[ BROUGHT TO YOU BY CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST, ELKE VON FREUDENBERG ]

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Part 2ORDER

Part 1

Yvonne Bolten, Hairstylist

"From beginning to end everyone could only say "Wow!" It's so amazing how well everyone got along. I walked in not knowing anyone but Elke, and I left feeling like I knew everyone very well. Everyone supported everyone else in a positive, constructive way. Working side by side with Elke is always fun and I learn so much every time. She has taught me everything there is to know in the business, and she's my inspiration."

Everything that is going on is being videotaped, and so we behind the scenes people are in the unaccustomed position of actually being on camera. "Act like we're not here....", the camera crew tells us. Of course the model is a pro. But it's a lot more difficult for us. Every part of the photo shoot is planned and then videotaped. All this takes about a good six hours, from start to finish; from the pre-production meeting, getting her makeup and hair camera-ready, trying on the outfit, to finally the actual photo shoot itself. And that's just for the photo shoot part of the video.

We haven't even gotten to the 'how-to' part of the video yet.

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Lisa Biscaichipy, Model

" I have been modeling part-time for about two years while attending UCLA. I enjoy modeling because it allows me to enter into a fantasy world and it's a fun diversion from the stress of school. Shooting Elke's makeup video was great fun. The vintage dress made me feel like an actress in a classic 1940's film. It was a privilege to work with so many talented individuals at one time.

The best part of meeting these people was that after only a couple of hours, it felt as if we had been friends for years. The shooting of the makeup video introduced me to some very helpful hints. Learning the correct direction to apply moisturizer and foundation was a subtle change to my makeup application regime, yet it made a tremendous difference. Elke's tip - that I swear by - involves using white eye shadow underneath the eyes. My late night studies often force me to get less sleep then most models. The next morning when I wake up with dark circles under my eyes, this trick masques those areas and allows me to look just as fresh. It has done wonders for me when I have to attend those last minute jobs. Thank you, Elke!"


Next, we move on to the actual instructional part of the video. The important part. This took about a month's worth of writing everything out on paper, asking, "Will this make sense?" and "How will this look on camera?" We also timed every section to be filmed, planning and dissecting every makeup step. The key question: can we get this all down in a one-hour tape? This step by step process of the model's makeup, takes about another 5 hours to shoot, and reshoot, and reshoot.

Am I put on the spot? I sure am. I have to do every makeup step in one take. Why? If I goof up, not only do I have to redo that step, but all the ones before that. So every step you see, yep, that was it in one take.

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Pamela Holdridge- Wardrobe Stylist

"I work as a costumer and stylist at Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, California. This particular photo shoot was tailored to be very classic and beautiful. I spent 2 days at Warner Brothers milling through thousands of racks for beautiful dresses that might suit this shoot.

Two days prior to the photo shoot, photographer Stephan Brown, Elke and I got together with Lisa the model, for a wardrobe fitting, so that there will be no anxieties about the dress fitting properly. One of the dresses we were considering did turn out to be three sizes too large, but nothing three forceful camera clamps couldn't take care of if we decided to use it. It was obvious the moment the brown chiffon vintage 50's gown was zipped up, that we had found the dress. It fit her like a glove.

The nature of period clothing can sometimes be challenging to restore it to it's original look especially when it's being used in a video. So the dress bodice had to be carefully pressed as well as the feathers sprayed to give it a fresher look. And each tier of netting on the dress had to be carefully handled. During the actual photo shoot, my primary focus was to watch the silhouette of the dress, and the multi tiered ruffles so that they photograph more flattering to the eye. Styling a photo shoot is probably my favorite aspect of costuming."

 

LUNCH!

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Stephan Brown - Photographer

"I interpret each photo shoot as basically creating a whole new person. There are no two photos alike when so many different fashion statements are being made and different attitudes and feelings are being created for every model being photographed. To make this project work, we needed to assemble a team of people who work well together, and understand how each individual sees things and are able to expand on our individual ideas. I truly believe that a successful fashion photograph will "morph" from the original concept or idea to the final image without interrupting the display of the product or its presentation. This is done when several people are able to listen to improvements, trusting each of our talents to make changes.

Lisa was a good model for this photo because she has several natural poses which are very easy to capture. Sometimes I watch her while I'm loading the camera because she'll do great things while she's waiting. I felt the wardrobe worked well because Pamela chose dresses that contained a lot of detail and colors that separated well from the white background."

 

Editing, - Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.

I watch the rough cut of the video being played back, and it's amazing how great it all looks on a little T.V. screen. I can finally see what's been playing in my head for over a month now.

My main goal is to produce a series of videos that show step by step how to do the featured makeup in a new and different way, while also highlighting the hard work and fun that goes into a photo shoot. That means featuring the talent and patience behind the scenes of a photo shoot, the steps that go into creating the perfect shot. I think we accomplished that......and more. One video done, another to go.

It's about 10:30 p.m., and my feet still hurt. I'm tired. It's been a very long three days, but I'm so very proud of the work everyone here has created. My ideal is to see these videos as another tool in the endless search of education for makeup artists and image makers.

A very special thank you everyone involved who helped make this possible.

I couldn't have done it without you.

From top left:
Stephan Brown-Photographer,

Pamela Holdridge, Stylist,

Elke, Reyna Contreras, personal assistant,

Lisa B., model. 

 

 

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