Clean Beauty Look

I never really believed in horoscope until in the recent year. I found that being Libra, I've been compelled all my life to do most things in moderation.

It's all about balance.

It applies to many things, post-processing, makeup, etc. When I started using photoshop over 10 years ago, the processing I would use it for are quite extreme. All my images are ultra colorful with crazy designs. Want proof? See image on right, shot and post-processed in 1995.

As I mature into the tool and into art, I learnt that being able to find a balance and tweak into the subtleties of what you do will determine the mastery of it. Call it "Refined taste", if you will.

This is also one of the biggest reasons why the classier local modeling agencies who are recruiting for photographers, makeup artists, stylist, etc. wants to see the ability of the artist to produce subtle pieces of art. In this case, clean beauty look.

Yes, these look like simple lighting, easy photoshop retouching, easy to do shots and makeup. Like most things in life, as you attain the jedi ability to mind control, whatever that appears easy can be deceiving. Remember the first time you watch an amazing ice skater sliding across thin ice. It looked easy. How about the first time you thought it was easy to wrestle or eat 50 hotdogs in an hour?

The shot on the left, for example, was lighted using a last minute contraption that utilizes a magnifying glass!!! I deviced and put it together in the middle of the shoot!! Not having a fresnel lens, the challenge was to ensure that the light beam pierces into the correct position without dispersing too much. It required an assistant (Thanks, Janice!) to hold and mobilize along with the light to ensure accurate light placement!

I do have to admit, it's a lot of fun to think on your feet, solve problems and be creative all at the same time.

- MS