Artist Spotlight: Stephanie

So it’s been a few months since my last Artist Spotlight (sad face) but we’re finally back in action!

Today I’m so excited I get to feature my good friend and talented makeup artist Stephanie! Stephanie and I have known each other since we were children and we began working together professionally back in 2011. Her bubbly personality and infectious laugh are sure to bring a smile to your face and I can always trust her creative vision and talent to bring to life anything I may throw her way :)  

What is your name?
Stephanie Veronica

Where are you located?
DC/Maryland/Northern VA

What do you do?
I am a professional freelance makeup artist.

How long have you been a makeup artist?
I would love to say all my life, but I’ve been doing makeup professionally for 5 years.

How did you become interested in makeup and when did you know you wanted to be a makeup artist?
I’ve always been interested in art, no matter what the form. But when I was a child, I wanted to be a clown when I grew up. I used to sneak into my mother’s makeup, create the best clown face I possibly could and parade around the house! When I grew a little older, my clown aspirations died off but not my love of the power of transformation. I used makeup to transform myself to anything from an Indian Princess to a Geisha. It was always fun and an outlet for me to express my creativity. It wasn’t until I was in my early 20’s that I realize that I could turn my love of makeup art into a satisfying career.

Who are some of your influences/inspirations?
Like many of my peers, my makeup style is heavily influenced by Mr. Sam Fine. I love how he can take any face, and with a few strokes of his brush, create a masterpiece. He is the man behind many of the beauties that we have admired for years in Black Hollywood. I also have studied the work of Kevin Aucoin, Reggie Wells, Kevin James Bennett, Eve Pearl, and Scott Barnes. Even some of the newer hot artists of our generation such as Mario Dedivanovic, AJ Crimson, Mally Roncal, Renny Vasquez and Alexandra Butler have all inspired me better my artistry and reach further toward my goals as a makeup artist.

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
It’s so hard to pinpoint one project that I loved the best! Since I have been working with DFinney Photography I have been able to do makeup for some of the most amazing shoots. I really loved them all. I must say that the shoot for KISS Magazine was pretty cool though. Also, the makeovers at the “Beauty Is Not A Fad” natural hair event was fun to do.

What other types of creative work do you do?
Other than makeup, I love music. I play a few instruments… I haven’t picked up anything lately so needless to say I’m pretty rusty. LOL!

What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from everywhere! Whether it’s a flower outside my house, a piece of fabric, or on a aspiring artist on YouTube. I’m inspired by life.

What keeps you motivated?
Being around young people keeps me motivated. I have several young ladies that assist me from time to time and their hunger to learn about makeup and the industry is amazing to me. To see their drive and their vision as they plan out their career, pushes me to keep reaching for my goals. For someone to say that I’m their mentor or that they look up to me and what I do as an artist is an honor and it makes me want to give them even more to look up to.

Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)?
My advice would be to follow your passion and don’t listen to negativity- that goes for anything in life. Be always open to learn new things and do your research. If you are watching a TV show or a movie and you like the makeup, look at the credits and look up the artists. You become great by learning from the greats.

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you?
Aside from makeup I am currently learning and educating others on nutrition and fitness as I continue on my own weight loss journey. I am still contemplating a lifestyle YouTube channel so stay on the watch for that.

Where can we find you online?
website: www.runwayreadybysteph.com 
facebook: www.facebook.com/runwayreadybysteph
twitter:  @MUA_MzSqueeks
instagram:  @Mz_Squeeks

I hope you guys enjoyed getting to know Stephanie a little better! To check out more of our work together, check out the “MAKEUP BY STEPHANIE” category over there on the right menu bar (or the tag below this post :) Please don’t hesitate to contact Stephanie if you’re interested in having her do your makeup for a photo session, event, special occasion, or just because!

‘Til next time!

-Danni

Giveaway | Easy Breezy Makeup with Denyelle! [CLOSED]

UPDATE 8/14: The winner is Caramelkisses247! Congratulations and thanks to all who participated :)

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One of my fabulous makeup artists Denyelle is holding a makeup class! Next weekend to be exact and if you’ve always wanted to know how to PROPERLY apply makeup, this class is for you!

From Denyelle: “Ever wonder how to do your own makeup?! I’m going to show you how! Come join me as I teach you all of my easy breezy makeup tricks! Winged liner, how to use color, the perfect red lip, which is the right concealer for you, how to banish those dark circles, and much more!! Bring your makeup and I’ll show you how to easily use it!”

This ticket also guarantees you a swag bag full of goodies from participating sponsors Boutique Pulse, Sweet Waxations, and Mary Kay!

Sound like something you’d be interested? Of course it does :) Well get ready to win a free ticket to attend!

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Share this post via facebook, twitter, instagram (whatever you use :)
2. Leave a comment below stating that you did.

That’s it!

Increase your chances of winning:
Follow @denyelledmua and @dfinneyphoto on instagram AND twitter!

Individuals who follow us on social media will be given 2 additional entries. Winner will be chosen randomly on Wednesday, August 14 from the comments left on this blog post.

To check out some of our work together, view the MAKEUP BY DENYELLE tag!

