Casual Autumn Photoshoot

I used my gorgeous sister as my model. The prep time was a little rushed, but the shoot turned out beautifully! Check out this lovely, casual look, with golds, browns, and reds to emphasize an autumn atmosphere (even though it was February when we shot this). :)

Nicholas French Class Creation

If you aren't familiar with Nicholas French, he is one of the top hairdressers in the world and is known particularly for his incredible Avant Garde creations. He assisted under Vidal Sassoon (probably THE number one name in the industry, completely revolutionized haircutting in the 1960's) for two years, has won several times at NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards) and is almost iconic in the fashion/hair industry.

This week I had the wonderful opportunity to take an all-day, hands-on class with him when he came to my school to teach! We learned techniques, methods, and pointers from a so-nice-he-could-be-your-grandpa-avant-garde-mad-genius all day, and it doesn't get much better than that.

Here are a few pictures of Nicholas French's work, just to give you a taste of what the Avant Garde industry is like:
















This collection (above) was inspired by his trip to Asia, as can be seen by the thin, paper-like fabric, colors and background. He showed us how he created each one of these incredible hairpieces.



Yes, everything you see on top of those girls' hair is actually hair. Insane, right? He taught us how to create
this "blades of grass" technique, and I incorporated it into my own creation for the class. The model on the right's hairpiece was inspired by a car Nicholas saw in Detroit, he told us. It looks like the grill of the car and instantly says "high-end" with the yellow and black.



I hope by now you're either fainting in your chair or your jaw is on the floor, because these hairpieces are just wild! :) The two on the right incorporate the "blades of grass" technique, and the one on the left is several hairpieces put together. He showed us several of these techniques as well. Nick French is absolutely genius.


I really shouldn't post this for such dismal contrast, but here is a picture of the hairstyle I created as part of the class. It didn't turn out exactly how I wanted it to, but this picture shows the rose I created that did turn out great. Everyone loved it. I'd love to incorporate this into a formal or avant-garde look and do something with it.

Jessica - Wedding Day!

My childhood best friend Jessica got married last week, and I was privileged to get her ready for her big day! We had a great time catching up during our pre-appointments and on the big day, and it is so pleasing to see her marry her perfect match.

The lighting is poor, but here is the general look. :)

Hair and makeup by Christa.

Bridal Shoot - Beacon

This was originally shot for a nationwide competition, but is a great addition to my portfolio-- especially as I hope to have a strong emphasis on bridal work in my career! Many thanks to Stacia for being my pretend bride, and for hunting down a wedding dress to use for the shoot. Also thanks to Charolette Winder for stunning photography! Couldn't have done it without either of those lovely ladies!

Avant Garde Shoot - Summer Season

Originally part of a nationwide competition, this shoot turned out 100% different than I pictured it, but so awesome! Much thanks to the last minute step-in modeling by Shannon and even more last minute photography by Kirsten Elkins. Couldn't have done it without either of them, and I am so pleased with the results. Definitely going in my portfolio. Let me know what you think! 

This (above) is my definite favorite shot. Stunning!! I want to put this on my car, my tshirts, and on my dog next to a sign that says, "Look how freaking awesome I am!" But I imagine self control and respect of the general public will keep me from doing that.

This copy is out of focus so I'll have to update it-- but it's a lovely illustration on my theme, the summer season. Greens, yellows and whites with a natural, scattered yet collected look, combined with an asymmetrical floral accent really paint the picture for me.

Can you sat 1920's Vogue/film star?! Love the graceful, extended neck and polished expression and hair so iconic of the 1920's. Absolutely in love.

 Simple, lovely shot. Go Shannon, and  Kirsten with her magical artsy touch that totally completes this shoot. :)