From Wikipedia: 

The Green Man motif has many variations. Found in many cultures around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities springing up in different cultures throughout the ages. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or “renaissance,” representing the cycle of growth each spring. Some speculate that the mythology of the Green Man developed independently in the traditions of separate ancient cultures and evolved into the wide variety of examples found throughout history.

I decided to do  a Green Man shoot with my friend Steve, and it was a ton of fun… love the way it turned out!

A few of these images will be on display at Crones Hollow on 2470 South Main Street in SLC next week (March 2nd)!  http://www.croneshollow.com/

Green Man

The first thing I did was create a wig made out of fake leaves. Once he put the wig on, I started gluing leaves to his face.. and then I airbrushed him with greens and blacks. The final touches were made with a paintbrush… blue lips and plant veins on his cheeks. Steve was super fun to work with, and a fantastic model! Here are some BTS shots (below)…

Here is a before editing (straight out of camera) shot and after shot (processed in Lightroom and Photoshop)….

Here are a few more shots from the series:

BTW, just wanted to mention that I always use professional body paints and glue, etc when working with people… I used Mehron & krylon brands for this shoot.

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And here is the final… although I do still need to make a sign that says “Feed Me” Hehehe

My goal with this project is to combine the artist with their artwork. Some will be done with Photoshop, others may be projection, body paint, or simply shot in front of their work, etc. Each image will change completely depending on the artist’s style.

By Photographer & Makeup Artist Renee Keith .  www.ReneeKeith.com

Blush is a cosmetic that can be used to redden cheeks, contour the face, amplify facial features, and provide a more youthful, attractive, healthy appearance. Scientists at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews Perception Lab have shown that a rosy complexion can denote healthiness (oxygen rich blood) and higher sex hormones, while green and pale indicates illness. Also, when applying beauty makeup, foundation is usually used to even out skin tones, and blush can be used to bring some color back into the face.

IMO, Putting on blush correctly isn’t just about grabbing some nice pink/red color and throwing it on the apple of your cheek (I wish it were that easy, and that might even work for some people)… There is an art to it. My personal goals with this study: I would like to know when to use what colors, and why, as well as different ways to put it on to flatter the model’s facial features. For creative looks, I would like to get down the porcelain doll look and exaggerated stage makeup.

Makeup for photography is usually put on a lot heavier than normal because it doesn’t show up as much on camera…. especially blush. But don’t worry, even if it doesn’t show up too much,  a digital photographer will have the option to darken it in post processing. Most photographers don’t know makeup too well, so it is important that you get everything in the right spot.

There are several different types of blush to choose from including powder, creme, gel tint blush and shimmers. Powder is okay to use with all skin types, but works best with oily skin. Creme is rich in oils, so it is best for dry skin.  Gel is usually water based, and best to use for anyone with acne or pimples. It is fast drying and not recommended for dry skin. Tint Blush also drys fast, so you must spread it and blend it quickly. It should be applied over foundation, doesn’t really need touch up and works with all skin types. Matt finishes are generally recommended for women over 40.

Here is a quick YouTube video from Lucky Magazine briefly showing powder, creme and gel:

correct blush color example

Once you decide what type to go with, next comes what colors to use. Here are some simple guidelines: If your skin is really light, pinks (and sometimes peaches) look best. If your have warmer toned skin, corals, and roses  will help compliment your golden undertones. Bright and bold look best for darker skinned women. Ive read online, that a good way to find your blush color is to pinch your cheeks, and wait a few minutes. Another way is to match it yo your natural lip color. Of course, rules are just guidelines and ultimately, a talented trained eye will be what makes or breaks you. So far, when playing around with blush, Ive definitely noticed that color choice is a huge deal and if you want to be good at flattering women with makeup, small details are big ones.

The image to the right is  a great example of the wrong color vs the right color for her face. The left cheek looks unnatural with too warm of tones. The right cheek looks more natural matching skin tones and her lips.

Next, I will be going over different ways to put blush on. 

Where is the apple of your cheek? Click here to watch a Bobbie Brown Video on Oprah.com.

As I learn to put blush on, I am starting to wonder if I mostly use it to contour. The image to the left shows blush on the lower part of her cheek bone. Whereas the  link above shows to put blush on the round part of your cheek (easily found when you smile).  I don’t think I am doing it wrong really, just different… and I like it, but maybe I need to start using a different color for contouring rather than blush colors? I plan to figure this all out as I study how to put blush on.

