Traction Alopecia - Hair loss Caused by Extensions and How to Repair.

Traction Alopecia is more common than you think and within your control to prevent. Literally it is caused from constant tension, and pulling on fragile hair follicles. Women who wear hair extensions are at the highest risk of developing this condition, but the good news is that you can recover from traction alopecia if you act immediately! 

When extensions are glued, bonded, taped or sewn in to your hair, too much weight is placed on the hair follicles and can cause damage to them. Breakage occurs as hair is "lost" and literally breaks off the hair it is attached to. Also removal of hair extensions or new placement of the extensions for maintenance, requires chemical solvents for removal that are severely damaging. Even that gentle picking off can cause damage.   It is the pulling "traction" that causes traction alopecia and hair loss. If you detect this early you can repair the damage.

Hair follicles are very fragile and just like over plucking your eyebrows, once you damage a hair follicle it can forever stop producing a hair. We are born with a certain number of hair follicles at birth. There is nothing that can stimulate or grow a NEW hair follicle. You get what you get so to speak, so you must be gentle and take care of them. 

If you are an extension wearer and notice your hair is thinning, or falling out more than normal in areas where extension are, then it is time to rethink your hair choices. Because hair extensions are helping your hair appear fuller this may go on for some time before you notice.

First you need to remove the extension method that you are using. If you can't bear the thought of giving up your hair there is a design option that does not cause damage that you might consider, Hidden Crown Hair Extensions - this temporary extension design is a whole head of hair on a single invisible thin filament - it has no clips, no glue and can help you still have luscious hair while you recover.

Here are other tips to reduce your recovery time for traction alopecia:

• Stop using any chemicals in your hair - hair dye or bleach
• Air dry your hair - no Heat
• Wash with restorative shampoos sulfate-free
• Avoid harsh hair styles that pull tightly or use of elastic rubber bands

Finally, make sure you are nourishing your hair follicles from the inside out. Your diet should contain omega 3 fatty acids, lean protein, fruits and vegetables along with drinking plenty of water!

Please comment below if you have experienced this problem and the time it took for recovery, or any helpful tips for others facing this unexpected condition. 

You might also like to read what else you Might now know about Clip in Hair Extensions {Here}

Hello Rio! Top Models Train like Olympic Athletes

The Rio Olympics are in full swing and promises to be as spectacular as ever, with the added bonus of being set against a backdrop of dramatic scenery and exotic beaches covered in carioca and their enviable figures.  Not one nation does beach culture quite like the Brazilians with their emphasis on toned but curvy bodies, and sporty athleticism.  Beach sports are everywhere on Copacabana Beach, from sand volleyball, foot volley, surfing, to frescobol, which is a bit like paddle tennis on the sand, and everyone participates while showing off their fit bodies in the tiniest of swimwear – no wonder the Brazilian bikini wax started right here.  

The Olympics always inspire me in my own fitness routine to be stronger, faster, leaner, and to have more endurance.  It makes sense that many of the top models in the world train like athletes to achieve their amazing bodies and to be at the top of their game, some even after having babies, like Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, and Doutzen Kroes.  

Adriana Lima mixes jump rope with shadow boxing, Doutzen Krose goes for ballet and biking, Isabel Goulart mixes her routine up between running, TRX, and pilates.  Gigi Hadid also boxes several times and week, and Karli Kloss uses resistance bands and does pilates.  

Weight training, non-deep lunges, pilates, ballet and barre classes, jumping rope, boxing and running are the top choices of models, who mix up their training, alternating between cardio and weigh-bearing exercise.  Pilates and ballet improve posture and core strength and give muscles long, lean definition, which is essential for models.  Cardio gives them stamina and energy. Being genetically tall is one thing but these girls train like athletes to reach their peak physical potential, and to be lean and strong rather than skinny and weak.  

