Callout to business women of Perth

The Executive Women’s Forum is proudly one of Perth’s oldest women’s business networking groups. I’ve been attending the monthly breakfasts at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club for some months now and from the start was impressed by the energy, kindness and fighting spirit of the women in this group.

They have amazing stories to share with business and career women who are just starting out, and I’m currently working on a project to collate these stories into a book. In the meantime, the EWF ladies are waiting to meet you and hear your story too.

To keep this group going well into the future and to treasure our wonderful heritage as women in business, I invite Perth women to visit a breakfast and see for themselves. The group needs energetic women to bring new ideas and initiatives and to help promote the network. If you are interested in visiting or in bringing your skills to the group, please contact me or speak to the committee directly.

How MY business has CHANGED and THANK HEAVENS FOR THAT

Wow… where do I start? In three years my business has changed in huge ways and this change has been THE key to its growth – and therefore, its survival to date.

I want to say before I tell you my story: it’s a big deal for me to bare my soul like this! Deep breath…

YEAR 1: GET READY, HERE I COME!

I felt like a ‘Year 1’ alright as I took my first baby steps to starting my photography business. I’d finished my photography studies and decided to start slowly while finishing the writing component of my degree and still working as a teacher.

I was determined to do things my way but I was also aware that this meant a huge learning curve and a big risk, not having worked for years and years in the industry first. Most of my studies had involved photography as an art form and I wanted to bring that creativity to my work to create a business with a fresh approach. I also felt there was a general lack of good customer care out there and certainly in the photography industry, and I had some clear values around this that I wanted to put at the centre of my business.

I knew from the start that it would have to be ‘my way or the highway’ for me and photography, and so, New Work Photography was born.

That first year was characterised by the following activities:

• Trying to take myself seriously while working out of a corner of the lounge room in our tiny apartment on a dinosaur of a computer, most of the time alone, with the occasional phone call only taken when the neighbours weren’t shouting, playing drum and base music or drilling something.
• A sh*#tload of research and reading and attending workshops on how to set up and run a business. From Day One I wanted to do this thing properly. My thinking was, ‘I may be microscopic, but I’m going to act BIG.’ This was largely influenced by reading Gerber’s The E-Myth Revisited, loaned to me by my former boss.
• Doing a surprisingly few amount of jobs for friends (why do they say your first clients are your friends? Maybe I projected an image of ‘I don’t need your help’… although I really did).
• Doing a not surprising amount of jobs for free or very little, to gain experience and bulk up my portfolio. This was invaluable but also hard to break away from later (be warned!).
• Doing all sorts of photography from kids to products to fashion to events – I drew the line at weddings! – and discovering what I did and didn’t like doing
• A big start-up loan (thanks Dad!)
• General excitement and feeling like I can do anything

YEAR 2:  I GET REAL

The following year contained some very big rollercoasters. I started on a high, having gained some attention doing fashion-inspired portrait photography and Style Shoots (glamour portraits at events). I was enjoying the buzz of going places with my camera and studio lights and being recognised by the local crowd. I loved dressing up and putting on a show at fabulous fashion or social events, doing my photography thing.

From here I decided to create some make-over and photo-shoot workshops for women: intimate morning teas where women could gather, learn some beauty tips from guest speakers, have their make-up professionally done and have a glamour photo. I loved the buzz of putting these events together but found the promotion of them very hard. I was still learning how to use social media and didn’t really understand just how much work is involved in promoting an event. These events were great but very small, and I soon decided they were taking away from what I love best – taking photographs.

Around the same time I decided to celebrate my business’ first birthday with a HUGE party – a ticketed event showcasing fashion and art photographs, a fashion show by an emerging designer, and a demonstration of the Style Shoots that had already created a buzz. I look back on this time with awe and sadness… I worked by butt off and although the event looked like a success, I was left with a big debt and a blow to my self confidence… I even lost a friend in the process as this project consumed me entirely for months on end. I learned at that time what it was to walk with your tail between your legs, and I learned how easily you can be swayed by shiny things and forget all about what is important to you.

