Tami Photographer Blog

Photography + Makeup = Glamourous (if done right!)

Tami — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:11:37 +0000

Brides this section is for you…

Being a photographer I see a variety of make up. There are times when I am editing a wedding that I notice the makeup on a bride is not as complimentary in photos as it was in person. I appreciate it when a bride asks me for tips on their makeup so their photos turn out great. So when I came across this information, I knew I had to share it! But before I begin, I always recommend hiring a professional makeup artist to do your makeup because ladies it is worth it in the end! I even suggest providing this information to your professional just to be on the safe side. Now… On to the tips!!

BLEND! You can use your everyday makeup, but use more than you normally use every day. Best makeup to apply is airbrush makeup because it is lightweight, waterproof and gives flawless coverage. I always recommend going outdoors at least once when applying your makeup, because most weddings and formal photos are taken outdoors.
SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE. Use less makeup for a day wedding and more for evening weddings. You can get dramatic with eye makeup.
DON’T SKIMP ON THE CONCEALER. Use a moisturized concealer on the thin, sensitive skin under the eyes. If your concealer isn’t moisturizing, blend it with a skin cream. For blemishes, first treat them with a natural or over the counter anti-inflammatory, then cover with concealer.
ALWAYS DO A MAKEUP TRIAL RUN! It’s the only sure fire, stress free way to make certain your makeup will look beautiful.
NOT ALL MINERAL MAKEUP IS CREATED EQUAL. Titanium dioxide, a chemical used as sun block can reflect flash, giving the bride a ghostly appearance.There is makeup formulated for photography. Wow… this is serious stuff people!
USE WATERPROOF MAKEUP WITH STAYING POWER. You do not want to spend your wedding day reapplying your makeup from time to time. Foundation, eyeliner and mascara all should be waterproof. And in case you cry (and you most probably will), have a tissue or handkerchief handy to gently blot your tears right the eye.
KEEP YOUR LIPS MOISTURIZED AND COLORED. Dry lips look dreadful in photos! Please have someone carry your lipstick for you and touch up often. Matte and gloss lipstick both photography well, and be sure to use blended lip liner for enhanced definition.
DON’T FORGET THE GROOM! Ok guys… I have info for you too! If the groom is too red faced due to too much sun (or drinking!), a little powder can help. That goes for shiny heads too. And it’s a good idea to slip a tube of Chapstick in the groom’s pocket for his dry lips as well as a handkerchief to dab well-wishers makeup smudges off his suit.
DON’T SPRINKLE ON GLITTER. In photographs, it tends to look like little white spots as if there is something wrong with the camera. Not fair!
REMEMBER. To apply foundation and powder to your neck, shoulders and decolletage-you want your head to look like it belongs to your body!

I hope you find this information useful. Because I strongly believe in the info shared, I have arranged the services of a professional makeup artist at an awesome rate! Also as your photographer… I am including the services of the professional makeup artist as part of your photo package (at a discounted rate) be it for a portrait session, engagement or wedding. Please contact me for details!

Whitney + Preston | Scottsdale Engagement Photographer

Tami — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:23:43 +0000

Whitney and Preston are getting married out of state, so I was very happy to be able to photograph their engagement session here in Arizona. Whitney told me she loves to take photos and I believe it because she was a natural! We had a blast hanging out at the Scottsdale Civic Center. I like doing engagement sessions at Scottsdale Civic Center not because of the infamous LOVE sign, but because of the variety of shots this place offers. After all… we found an outdoor bed! Check out the variety of shots I captured for Whitney and Preston!

Winter in Monument Valley

Tami — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 03:22:48 +0000

A few weeks ago I took a day trip with a good friend of mine. We went to Monument Valley which is located on a Navajo Indian Reservation near Kayenta , Arizona and the Utah border. I will not lie… the drive to Monument Valley is long but worth it! During the drive to the Monument Valley it snowed and I thought that was cool. Once we arrived, our first stop was at the historical Goulding Lodge which was established in 1923 as a trading post. At the Goulding Lodge we boarded a 4×4 van and went on a tour of the Monuments. Being from Arizona, Monument Valley reminds me of western movies. Anyway… I did not know what to expect when we went on this tour (especially since it had been snowing). Wow… was I pleasantly surprised! The tour of the monuments was absolutely amazing! I highly recommend this tour during the winter, which also takes you to restricted areas. Taking this tour was like stepping back in time. So, with that in mind here are a few pics I like to share of this experience…

Driving through Flagstaff…

Almost there…

Infamous Monument Valley…

Behind the scenes…

Original homes that have been passed down for generations and currently being used!

Africa Burn Relief

Tami — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:38:44 +0000

Yesterday I attended a fund raiser for Africa Burn Relief (ABR). This is a non-profit organization that does amazing work over in Africa. ABR provides reconstructive burn care to patients, most who are children under the age of 10. I was also honored to meet the founder and president Jennifer Wall. If you would like to learn more about ABR I encourage you to check out their Facebook page… www.facebook.com/group.php. I also like to thank my friend Tanya for inviting me to this great and informative event, Thanks Tanya!

Alora & Zoey… my cute yet feisty nieces!

Tami — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:19:20 +0000

I often wonder what it would have been like to have a sister since it was just me and my younger brother Larry growing up. I am truly enjoying watching my nieces grow up. I especially enjoy watching them share (sometimes!) and develop that sister bond. I think the sister bond is special and I am enjoying and having fun capturing it for them.

Whenever I do a photo shoot with the girls I must agree to do a silly face shot (I do whatever I can people!). Is this cute or what…

Arizona Inn

Tami — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:17:45 +0000

Today I photographed a beautiful wedding at Arizona Inn for Kelly and Kevin. I can’t wait to share. I took this picture with my phone because I love the color of the inn. The Inn had MANY photo opportunities. Thanks Kelly and Kevin for picking such a great place! I must mention… Kelly told me the main reason she picked the inn was because of the many photo opps. Nice…

Becky + Dan | Surprise Engagement Photography

Tami — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:50:21 +0000

Becky and Dan originally wanted to do their engagement session in Sedona. But when the forecast called for snow… they quickly changed their mind and decided to do their engagement session at Anthem. I think Anthem was a very nice compromise and it helped that it was a gorgeous day! My… How I love Arizona this time of year.

I think it is GREAT when a couple arrives at their photo session with ideas and ready to have fun! Becky and Dan are big football fans and wanted to capture some fun pics. They had me rollin when they were playing a light game of touch football! Good job you two…

Blackberry and Blog

Tami — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:30:27 +0000

I am fascinated with technology and I love how I can now access my new blog from my phone. Sweet….

Chrissy HS Senior | Queen Creek HS Senior Photography

Tami — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:11:33 +0000

I love taking photos of High School Seniors. OK… I just love taking photos! But, what I enjoy the most about taking photos of HS Seniors is capturing the young and vibrant personality of these young adults. Plus… I never know what to expect and that is always exciting! Chrissy was awesome and kept me laughing through out her photo session. Chrissy you did good… You smiled with your eyes!! I also must give a thumbs up to Chrissy’s mom Rachel who was great too and so patient. Rachel… Thanks for the Starbucks ice coffee (it really hit the spot)!!

Justin HS Senior Pictures | Phoenix HS Senior Photography

Tami — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:58:28 +0000

I enjoyed hanging out with Justin and his mom Lori in downtown Phoenix for Justin’s senior pics. I thought it was cool how Justin would play his guitar during the session. It was fun learning the difference between electric and bass guitars. I used to play the piano. So I admire anyone who really knows how to play a musical instrument! Anyway… Justin has his own band and he is currently looking for a drummer!!