Traveling, or not having access to a gym is no excuse to skip a workout.  These models are prepared and diligent about getting in a workout no matter where they are in the world.  They bring ankle weights, slide plates, jump ropes and resistance bands so they can exercise anywhere.  I’ve even seen models doing lunges up and down hallways at castings, and jumping jacks in dressing rooms and pushups against the walls – every little bit helps and keeps the body alert and not always at rest, which maintains a good metabolism, and energy level.  Not to mention long, lean, muscle tone.  So no excuses!  We might not have access to top fitness trainers and gyms but we can follow these models and be inspired to get moving and to be our best. Many top models post examples of their workout routines on their instagram feeds if you need a daily dose of inspiration!  

#modelfitnessroutines #modelstrainlikeathletes #modelexercise #modelfitness #modelworkouts #victoriassecretmodelsfitness

Stella Maxwell - Model Crush Monday !

It’s been a steamy summer so it’s appropriate that our Model Crush Monday this week is the smoking hot bombshell Stella Maxwell.

Truly an international beauty, 26 year old Stella Maxwell was born in Belgium to Northern Irish Diplomat parents, and raised in Belgium, Australia and New Zealand, now calling NYC and LA home.  

2015 and 2016 have been banner years for Stella, winning her wings as a Victoria Secret Angel, and being named the #1 Hottest Woman by Maxim Magazine.  Not bad for a girl who calls herself a late bloomer!  She has walked the runways of Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Balmain to name just a few, and shot editorials for several international editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Numero, Purple, and Glamour Magazines.  

Modeling is a stepping-stone for Stella who is recording her first album in hopes of a music career.  Rising to the top so quickly in the modeling world certainly won’t hurt her chances of staying in the limelight for a long time to come!  

#stellamaxwell  #supermodels  #victoriassecretangels  #futuresupermodels  #onestowatch  #Maximmagazine #hottestwoman #internationalbeauty  #bikinimodels  #swimwearmodels  #Maximmodels

Model Perfection, Photoshop and Filters ! Why don't my Photos look that?

Next time you are scanning magazines, Instagram feeds, and websites, and you see a perfect photo of a flawless model in a dreamy location and you start to think to yourself “why don’t my pictures ever look like that?’ or “why does my hair and makeup never look like that even when I spent hours on it” – just STOP!

You know all about image manipulation and photo-shopping of magazine and web images, and you’ve probably tried out photo filters on your phone to enhance your own pics, but there is often so much to it than that, and keeping this in mind when you look at these altered images takes the sting out of it this perceived perfection.  It takes a whole team to make an image for a magazine editorial when working with a model, and an even bigger crew when the feature involves a celebrity. Models and movie stars are mere mortals and just like the rest of us, not a single one of them arrives on set looking like the final image.

A typical editorial shoot has a large crew to make a production go smoothly and to help the team achieve the images to create the “story”.  The model may have been cast by the magazine’s booking editor, or a casting director.  The producer takes care of the location, catering, transportation, scheduling, and budget management.  The fashion or beauty editor represents the magazine, has the “concept” of the shoot planned out ahead of time, and sourced the other members of the team.  They might also have assistants on set.  The photographer and their assistants look after the technical aspects of the shoot and interpret the story line given by the editor.  The digital tech processes the images as the shoot progresses, so the team can be certain they are on the right track.

The stylist brings all the clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry that fit the concept and will have several options for last minute switch-ups.  The stylist also pins, stitches, clips, irons, tapes, and alters the styling to fit perfectly for the purposes of the shot.   The makeup artist and hair stylist are given a mood or inspiration board, and it typically takes two hours to transform the model into the “look” that fits the storyline for the shoot. 

For each shot the model and photographer work to compose the image, whether it is a static, posed shot, or if the model needs to repeat a specific movement.  Add in the changing lighting conditions, wind, or other variables in a shot such as waves, crowds, or vehicles, and each shot must be done like choreographed routine when shooting on location.  And normally the team shoots eight such images in a day for a magazine editorial.  The production team must be creative, good collaborators, proficient, and flexible to get it all done in a day.  Catalogue shoots might rotate models and shoot twenty “looks” per day.  Advertising projects might have an illustrated storyboard for the shoot, and the team is then  led by an art director. 