Interested in attending whether or not you win the ticket? Check out more information and purchase your ticket here: http://easybreezymakeup.eventbrite.com/

We look forward to seeing you on August 17!

-Danni

A Little Thursday Inspiration | Dave Brubeck

Good Thursday morning to you!

Today’s post is a little different but I figured I better start including some music-related posts because I’m just as passionate about music as I am about photography and art :)

Today is all about DAVE…

Dave Brubeck is a Jazz Legend known for his unique compositions and unusual time signatures that always seem to bring a colorful feel to his work!  Unfortunately he passed just last year in December of 2012, but his decades long career left wonderful music that continues to live on.

Recently Google’s doodle for Saul Bass made use of “Unsquare Dance” by Dave Brubeck and that was all I needed to reignite my love affair with Dave :)

I grew up listening to jazz (my dad’s a bass player) so seeing all the work that goes into this makes it all that much more impressive! I’m no musician, so I know they probably appreciate all the subtle nuances that much more. I just like listening :)

Here is one of Brubeck’s more well-known songs

And here’s one of my faves

Love this cover art!

Dave Brubeck was a marvelously talented musician privileged to do what he loved right until the end. Want some more tunes while you work this morning? Look up some more of his videos on YouTube and make a Dave Brubeck Pandora station! Awesomeness awaits :)

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Stay tuned for next week’s inspiration Thursday!

-Danni

Truthy Tuesday | Inspiration is not imitation

Happy Tuesday! We’re back at it again :)

Today I’m going to chat with you guys about inspiration because:

A question creatives get asked from time to time is “who/what inspires you?” and often folks respond with a list of their favorite artists for one reason or another… You may even check out some of the individuals mentioned and wonder what about their work is so inspiring. But that’s the beautiful thing about art and inspiration. It’s so very up to interpretation that one can find inspiration almost anywhere!

Which leads me to the point of my choosing this topic for today… Inspiration is not imitation. Sometimes as a new photographer it’s hard to find that balance of inspiration|imitation. You’re sooo inspired by all of these great photographers you follow that you may find yourself (knowingly or unknowingly) imitating the style, lighting, editing, posing of your favorite photographers! I feel like this happens to everyone starting out, but I guess I shouldn’t speak for others… I’ll just say that I know it happened to me lol.

I knew what I liked/didn’t like and when I saw other photographers with work similar to what I thought I wanted mine to look like, I simply imitated what I saw them doing. Not always exactly, but pretty close. It wasn’t until I stopped looking so much at other photographers’ work and really examined what I liked that I found my own style. This is not to say that I have a style that is 100% original (because nothing is new under the sun :), but it is to say that my style is just that- mine. A true reflection of me.

I say all this to say that while everyone needs inspiration, be careful that it’s not crossing the line to imitation. My advice for new or aspiring photographers is to examine what it is about the work that inspires you- Is it the photographer’s use of lighting? Their models? The locations? The posing? Editing? From there you’ll be better able to incorporate those specific elements into your work. That way you’re crafting your own unique style that will be a true reflection of you!

And on a slightly different (but related) note: this is also a beautiful thought to keep in mind. 

Try not to stifle your creativity if you feel it’s going in a different direction from what’s trending… that’s when awesomeness happens :)

I think I might like writing these Truthy Tuesday posts every other week!

Until next time,

-Danni

August Headshot Special | Washington, DC

Happy Friday all! As promised, today details for the headshot special are here :)

I’ve gotten many inquiries for headshots over the years and I’m not sure why it never occurred to me before now to do a special, but in celebration of our brand new websites and the newly expanded business portrait offerings, here it is!

What’s the difference between business and lifestyle packages? High-resolution image files. Prints are purchased separately with lifestyle sessions whereas the final high-resolution files are included at no additional charge with business packages.

Don’t let the name fool you :) This is just what you’re looking for whether you need corporate/linkedin headshots, actor headshots, a few photos for your modeling portfolio, or a few photos to promote yourself as a musician, recording artist, photographer, writer, motivational speaker, etc… EVERYBODY needs a great headshot!

And these aren’t your standard ‘stand and look’ headshots either :) Each session with DFinney Photography is customized to meet your needs and the look you’d like to convey!

Well enough of my talking, let’s get into the details!

Headshot Mini Sessions are $200 and include the following:

• Pre-consult to ensure your photo session will be just what you want! 
• 20 min photo session for 1 person*
• 1 outfit 
• Your choice of 3 high-resolution images from your set.

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To take advantage of this special offer, you must be located in (or willing to travel to) Washington, DC. Your session must be booked no later than August 19, 2013 for a session to be photographed on August 24, 2013. All mini sessions will be photographed at an awesome location in the city!

*Makeup unfortunately is not included with the special as it is with the standard business packages, but it is always highly recommended for a polished look. When you book, please let me know if you would like makeup as well and I will put you in touch with one of my fabulous makeup artists!

All set and ready to book your session? 
Email me: danielle@dfinneyphoto.com to see the available times and snag your spot!

DON’T DELAY! These spots will go quickly and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

To view more regarding business photography services, please visit the website: http://www.dfinneyphoto.com/ and select site II.

I look forward to working with you all!

-Danielle