Lo & Co. Blog

Expert Advice - Willi Wong Photography

I enjoy talking about weddings with other vendors and I love getting the inside scoop from photographers.  I am always fascinated by how photographers play with light and how they work with the bride.  I worked with Willi Wong for Marni's wedding (see below photo) and just last week when I posed for a portraiture session with him.  We had a ton of fun and I can't wait to show some of the great photos. Willi is a storyteller and ultimately a great story is what we all want to hear or see.  I highly recommend reading Willi's blog which is full of thoughtful insight as well as see great photography. I always come away with a positive outlook after I read his blog. - Lo

Willi was kind enough to let me interview him:

What questions should a couple ask the photographer during their consultation?

There are more wedding photographers out there than the amount of time you have to find out about them before your big day so choose wisely. A consultation should not be the first time you try to find out about your photographer’s work. Sometimes it is not about what questions to ask, but the vibes that you get from the photographer. 

This may sound obvious, but if his/her work does not stir strong emotions in you don’t even bother to setup a consultation!  Try to find out more about the photographer on a professional and personal level.

By the time you are ready to commit an hour or two to meet with the photographer; you should already have seen much of his/her work through the website and blog and know about the detail pricing. If you have not done the above, you are wasting valuable time from your wedding planning and that of the photographer’s.

On a personal level you would want to find out if this person would be good addition to your wedding day. Would he/she be the kind of person that makes you and everyone feel at ease and comfortable on the day no matter what happened? Does your personality match?

On a professional level you would want to find out about this person’s work ethic. Why did he/she choose this profession? Has he/she ever missed a wedding? Is photography his/her fulltime or weekend hobby job?

 It’s also a time for the photographer to find out more about you; be frank about your likes and dislikes. Talk to him/her about your dream wedding images and what you like to capture on the day of, the day before and after the day. (Engagement session and Day after shoot).

What are some key things to look for when choosing a photographer?

•    Look for consistency in the quality of work. Make sure you see a few full wedding portfolios and not just the selected one or two images from different weddings.
•    Read reviews from former brides and ask references.
•    Look through individual wedding albums to see if the photographer’s work holds up from wedding to wedding.

What are some big warning signs to be aware of when looking at a portfolio and choosing a photographer.

•    The inconsistent quality of the images from one wedding to another.
•    Incomplete portfolio with images from here and there.
•    You don’t feel at ease with the photographer.

What advice do you give for the bride who feels that she doesn't photograph well?

First hire a great artist like Laura to do your hair and make up; second hire the photographer whose images touch your heart. You and your images will be beautiful when you enjoy every moment of your wedding day. I have photographed close to a thousand brides and have yet to see one that is not photogenic. Trust in your photographer to “see” you in the best of light and to capture the beauty in you and of your day.

Digital vs. film? Should a bride be concerned about this?

That should not even be a question anymore because digital has definitely matured into a complete professional and artistic medium. It’s a question of personal preference. If you decide to go with film, make sure you have all your images scan at the highest resolution possible because the labs may not be able to print from negatives in the future.

Do you feel that getting ready photos are important?

Yes, they are very important. It allows the photographer to build a rhythm with the bride and the groom so they are comfortable with his or her presence. This comfort level makes for great candid photos and relaxed portraits.

This early opportunity to see the bride, the groom and the wedding party makes me almost invisible to them and thus on several occasions I was asked by the brides where I was when she walked down the isle! They have gotten so used to my presence when they were getting ready, they stopped noticing my presence!

Do you like to have a shot list for any posed shots?

When you hired your photographer chances are you love his/her work; so don’t hamper the creativity by handing him/her with a shot list. If you must, keep it short so he/she doesn’t waste time looking through a list and misses the beautiful images of the moment.

A shot list would be very helpful when it’s time for the family photos. Make sure you entrust the list of must have family photos with names of the family members to someone who knows the family, so the list can be checked off.

What is the biggest mistake that brides make with timing on their wedding day?

Not giving enough time to hair and make up. My experience tells me that 3 hours are a must for the bride to get her hair, make-up, and dressed. The second costly mistake is getting ready too far from the ceremony site which can lead to delay because of traffic. I have seen my shares of wedding day delays and still live to tell beautiful stories; so just stay cool if it should happen to you and let the professionals save the day. That’s what we are hired to do, to handle any situation and still come away with great images.

What would your perfect client be like?

Someone who truly appreciates my work and believes in my ability to deliver to her the best wedding story ever! The perfect clients are the ones who book me as their photographer.

Thanks, Willi!

