My First Photoshoot - Pics from Behind the Scenes

My friend from high school, Deanna, contacted me last week about a photoshoot that she was doing this past Sunday. Deanna is a designer and wanted to do a wintery, Nutcracker themed shoot. I got only a little information about it before I accepted, and she was quite busy leading up to it so I went in not knowing what to expect.

I arrived after packing my traincase with what I could, having such little information other than a theme, and found out that we had 10 models... and one makeup artist. Oh, wow. I was suddenly feeling very overwhelmed but I knew that being the only MUA meant that not only was everyone relying on me, but that I'd have a little creative freedom as well.

Here are the pics, I'd expect the pro pics to come out sometime in the next week and I will post them here. I will do my best to remember what I used on everyone but after so many models, it blends together! There was 1 model that I did not work on, so I actually did work on 9 of the 10.

Model #1 had the role of one of the Arabian performers, so I did a 'typical' Arabic eye on her with lots of dark eyeliner. The eyeshadows were gold and copper from the BeautyUK #2 palette, and the black liner was Physician's Formula. It had small flecks of bronze in it and was perfect for the look. I contoured her cheeks with the 88 palette, used Hard Candy Living Doll blush and applied Estee Lauder Radiant Wine on the lips.

Model #2 was one of the Russians. I kept it neutral on her and used the Wet n Wild matte palette with a little bit of the Vanity palette on her eyes, Ulta Halo eyeliner on the waterline, Jessie's Girl Eye Dust in Pixie Dust (I'm going to call this Pixie Dust from now on because it got used a lot) and Sleek Suede blush on the cheeks. I contoured with the 88 palette, including her neck and collarbones. On the lips was MUA lipstick in Shade 9.

Model #3 played the role of the Nutcracker prince and I kept it simple with him. He already had good skin so I just did a little bit of matte skintone eyeshadow on his lids, a shimmery gold on his tear ducts to bring light to his features, dark grey liner on his waterline, and Sleek Scandalous blush on his cheeks. I also added a touch of e.l.f. Ruby Slippers to his lips to give them more definition in photos, and for a rosy look.

Model #4 was the adult Clara, and I wanted something special for her! Her eyes were the Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette mixed with the Vanity palette and Smashbox Graphite liner. I patted Pixie Dust all over her lids and cheeks. I contoured with Mac Prism and applied Mac Sakura blush for a rosy glow. On the lips was Jordana Cabernet lipliner with Sephora Crush lipstick over top. By the way, that lipstick has SERIOUS lasting power! I never had to touch her lips up.

Model #5 was the child Clara. I wasn't super happy with my efforts on her makeup; I was distracted and had a lot going on. I used Comfort Zone again on her eyes but darkened the outer edges too much for my liking. Her blush was Hard Candy Living Doll and the usual contour. Her lips were Boots Rose Bud lipstick with e.l.f. Fairy gloss over top.

Model #6 was another Russian. I kept her really simple; similar eyes to #2 but changed to suit her eye shape, more contouring, and MUA Shade 9 lipstick to match the other model.

Model #7 was one of three faeries, namely the 'icy' one! I used a load of shadows on her to give depth... a BeautyUK palette (the rainbow one), Ben Nye Ice eyeshadow, and some shadows from the Sleek Bad Girl palette. Her waterline is Milani Liquif'eye in Blue and the upper lashline is Smashbox Graphite. The cheeks are the usual 88 palette/Hard Candy combo. Lips were Mac Hellraiser lipstick with a little bit of Jessie's Girl Secret Weapon loose powder on the bottom lip.

Model #8 was the Sugar Plum Fairy. She was wearing plum and gold so I reflected that on her eyes. I intensified the makeup later on but this is how it looked initially. The gold was from the #2 Beauty UK palette and the purple was MUA Shade 9. I also used Pixie Dust to give an intense shimmer. On the lips was Boots Rose Bud with clear gloss over top.

Model #9 was my personal favorite for the makeup. I really got to go crazy with her as the hair stylist gave her an awesome punk rocker hair style. I felt she could rock a smokey eye so I used the Sleek Bad Girl palette (mostly the greys) and brought the color to her hair line. I used the Physician's Formula liner on all waterlines and lashlines, and applied Ardell lashes (I'm not sure of the number!). Heavy contouring and Mac Sakura on the cheeks. Milani Black Cherry lipstick on the lips with Jordana Cabernet underneath.

Pfew! I'm tired just trying to remember what I used! What do you guys think?! I am so happy that it went well!