After each shoot is completed, the images are edited by the fashion or beauty editor and the photographer, to choose the best shots to tell the story.  These images then proceed to the post-production stage to be manipulated and retouched.  Hair out of place or skin imperfections?  Gone.  The dress blew in an odd way when the model moved?  Corrected.  Less than idea lighting conditions?  Brightened.  Tourists looking on at the edge of the frame?  Out.  Model’s eyes too small, legs too thick, hair not full enough?  Altered.  Colors too dull?  Enhanced.

It takes a team of top professionals to create the best possible images on set, and then the image is still manipulated to be optimal and void of any “imperfections”.  This is the case in nearly all photo productions.  How can anyone without all this creative help ever achieve these type of images?

So don’t compare yourself, or judge, or feel inadequate when you see your photos and feel they fall short.  Do your best and be your most amazing self.  Practice what looks good for you in photos.  Try filters, but not all the time.  There is nothing “wrong” or “less” about being yourself. 

When I started modeling there was no photo-shopping of images after they were completed. We used black and white Polaroids to check the light and the details. Yes, we still had a team, and it was so gratifying to see my pictures later knowing how hard we all worked together to make it happen.  We appreciated the efforts so much more.  It was me!  It was real!  Technology has trained our brains to expect perfection in images – and in ourselves – but it is not a true representation of reality.  No one can measure up to these standards. 

I have many posts on this blog to show you from my perspective as a model how to put your best face forward and pose like a star in photos!

Instant tricks to improve your phone photos!  But first - let me take a selfie! Real supermodel tips

Natural light is the easiest way to get the most flattering photos. When you are outside, position your head so that you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Learn more about how to find the perfect light outside {HERE} Lesson #1 - Soft lighting is a girl's best friend!

It's pretty easy to "put a smile on your face" - read this post to make sure it at least "LOOKS" genuine because you can definitely tell when it's not. {HERE} How to smile for a photo - No cheese please!

Use makeup to enhance your beauty and create illusions with highlighting and contouring. This is a trick celebrity makeup artists have used for years for flawless perfection in a photo. Learn how to do it yourself {HERE} Contouring is the New Photoshop #NoFilter!

Practice. Practice. Practice. Moving in front of the camera is easy - Learn how the pros do it {HERE} How to move for a photo like a model!

❤  ❤  ❤  ❤  ❤ ❤  ❤ ❤  ❤  ❤  ❤  ❤ ❤  ❤ ❤  ❤  ❤  ❤  ❤ ❤  ❤

My book “Face This: Real Advicefrom Real Models on How to Become Picture Perfect!: A Model’s Secrets”  gives in-depth tips and photo illustrations to anyone who wants to look better in photos.  In today’s social media world, who doesn’t need this advice?  You can find my book on Amazon!

#modeltips  #modelingadvice  #howtolookbetterinphotos  #magazineeditorials #fashioneditorials  #beautyeditorials #facethis:amodel’ssecrets #shelleygoodstein

Cayley King - Future Supermodel and Our Model Crush Monday!

Mid-west American beauty Cayley King is exploding on to the modeling scene and on her way to becoming one of America’s future supermodels.  Two years ago at age 16 her Dad emailed pictures of Cayley to Ford Models Chicago’s website and before she knew it, she was on her way traveling to NYC, Europe, and Asia.

Cayley has walked for Versace where she admitted the high heels were a major challenge, but she is sure to get tons of practice in the coming seasons.  She is quickly racking up credits in the top magazines like V Magazine, Interview, i-D, British Vogue, Bazaar Germany, Vogue Italia, Surf Magazine and Elle Kazakhsta, and has shot campaigns for Sass & Bide, Forever 21 and Carolina Sarria.

Cayley recently broke away from the pack of commercial blonde haired models by shaving part of her hair off, which immediately gave her an amazing editorial look with a touch of androgyny. Going from a fresh-faced teen to a striking editorial model with international appeal has changed the trajectory of her career. Remember her name – I predict an all-American supermodel on the horizon.

Cayley King’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/caylaylay/

#cayleyking  #futuresupermodels #teenmodels #IMGmodels #onestowatch #americanmodels #newfaces #breakoutmodels #supermodels

Modeling HOW TO: Stand out and Get Noticed!

