In Front of the Camera

This past friday, I went into work not to WORK, but to be in a photoshoot. If you have been following my blog for a while, I have mentioned that my job, Xotic Eyes, has been getting ready to film for a reality show. Weve have done a few days of filming a while back and now we are doing a photoshoot of some of us for the show.

The set was pretty glamorous, so be prepared for PINK all over the place and glitter, and rhinestones.

The shoot is mainly for my Boss...of AKA "The Glitter Boss" of course because its her business...her baby!

So I have just a few behind the scenes photos to share with yall until the real photos are released.

I did some video filming for Shannon

The Glitter Boss wearing the new design "Flamingo"

Kearsten and I helping out with the shoot

We got to work with a new photographer, Dexter D. Cohen. Well, new to work with us, but this photog has been around the block and it was such a pleasure to work with him. He is in this Hampton Roads area, but of course he does work up and down the east coast from what I gather on his facebook. He does have a website, but he is making some improvements so you cannot see his portfolio.

Dexter was very easy going and easy to work with. It was alot of fun and I cant wait to get a chance to work with him on a set. Here is some of his work I grabbed from his FB.

Dexter and one of his models

It was nice to see everyone from work and to meet new people as well. I cant wait to see the photos of us all. Im never really good posing in front of a real photographer. It can be alot harder than it looks. haha The only posing I can do in in front of my own camera. hahaha Like this picture below

I love this photo above only because of the way my eyes look! hahahaha Oh yea, I forgot to mention that I colored my hair purple. But I am thinking about changing it again to maybe a normal color....like brown with maybe some highlights....I dunno though if thats "ME". I change my mind so much.

I go back to work today so getting back in the groove of things again. In case you were wondering about my recovery- I am doing alot better! Each day I get a lil more stronger and can walk better and dont feel as much pain. I hope yall have a great week!

So many shoots so little time

I knew that when I was in Beauty school, I didnt want to go work in a salon. Its just not for me. Dont get me wrong, I love doing hair and makeup, but I love doing hair and makeup for photoshoots. Something about capturing a look, an emotion, a feeling, it truly is a pice of art to me. Capturing that moment in time, immortalizing it and then sharing it for the world to see.

quick shot at a photoshoot-taking advantage of the awesome lighting. :)

I always knew that I wanted to work on photoshoots. What I didnt know is that my wishes would be granted. I started work almost immediatly after graduating from Paul Mitchell, and I have been doing photoshoots almost everyday at work and outside of work.

Aaron Nijai and Model wearing dress I made! Sorry for quality- I took this with my phone.

This didnt just happen, being able to work on photoshoots wasnt just handed to me. I really had to put myself out there. I was nervous about that for the longest time, scared that my work wasnt good enough for that. It wasnt until I started doign fashion shows at school and just experimenting on makeup on myself and others did I finally grow the confidence to take that step outside my comfort zone.

Myself with fellow Makeup Artist/Hairstylist Jinaki Love

I had to network and go out and meet others that are trying to do the same thing. You connect with photographers, models, designers, stylists and makeup artist. Everyone has their own style and everyone works a different way. You have to bring something new and fresh to the table.

These photos above are from tonight. The Nijai Photography Team that I am a part of did a special today for models seeking headshots. The special is you get hair, makeup and headshots for $40 to help towards adding them to a portfolio. It was our first one as a group and I think it was pretty successful. We will be scheduling another one soon and will eventually be doing themed photoshoots. I am really excited about it.

Here are a few other shots from this past week of some of the shoots from work. Enjoy!

Ice Princess: New from Xotic Eyes for Childrens Line

Kitty Design, New from Xotic Eyes for Childrens line.