Finding a Flaw Mentor

I am asked by my clients to disguise their flaws daily and it has inspired me to add a new category to my blog called "Flaw Mentors". Women constantly pick apart their photographs and obsess about a flaw even though most people have slight facial abnormalities. A photograph is not a true representation of how one looks.  It is a frozen two dimensional image of a face that is three dimensional and fluid.  Some people are very photogenic and others are not.  I am not that photogenic as my right eye is lower than my left and when I face the camera straight on this is obvious. This used to bother me until I noticed that many celebrities - Shannon Daugherty for one - have the same flaw and they still look great.  From that point on whenever I disliked something about my face, hair or body shape I would search for a celebrity who had the same issue and they would become my Flaw Mentor. I encourage all of you to try this out. It is surprising how many gorgeous women have "flaws".   Heidi Klum admittedly has a lazy eye and I think that she is doing okay with her face.

source

Angie sent me an email about her perceived flaws.

Lo,

 As you can see, my eyes are kind of different in that the bottom lid sort of

slants up whenever I smile, or do anything. It makes me look like I\'m kind

of mean or glaring or something. Also, from certain sides, my face looks

really fat and my cheekbones big. Is there anyway to get rid of that or make

my face look smaller? 

Angie,

You have high cheekbones, full lips and beautifully shaped eyes.  These are all admirable physical traits that you need to embrace.  Your face isn't fat it is round and your cheeks may be on the fuller side right now, but they will keep you looking youthful.  I had huge cheeks in my twenties and then around my mid thirties, I finally had some cheekbones. You may not like looking younger now, but you will soon. Remember, photos flatten out your face, so please keep in mind that your face is more angular in person. Your eyes may turn up when you smile, but that isn't a bad thing.  Take a look at Lucy Liu. Her eyes get much smaller and turned up when she smiles and you can see that her eyes don't exactly match.  Regardless, she is stunning.  She has also has high and broad cheekbones which enhance her overall beauty.

source

Angie, I want you to find your own Flaw Mentors and start working your beautiful face.  When you appreciate your beauty others will as well - trust me.  Nothing is more beautiful than a confident woman who is comfortable in her own skin.  I would suggest the following to enhance your natural beauty:

• Have your eyebrows shaped:  Groomed brows will give you a more sophisticated look and enhance your eye shape.
• Wear blush:  Blush will add dimension to your face and give an overall boost to your skin
• Wear eye liner on your top lash line:  Eye liner will pull focus to your eyes and give you a more polished look.  Choose a gel liner that won't smudge.  See my favorite products post.

Is Your Makeup Aging You?

I was recently interviewed by Kathy Sena for www.makinglifebetter.com about how to avoid common makeup mistakes.  I love Kathy's sense of humor and I am glad that she allowed my cheekiness to come through!  Take a look:

Lo Asks - Dana Faith, Jewelery Designer

I recently met Dana Faith and instantly fell in love with her jewelry. I like to wear a large/bold piece of jewelry but with my hands-on job I don't want jewelry that is heavy or loud.  Can you image having your makeup done and constantly hearing the thunk and jingle of a big bracelet in your ear?   Dana was kind enough to let me "pick her brain" about her entrepreneurial journey. 

How did you start your business and what inspired you?

I was designing for Vera Wang for years and was very inspired by Vera and what a perfectionist she is, how much passion she has for her designs and how much work she puts into her collections.  After years on my own I have been practicing Buddhism and while chanting I thought of designing jewelry and it just took off from there. My grandfather was a jeweler and I was also very inspired by him as well.

I love how you make strong pieces that are also delicate and super feminine – can you tell me how you chose the materials, styles, and what have been some jewelry mentors of yours?

Well I always choose materials that can be worn by all women, so I like to keep it simple yet strong.  I am very inspired by antique jewelry, nature and my Buddhist practice. Fred Leighton has an amazing collection of antique and estate jewelry, I have always been very inspired by their pieces.

What is a “normal” day for you?

A normal day for me starts with my morning chant which just opens me up to so many different ideas. I will then either make pieces for customers or come up with new designs which is always so much fun! You can usually find me in the jewelry district picking out all of the fabulous jewels and metals, wow there is so much to choose from.

 Where do you do your work?

I actually do my work right in my living room  at home, it is very peaceful and an easy commute! haha

What is the most stressful or toughest part of your job?

The most stressful part is when I have a deadline and I am up at all hours getting all of my pieces done, whether it is for customers, stores or for photo shoots.

What is your favorite part of your job?

 My favorite part of my job is when I create new pieces and get inspired!!ahhhh!! Also when a customer writes how happy she is with her piece.