Most models will tell you stories of long castings stuck in corridors, looking around at a sea of clones all dressed in tight black clothes, wearing heels, and with their hair pulled back in a pony tail.  How is a model supposed to stand out and get noticed?  There is no golden ticket answer, but how you present yourself and the impression you leave can go a long way in increasing your odds of separating yourself from the pack and getting the booking.

For over a decade the modeling industry has seen an extremely limited range of models, which is the polar opposite of the “cult of personality” of the supermodel era.  Knowing how agents and clients perceive you is critical: do they consider you professional, mature, focused, committed?  Do they see you as a waif when you feel like a bombshell?  There can’t be a disconnect here or it will mean a much bigger struggle to achieving your dreams. 

There are golden rules to creating a great reputation as a model so pay attention: 

• Always be professional:  Strive for a good relationship with your bookers and agents, since you must work as a team to build your career.  Always being professional, means being reliable, cheerful, a team player, on time, and never being a know-it-all.  If your agents and bookers know you are ambitious, focused, and a good listener, they are more likely to go above and beyond to help you achieve your dreams.  Ask them how you can build your brand to get more attention from editors and casting directors.  Be interested, and interesting!

• Be original:  The old adage that you should always be yourself because no one can do it better than you is true, and no more so than in building a modeling career.  Don’t be a cookie-cutter model. No one can do you better than YOU!  And do yourself a favor and don’t look at all the other models in the model apartments or at castings and measure yourself against them.  Ever.  Everyone is building their own career, so concern yourself with yours.  That goes for fashioning your “look” on another model – it doesn’t work, and a copy is just a copy. 

• Know your strengths and work them:  Whether it is high cheekbones, long legs, amazing eyebrows, a great body, a supermodel walk, a chameleon face, or a great personality, see it for the advantage that it is and work it.  Are you a good mover, or a power poser? Are you athletic or super feminine, androgynous or sexy?  Own it and make it work for you.

• Be aware of your social media presence:  This is somewhere that you can have more control over your “model image” and show your strengths to their best advantage.  But be careful what you show – clients DO look at model’s social media accounts – it matters!  If you are athletic and can do cartwheels, here is your platform to show it off.  If you are a fun-loving model who likes to dance and giggle, make a little clip and post it to show you have a great personality.  Just remember – the industry is watching.

Be fearless:  Stay true to yourself because clients and agents notice a confident, focused model who is a pleasure to work with, who delivers, and is professional.  There are too many models with hang ups, insecurities, or a bad attitude, so don’t be that model – and you will stand out for being the opposite!  Be YOU!

#business of modeling #standing out  #know your strengths #how to succeed in modeling #be unique #be original #beyourself

Lineisy Montero – Breakout Star for 2016 ... Model Crush Monday!

Nineteen-year-old Dominican beauty, Lineisy Montero has had two banner years in a row, after her stunning breakout star turn on the Prada Fall 2015 runway – the only black model to walk for the legendary fashion house since Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn years before her.  Everyone wanted to know who was this new face with the amazing cropped, natural afro??  They know who she is now!

With her super high cheekbones, smattering of freckles, and the dimple in her chin, Lineisy’s face is instantly recognizable, as she becomes the darling of many fashion designers and magazine editors, including her campaigns for Chanel, Prada, and Bally, and appearances in Vogue, Bazaar, and ID magazines.  She has walked to runways for many designers including Burberry and Marc Jacobs as well.  All this after being discovered on a roller coaster in her hometown of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.  

Lineisy is a standout exotic beauty amongst the rows and rows of model clones and has made to sort of leap from new face to star face in true supermodel fashion, but she wants to be known for her work as a model first, and a black model second.  Whatever she’s selling, we’re buying! Go Lineisy!

Lineisy Montero’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lineisymontero/

#new faces #breakout models  #exotic models, #black models #new supermodels #ones to watch #Dominican models

Eat To Be Beautiful - Model Beauty Diet!

A model’s healthy skin, hair and nails are their stock in trade.  They have to take care of themselves to be at the top of their game just like an athlete, and to have the health and stamina to go the course in such a rigorously demanding industry.  Beauty really does begin on the inside and whatever you consumer really does appear on your face … and hips! 