It was my family who picked me up and dusted me off and now I felt like I owed them to get on with actually running a business. I dropped a lot of the services I had been offering, including the fashion-inspired portraits – great idea but someone else can do it! I went back to basics and concentrated on how to sell some standard photography services, while retaining the Style Shoot event photography option.

In this year I also did an enormous amount of networking of all sorts (the stories there could fill a book), and a lot of at-event promotions, demonstrations and yes… more freebies. By the end of the second year I had gained a lifetime’s worth of learning and I had definitely gotten real.

YEAR 3:  I GET CLEAR

By the end of the second year I had left my failures behind and moved to a new apartment with my very own office. After a rocky start to the new year where I finally felt touched by the global economic crisis (well, Perth is a little behind) I put my head down and really focused for the first time in my business career! Major changes happened:

• I zoned in on my ideal client and who my target market is (local business people, fashion designers and suppliers, event managers and marketing people) and decided to focus exclusively on commercial, fashion and corporate event photography. The Style Shoots stayed… but now I focus on providing these for corporate events.
• I thought long and hard about my product and service packages, pricing and point of difference
• I changed my branding to be more polished and business-oriented, while still retaining the creative, cool feel that I loved from the start
• I streamlined my marketing and networking efforts, choosing wisely where to spend my money and time (only attending a select few networking events, doing a couple of sponsorships with key event companies only, no more throwing expensive flyers in gift bags at random events).
• I learned to say NO. No more free photography (hey, it’s not just a matter of picking up a camera!!!), not even ‘in exchange’ for vague promotional opportunities. Now if I do something for free it’s because I’ve volunteered. Also NO to clients who do not represent the type of people I want to work with. This has been tough – but you soon learn that not trusting your instincts on this spells trouble every time.
• I grew up. I got a lot older and wiser, but with a renewed, more real sense of confidence in myself and my business.

Becoming extremely focused in my business resulted in huge growth in a few short months. It also meant that I was gaining confidence and skills in my work, doing what I really love. I’m now very much concentrating on commercial and fashion photography.

AND NOW FOR YEAR FOUR

Well that’s just begun, but so far it’s involved getting serious about my art photography as well – something that’s just for me but just as important.

What does Year Four hold for New Work?

To Be Continued…

Win a Style Shoot for you or a friend

The Classic New Work Style Shoot

Win your own Style Shoot – Photography as unique entertainment at your event

The professional photographer’s studio set-up at your event will break the ice, create a buzz and give your guests a memorable experience and a treasured keepsake. Our Style Shoot suits dressy or themed events, such as cocktail parties, gala balls, engagement parties and special birthdays or anniversaries.

Become a redcarpetcool member by entering your email at the top right of this page and you will be in the running to win a STYLE SHOOT at your next event! Our redcarpetcool members receive monthly tips on marketing, personal brand, fashion, arts and events, as well as exclusive offers in photography, branding and more. You will also automatically receive a copy of our DIY PHOTO HEALTH CHECK for your Business or Personal Brand, valued at $160!

Our competition closes on Friday 1^st Feb and the winner will be contacted via email.

The winner receives a complimentary Style Shoot for themselves or a friend including:

• 2 hours ‘Style Shoot’ studio photography at the start of the event, to entertain guests
• A CD with ALL images included in high and low resolution, to print or share as you wish
• The Style Shoot can be used at a Perth event held at a function centre, club, workplace, bar or restaurant anytime in the next 6 months, subject to availability (it is recommended that you book at least a month in advance)

Already a member? You can enter the competition simply by forwarding our next email to a friend! Look out for it in your inbox this Wednesday!

