked with this setup for all three of the models. Given that the photos were sent right to a large TV for review, we hit the goals of what Nam was looking for! I wish him the best of luck with his growing business!

Nam Nguyen Hair and Makeup

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Headshots 2015

Professional Business Headshots 2015 ©TimeLine Media
Professional Business portrait ©TimeLine Media

Business Portraits

Starting a new year starts another round of headshots. Following the resolution of exercise, or healthy eating, updating headshots is high on the list. Equally important to having a strong resume on an application is a clear business-appropriate headshot. Following the statistics, the “About Me” page is one of the most visited of small businesses pages. Because of this, a portrait that will make an impression is very important.

Male actor headshots 2015 ©TimeLine Media
Male actor headshot ©TimeLine Media

Knowing that this is the case, I take this assignment very seriously. Seeing that updating your professional portrait takes time, and money, sometimes these images are used for years. So I commit to all my clients to work with them to ensure we are getting the results they are looking for. While it is not a guarantee, I do my best. During the shoot, photos are sent right to a computer. Simultaneously, the images are displayed on a large monitor. From there, we can review during the shoot what we are getting. This is a new process for me when making headshots in 2015, and I am pleased with the results. On one hand, it gives the client confidence during the shoot. One the other hand, I am confident that I am producing what they want.

Headshot for fashion model ©TimeLine Media
Headshots 2015 for a male fashion model ©TimeLine Media

I am also flexible in conducting these sessions. If it is impossible to come to the studio, I can bring a mobile setup to an office. Consequently, you may be able to get more relaxed, natural portraits. Whatever the situation, please let me know if you would like to get a new professional portrait.

Business owner professional portrait headshots 2015 ©TimeLine Media
Business owner professional portrait ©TimeLine Media
Corporate Headshot ©TimeLine Media
Corporate Headshot ©TimeLine Media
Executive Portrait ©TimeLine Media
Executive Portrait ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

2015 Fall Freestyles Expiring

DC Area Arthur Murray Studios

The photos from last September’s 2015 Fall Freestyles expiring at the TimeLine Media proofing site. During this event, we had six professional shows on Saturday evening! Given that I make so many photos of pro-am dance couples, having professionals dancing together presents fun challenges.

2015 Arthur Murray Fall Freestyles at TimeLine Media

Arthur Murray professional showcase ©TimeLine Media
Arthur Murray professional showcase ©TimeLine Media
Arthur Murray professional showcase ©TimeLine Media

Pushing Limits

In order to capture professional dance shows, you really push the limits of the camera. Auto focus systems are frequently updated with each new camera body. In that case, I use the highest end sports cameras to track these dancers and keep them sharp in photos.

Arthur Murray professional showcase ©TimeLine Media
Arthur Murray professional showcase ©TimeLine Media
Arthur Murray professional showcase ©TimeLine Media

Despite the highest end gear, I still have more misses than usual for a dance performance. Can I blame this all on the camera? I wish! But no – I am also part of the equation. First of all, is the palpable buzz in the room when the shows are about to start. Everyone in the room is focusing their attention on the only couple out on the floor. This heightens my nerves, and puts me on edge as I want to come out with some great images from their performance.

Secondly, these are the most skilled dancers in the room wanting to display their talent and skill to the fullest. Although they may do some familiar figures, they will not look exactly the same as amateur dancers, and their movements will be full out in every instance! While these make the best photos, it does shift the timing for me somewhat, and I can be off from the peak moment.

Lastly, they can be performing figures that are not standard. Unlike the syllabus that is taught to everyone, they add some showy flourishes that are not normally seen in social dancing. These surprises keep me on my toes during shows and make this my favorite part of the weekend. I hope you enjoy all the photos!

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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