It’s so important to remember that taking care of yourself is essential and that you can’t succeed if your face, hair and body show signs of too many late nights, too much junk food, too much alcohol, and not enough nutrition and proper exercise. Going to any extreme such as fasting and doing liquid diets will not keep you healthy enough to sustain yourself.  It will show and it’s not beautiful!

Maintaining healthy, balanced eating habits and exercising are the recipe for beauty and health.  Exercising, results in increased blood flow, which makes skin glow, and gives you energy.  I am going to share fitness tips of top models in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!

The number one thing your body needs is H2O – water!  Keeps you well-hydrated, revs up a dull complexion, and keeps you going!

Here are some super foods that are packed with the nutrients you need for a healthy complexion, shiny hair and a lean body:

• Biotin for healthy skin, and strong hair and nails:  bananas, beans, lentils, salmon, and eggs.

• Omega 3 fatty acids for shiny hair:  eggs, soybeans, chicken, seafood, and nuts.

• Vitamins A and C are antioxidants and have skin-firming properties:  citrus fruit, kiwi, apricots, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and sweet potatoes.  

• Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces inflammation:  sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, avocadoes, and dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula.

• Zinc affects the immune system and hair strength:  cashews, soybeans and green beans,

• Protein: keeps your body fueled and toned:  lean beef (gives your iron as well), lean chicken, eggs, low-fat dairy. 

• Olive oil and green tea increase blood flow and oxygen to the skin – essential for glowing skin.

• Quinoa – this is an easy to prepare protein filled with amino acids, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. 

Foods with a high glycemic index such as bread, pancakes, bagels, many processed cereals, pies, cookies, pastries, muffins, candy, etc., add to any puffiness you might have, and makes you look less contoured.  Moderation is key. 

So think about maintaining good nutrition and try to add nourishing foods and drinks into your eating habits, get enough sleep, exercise, and be the picture of health.  You will look more beautiful, and have more energy – which is crucial for a successful modeling career.  

A model with healthy hair, glowing skin, stamina, and a toned body will always succeed over a model who does not take care of herself.  It’s her business to be her best!

Photos by Allana Wesley White Photography Allana Wesley White (@allanawesleywhitephotography) • Instagram photos and videos for Starbene Magazine Italy

#healthyeating #modeldiet #nutrition #eattobebeautiful #modelhealth #nutritionforbeauty #beautyfoods #naturalbeauty #modelfit #healthyskin #healthyhair #modelbeauty #modelhealth #energyfood #juicing #antiox

All American Beauty, Hailey Clauson - Model Crush Monday!

To commemorate the Fourth of July, we are celebrating with the all-American beauty and Sports Illustrated cover star Hailey Clauson! Born and raised in LA, Hailey was discovered at age 14 and was quickly booked to shoot a campaign for Wildfox Couture.  Now 21 years old and a statuesque 5’11” with one of the most amazing curvy figures in the industry, Hailey has fronted campaigns for Gucci, Jill Stuart, and Agent Provocateur, walked for Zac Posen and Calvin Klein, and appears in editorials worldwide. 

In real patriotic style, Hailey appeared in a red, white and blue “painted on” bikini in Sports Illustrated - talk about fireworks!  Happy Fourth! 

#Hailey Clauson  #Sports Illustrated cover girl #rookie of the year #American supermodels #sexiest models #Fourth of July #All-American Beauty

Summer Beauty Tips fromTop Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert Colleen Stone!

Everyone wishes they had the advice of a top makeup artist not just for photo shoots and skin care, but for every day, as the seasons and trends change, and it can be hard to keep up with all the new products hitting the market.  Top makeup artist Colleen Stone has worked with Pandora, Dooney and Bourke, Echo, FemeStage and countless other projects this past winter and spring, including TV appearances for Coco Rocha. Colleen answers our beauty questions and shares her tips for spring and summer beauty, so we can all try to look as gorgeous as her models and you can find more tips on her website at www.blushandbeyond.com

1) What is your secret weapon to achieve amazing summer skin?

