Family Photography, Headshots, Orange County Photography, Portrait Photography, Senior Photography, Studio photo session

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.

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

Family Photography, Fashion, Headshots, Orange County Photography, Portrait Photography, Senior Photography, Studio photo session

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Family Photography, Fashion, Orange County Photography, Studio photo session

Get Envy-worthy Family Photos Like These Celebrities

Can we be honest about something? Even if we don’t always think the highest of celebrity’s morals or ethics, we certainly admire their sense of style. In our research for our upcoming Vanity Fair studio photography sessions we came across some truly stunning celebrity family photos that we think might inspire your next family portrait session.

Brad & Angie

When we think of stylized glamour and family fun, our first choice is always Brad and Angelina. Though their relationship may not have been made to last, who could forget their timeless vintage-inspired photo shoot in W magazine? Sure these were taken before the birth of their biological children and these kids aren’t even their adopted children.

But we love the mid-century inspired Steven Klein shoot in Palm Springs.

See all of the photos from this feature in W Magazine

And who could forget their charming, cozy, and candid family photos announcing the birth of their twins, Vivienne and Knox?

Royal Family Photos

Now let’s hop the pond for a moment and take a gander at the beautiful, somehow down-to-earth portraits of England’s Prince William and Kate’s darling family.

Their fall family portrait in stylishly regal coordinated wardrobe highlights their children’s adorable character while showing a less perfectly-posed side to the royal parents.

Celebrity Mother-Daughter Portraits

Some of the most stunning celebrity mother-daughter shots are classic beauties we can reproduce in our studio.

Look at these beauties:

Beyonce and Blue Ivy. Vogue, 2013

Gwyneth Paltrow and Blythe Danner.

Celebrity Family Photos by a Celebrity Photographer

And no celebrity family photo round-up would be complete without selections from the photographer who is just about as famous as most of her subjects, Annie Leibovitz.

Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise and Suri, just after her birth:

Mark Zuckerberg and pregnant Priscilla Chan:

And even the Obama family have had their portraits taken by Leibovitz:

Vanity Fair

When it comes to evocative, gorgeous family portraits, we hope you’ve enjoyed this inspiration. We look forward to capturing stunning images of your own family celebrities.

Let us know which celebrity-inspired photos you might like to reproduce with your next family photography session!

Family Photography, Orange County Photography, Portrait Photography, Studio photo session

I love transformation

I think I am slightly obsessed with transformation! I love watching television shows with my family about all types of transformation. Our new favorite is The Deed on CNBC. Not only does Sidney Torres transform old beautiful houses in New Orleans into fabulous new home, but he also helps transform the people who need his help by teaching them to become better real estate developers. My obsession doesn’t stop with real estate, although I do love anything on home design, I also love shows that transform food or even transform people. Another favorite is, The Profit, because I love how Marcus Lemonis transforms business people and helps them become profitable.

For me, March has been transformation month! My wonderful husband volunteered to help transform my Laguna Beach studio into the studio of my dreams. He converted my loft space, which was primarily being used to dump old studio props, into a full on shooting wardrobe space that my clients will be able to use to create the photography session of their dreams. He also utilized the space to build a work station for our fine art printing. It looks amazing and I am so excited to have it fully functional.

He didn’t stop at the loft. We have all new lighting, a new professional hair and makeup station, several new gallery walls and he fixed all of the Ikea furniture that I put together to make it now fully functional (I have to admit, the drawers didn’t work on anything). The cherry on the cake was definitely the new blue roll up door and front door, perfect not only because it is blue, but also because we can now use it as a new shooting area.

March is also transformation month, because we are doing our Mother Daughter makeover special complete with wardrobe, hair and makeup. Here is a sneak peak at the new blue door with the gorgeous Gill kiddos who can now say they were the very first family to shoot on the blue roll up door. Enjoy. More beautiful images of the studio to come, once it has been completed!

Family Photography, Fashion, Orange County Photography, Portrait Photography, Studio photo session

Exist in Photographs

Do you have an excuse about why you keep putting off getting portraits of yourself and your family? Are you waiting to look perfect, have the perfect body, skin, hair, etc.? While you continue to put it off for one more year, your family is missing out on beautiful images of YOU!

That is what exist in photographs is all about. I absolutely understand that there is a lot of work that goes into planning a photography session. Sometimes it seems like it just isn’t meant to be, but believe me it is. Take me for example. My busiest time of year is October and November. I work an average of 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the middle of all that craziness, is my own family that needs portraits for the year. For me, I need to find one of my friends that is a photographer, and also really busy, to agree to take a few images of the whole family together. I can handle the portraits of my kids and my kids with my husband, but I feel like it is really important for me to also get into the portrait every year. I don’t want my kids to look back in 10, 20, or 30 years from now and say, “where was my Mom”. Or, “my Mom was always behind the camera, and looks like she was never around according to pictures”.

I want to make it easy for you to say yes to a portrait session this year by doing the follow:

Having a hair and makeup artist available for you to look and feel your very best.
By having a shooting wardrobe, that I can mix and match with your own clothing to take the hassle out of planning for the outfits for your session.
Creating a fun environment for you and your family where everyone feels comfortable and is actually having fun.
By guiding your posing to make you look your very best. I can take off at least 10 pounds with good posing!
By using photoshop to finish your portrait and make your best just a little better.
And finally, by inviting you to our studio a week after your session for a personal reveal of our top images from the session. These images will be fine art prints, fully retouched, mounted and matted ready to take home that day. All of the prints also include the digital file of the edited image. In addition, we will walk you through the rest of our beautiful portrait products to help design wall art and other keepsakes.

Do you have someone you love that you want to capture forever in portraits? Take advantage of our makeover special this month. For more details, email us at kristin@blueskysstudio.com. Have a beautiful weekend and enjoy this unbelievably beautiful mother and daughter duo!