Themed New Work Style Shoot

What people are saying about our Style Shoots and Event Photography:

‘I thought the photo shoot at the event was a fantastic idea and a lot of fun. Thank you!’ 
– Kat, Estreya fashion event

‘The work was excellent and a reflection of New Work’s professionalism and experience in the industry. They work with the client to ensure they know what the client wants and needs. Photos were ready immediately after the event!’ 
– Tina, GAIN High Tea

‘I am very grateful to you for being a key part of the event and I know the women were really excited about the photo shoot.’ 
– Mabel, Keynote Events conference

‘Thank you for your professionalism as always.’ 
– Jennifer, Melbourne Cup at The Western Australian Club

‘Thank you so much for the wonderful job that you did on Saturday. You were wonderfully fun and professional.’ – Anthea, Business Fusion

Rewarding your staff at End of Financial Year

Better than Santa’s knee

Ways to reward your team at End Of Financial Year that beat another boring Christmas in July party

Ok so most of us have seen the episode of The Office where they do the cringe-worthy staff awards party… great fun for the boss but not widely appreciated by the staff, who end up bored, offended or leaving early!

Most team leaders have a lot more sense but it could be that you are stuck for ideas or want to take your EOFY staff reward to a new level, with minimum fuss. Many choose to hold an event, but how to avoid ending up at the usual pub?

Ways to amp up your EOFY party

• Make it creative/unusual – this shows you put some thought into it!
• Make it personal – what would THEY like to do?
• Make it a surprise – something that will put smiles on faces
• Make it  a bonding session – add a team building element by making it something you can enjoy together
• Make it fun – provide laughter and joy

Recommended event services in Perth guaranteed to bring delight!

• Malkarak Healing Retreat www.chitteringvalleyretreat.com.au – Detox your team or take on healthy cooking classes!
• Human Rhythms www.humanrhythms.com.au – Bond with your people over bongo drumming. Expert presenters & lots of fun.
• Loaded Brush www.loadedbrush.com.au – Corporate ‘Art Jams’ to stretch the mind
• Nathalie Louise Flower Design www.nathalielouise.com – Flower classes at London designer Nathalie’s elegant Subiaco store
• And of course… New Work Photography’s Style Shoots http://www.newworkphotography.com/style-shoots-event-photography/  will spice up any office party! A professional photography studio set up at your event with props to suit your theme brings excitement and fun and best of all, stunning photos for your team to treasure.

Tips for clients seeking wedding photographers

As a photographer I’m often asked about wedding photography and although this is outside New Work’s services, there are some general tips I give clients seeking wedding photographers. While we don’t do weddings, we DO do Style Shoots and mock fashion shoots for hens days/nights! But here are the wedding photography tips…

• Check that the photographer you’re getting is the one whose work you like on the website – sometimes there’s more than one photographer and they don’t all have the same standard/style
• Make sure you get a meeting with your photographer to discuss your ideas/needs before you commit
• You should be able to find one that will include a CD of all your images for you to keep
• Try to find examples and key words of what you like to give to the photographer and check that they have the right idea of what you want (communication!!)
• You should be given a contract or terms of sale to sign beforehand so you are clear what you are getting. Even though you can’t redo your wedding day if you don’t like the photos, there should still be some sort of guarantee
• Try to pick a photographer who specialises in weddings or is really strong in them. Don’t choose a cheaper option that does generic photography because weddings may not be their passion. To capture the emotion of the day you need someone sensitive to this
• Careful with friends recommendations – look at their pictures, as it may not be that what they like is what you like
• Decide whether you want more candid ‘photojournalistic’ shots, arty images or traditional/fun posed ones and find a photographer that specialises in the style you like
• If possible, book your videographer separate – to get a really good film of the wedding you want someone who specialises in this.
• Usually you get what you pay for, but sometimes photography is a rip off. Smaller, boutique businesses may give better value for money because more time can be given to each client’s project, since there are fewer clients

Our clients’ photo stories

Here are some of the true stories of our shoots, and some comments straight from our clients!