- updates coming soon!

Beauty Makeup Study by Renee Keith

I am conducting my own in-depth study of how to apply beauty makeup. My goal is to be able to create awesome beauty looks for our photography with everything from simple beauty makeup to more exaggerated creative looks… knowing how to shape different faces, when to use what and why, learning what rules I can break an all that jazz.  You can expect posts around once a month during the whole year of 2012, the first one (Rouge) being towards the end of December 2011.

A little about my makeup artistry background: Makeup was never my forte, and I never thought I would be a makeup artist! As photographers, we are constantly needing makeup done on models, and I figured I would learn it myself. At first I was extremely out of my element. Even being around a bunch of makeup artists in class was really awkward for me. The two classes I took last year  (Jan 2011) were each over a period of 2 weeks, but it takes years and experience to become a professional. There are still a lot of things I don’t completely understand… like blush & contouring! I also have a hard time with lips. I figure the best way to learn is to do an in-depth study of each subject individually. I will be creating a series of  blog posts with plenty of pictures dedicated to learning different makeup techniques. 

As for now, here are some examples of makeup I have already done (after my classes, but before the study)…

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Beauty Makeup Study: Rouge, Blush or Blusher

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Homemade Cranberry Sauce:

One Cup Orange Juice

One Cup Sugar

12oz pkg of fresh cranberries.

Dissolve sugar in orange juice over medium heat, add cranberries, and cook or about 10 min. until they start to pop (skin breaks). At this point, you can add any optional ingredients. I added blueberries, pecans and a little bit of allspice. Chill in fridge, sauce should thicken. Serve with turkey, mmmm! Optional: Pecans, orange zest, raisins, currants, blueberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice.

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I didn’t get a picture of the Boston Cream Pie, There is a good one on their website along with the recipe at the following link: http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/5005/All-Chocolate-Boston-Cream-Pie.aspx

Everyone loved it, and I am pretty sure it is a new family favorite It is super rich, so small servings go a long way.

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For the Clam Dip, I used my mom’s recipe… not sure where she got it, but it was definitely one of my favorites for the holidays during my childhood.

1-2 Cups Cottage Cheese

4-8 oz Cream Cheese

2-3 TBSP Grated Onion

4-5 TBSP Mayo

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 – 1 can Clams

1-2 Large Minced Garlic Cloves

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Maple Roast Turkey and Gravy

I am going to try this recipe from allrecipes and will let you know how it goes

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/maple-roast-turkey-and-gravy-2/detail.aspx?src=ShareOnFacebook&recipeID=13521

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Apple Cider

I used 3 parts Apple Juice (I like fresh home made apple juice)

1 part water

Lemon Zest

Small slice fresh Ginger

Several cloves (too many will make it taste bitter)

Cinnamon sticks

Simmer apple juice, water, and spices (except for the cinnamon stick) for 15 min. Pour through a small strainer, or pick out chunks of spices.

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Candied Pecans:

Pecans, 1 egg white, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 TBSP Cinnamon, pinch of allspice, 1 tsp salt

Add egg white into bowl. Mix sugar, cinnamon, allspice and salt in a separate bowl. Roll pecans in egg white, and then sugar mixture. Place onto greased pan, and back at 250 F for 55 min stirring every 15-20 minutes.

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Sweet Potato Casserole: http://southernfood.about.com/od/sidedishcasseroles/r/bl90911u.htm

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Last but not least, I am going to make Carrot Cake, I am going to try the recipe from this blog: http://stickygooeycreamychewy.com/2011/01/07/the-best-carrot-cake-recipe-ever/

It looks delicious!! UPDATE: It was fantastic!!

Here is a little video of her playing with my daughter:

12-2011 Bella got her first stylin haircut I didn’t like the boxy chin, so I cut it off when we got home, hehe.  She seems so much littler now… I kinda miss her fluffy hair… we might get it styled a little different in the future, plus her hair on her ears and tail will be longer for the next time too.

An updated pic (17 weeks old):

01-2012 I decided to do an oil painting of Bella (pic to the left)…. she looks a little mad, LOL. She doesn’t look mad at all in the picture I used to paint from!

02-2012 We recently had her spayed, so now she is wearing a plastic cone for 10 days… its been tough keeping her calm. She wants to run around and play! You can tell its been a while since we had her groomed… she is getting super fluffy