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Behind the Scenes: Why You Never Need to Worry About How You Look Again

Have you ever worried about having the right clothes, makeup, or hair for your photo session?

Or maybe you’ve worried about how you’d look with those few extra pounds you gained recently?

I can relate! But I want you to know a few behind-the-scenes things that just might change everything for you (really)
If you’ve had portraits done with us before you likely know just how far we go to make sure you are thrilled with the results. But if you haven’t, or maybe if it’s been a while, I want to share a little story with you.
Last week you may have seen that I posted a new senior shot on my Instagram. This beautiful high school senior was nervous about her session.
professional styling for your photos
She’d never had a photo shoot like this before and wasn’t sure what to expect. Just after she arrived at our studio, one of our makeup artists went to work, while her mother and I popped in from time to time to weigh in on lip color or hair style. We had fun talking and joking and by the time she was done we could see a visible difference in her demeanor and confidence. When it was time to start the shoot she posed like a pro.
 high school senior photography instagram
This experience reminded me why I do what I do. I am so grateful to be able to help people look their best and feel their best in front of the camera. It also made me realize that maybe because I’m so in the moment I don’t always tell people ahead of time just how much care we pour into our photography sessions.
Every time we do a session we employ not only high-end lighting, cameras and backgrounds/settings but we invest in professional styling (for what you wear), makeup artists and even hairstyling.

Why do we do this?

Because we don’t want you to just be happy with your photos. We want you to be thrilled. Blue Sky’s Studio is not your typical photography studio and we don’t base our values on dollar signs. We base our success on how we affect the lives of our clients.
Before your shoot, if you want help with deciding on what to wear–even for your whole family, one of our stylists will work with you a few days before to help you select items not only from your own wardrobe, but from our freshly cleaned items from style library as well. Whether it’s accessories or even a dress, chances are we have what it takes to make you look and feel your best on photo day.
When you arrive at our studio we have fresh, cold beverages ready. A makeup artist and hairstylist will be there ready to give you the look you want.
And once they’re done, we’ll head to your first shooting location.
During your session, I’ll help you pose in ways that highlight your best features (and hide any you’re not so fond of). My assistant will make sure the lighting is perfect and your hair and clothing is in place.
After your session, my team and I go to the next level and retouch, adjust lighting, remove blemishes, smooth clothing wrinkles, etc.–we can even shave off a few of those pesky extra pounds ;)–so when your picture review day comes, you will be blown away by how great you and your family look. I don’t want to reveal too much, but we also have a few wonderful surprises when during your review session at our studio.
I hope this little behind-the-scenes look at what we do gives you the peace of mind and confidence to get those family photos done so that you capture all of the precious milestones of your life.
 Orange County photographer Kristin Karkoska
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Celebrity Styling Secrets for Your Next Photo Shoot

At Blue Sky’s Studio, we’ve always prioritized making every detail perfect for our clients’ photography sessions. That’s why we hire professional stylists to help you select not only the right wardrobe and accessories, but to coif your hair, and create that picture-perfect makeup look. Here are a few of our secret methods to make you look your best on photo day!

Do you ever look at those photos of celebrities and wonder how much is PhotoShop and how much is just great styling and posing? We get it. And while we do perform tastefully subtle PhotoShop enhancements for some clients (wink, wink), we prefer to make you look your best from the start.

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Pay Attention to the Details

When selecting what to wear for your photography shoot we always recommend a few wardrobe changes for variety, but be sure to notice the details.

Ask yourself: how does it fit? Is it flattering to your body type? Does it feel good on you? Do the armholes fit? Is the hem in the right place. 

Be sure to test each garment, complete with any accessories, or layers you plan on wearing. Take some time to do a 360 view in the mirror to make sure it looks how you want it to. Try different accessories, shoes, skirts, pants, etc. until you find the right combinations.

If you don’t trust your mirror, take selfies or have a friend snap quick photos of you in your outfits so you have a better idea of how it will look for your professional pictures.

Can’t decide? No problem. Bring your wardrobe options to your shoot and our stylist will give you professional advice on which pieces work best.

Natural Blush & the Egg White Facelift

Most women apply blush to their cheeks after they’ve finished their foundation, but did you know that if you do the blush first (a little heavier than you usually would) and then apply foundation, you’ll achieve a more blended, natural look?

Niki Metz, of Jouer, also recommends that you apply egg whites to your face, especially around the eyes, a couple hours before you apply makeup. Then just before it’s time for makeup gently rinse off with warm water. The egg whites have a tightening effect on your facial skin.

Of course, if you’re using our stylist, you won’t need to worry about applying makeup after your faux facelift.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Spanx

Did you know that according to celebrity designer, Rob Zangardi, who styles stars like Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, and Rachel McAdams, that even models wear shape-friendly garments like Spanx?