Studio snapshots

Lila’s breathless voice on the phone told me she was lost. Rushing from work, she’d hopped off the bus a stop early and now found herself walking through a suburban park in the growing darkness. The studio booking was only for two hours and the first hour was almost up, so I suggested we make it another day. ‘No, no, I’ll get there,’ said Lila, so I wandered out to find her, trying to direct her over the phone while standing on the street corner.

By the time we were settled in the studio we had 40 minutes to work. Lila had changed into basic blacks as directed, and now I handed her a long piece of stretchy blue fabric, which revealed a slight sheen as it moved. ‘Hold it over your head,’ I said, ‘and stretch it slowly in different directions.’

I snapped away and it wasn’t long before Lila had the idea and was making up her own shapes using her body and the fabric. She looked like a dancer as she played, tilting her head this way, stretching her arms wide. The contrast of the shimmering fabric and the black clothing created clean outlines against the white backdrop.

In 40 minutes we had some great shots and I was keen to get Lila to model again, impressed with her ability to relax on her very first photo shoot! Since then Lila has featured in some stunning art and fashion shoots at various locations.

Partying like a VIP

I pulled out the camera with its heavy flash to a chorus of oohs and aahs by the girls at Katie’s party. As I set up the first shot, a simple group gathering, everyone smiling and drinks in hand, other people in the bar started to look in our direction. They didn’t mind moving aside as I circled the group, getting party shots in groups of two or three. ‘Move aside people! I feel like a VIP!’ said one of Katie’s mates as she posed, hand on her hip.

The bar had a gorgeous lounge area that was perfect for more stylish photographs. I directed some of the guests to the lounge, where they posed amid chandeliers, antique furniture and satin wallpaper, looking like fashion models in their cocktail dresses and heels.

‘This was such a fun party, Katie!’ I heard one girl say as she was leaving, later that night. It certainly stood out and I had a lot of fun photographing it.

Bubbles, sequins and satin heels on the beach

I popped the champagne as I saw the girls arriving. I’d promised them a bit of bubbly before their shoot on the beach, to calm jittery nerves. They’d been instructed to bring a couple of favourite dresses and their shiniest bling for my art shoot, which centred on the idea of daydreams. It was going to be full of sparkle and fun.

‘What do we have to do?’ asked Alison and Fiona, as they dumped the ten dresses they’d each brought and reached for a glass of champagne. ‘Just splash about in pretty dresses while I take pictures!’ I replied.

We started with some shots on the sand, close-ups of their glittery make-up and jewellery. I then asked them to move a little way into the water, and I followed with the tripod, its legs stuck in wet sand, to get some beautiful blurred shots of the girls twirling and jumping. I’d brought a couple of back up dresses and even some satin heels from my trusty costume box, so the girls wouldn’t ruin their own pieces, but they were soon enjoying themselves so much that they didn’t much care if their clothes got wet!

People walking by on the beach casually stopped to do up a shoelace, but really they wanted to sneak a peek at the photo shoot. This always makes my models laugh! Two little girls moved in for a closer look at the costume pieces, no doubt wishing they could play too. It sure was a little girl’s daydream!

Is she going to a ball?

As Natalie sheltered from the wind in the shadows of the Indiana Teahouse on Cottesloe Beach, I set up my equipment and sought the perfect spot. Once I had it, I coaxed Natalie out into the sun, directing her to stand against a sand-coloured wall. The sun picked up the brilliant colours in her dress, an old ball gown she’d picked out for the portrait shoot. Simple gold jewellery and softly tangled hair completed the look.

As I clicked, struggling to keep the equipment upright in the wind, a family walked past and stopped briefly for a look. ‘It’s a wedding!’ said one child. ‘No, she’s going to a ball,’ said her sibling.

