The gorgeous Nessa, licensed esthetician for Dr. Thomas Funcik, chats micro needling and why it might just be the thing you’re looking for before your next beauty or boudoir shoot. To schedule your own complimentary consultation for micro needling [a $75 value], call (843) 884-3277 and mention SHANNON MICHELLE at booking.
WHAT IS MICRO NEEDLING?
IS IT PAINFUL?
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
WHY IS MICRO-NEEDLING RECOMMENDED BEFORE A PHOTO SHOOT?
WILL I PEEL?
HOW DO I TREAT PEELING?
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
Contact the offices of Dr. Thomas Funcik at (843) 884-3277 or visit Great Face Charleston.com
Well, Thanksgiving is just days away but sadly “turkey neck” can follow you year round! Here’s a quick and easy trick to get rid of that…
Push your chin forward! Not up. Not down. Forward.
Your chin should stay parallel to the floor. Think of a turtle popping out of its shell; it will feel awkward but have I led you astray before?! Try it. Stretch as much as you can. There will be plenty of opportunities to try this out over the holiday weekend with all the family pictures.
Here’s a quick snap shot of a before and after of me using this trick.
Intrigued by the idea of a boudoir or portrait shoot? Don’t wait any longer!
Take advantage of our annual *Black Friday Sale and book a shoot for just $400. We only offer sales once a year so this is your chance!!! Simply click [HERE], pay for your shoot and we’ll email you shortly after to schedule a time that works for you. Shoots are scheduled Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday mornings and include:
- Includes Complimentary Consultation
- Hair Styling
- Full Makeup
- Lashes
- Up to Three Outfits Photographed at the Location of Your Choice within the Charleston, SC area. [Ask us about our complimentary concierge booking service]
- Private, In-Person Ordering Appointment.
Prints and products sold separately.
For a BEHIND THE SCENES look at a shoot as well as product menu, click [HERE]
*All sales are final. Service is available first come, first serve.
ON SET WITH REV. KRISTEN BARNER
1] What was it about Shannon’s work that made you want to hire her?
I saw her website. I kept returning to her website. I was in need of new headshots, but not boudoir photos. Shannon’s Beauty Portraits were stunning. There was something ethereal, fabulous, real, spiritual and gorgeous about each photo. “That,” I thought, “that is what I want people to see.” These were real women looking absolutely real and beautiful…. something compelling from within.
2] What was your biggest fear or concern going into the shoot?
I’m a dork. A huge dork. I’ve done photoshoots in the past and have been pleasantly surprised now and then. But I really have NO idea what to do, how to stand, where to look. So any success in the past has been sheer luck and will power on the part of the photographer. I was fearful that I’d drive Shannon crazy because I wouldn’t know what to do. I was also fearful that I wouldn’t be able to articulate to Shannon what kind of look I was hoping for, ultimately, at the end of the day: professional, welcoming, joyful, thoughtful, smart, etc. Shannon and I talked about all of that and she understood immediately. Her intuition is pretty stunning. As far as direction, she assured me I’d be “directed from nose to toes.” And by golly, I was! The process was really fun and fascinating!
3] What was your favorite part of the experience of working with Shannon and her team?
Michelle and her team made me feel so comfortable. There was nothing awkward about it. I worry a little about not wanting to disappoint or being too difficult. By the end of the shoot, I felt like I was simply hanging out with some girlfriends and I got to witness this highly talented professional woman do her craft. Oh, and I got to be the subject matter! I love watching people do what they love and do it well.
4] What did you gain from the experience that you weren’t expecting.
Besides gorgeous photos that gave me pause to catch my breath and say, “Wow! Who knew??” ? I think I learned a few tips on how to take a good photo. 🙂 And, more importantly, I gained a new friend.
5] Why did you need a photographer?