What advice would you give someone who is looking for jewelry for the wedding day?

 I would definitely stick to staying as simple as possible, sometimes brides get a little carried away and it can take away from their beautiful wedding dress. I would also say to please stay true to yourself and choosing jewelry that really says who they are.

Also I just want you to know that I am now making jewelry headbands-it is like wearing jewelry in the hair, really great idea for bridesmaids, very simple and pretty!!

Thanks, Dana!!

Engagement Photos

I am a big fan of engagement photos and I often do the bride's makeup for the shoot. Engagement photos are fantastic for many reasons.

1. Helps you become more comfortable in front of the camera.  The more times you are photographed, the more at ease you will be.  The best photos are when people are comfortable, happy and authentic.  For all of those people who hate "posing" for photos or think they aren't photogenic - a professional shoot can be completely different.  Most photographers don't want you to pose, they want you to be in the moment and interact with your partner. When you take a couple hundred photos with a pro you are likely to get a few good ones - so relax.
2. Builds a bond with the photographer.  You will spend a good portion of your wedding day with your photographer and this is a great opportunity to get to know how  you work best together.
3. See how you photograph with makeup.  While it isn't necessary to wear the exact same makeup as you will on your wedding day, you can get a sense of how much the camera diffuses makeup. I recommend putting on more blush than you normally would, go for a slightly brighter lip and apply a thicker darker eyeliner (on top lash line). Since the makeup is just for a photo shoot you don't need to worry about what it looks like in real life.  I guarantee you will be amazed how little makeup reads in photos.
4. You get to have fun with your honey!  Wedding day photos are done on a tight schedule, in confining clothing, and a lot of people watching you. This is just about the two of you enjoying each other and showing why you feel in love in the first place. Make it a fun part of preparation! 

This is my cutie pa tootie bride, Randi.  We did the same makeup that we will do for her wedding and you can see how natural it looks. BTW, this "natural" look took an hour and it includes, foundation, blush, bronzer, under eye concealer, false eyelashes, lip pencil, lip gloss, eyeshadow, eyeliner, brow pencil, mascara, and powder.  Natural makeup doesn't necessarily mean very little makeup. To me, it means applying products in a way that highlight the person's natural beauty, not overshadow it.

Duet Photography

Lo and Amy - Spring Fling

We threatened to do it and here it is, the first Lo and Amy post!  We are combining our powers of fashion, style, and beauty to cover spring from head to toe!

Don't forget to check out Amy's blog.

Amy Says: Spring may be here, but that certainly does not mean that mother nature knows it! With changing temperatures from day to day, this may be the most difficult time of the year to get dressed. Even for a seasoned stylist like me, it can get really annoying.... So why not have some tried and true looks that will always keep you stylish and weather proof!?!

Cameron Diaz has done a fabulous job of rocking a look that can go anywhere from sixty to eighty  degrees. It is all about the layering folks! Her light spring scarf and chic blazer make this a realistic outfit for the vast range of temperatures that this time of year can bestow upon us. Nothing about this outfit is too far off range that any person could feel comfortable in it. Truthfully, look at the foundation of the ensemble: Jeans and a t-shirt. Seriously folks, that is it! She punches up the look and makes it appropriate for spring by adding in pops of color. The purple scarf and yellow flats make the basics of the outfit really sing. The simplicity of her bobbles, her necklace and layered bracelets, keep the look fun and flirty.By piling on or peeling off any of these sassy layers, you to can weather the storm of mother natures ups and downs!

Lo Says: As we throw off our socks, hats and gloves it can be a little frightening to see what we have had covered up for the last six months! Fear not, as I have a few simple tricks to help transition to warmer weather.

Skin

It can be frightening to bare your limbs after a long winter so one of my tricks is to use Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. This is a great multi-tasking product which hydrates your skin and gives you a little glow.  We don’t want a “fake tan” we just want to take the glare off!  The subtle self tanner will warm up your skin gradually and is great for dry skin. Don’t forget to step up you SPF now that the sun is out – you will thank me in a few years!

Hair

Time for cut and color ladies! Nothing puts a spring in your step like a fresh cut and why not add some subtle highlights or color those pesky grays. Think fresh, not fake.

Nails

Don’t you dare bare your toes in flip flops without a little spring pedicure.  A fabulous pedicure can lift your spirits and make your skin tone look gorgeous.  I always wear a red tone, but I also love a great pink, coral or French manicure.  Heck, go with blue as long as you add a little pep in your step.