We made our way down to the sand, where the sea curves into a pocket at the end of the beach. After a few fun shots running up and down the steps to the jetty and posing on the rocks, we tried some quieter shots underneath the row of gazebos. But I soon had competition: I turned around to find a tourist happily snapping away at my model!

After braving the elements – and the public – fish and chips were definitely in order and we sat at one of Cottesloe’s cafes to look at the photos as we merrily munched away.

What clients have said after their New Work shoot…

“I hate having my photograph taken and hardly ever take a good photo. New Work changed all that, and made the experience pleasurable and fun. And on top of this I ended up with some great photos for my business promotional material. I can recommend New Work for your photographic needs.” – Wayne

“Julissa is a complete professional and able to relate and put her clients/subjects at ease to get the best possible photos. I highly recommend her services.” – Fleur

“I was so impressed by how professional it was. Everything was coordinated perfectly and the photographer really cared about other people’s input into what the shoot would look like.” – Cara

“I signed up for a photo shoot and even though the nerves were incredible, the photographer made me feel so relaxed, and really helped to guide me through the entire process.” – Janine

Make the most of fashion season and save 15% on fashion-inspired shoots for individuals and groups of friends when you book during September. More examples and information here.

Adventures in the city

One photographer’s wanderings in Melbourne

My Melbourne holiday was a chance to switch off, hang out with family and friends, spend time wandering alone and going on little creative adventures! While there I did a lot of journal writing in cafes, research at the beautiful State Library and the Immigration Museum, sipping wine at tapas bars and reading or just daydreaming, visiting art exhibitions and of course… a lot of walking and photographing!

Here are some street shots, as well as shots from visual artist Laura Delaney’s Post-Grad exhibition opening, taken during my Melbourne trip.

Lighting is everything! Photographers’ lighting secrets you can use

Photography is actually ‘painting with light’. Just like in a painting, the artist chooses lighting to affect colour, tone and mood.

We’ve all taken and posed for photos using harsh, on-camera flash… red eyes, flat shapes, shiny skin… flaws exposed! Professional photographers most often use off-camera flash, whether a large portable flash that attaches to the camera or studio lighting equipment on stands, to achieve artistic effects that make the most of the subject’s features, or create a dramatic look.

So here are some of the secrets. Unfortunately, unless you have access to some pretty hard-core equipment you will have trouble creating the right effect with light, but you can still make the most of outdoor lighting, fill flash, and sometimes, slow shutter speeds and tripods. Read on…

Off-camera flash ALWAYS looks better than on-camera flash. With small, everyday cameras, you are using the in-built flash which is placed very close to the lens – this causes red-eye and creates a flat look that usually doesn’t compliment the subject. Flashes that are held even just a little way from the camera create depth and tone, making the photo ‘pop’.

But buying a separate flash is costly. What can I do with my regular camera? Check to see if your camera allows you to change the flash intensity. Sometimes giving the flash a little less power will give a softer effect.

Even better: Avoid using the flash. See below.

• If your camera has some manual controls, you can try opening up the aperture (changing the aperture setting to a low number e.g. f4) to let more light into your camera. Be aware that this will create a photograph where the objects close to the camera will be in focus, but the background may be blurry… but you may want that. Letting more light into the camera means you can shoot in darker conditions.
• You could also let more light in by changing the shutter speed (to a bigger fraction e.g. 1/15, ½) but you will need to rest your camera on a tripod or other steady surface and tell your subject to hold still, or you’ll get blur. Again, you might want this. I personally love working with blur effects.
• Or you could change the ISO to a higher setting e.g. ISO 1600, which makes your camera more sensitive to light, so it’s great for indoors.
• You can combine any of these technical adjustments with available light to create interesting photographs. Try using window light, lamps, candles or strong flash lights pointing at a soft reflective surface like foil or a silver car sunshield (Hold the sunshield close to the subject, at an angle to their right or left. Point the light at the shield and let the light bounce off the shield onto the subject. You may not see it, but your camera will).

