There are many amateur and semi-professional fashion shows that need volunteer models, makeup specialists, fashion designers, and photographers, and, because we are photographers, we are able to take advantage of this opportunity.
To do the job correctly, we must arrive early, introduce ourselves to the organizers, have plenty of extra batteries (the batteries in the flash tend to overheat), be discreet and respectful when taking photographs, pass out business card to the participants, try to find interesting angles and situations, and make everyone look their best.
Through the looking glass.
Plus, each and every photograph (there are typically thousands) must be looked at on our computer and the best ones “touched”, meaning color-corrected, shadow reduction, brightness altered, cropped, or straightened. Then the photographs are uploaded to a photo-sharing site such as Flickr or SmugMug, and the organizers notified. While the fashion shoot might take three hours, the processing on the computer will take up to ten hours.
Okay, now that you have the background, let’s take a look at what goes on at one of these events.
The Transformation
To fit the clothing, models are selected for their size, and they dress in an area where photographers are not permitted. It is only when they are in the makeup area that we see them.
Let the magic begin.
Our model is dressed and has done her hair. Her face is scrubbed clean to give the makeup artist a blank slate.
Foundation and blush work wonders.
The makeup is applied in stages; it never seems quite right until the transformation is complete, but you can see the difference already.
The transformation continues.
Makeup is applied fairly heavily, then gradually smoothed to look natural under stage light—or in this case, the photographer’s flash.
A little glitter adds pizzazz.
The makeup artist adds a few bits of glitter to the model’s cheeks to add a touch of brightness when the model is on the catwalk.
Et voilà!
A little lipstick, a few last-minute hair adjustments, and our model prepares for her moment of fame.
Now is the time to shine!
Here is our model, confidently displaying the latest in lingerie to fans and photographers.
The moment we have all been waiting for.
And, after two hours of preparation, our model is on the catwalk for perhaps 30 seconds, giving it all for her art form.
Makeup Artists
There are specialists who train many years to add coloring and styling to model’s faces and hair to deliver a desired effect. We call those people Makeup Artists (not to be confused with Make-out Artists).
The artist’s hands in action.
The artist is familiar with hair and skin, and sees each person as a canvas that can be slightly altered into a masterpiece.
Now that’s a head of hair.
A model might have short, spiky hair, long, flowing locks, or tight curls; the artist must be able to craft any of these into a striking coiffure.
No, the bristles were already that color.
Powders are used to blend the colors of the model’s face to create a smooth, natural look under the bright lights of the catwalk.
The eyes have it.
Often, the area above the eye is darker than the area below, but each artist creates a look individual to the model.
Black lips because, why not?
The lips are typically the last part of the makeup to be applied; the color of the lipstick is selected to draw attention and is rarely mistaken for “natural” lip color.
Well, the “hair” part is easy.
All types of people are models, including those who need additional powder on their head.
And the creation is complete.
You can see that the makeup artist strives to bring an individuality to the model, even if her face is completely hidden by the effects.
Please enjoy these other makeup artists pursuing their craft.
Hair
What can we say about hair? You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it. There is hair-kabobs, hair creole, hair gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There’s pineapple hair, lemon hair, coconut hair, pepper hair, hair soup, hair stew, hair salad, hair and potatoes, hair burger, hair sandwich. Or maybe that’s shrimp. Either way, you can do a lot of things with hair.
The Cowsills would have been proud.
If you have big, sexy hair, there is a special hairspray just for you.
It’s ain’t easy being green.
We do not discriminate based on length or color: it is all pretty cool.
Take a moment to view more hairy models. 😆
Eyes
The eye is the lamp of the body, according to some ancient scribe. Or perhaps it’s the window to your soul (which is a strange notion, given that a soul is incorporeal). But for a model, eyes are a focal point of the face, and much care is given to creating just the right look.
“It is common for people to modify their eyebrows by means of hair removal and makeup.”
The internet claims that “humans developed a smooth forehead with visible, hairy eyebrows capable of a wide range of movement which are able to express a wide range of subtle emotions – including recognition and sympathy.” So you can see why having perfect eyebrows is so important.
Yellow equals danger!
Part of the fun of watching makeup being applied is that there is no way to tell what the final outcome will be.
Two lashes with a feathery piece of silk!
For those models not born with one-inch eyelashes, a set that can be glued on provides added depth to eyes under bright lights.
Last minute touch-ups are important.
Of course, a model does not necessarily need a professional to provide her eye makeup. A small mirror and a few tools, and she can do the job herself.
You can see eye-to-eye with the models in our slideshow.
Lips
Model seem to always have fun with their lips, coloring and shaping them into broad smiles or petite geisha mouths.
Two layers of lips.
Although models frequently have vividly colored lips, black and white will do just fine.
Fire-engine red is painted, carefully matching the contours of the lips.
It’s interesting how the color of lipstick so infrequently matches of lips; however, on models, it is essential to have lips that are bigger than life.
It’s like a galaxy on your lips.
In the camera’s flash, glittery bits come to life on the model’s lips.
Please enjoy our collection of model’s lips.
Shoes
Since it’s called a catWALK, the models must have something to walk in.
Hmmmm, something is wrong here.
At the very bottom of our models are the shoes they wear. And there is no way to know what’s on top just from the shoes.
Shoes make the model, right?
Faces
Although models typically model clothing, it’s their faces that catch our attention.
Let’s face it: that’s one beautiful model.
This model’s face has so many interesting parts, it’s hard to know where to look.
Basking in the radiance.
As this model prepare to have makeup applied, we capture her profile, illuminated by the makeup artist’s light.