It’s true! Shapewear helps smooth out your least favorite areas so the camera won’t even know they’re there. Rob also says that the must-have shapewear is the Spanx Short, to tuck in your tummy, hips and thigh areas. Just don’t forget to try it on with your clothing so you know how it will fit.

Prep Your Canvas (aka Your Face)

No matter how great your makeup, it will always look even better when your skin looks its healthiest.prep your face

A week before your shoot, be sure to get good sleep and drink plenty of water.

Don’t get any crazy new facial treatments or products that could potentially cause allergic reactions or discoloration. Also be sure to keep up with your normal skincare regime. And don’t forget to moisturize those lips!

The night before your shoot, avoid alcohol. Even a small amount can make your face a little puffy or dehydrated. And be sure you get a good night’s rest.

The day of the shoot, be sure to arrive makeup-free and ready for our stylist to work her magic!

Tailor It!

Let’s say you found that almost perfect dress or blouse, or jeans, but they’re not quite right. No problem, if you plan ahead.

Don’t be afraid to take it to a tailor or an alterations place and have them nip and tuck the garment so that it fits your body in the most flattering way. It’s a great way to speed up your shopping process too–as long as it can be altered to fit your unique body or style.

How You Feel

How you feel makes all the difference. In the end it’s important to pick a wardrobe that fits who you are. When it comes to completing your look with makeup and hairstyling, be sure to bring some pictures of the type of looks you like. Our stylist will work with you to create a look that feels natural and expresses your best self. dress in what makes you feel good

Bonus tip: We often use Pinterest to create mood or theme boards for different Orange County photography shoots. Even if you never use Pinterest for anything else, we recommend signing up and using their massive database of images to create your own board with the styles that feel like you! Then you can show us your board prior to, or at your session!

Hair Style

Be sure to schedule your hair color update at least a week before your shoot so that the color has time to mellow to it’s best shade and your roots won’t show!

Avoid getting a new hairstyle just before the shoot. And even if you’re just getting a trim, be sure to do it at least a week in advance, again so your hair settles into it’s usual look.

If your hair is on the dry side consider doing a professional deep conditioning a few days before your photography session.

Nail It!

An often overlooked part of your overall style is your hands and fingernails. Be sure to go get a manicure a few days before your shoot. You don’t have to do color, but trimmed cuticles, nails, and moisturized hands create that beautiful finished look in all of your photos.

get a manicure before your photo shoot

We hope you’ve enjoyed these styling tips. It’s always an honor to see the beautiful results our stylists achieve in our Orange County photography sessions.

Learn more about all of our Orange County photography services and book your session today!

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Have you booked your class of 2017 Senior Portraits

Did you know that our Model for a Day promotion is perfect for your high school senior?  They get to celebrate the end of their high school experience and who they have defined themselves as over the last four years.  You get to remember this brief period of time that they were still under your care, not quite an adult, but no longer a child. They also get to look and feel there very best to go confidently into the future with portraits that show how truly unique and beautiful they are!

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The best way to do this is with fashion that represents their style, and for the gals, hair styling and makeup.  Think about it, this is going to be the last major milestone to photograph while they are still at home.  Seriously, the next time you have this opportunity may be at their wedding.  The best way to commemorate this is with heirloom quality Press portrait albums

or with our beautiful matted portraits in a custom image box, perfect for gifts, to hang on the wall or to enjoy on an easel.

We have 8 sessions left at the promotional price of $249 which includes a full session, professional makeup and hairstyling and a $200 (a $499 value) print credit.  Once all the slots are full, we will go back to our regular price.  Remember you can add a friend to the session for $99.00.  To book your spot email us at kristin@blueskysstudio.com or call at 949-510-3862.

My beautiful nieces in my Laguna Beach Studio

Already 2017 is off to a fantastic start.  We are busy updating our High School Senior portrait website and adding some really fun new products to our mix.  Here is a my most recent session with some subjects that I love… since we are related!  Just a little sneak peak!  Enjoy and Happy New Year!

 

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Pretty in Pink Senior Session

This year has been filled with high school senior photography sessions and they have been becoming some of my favorites.  I especially love it when a family I have been photographing for years, has a graduating senior.  Instead of photographing the whole family, it gives me the opportunity to work one on one with the senior.  For the ladies, that includes a fun modeling makeover complete with hair styling, professional makeup and working with our stylist to put three fun looks together.  

Megan came all the way from Dallas to have her session in the canyon and at the beach.  The Rodgers family comes every year to Laguna Beach for their family vacation, so it holds a special place for them.  Here is a sneak peak of senior session!  She looks amazing in pink!  Enjoy!