I am an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and I have a ministry/business in Charleston, SC. We are the destination wedding capital of the country. Because we are a destination location, much of my business is driven via website and internet. An image of me on my website is the very first impression most people receive; before we ever have a conversation. It is the first step in introducing myself to a newly engaged couple. After fumbling around with several different websites, a new and improved version will be launched this year. I wanted new headshots for that. As a woman in ministry, my experience is one of needing to shatter the stained glass ceiling over and over again… esp. in the South. 🙂 More than once a bride’s uncle or a groom’s father will challenge me, “So you’re a woman.” “Yes,” I tell them. “Yes, I am. Thank you for noticing. Now please take a seat.” It’s important to me that I not only am identified as a woman, but that I am identified as someone who is called into ministry and that I happen to be highly educated, highly skilled, and that I love what I do. My hope for the photos is that I can be recognized not only as a woman, but as someone qualified who cares very much about you, your wedding, and your marriage. You can find me at Wedding Belle Rev, LLC at www.CharlestonWeddingBelleRev.com.
Watch behind-the-scenes video with Rev. Kristen Barner.
Hair and makeup by Gianna Gregory of Ulta Beauty Mt. Pleasant.
Behind the scenes photo by Charlie Nicole.
TIRED OF YOUR TOOTHY GRIN?
The truth is, not everyone has the budget for a perfect smile. Or maybe you don’t have time for Invisalign before your next photo shoot. Many of my clients tell me they don’t like the way their teeth look on camera when they smile big. This leaves them smiling with their mouths closed or not at all. And while you know I love a serious look, it would be nice for you to have a few photos where you’re actually smiling!
QUICKEST FIX: Smile with your teeth closed.
You ofter hear smile with your lips together or mouth closed but I bet you rarely hear smile with your teeth closed. It feels silly while you’re doing it, but it works. It won’t replace your busted grill but it will improve the look of it on camera.
WHY?
When you have gaps, crooked or crowded teeth of any sort, your teeth have grown together in a way that “works” for your mouth. When you smile big, your teeth generally separate and you can see between the teeth, showing off all that glorious imperfection.
WHAT MAKES IT WORSE?
The light that hits your face is not lighting the inside of your mouth. That makes darker areas appear in your mouth and once again, contrasts against the crooked white parts of your teeth. Ever looked at a photo of yourself and it looked like you were missing teeth? It’s just that enough light didn’t hit that part of your mouth.
THE ANSWER
Smiling with your teeth closed gets even light to all your teeth, blocks “dark spots” from inside your mouth and because your teeth have grown together in that way [as imperfect as it is], they look together when closed. Let’s make one thing clear….this will feel ridiculously “cheesy” and like you’re grinning like a fool. But if doing what was comfortable was working for you, you wouldn’t be reading this blog right now, right? Give it a try. You don’t have anything to lose.
THINK ABOUT KEEPING YOUR TEETH TOGETHER…AND THEN SMILE 🙂
New York Fashion Week Bridal Gowns.
Sponsored by Pose Pretty for Professional Photographers.
LAN YU
SPONSORED BY POSE PRETTY
Our very own lead makeup artist, Shana shares her beauty story.
Watch the behind the scenes video with fashion and beauty photographer Shannon Michelle.
Makeup: Shana Christoforo
Photo | Video: Shannon Michelle Studios
Hair Extensions: Bellami Hair [260g | Chocolate Brown | 20 inches in length]
Brows: Anastacia Beverly Hills [Brow Definer | Chocolate]
Lipstick: Anastacia Beverly Hills [Liquid Lipstick | Blush] [Sunset Strip Gloss]
Lashes: Amy June Lashes [Elsa]
Foundation: Ashley Sievert Beauty [Mineral Velvet Creme Foundation]
Pro Contour Palett: Laurac Cosmetics
Tanner: Vita Liberata [Luxury Tan Rapid 4-7 Day Tan Mousse.]
What kind of friend are you?
Are you an empathetic listener? Do you give thoughtful advise? Are you the sarcastic or funny one in the group who never fails to make your friend’s laugh when they’re feeling low?
Now let me ask you another question… What kind of friend are you to yourself?
I find that some of the most amazing, caring and giving people often forget to give themselves the same respect. Not on purpose, of course. But were they ever taught?
As a child you probably learned how to be a good friend to others. You learned to pay attention to facial expressions in order to be sensitive to mood. You learned to apologize when you wronged someone. You learned to accept an apology when you were wronged. You spend a lot of quality time with your friends and you probably consider some of them extended family.
But did you catch on that those traits should be applied to you as well?
