New Zealand fashion and lifestyle blog

Memories Incorporated

Despite Lily playing up like a monkey and even poking her tongue out at the photographer, I am overwhelmed with the results of our recent shoot at Photographers Inc in Ponsonby and think they have captured her nature perfectly…

Despite Lily playing up like a monkey and even poking her tongue out at the photographer, I am overwhelmed with the results of our recent shoot at Photographers Inc in Ponsonby and think they have captured her nature perfectly.

So, what happens at a portrait sitting? I’ll tell you all about it…

I arrived an hour before the shoot for hair and make-up. Their make up artist Pila is fantastic; talented at what she does and so lovely. She was an absolute pleasure. Using MAC and Smashbox cosmetics she did my make-up in a look that I asked for and then did my hair using ghds in loose waves. I was really pleased with what she did.

Next up, we met the photographer, Charlton Henry, and he had us sit on the floor in the studio for some seated shots, after first going through our clothing options and deciding on our looks.

This is us pre-shoot, in the studio, located upstairs in Three Lamps, Ponsonby. All the hair and make-up is done on site so you don’t have to worry about parking twice, or getting wind-blown walking there. There was free parking behind the studio and Post Shop.

Below: Charlton shooting Lily and I in the Ponsonby studio.

As well as his technical and creative skills – which are immediately apparent in the photos themselves – I was impressed by his child-whispering skills!

He had a rat hand puppet and managed to get laughs out of Lily throughout our session which lasted about 45 minutes.

Below: Lily giving Charlton some attitude.

…and trying to make an unsuccessful break for freedom.

For our first outfit I chose light coloured outfits with lilac and grey tones. I brought along two of Lily’s dresses which I had sewn myself as I thought that would add a nice personal, handmade touch for the photos.

The manager Gavin commented in our viewing appointment afterwards that he really liked this one as it showed up her smallness next to me.

My Madonna and Child pose. Well, it is almost Christmas…

Any photo can be made into black and white which is always super-flattering – and looks gorgeous for portraiture close ups – and also a half-tone colour which can be a cool effect.

Below: Charlton had us try a different pose of me lying on the ground and Lily standing over me laughing. Note- you can have the laughter lines around your eyes softened afterwards but I opted to leave the wrinkles in! Lily, however, didn’t need any work done.

Another black and white of us both looking at the camera, side by side.

Second outfit: we changed into grey tones and a dress I made Lily from vintage lace.

Here is quite a classic mother-daughter pose.

And another in the same series that really captures her joy while giggling.

I choose this one as one of my prints as I loved the connection of us touching noses and looking at each other.

Here are 5 helpful tips from Photographers Inc which I found really useful.

1. Please arrive with clean, dry, product free hair i.e. wash it the night before. It’s always a good idea to be up-to-date with your hair appointments too – especially if you colour your hair. We prefer that you are also makeup free but, if not, please bring your cleanser with you and avoid mascara etc which can irritate your eyes when removing it. We pride ourselves in using only high quality products. However, should you have an allergy to any specific skincare or cosmetic products, please let us know in advance so that we can provide quality alternatives.

2. Clothing: Please bring a minimum of five outfits and accessories with you. Include casual, funky, eveningwear or lingerie. Do remember to bring underwear to match if you don’t want the white shirt black bra look. Have fun picking your outfits or, if you are unsure, bring a selection and we will help style your shoot.

Just a tip: accessories go further than clothes and shoes need only show up in a full-length shot. Do try to bring something particular to you – a favourite hat, special jewellery, a scarf, your instrument, your sporting uniform, something you make … anything that helps express who you are (or like to be).

3. Family and Friends: At Photographers Inc you are welcome to include a partner, children, family or friends in your shoot at no additional cost. This is a fabulous opportunity to update family portraits or indulge with beautiful contemporary portraits just for you. If anyone is joining you in your shoot, ask them to arrive over an hour after your makeover begins (or send them out for windowshopping, lunch or a coffee for the whole hour of your makeover) as the makeover does take a full hour and can be dull to watch. For family and group sittings it is good to bring a few different outfits or at least shirts each so we can see what works best or keep a similar theme for everyone such as light or dark, dressy or casual.

4. Bring a few examples of images you like: a whole scrapbook of images or just a few that you think look great. This is a visual art so we want to be inspired by what you like.

5. This is your party – make the most of it! Feel free to bring music on your ipod or CDs to suit your mood, bring something fun to play around with if you like, bubbles if that’s more your thing, … anything that helps special time for you.

So, all in all it was a fabulous experience, from the pamper time, through the studio session, the viewing of the slideshow, and of course seeing the results. My family said "WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! These would have to be the best ever of you both – looks like you were having lots of fun."

Now I have memories to keep forever. Except, perhaps, that one of her poking her tongue out!

Words Megan Robinson, 8 December 2010

Photography by Charlton Henry
Photographers Inc
ph 09 360 1669
www.photographersinc.co.nz

Reception is open 9:30am-5pm Tuesday-Friday
Upstairs 320 Ponsonby Rd
Three Lamps, Ponsonby Auckland 1011


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