Monthly Archives: January 2010

Way to go Alex!

By Liz Washer | Published January 28, 2010

Alex Minkin, one of the photographers I work with frequently, has been featured on the Profoto blog – read the article here.

My favorite part is the picture of the crazy configuration of beauty dishes that he used to get this photo:

You can see why I was raving about Hallmark’s studios and equipment in my last entry!

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A love note to the Hallmark Institute of Photography

By Liz Washer | Published January 25, 2010

One of the best things about doing makeup in Western Massachusetts is that there is a photography school chock full of fantastic young talent, amazing studio spaces and top-notch equipment right up the highway in Turners Falls. In the past few months, I have been “friended” on Model Mayhem by dozens of Hallmarkers who are seeking project collaborators to help fulfill their class assignments and personal projects. I’ve been fortunate to get some nice images out of these gigs, too.

Right now they all seem to be doing high key portraiture, which is great for my portfolio – the models’ faces really stand out against the white, shadowless background. Hallmark has the kind of studio equipment that few freelancers can afford (or make room for)… this shot, by Alex Minkin, was taken with a beauty dish the size of a television studio satellite dish (around 7 feet in diameter):

(We did crazy black lips and gold leaf in the second round. And didn’t Jen do an incredible job on the hair??)

It’s also fascinating to wander through the building and see the photography on the walls. One model I work with fairly regularly (hi, Freya!) graces the wall near some of the faculty offices. Come to think of it, I should check out the Hallmark Gallery on Avenue A. It’s a stone’s throw from the Rendezvous.

Anyway, I worked at Hallmark on Friday and Sunday, and plan to spend most of next weekend up there as well. It’s hard to say no! So if you’re a Hallmarker who happens across a bespectacled brunette doing makeup in the women’s bathroom, and taking up most of the counter space (that’s one thing Hallmark needs: a makeup studio), be sure to say hi.

Posted in Photoshoots, Places I love | 2 Comments

Video from yesterday’s group shoot

By Liz Washer | Published January 24, 2010

Saturday at LensProToGo was so much fun! I rarely have the opportunity to work with other makeup artists and it was so inspiring to see their work (and always fun to talk shop and gawk at each other’s kits). The event was an educational opportunity for local photographers; naturally I didn’t see any of the lessons because I was backstage (well, in the kitchen) getting the models made up, but it must have been good because it sold out and there was a waiting list!

When I was between looks, I took the opportunity to walk through the cavernous warehouse studio space and see the photographers and models in action:

Posted in Behind the scenes, Photoshoots | Leave a comment

This is how much of a geek I am…

By Liz Washer | Published January 22, 2010

…I am actually considering driving all the way to Manhattan for a 2-hour lecture event with The Powder Group.

I really can’t justify the trip, especially considering that I’ll be driving to north-of-Albany the NEXT DAY for a long-anticipated photoshoot with two models I’ve worked with before (and a photographer I haven’t). But it’s so tempting… I loved the last seminar I attended. That one was three full days, but still… they pack a lotta learnin’ into a remarkably short period of time.

I suppose I should hold off on such professional development seminars until the Makeup Show in May, when I’ll have more than one reason to be in the city. But… SO TEMPTING.

(You thought I was kidding when I said I was a geek, didn’t you?)

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And… I have a website! (obviously)

By Liz Washer | Published January 14, 2010

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of opening one’s email and seeing a note from a talented web designer informing you that your site design is complete. I absolutely love it – the design is clean (just like the best makeup), easy to navigate, and, most of all, I love that I can administrate changes easily on my own, thanks to my rudimentary WordPress skills. Dan (the aforementioned talented web designer), I cannot thank you enough! What a great start to the new year.

So, hi! I’m Liz, your friendly neighborhood makeup artist and all-around beauty junkie. I’ll come right out and say it: I’m not your typical fashionista. I’m chubby, geeky, and about as laid-back as a Leo can be. One of the reasons I love doing makeup is because I know how to make it accessible to everyone from professional models to working moms to fledgling drag queens. As far as I’m concerned, everyone’s invited to the party.

Stay tuned as I fumble along in my new blog… I’ll keep you posted about my beauty exploits, my product raves (and rants), and dispense some beauty tips along the way. And I’ll try to make it fun – yes, fun! I think makeup is fun, and if you do too, you’ll probably like it here. If you view makeup as the tedious chore you resentfully undergo every morning to make yourself feel marginally less disgusting, you probably shouldn’t read on (or maybe you really, really should, because sugar, that ain’t how it ought to be!) Makeup is just another way to express one’s personal style.

…and, hey, it’s cheaper than designer shoes.

Posted in Administrata | 3 Comments