As the summer months heat up, so does the humidity, and your skin care routine should be adjusted. A lighter day moisturizer like one of the new gel type moisturizers such as Neutrogena Hydro Gel will keep skin hydrated without the heaviness of a regular winter cream.  Sunscreen is a must for the summer too and there are many lightweight versions to choose from that won’t clog pores and make skin look oily.  I really like some of the sunscreens coming out of Asia, specifically Korea. They protect the skin with advanced technology and feel and smell more like moisturizers than typical sunscreens. Beautiful summer skin can be achieved with some spot concealing and a bronzer. I like to use waterproof concealer to protect from the humidity, like Lancome’s Effacernes, and a cream based bronzer like Tom Ford’s Shade & Illuminate.

2) What is your best skin prep advice for models for the night before a photo shoot?

Plenty of sleep, of course, and lots of hydration!  Anytime you have a photo shoot the next day, it’s important to take the time to properly remove your makeup, hydrate your skin, and get plenty of rest, although sometimes models with busy schedules may not be able to sleep as much as they would like.  That’s where makeup artists’ work comes in, sometimes using sheet masks or under eye masks to revive tired skin. The night before a photo shoot is NOT the time to try new skin care products or treatments or pick at your skin, as it will only look worse in the morning, leaving the makeup artist with little choice but to add a lot of concealer.

3) What is your favorite summer makeup trend?

My favorite summer trend for 2016 is a natural looking bronzer and highlighter, or “nontouring”. This new term refers to the look that is the opposite of contouring.  Instead of heavy streaks of contour cream or powder topped with shiny highlighter (Hello Instagram!) this look is more “model who jet-sets from Ibiza to St. Tropez.  Her bronzer is subtle.  You Tube tutorial coming soon!

4) What in your opinion are the top three things a model can do to have good skin?

Great skin begins from the inside, which means that in order for your skin to be clear and have a glow, you need to have proper nutrition and hydration. Fruits and vegetables provided plenty of the vitamins and minerals essential for healthy skin, so if you don’t feel your diet is adequate, adding a fresh pressed green juice everyday can go a long way to achieving a healthy glow. Exercise helps eliminate toxins through sweating and also reduces stress, so a regular exercise routine that includes cardio and toning will help you maintain beautiful skin. And finally, a skin care routine that works for you and that you maintain on a regular basis. Making sure to properly remove makeup will really help your skin allowing for any treatment products like serums to penetrate. I am a fan of the double-cleansing method, especially for models who wear a lot of makeup on a regular basis. Double-cleansing involves removing makeup with an oil cleanser, and following that with a foaming cleanser or a milk cleanser to remove any residue and clean the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells.

5) How do you deal with summertime humidity on location so the model doesn’t look like a hot mess?

When humidity soars, the less makeup the better. Trying to cover the skin with foundations and powders will only lead to patchy skin as you sweat. Cover any imperfections with a waterproof concealer and coat lashes with waterproof mascara. I like to use waterproof eyeliner, like the Aqua Eyes from Make Up For Ever to add touch of color and fun for a summer look. Try lining eyes with a bright aqua eyeliner, add some bronzer, and finish with a lip stain or balm in a coral shade. Minimal fuss and gorgeous!

Colleen Stone’s blog Blush and Beyond gives tips and advice to looking your model-beauty-best.  www.blushandbeyond.com

David Gandy @OHMYGANDY - Model Crush Monday!

You know that face and those eyes, and chances are you are quite used to seeing the number one male supermodel David Gandy in little more than underwear.  Who hasn’t lingered on the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue perfume ads?  David has fronted those campaigns for a decade already, and D&G even created a coffee table book on all things David Gandy.  The most successful and famous British male supermodel ever, 36 year old, 6’3” Gandy has redefined the “look” of male models with his extremely fit physique.

Known for his personal fashion style, Gandy has been named many times over an “International Style Icon” around the world.   He designs a massively successful men's collection for Marks & Spencer, and has sat on panels and councils for fashion industry events and discussions. 

David regularly writes a blog for Vogue magazine discussing fashion, antiques, automobiles, and London life. With a racing license to his credit, he also reviews cars for GQ Magazine.  He began a film production company after appearing in several short films, and Jennifer Lopez’s “First Love” video.   With a keen business sense, he has created a ‘brand” unlike any other male model in the past. 