Subtle tones on delicate features.
Sometimes the fashion designer seeks a more natural look for the model, and makeup in applied sparingly.
We are not sure about the ghost…
Although it looks strange in a brightly-lighted close-up, the model’s lipstick looks natural when he’s on the catwalk.
Black and blue and red all over.
When a period piece is being modeled, the model’s face reflects a Hollywood version of those times.
It’s all about the lips.
And sometimes, the hair and eyes are muted, and all the attention is drawn to the lips.
Let’s enjoy a few more model’s faces, shall we?
Poses
Models are at a photoshoot to have their photographs taken so, if you point your camera at them, they will pose for you. 😀
Okay, look natural.
This model, adorned with various unrelated tattoos, displays her position if she had just fallen down a flight of stairs. Or, at least, that what I think is happening here.
Oh, my!
This model’s pose cleverly reveals a hidden phallus.
I guess models can feel a bit of stress…
Although they are attempting to strangle each other, these models remember to engage the camera.
I always sit like this.
If you happen to be sitting in the corner of a booth and can’t get out, the booth itself is a great place to pose.
Gangsta-style posing.
Inspired by Derek and Hansel, these two models strike an intimidating pose.
There is a lot happening here.
When you ask models to pose, well, there is just no predicting what the outcome will be. 😆
Interacting with the audience has its rewards.
The gentleman is charmed by the charms of this model. We can’t blame him.
Take a moment to appreciate more models posing.
Candid Models
Part of the fun of photography is catching people unaware that their photograph is being taken. This gives us a glimpse into their natural moods and expressions.
Models are smart.
Contrary to male model myths, many models are accomplished readers and can navigate the complexities of old-school “books“.
There is a lot here that I don’t understand.
A patch reading “Dikes for Christ” beneath a patch reading “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is certain to bring a look of disgust, distain, displeasure, and laughter because, why not?
Why do so many girls pose like this?
Saying “Smile” often leads to spontaneous expressions of, well, as wikipedia puts it, a “…gesture signifying cunnilingus…” ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
She cracked herself up.
When you encourage people to act silly, they reward you with a natural smile.
Checking out the dudes? It’s a little late for that, I think….
These two models are engaged in a conversation that can only be guessed. Feel free to make up something fun!
Selfie time!
When the models are ready and the crowd has gathered, the phones come out and, for a few minutes, the model’s friends and family share in the moment.
A special smile for the photographer.
The models gather together for a group photograph, and one model treats me to a personalized smile of delight.
We have many more candid moments for your enjoyment. 🙂
Comic Effect
San Diego is home to Comic-Con, so it should be no surprise that some modeling events are inspired by that theme.
Having a marvelous time.
Why are superheroes always grimacing? I can understand the Hulk, but why couldn’t Iron Man have a smiley face?
You’re joking, right?
Lipstick is supposed to end where the lips end, but, goodness! Talk about not being able to color within the lines!
How does she keep her eye lids up?
A makeup artist bought those pink eyelashes thinking, “I just know that, someday, these will come in handy.” And she was correct.
Half a model?
If you squint, you can see more depth in this model’s makeup brought out by the halftone effect.
Everyone loves pretty models, especially when they embrace their inner comic.
On the Catwalk
The climax of a fashion show is when the models display their makeup, clothing, style, and themselves on a narrow stage for everyone to enjoy and admire.
Orange is the new black.
Something we have learned about photography is that, sometimes, the best place for the photographer is not with all the other photographers. In fact, the other photographers can bring an unexpected quality to the image.
Wow, that’s a lot of photographers.
Some of the models feel anxiety when they walk down the catwalk, and you can see why. This many photographers with high definition cameras can be intimidating.
Hold on!
You can see how narrow the catwalk is. Now, put on platform shoes, have a bunch of lights flashing in your face, and try to look graceful. It’s nice to have the support of a friend.
Well, I just feel silly.
Your on-stage personality must match your outfit, so it’s no wonder that some models get a bit loco when it’s show time.
Save me!
Sometimes the pressure is too great, and the model snaps like a broken goblet. But mostly, they just have a lot of fun. 😉
What you see is what you get.
Self-confidence can make or break a model, and some models have it in abundance.
Out of my way!
With a flourish, this model owns the catwalk, proudly displaying her minimalist outfit.
Come back.
Displaying her best come-hither gaze, this model shows off her backless dress as she pauses on the catwalk.
Take a walk down the catwalk with these other models.
Lingerie Catwalk
Occasionally, we are invited to a Lingerie Fashion Shoot, and we are happy to lend a hand. 😎
Those photographers are REALLY crowded together!
Being a lingerie fashion model takes a good bit of moxie. And by moxie, I mean…well, never mind. 😆
That one photographer looks stunned.
By positioning myself on the non-photographer side of the catwalk, I can get interesting photographs, such as this one where the flash is illuminating the model’s hair.
That is a very fancy garter belt.
When the catwalk is thin and has edges, you have been blinded by camera flash, and you are wearing 6-inch platform shoes, it is acceptable to look down as you walk so you don’t take a tumble.
Feather and lace.
An experienced model pauses near the end of the catwalk, then displays her fashion front, back, and profile, allowing the photographers time to take their photographs.
A constant celebration of Día de Muertos.
Some models bring with them their own sense of style that shines through on the catwalk.
More lingerie models for you to enjoy.
Living the life.
We hope you enjoyed our article on models and the modeling experience, and we hope you will continue to support your friendly neighborhood model, makeup artist, hair dresser, photographer, fashion designer, and all other artists as they bring beauty to our world!