Last year, my own Bestie found herself in a pretty difficult situation. She needed to make a painful decision in order to protect herself and her own children. Without getting into the details, I just asked her this…
“Put me in the exact same situation. What would you tell me to do? Would you forgive me if I made the wrong decision? Would you think any less of me for making one decision over the other? Would you love me any less? So why would have more love, more respect, more empathy for me, than you would for your own self?”
You’ve had years of practice being a really good friend to others. Don’t forget about you!
Imagine what you might accomplish if you:
> Forgive Yourself
> Encouraged Yourself
> Respected Yourself
> Spent Time Getting to Know Yourself
> Saw the Potential in Yourself
> Had Faith in Your Abilities
> Realized how Amazing You are as a Person
…and most importantly,
> Loved Yourself
After all, “You’d be surprised what love can heal.”
If this message inspired you to see your self just a little bit differently today, please share it or comment below! And make sure you’ve joined our mailing list for more inspirational messages like these.
Thank you!!!
Shannon
As a boudoir photographer, I hear a lot of a body image concerns. In fact during consultations, I ask what concerns my clients have with their body. What do they want to show off and what do they want to hide etc. I hear the typical tummy, thighs, booty response; but just recently, I had a client say her least favorite body part was her arms.
I get that.
It might not be the first thing you think of hiding in boudoir since there’s a whole lot more to hide! LOL. But how many of you hate the look of your arms in pictures? How many of you avoid sleeveless shirts for that reason alone?
No worries. This is quick fix.
But first, let’s talk about why posing works. How many of you have accidentally taken a photograph that is either orange or green looking? Are you convinced you’re an orange person? Or do you just know that something went wrong with the picture?
Of course you’re not orange! So why do you look at a picture of yourself and immediately start with the self hate.
“I must really look like that?!”
“I’m so fat!”
“GROSS!”
Did you ever stop to consider that just like color temperature (orange or green photos), there are other factors that go into making an accurate picture of yourself?
Like….lighting, composition, color and of course…posing! Posing is a big part of what goes into creating a great photograph and I’ve learned a lot about posing by working with professional models.
It’s not fair to start judging a photograph of yourself when you don’t yet understand how it all works.
Which brings me back to your fat arms…
Did you know as a general rule, whatever is closest to the camera appears the biggest? This is especially true when you’re using your cell phones or point and shoot cameras! A simple fix for your arms, is to pose with your arms farther away from the camera than the other parts of your body.
[It’s easier than it sounds.]
So, if you are standing with your arms by your side, think about having a very slight bend in your elbows and push your arms back, keeping them just behind your hips. If you have pockets, even better! Put your hands in your pocket (thumb out), bend your elbows and keep them by your side.
Don’t think hands on the hips; think arms behind the hips.
By keeping your arms just slightly behind your hips, your body is now creating dimension that wasn’t originally there. It gives the appearance of depth and you’re no longer on a single plane. Take a look at the models below. Sure they’re skinny, but every single one of them still has their arms behind their hips!
Left: Venexiana | Right: Monique Lhullier
Left: Monique Lhullier | Right: Naeem Khan
Practice this in the mirror, then in a selfie and let us know if it helps!
And if you’re local to the Charleston area, work with me directly!
All photos © Shannon Michelle Photography.
The strangest thing in my camera bag is a big jar of Petroleum Jelly!
As a boudoir photographer, I can see how thing might make you a little nervous…lol, until I explain what it’s used for. Petroleum Jelly is an amazing way to highlight the skin and create a “glow” but I mostly use it to give you a wet look without the need for glycerin. A little KY, a spritzer of water and you’re good to go! The water will roll right off the jelly and give you those really cool water beads that show up in photos.
Below are some other really fun (but not dirty) ways to use petroleum jelly!
NAIL POLISH: Rub on the skin | cuticles around your nails before polishing. If you make a mistake, just wipe it off when your nails dry!
CHAPPED LIPS: Just apply to your lips! A little goes a long way.
MAKE UP REMOVER: Use to remove make up and moisturize your skin at the same time!
Click HERE to download your free shopping app & get instant access to coupon codes from some really cool beauty businesses!!