So - international man of style, fitness guru with his own fashion and fitness apps, books dedicated to all things Gandy, a passion for fast cars and boats, fashion design, film production and a dedication to charitable causes, David Gandy is so much more than those amazing blue eyes and that incredible physique. And yes, he looks great in a tux and with his British accent ...  we vote for David Gandy to be the next James Bond! Follow his links to see more of this renaissance man in all his glory.  You’re welcome.  

David Gandy’s links:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DGandyOfficial

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/davidgandy_official/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDavidGandy

Style app:   http://www.davidgandystyleguide.com/about.html

Fitness app:  http://www.davidgandyfitness.com/

#male supermodel  #David Gandy #Dolce et Gabbana #male models #fashion  #model industry #men’s style #male fashion icons #supermodels #ohmygandy

HOW TO: Nail an Amazing Beauty Shot

Beauty shots and natural portraits are the most important photos a model needs, which is why they can be some of the most difficult images to achieve.  They establish how photogenic the model is, how the light plays off of their bone structure, whether they are chameleon-like when wearing lots of hair and makeup, or whether they have a more natural beauty.  Agencies choose the best portrait that represents the bone structure and gaze of the model at her best, and use this as her lead image on the agency website, as the first shot in her portfolio, and on her composite card.  So yes!  It’s very important and it's the shot the agency is always looking for, to capture the attention of casting directors and potential clients.  A great headshot can literally change a model’s career and put her on everyone’s radar.  

Frequently testing with the right people let’s you learn what works for you and what doesn’t.  The best portraits enhance your look and show of the best of you, your uniqueness, and your power to hold someone’s attention with your eyes.  It shows if you can be transformed with hair and makeup – fashion designer’s and editor’s dream models.  It shows if your particular type of beauty is more sensual, or classic, or edgy and cool.  

Whatever your look the basic principles to achieving a great portrait stay the same.  Here are some photographers’ tips for nailing a great beauty shot.

Tip 1:  understand the hair and makeup so you can interpret what the theme of the shot is, for example: natural hair and makeup shot outdoors versus dramatic hair and makeup in studio – very different, and the best models are amazing at both
     
Tip 2:  relax – any stress you have is going to show all over your face and in your posture

Tip 3:  don’t over-think it – let the photographer guide you; you are a team creating the image together, so don’t get in your own head and miss your chance to create something amazing

Tip 4:  posture counts:  relax your shoulders, angle them to the camera if the photographer suggests it, and think like a ballerina.  Be aware of your collarbones and let your head pivot on a long, graceful neck as this lets the light hit your cheekbones, brow bones, and jawline – extra tip – know where the light source is!

Tip 5:  It’s all about the eyes:  no matter how gorgeous the light is, how amazing the makeup and hair looks, if your eyes don't “talk”, the shot will not work and be flat and amateur.  On the photographer’s direction, create a little movie or scenario in your mind and “play the part”.  Express emotion with your eyes, thinking about love, joy, happiness, strength, power, or vulnerability.

Tip 6:  Relax your mouth and do not be tempted to do fish lips – ever.  Some models look great when they bite their back teeth together and leave their lips apart – this makes a more defined jawline.  Other models look great when their lips area bit apart and their teeth are not touching at all – it’s vulnerable and sensual if you do it right.  Practice in front of a mirror not a phone, which distorts your face.  

Finally, trust the photographer.  Don’t be an inanimate mannequin.  If the beauty shot could have been made by putting makeup on a plastic head, then it doesn’t work.  The best beauty images “talk”.  

Models and credits:

Fei Fei Sun by Willy Vanderperre

Jena Goldsack by Steven Chee

Edita Vilkeviciute by Boo George

Anna Ewers by Patrick Demarchelier

Amanda Murphy by Thomas Whiteside

Crista Cober by Cedric Viollet

Stella Lucia by Camilla Akrans

Aya Jones for W Magazine

Adriana Lima by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

#beauty images #how to take a great beauty shot  #model headshots  #beauty tips for great headshots  #best headshots  #comp card shots