But my camera doesn’t do all that stuff! OR I’m too scared/lazy to fiddle with all that stuff. Give me the quick tips!

• Get outside. Pay attention to where the sun and shadows are. Avoid the middle of the day as the light is too harsh. Place the subject so that the sun is at an angle – not directly in front or behind them. If you want a sunset background, use the fill flash on your camera (preferably at a low setting) to ensure the subject’s face is not in shadow. This can look really dramatic – I love working with flash on the beach (see samples at www.newworkphotography.com.au )

Using more than one light gives you creative freedom. First of all, where a light is placed creates different emotional meanings. Check out the post ‘Light has meaning’, coming soon. Secondly, photographers work with lighting ratios in the studio, using two, three or more lights at mathematical ratios to create calculated effects.

But I don’t care about that. Give me the quick tips now. Try the old car sunshield trick – hold the silver side of the sunshield up high, at an angle to the subject, so that your flash will bounce off it to create light coming from another direction. Now you have two lights. Better yet, forget your on-camera flash and play with a couple of strong lamps indoors. Place one on either side of the subject and have one a little further away than the other, or covered (careful! No fires please) to make one light the main light and one the softer, fill light. Or try a wide, soft light held above the person’s head but forward a bit, so it creates a shadow under their nose and chin while lighting their face softly. This is called ‘butterfly’ or ‘glamour lighting’.

It’s fun but it’s not working! If your camera doesn’t give you much creative freedom, you may have to heave a sigh and ring your friendly local photographer, who has paid a lot of money for magical equipment that will give you the effect you want. Wink!

Want more?

Check out these websites for free tips:

Photography Lighting Tips http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/photographyligh_syhy.htm Read this article if you want more creative ideas.

Studio Lighting – a beginner’s guide to lighting http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Studio-Lighting–a-beginners-guide-to-lighting-132 This one’s a bit more technical but it might interest those thinking of turning portrait photography into a hobby.

Don’t be shy! The camera will love you

Many people will tell you they’ve always wanted to have a professional photo shoot done, not just for the fun of the experience but to see themselves in a different light… to see what more they can be.

But everyone’s had a bad photo taken, everyone’s had a bad hair or skin day, and most people have at least one hang-up about their looks! The idea of posing in front of a camera under bright studio lights is too much to bear!

Or maybe you’ve seen a bunch of traditional glamour portraits of others and don’t really fancy having your hair boofed up and lying semi-naked on a fur rug. Maybe just once you’d like to see what you’d look like as a model on the cover of your favourite magazine, or have photographs of yourself and your loved ones that you could call a piece of art, something to hang on the wall without your house starting to look like your grandmother’s!

Despite the worries, at the back of your mind you’re thinking you should get your portrait done so that one day you can look back and say, ‘Wow, I was good-looking and I didn’t know it.’ So what are you waiting for? Here are some encouraging things you might not know about professional photography…

What you might not know about a professional photo shoot

1.    An individual photo shoot is not like a family shoot, classroom photo or wedding shoot. It’s just you and the photographer, who hopefully has taken the time to get to know you and what you want. It should not be rushed but make you feel comfortable – most portrait photographers do this very well.

2.    A portrait photo shoot can take place anywhere. Some people find the blank canvas of the studio becomes a neutral place where they can express themselves in front of the camera, a playroom for grownups to try being someone else! Others find they are more comfortable in their own home and want their environment to be included in the photographs, because it says something about who they are. Still others like the adventure of an on-location shoot – my personal favourite! Together with your photographer or stylist you can come up with a theme or story, and a location to match, much like a magazine fashion shoot.

3.    Studio lights work wonders for your looks. There is a reason photographers spend thousands of dollars on huge lights for their studio. As any visual artist knows, a painting, portrait or any other visual form is predominantly about light. Where the light is placed and the quality of light can create mood, colour, special effects and can sculpt the face and body. No red eyes or flat tone here! Professional photographers know a lot about how to maximise your looks using special lighting.

