Sunday 29 January 2012

Hairdressing in Montreal

So on arriving to Montreal I have been working on some exciting projects.  This is mostly with great thanks to the Lightbox Studio with whom I have had the pleasure of working closely with on a couple of shoots.  I have had the luxury of working with some very talented people over the last couple of months these include artists, models and photographer's.  The work of which you can see the results of on my refurbed blog.

Starting with the first shoot (results of which are the title page and background) set within the Lightbox studio located in Mile End, Montreal.  We had our beautiful model Dana, who, inspired by the seductive beauty of nature produced imagery of what resembles Fauna, the Roman fertility and earth goddess.  The hair is loosely braided around the front, lost in tangled curls which have been pulled apart and shaped up off the base of the neck, to reveal Dana's engaging neckline.  The make up was kept clean and elegant, with a powdery finish on the face.   The mouth was completed with a dark blood lip which created the added edge of vamp glam elegance.

Secondly and most recently our next shoot took us to an the most amazing 17th Century Hotel located within the heart of Old Montreal.  This was to be our setting for our regal rockstar and model, Nadia.  For this shoot a collection of ideas came together.  The setting was obviously a huge influence on the overall mood and atmosphere of the shots created, so anything we imposed needed to fit.  Nadia's hair was previously cut by myself the week before.  The idea of the haircut was to create classic streamline style, so what style more suited than a classic graduated bob.  However, as I stress time and time again styles need to be adapted to the individual and Nadia has a wonderful, unique, style (which is less conventional than a bob).  So with the shoot and Nadia in mind I combined the two ideas.  The results of which have created a classic meets whimsical style.  With which the shots taken resulted in Nadia appearing as the young lady of the house.  A major point of reference and inspiration for these shots was naturally Audrey Hepburn.

Once again I would like to thank the Lightbox studio in particular Alex Kasyan and Tamara Dajkeli, both fantastic professional photographers who take great pride in there work.  I highly recommend there work and expertise within Photography, Web design and Illustration.  I also wish to thank the wonderful beautiful models Dana Hey and Nadia Sessen without whose patience and beauty the shoot would not of been possible.           

To view picture's from the shoot you will find them on my last posting.  Thank you for viewing my blog.  

   

Saturday 28 January 2012

Photo Shoot

Photography: Lightbox Studio
Hair & Makeup: Louise Shipton
Model: Nadia Sessen







Wednesday 14 December 2011

You're so vain

"Vanity well fed is benevolent. Vanity hungry is spiteful."  Mason Cooley.

Let's be honest.  Who believes it is against human nature to act on vanity?  I am not talking about hair and nails either.  Vanity, believe it or not, runs skin deep.  Different people operate on different levels and express it in different ways.
Taking pride in how we express ourselves is not a crime, it is an outlet.  There is always going to be a vanity scale and within that scale lies one extreme to another.  I feel it is apart of my job within the beauty industry to help people find a balance.  I have seen the positive impact first hand that people experience when finding such a balance.
Finding the confidence in a natural look after years of maiming hair with an iron is extremely common.  It is also a task in itself convincing people that they do not need it.  Like anything the power of styling tools should not be abused because it can become a vicious circle.
My other example sits on the other end of the spectrum.  You think that by avoiding vanity all together it will completely pass you by.  Whether you are a single working mum/dad, Eco warrior or Carer, sometimes taking time out of a busy schedule to attend to your own needs is necessary.  Contributing to your own happiness impacts not only yourself, but those around you.  I have witnessed the positive impact that taking time to attend to one's vanity can have on people. Be it increased confidence in taking on job interviews to meeting future partners in social situations.
Let me end this blog with a personal story.  It's not about any previous clients I have had, in fact it is about my dog.  Have you ever noticed how animals take pride in their appearance?  I certainly did with Sooty, our black miniature poodle.  Every time he had his hair cut he knew.  He would strut around the house, tail wagging and tongue out.  Now before your imagination runs away with you I can assure you Sooty's six week hair cuts were straight forward and simple.  So straight forward and simple in fact my father believed he could skimp out on the dog's hairdressing bills.  So on investing in a pair of dog grooming clippers he took them upon this poor animal.  I will just make a note to those unaware, my father shaves what little hair he has.  Needless to say, aside from the trauma Sooty tolerated in this experience he then had to live it out with patches of uneven hair and the worst haircut you have ever seen.  Sooty kept his tail between his legs for the next six weeks and my Father never cut his hair again.     
To conclude, vanity is an animal instinct, we should not feel ashamed if we want to spend time in the mirror.  It is also important to understand that we shouldn't over indulge ourselves and consequently   become lost in societies or our own false expectations.  The positives, however, on finding a healthy balance within our own lives can be both rewarding and life changing.  Personally, I'm still trying.