Lips and Cheeks

As you stroll through the department store every sales person is trying to sell you the new spring colors!  Guess what, you probably already have them because they are basically the same as last year’s spring colors!  Your neutral eye shadows and eyeliners can carry you through every season, but you want to change up your cheek and lip color.  Spring colors are cooler in tone and tend to be sheerer than winter makeup. Take a clue from the pinks and purples that we wear for spring clothing.  The colors may look too bright but because they are sheer, they can look more like your natural pigment than the duller looking colors.

Lo’s Recommends for Lip and Cheek colors:

Stila Papaya Lip Glaze
Laura Mercier Peony Stick Gloss
Bobbi Brown Brightening Lip Gloss in Lilac

Prescriptives Nectar Matte Blush
Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush

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Lo and Amy!

I stumbled across Amy Salinger's website and blog and knew that I must meet her! Our websites are nearly identical with our blogs, videos and practical advice for real people! It is a little spooky that her avatar is mimicking mine - seriously.   I sent her an email and was elated when she got back to me.  We met up for coffee and we were off talking a mile a minute like we were identical twins who had just found each other.  We are practically separated from birth - except that she has brown hair and eyes, was raised on the East Coast and is Jewish. But, we are style sistas - and that is all that matters.  

Amy has these fantastic videos that show you how to work with items that you most likely already own.  There are videos on how to work with belts (great safety pin secret!) organize your closet, find the perfect jean,and much more.   Her blog is a must read as she combines great tips with a sense of humor that will add a little levity to your day.  It is like having a BFF that is your own personal stylist!  She also has some great posts for brides that have been on weddingbeepro.

Amy and I are putting together some fun and fabulous posts on style so if you have any questions or concerns that you would like addressed please send me an email.

Lo on Skincare!

In my previous post on skincare I stated that there is no easy fix to great skin and my opinion is that  the best thing you can do for your skin is to exercise, wear sunblock, eat well and. Of course, you want to cleanse, gently exfoliate, and hydrate your skin. But take the money you would spend on pricey skin care and put it towards a gym membership and great sunblock. Instead of spending time and energy on "miracle cures", spend that time designing a lifestyle that incorporates activity and nutrient dense foods.   Treat yourself to a wonderful facial as your reward for protecting your skin. Eat vegetables and healthy oils.  Your skin is alive and needs nutrients to look healthy.  Treat your health like a savings account.  You put a little in every day and even though you don't see a big change right away, in 10 years you will be really glad that you did.  I am 41 years old and I am very happy that for the last 25 years I have forced myself off of the couch to exercise and that I embraced my skin color (fair) and use self tanner when necessary.  Most of us will spend much more time over 35 years old then under, so we need to change to long term thinking instead of short term.  Okay, I am going to get off of my soapbox and share with you some of my local favorites for my plan of attack.

Move!

I have always been a runner, but my body appreciates when I cross train and my mind keeps busy learning new techniques and steps.  My new addiction is an interval training class called 30/60/90 which was created and taught by Kristi Molinaro  (Equinox Health Clubs in NYC).  You can be a beginner or a world class athlete and get a good workout in this class. She designed the workout around drills that you do for 30, 60, or 90 seconds and then you do active recovery in between.  Kristi is amazing and she has many obsessed loyal students who follower her all around the city for this amazing class!

Sun protection!

Wearing sunblock is pretty easy but we don't always do it. Reward yourself for protecting your skin by some beneficial treatments.  Plus, if  you spend money to prevent sun damage, you may be more diligent about protecting it!  My colleague and friend Allison of Tres Belle recommends the following treatment and is giving 20% off to Lo & Co devotees through May 31, 2009.  Just tell her that Lo sent you!                              

" My  longtime staff at Tres Belle includes highly trained medical estheticians that have been studying skin care for most of their adult lives. We incorporate MIRACLE serum Phloretin CF into every single one of our facial offerings. It has been proven to help prevent skin cancer if used regularly, not only that but it does wonders for fine lines and hyper pigmentation. We always try to keep lots of free samples of it to give to our clients so that they can continue the process at home. We always stress prevention at Tres Belle not only for the look of our skin to keep it fresh and clear but also for the health of our skin. It's important to remember that prevention NOW will help save you big bucks, not to mention big worries in the future."

Boerum Hill Brooklyn NY 11217
917.763.6143 / 718.797.0033
allison@tresbellespa.com
www.tresbellespa.com

You are what you eat!

Find the healthy foods that you like and eat them!  I love Dr. Oz (Oprah's Doc!) and he gives great recommendations on Oprah.com.  Listen, we can't live a perfect life but let's make sure to do something good for our body each and everyday!!

photo source

Flower Girls - Shimmer and gLOss!