4.    You don’t always have to spend huge amounts of money or even buy prints. Photographers are now changing what they offer you, in response to the digital age. As photographs, printing and good equipment become more accessible to all, photographers are looking for new ways to create value for their customers. Many photographers are reasonably priced and can offer some very good deals. Look for transparency: if you feel the photographic agency is being up front about costs and expectations, you are probably on to a good thing.

5.    And you don’t have to go it alone. Ask about package deals for you and a small group of friends or your team. New Work Photography has some great-value packages for fashion, commercial and corporate shoots.

Check out Our Clients’ Photo Stories, to read some real-life accounts of posing under the bright lights! And if you have an experience you’d like to share, or a maybe a question that’s been bugging you, contact us or visit our Facebook page. Let’s encourage our gorgeous friends who’ve been thinking about a photo shoot to take the plunge!

Professional Make-up

By Cara Templeman, Changing Faces Makeup

Makeup by Changing Faces at the NW Fashion & Photo Night

Cara has done some fabulous work with New Work for fashion shoots, events and personal portrait shoots, including at our make-over and photoshoot workshops for Perth women. Here, she gives some make-up tips to ensure you are photo-ready.

First impressions count, there’s no way you can deny it. Especially if you have your own business as you are often the sole representative. This is even more important if you are designer, or anyone in an industry where attention to detail is important. Wearing makeup is an important way to define how you look and influence that first impression. It doesn’t have to be a lot but a small amount of well placed makeup can boost your confidence as well as your appearance.

It can be incredibly confusing when there are so many brands and types of makeup. I recommend looking at your life, your skin and how you apply makeup and then go from there. For example I am often up at 4.30am to work on a shoot, I have oily skin and I have to wear makeup every day so I choose a mineral makeup. It’s really quick and easy to dust on, good for your skin if you are wearing it every day and being a powder absorbs some of the oil. If you like a really polished look then I would go for a medium to full coverage liquid or stick with a compact powder to give a matt finish, that way you can take the compact with you for touch ups during the day. It’s really about looking at what will work for you or you simply won’t use it.

If you are going to wear eyeliner I recommend a cream/gel eyeliner like the china doll one from Napoleon. You use a stiff angled brush to apply it which gives greater control and an easier application and it’s waterproof and smudge proof so it won’t end up down your face after a couple of hours. Pencils melt and smudge way too easily and start to look messy. A soft eyeshadow in beige, soft champagne pink, grey or brown is great to have because it’s not drastic, is easy to blend and gives a natural polished look. Combine this with mascara (Maxfactor Masterpiece Max is great) and you have three easy steps to a polished, low maintenance look for eyes that will take less than 5 minutes.

Again with blush don’t go for anything over the top unless you are confident in applying it. Make sure your blush has a slight glow or shimmer to it which will catch the light and give a natural glow to your cheeks. (Napoleon blush patrol is an investment but it is beautiful, otherwise try a Natio one, powder is the easiest.) Just remember that a powder blush goes on a powdered skin and a cream blush goes on unpowdered dewy skin. That way it will adhere evenly and not stick in places. It’s all about practice and finding out what looks good for you.

If you are going to all this effort please don’t forget your lips. It only takes 30 seconds to swipe on a lipstick or gloss and it really finishes the look. There are so many formulations and colours so just have a play around with what you like. A few good general colours are rosy pinks that aren’t too sweet and orange reds that give definition but aren’t too out there, for example Playful by Natio or Soft Rose or Raspberry in the new Revlon Colourburst lipstick.

I hope this has helped shed a bit of light on makeup application. I can’t stress enough that practice truly does make perfect, so keep trying until you find a method that suits you. I can do a full face of makeup in about 5 minutes for myself and that’s only through practicing and having a go. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. Cara@changingfacesmakeup.com.au