Disclaimer:  I am dead against beauty pageants and making little girls look like mini Barbies! I encourage my nieces to read, learn, explore, play sports and get dirty.  However, playing with makeup, hair and clothes can be a fun part of being a girl (not the only part!).

I love to put a little shimmer and gloss on the little girls and I wanted to show you all a way to do it without spending more than $10.  I know that some people may not be a fan of any makeup for young girls and I completely respect that.  I apply makeup to include the girl in the pampering process and to make her feel extra special. They get to be part of the "big girl" ritual and who doesn't like a little gloss and sparkle??  For girls 10 and below it is completely age appropriate to dust a little shimmer shadow on their eye lids and cheeks in a sheer pink or champagne. Top their lips with a pink sheer gloss and they are all "princessed" up! For older girls, you may want to apply a little mascara and a blush with a little more pigment.  Painting their nails can also be a fun part of the process.  Here are some great products that are super duper affordable.

e.l.f. www.drugstore.com

Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15, Watermelon  

gloss - watermelon $1.49

All Over Stick, Pink Lemonade $1.49

Mineral Blush in Joy or Bliss $5.00

There is a great mascara ($1.49) and mineral eye shadow ($3) as well as a bunch of other fun and affordable products.  I also really like the Super Glossy Malt Shake for us "big girls" and for a buck forty nine, buy two!!

The Down Lo on Makeup Artists!

Finding

I am continually asked how to find a MUA when you don't live in a metropolitan area or are just not having any luck with referrals from websites.  I recommend the following:

1. Contact wedding photographers, reception venues, or hair stylists for referrals.
2. Go to a makeup counter and ask specifically for an artist that does bridal.  Ask them questions about their rate, technique, past weddings.  If an artist doesn't know their bridal rate then they ain't doing weddings!
3. Contact beauty salons and ask for a referral

Choosing

I recently had a bride ask me "do I need to have several makeup/hair trials?".  My response is absolutely not. I recommend that you do your due diligence and google them before the trial and see what is said about them.  If you have a lot of time and disposable income, then see as many as you like, but most brides are on a time crunch and a budget.  If you love how you look and feel comfortable with the artist then book her/him.(visit my blog on bridal trial dos)  I encounter a lot of indecisive brides and my advice to them is to trust your gut and bring a friend to the trial.  Don't expect to look like you would on your wedding day - this is a trial.  You can't see the full picture and the hair and makeup will look even better on the wedding day as the artist is starting out knowing exactly what the end product is. 

Tipping

Lastly, I want to talk about gratuity. I am asked about this often and it is tricky for me to answer since I am a vendor and don't want any of my clients to feel pressured to tip.  I have worked as a waitress, bartender, counter MUA, dogwalker, and nanny so I feel that I have a good grasp on the service industry and what is expected/appreciated! Waitstaff is paid a very low hourly wage b/c gratuity is expected, so please take care of them!  When you deal with a MUA at a counter please consider the following.  Their job is to sell the product and they must meet sales quotas. They are expected to help customers and show how to apply products, but they are not expected to give full makeovers, unless the customer is seriously interested in buying products.  This does not mean that you should feel beholden to buy a product if you try them on.  I am talking specifically about people who come in and have a full face of makeup done with no intention of purchasing.  The difference is in the intent.  If you are spending time with them for the sole purpose of a lesson or a trial, then you should buy products or tip them (or both!).  This isn't a store/brand policy but it is considered proper etiquette among counter MUAs. I do want to stress that a gratuity means that you are grateful for their service - you shouldn't feel bullied into tipping or buying products. I have also been on the receiving end of poor service at makeup counters and that is not kosher!

When working with freelance MUA, you are hiring them for a service and leaving a tip is completely acceptable.   In my experience, 80-90% of brides tip on the day of the wedding, but far less tip for the trial. Personally, I consider a tip to be extra frosting on the cake and am always very grateful that my service was appreciated. I don't expect expect a tip and I don't think less of my clients who don't tip. The best tip for me is a very happy client who refers me to her friends, family, or blogs.  However, I can't speak for everyone and I know that many artists do feel slighted and expect a gratuity on the day of the wedding. I understand that a lot of people go by the rule of thumb, that if an artist is self-employed that there is no need to tip.  My feel is that great service is great service, period.  If you are not happy with their service don't tip.  Besides, working for yourself is a lot more blood, sweat, and tears than an being employee. 

Bottom line:  Trust your gut and reward great service (not mediocre!)