How to prepare for a photo shoot in 6 steps

How to: My Work

How to prepare for a photo shoot in 6 steps

October 29, 2015

If you have ever wanted to create your own photoshoot but wouldn’t have the first idea on getting started, this post is for you. Creating a photoshoot can be a difficult task- especially if you don’t know what your doing. It takes a lot of preparation and teamwork to pull off your vision.

Photoshoots are trial and error, no matter what stage your at. It’s like this for anyone and everyone. However, learning the basics, makes it a lot easier to know how to avoid a flop.

Here my 6 tips for creating your photo shoot, I have gone into a lot of detail so feel free to just read the bits your interested in!

1- Create a mood board

Creating a mood board is the first thing I recommend you create for your shoot. Pinterest is probably the easiest way to do this. Try to stick to a theme throughout the board so their is a direct focus on what your trying to achieve. When it comes to sharing your board with your team you want them to be clear with what direction your heading in. Focus on one particular style, weather it’s the “mood” in the photo’s or that the colour scheme is consistent throughout. Also, have an open mind- your shoot will never turn out exactly how you picture in your head. And that’s OK.

2- Arrange your team

Once you know what you want to achieve- it’s time to find your team. If you don’t know a big group of photographers or models to work with- utilize your friends. Your friends may even know someone who can help. Most of the time you don’t need a full set of professionals to set out what you want to achieve. It can be a great way to hang out your friends on a fun project. Make sure you discuss all the small details with your team, everyone needs to be on the same page and needs the same vision for the shoot. It can get a little messy and confusing if their are two dominant parties in the team, so I always just recommend keeping an open mind.

3- Location

Choose your location beforehand so your not driving around for hours looking for somewhere to shoot. For my blog posts, I usually keep locations pretty simple. Somewhere pretty to set a casual tone for my pictures. For my portfolio shoots or my hair shoots I usually have a studio or a white room set up like studio.

4-Get your kit ready, remember to pack snacks!

Shooting can end up taking along time (depending what the shoot is for) so make sure your camera is fully charged, your outfits have been trialled before shooting and you have plenty of snacks to keep you going. Do not turn up to the shoot without testing your outfits- unless you have a wide range of options to take with you. What looks good in your head may not look great in reality, so trial it all out beforehand.

5- Turn up on time and organised

If you have a team working with you on your shoot- make sure you arrive on time. It’s not cool when everyone’s waiting for you- especially if the shoot is for you! So arrive early and make sure you have everything you need for the day.

6- Have fun!

Turn up the music, have fun with it. The more fun and relaxed the shoot is- the better the pics are going to turn out!

2 Comments

Beauty

My Vegan Bath Bomb Review from Bossy!

October 28, 2015

You may have figured by now, that vegan and cruelty free products are my jam. Even though I’m not vegan myself, I love that brands are becoming more and more aware of the importance of being cruelty free.

So when these two vegan bath bombs turned up on my desk, I’m a little embarrassed to say that I may have squealed a little… Who can blame me though- it was a complete surprise and I just adore the packaging and effort made on Bossy’s part so I knew that I had to review them for you guys.

Raspberry Bath Bomb $8.95

The first is the Raspberry Shortcake Bath Bomb, this was the one I tried out first mainly because I was drawn to the colour. The smell was so yummy, and I kind of wanted to eat it…. The colours of the bath bomb were so bright and vibrant and I loved that the yellow dissolved last, so it almost looks like their was a yellow flower in the centre.

My skin felt really soft after my bath and I didn’t feel slimy, like some other bath bombs can.

Pineapple Blush Bath Bomb $8.95

The pineapple Blush Bath Bomb, I can’t explain the smell apart from saying Yum!! This bath bomb smells like Pina colada. Again, the colours were insanely vibrant. Bright oranges, yellows and pinks, the perfect introduction into summer!

I feel like I need to tell all my friends about Bossy, because I honestly feel like I have stumbled onto New Zealand’s best kept secret. If you love vegan products or New Zealand made products, check them out so you can see what I mean!

8 Comments

LIFE

All about Matcha! My Smoothie Bowl and Bliss Balls Recipes

October 26, 2015

I Love you very matcha.. <3

Matcha is a high quality tea that Buddhist monks have been drinking for almost 900 years.

The benefits of drinking Matcha are huge. The tea contains 137 times the antioxidants as a traditional green tea, because you are actually drinking the grounded up tea leaves themselves as opposed to infusing your hot water.

Matcha slows down the aging process and it is also rich in caffeine- enough to keep you energised for 6 hours. I personally love Matcha tea for the benefits it has on my skin.

The great thing about Matcha is you don’t have to drink it as a traditional tea to get the benefits, I’ve tried a couple of different recipes using my it’s a more creative way of enjoying Matcha, especially if your not normally a fan of green tea.

This is a slightly different post to my normal- but I hope you enjoy it!

Let me know if you try out the recipes and if your looking for a creamier Matcha treat check out this Roasted Blueberry and Cream Matcha Popsicle!

Matcha Chocolate Bliss Balls:

1 mashed banana, 1 cup LSA, 1 cup of oats, 1/4 cup of desiccated coconut, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 1/2 cup cocoa, 3 tbs peanut butter, 2 tbs honey, dash of vanilla.

Matcha Topping:

1 cup of desiccated coconut, 1 tsp matcha

Mix Bliss ball mixture well in a bowl, and roll into balls using your hands, then coat evenly in the matcha topping. Leave to set in the fridge for one hour.

Matcha Berry Smoothie Bowl:

1/4 cup blueberries, raspberries or blackberries (Frozen are OK), 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 tsp Matcha.

Blend together in a electric blender and decorate however you like! Mixture thickens up quite quickly so drink immediately.

2 Comments

FASHION

Classic Black and Gold Playsuit / Festival wear

October 20, 2015

If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably seen a few of these photo’s floating around..

I have become a little obsessed with these metallic tattoos, which I literally picked up at the $2 shop. I know you can buy better quality ones online, with more unique designs but because I decided to use these last minute, so the cheapy ones did the trick for now. I did find that because they weren’t very good quality they started to chip off quite easily (which was to be expected) I think next time I’ll try the Child of Wild ones from Showpo, the designs that they stock are soo pretty and eye catching.

This look, is probably the perfect festival outfit. I like that the metallic tattoos tie in with the gold bar on the playsuit and have given it a more “boho” look. Also, if your wearing a playsuit at a festival the less likely your going to flash everyone at the end of the day when you’ve had a few too many haha 😉

What is your favourite thing to wear at summer festivals?

4 Comments

Beauty LIFE

6 Beauty Hacks to wake up feeling better tomorrow

October 19, 2015

We all have heard the term “beauty sleep” but how often do you actually wake up feeling beautiful?

The life of the modern girl is a tough one and we barely have time for one-hour beauty treatments, so why not use your 8 hour sleep to your benefit? These simple beauty hacks can all be done the before bed and work while you sleep… How perfect is that!?

Sleep on Silk

Something I learnt from my life as a hairstylist is silk is much easier on your hair. It helps avoid tangles and breakage, and because the material glides easily it’s also much softer on your skin. A silk or satin pillowcase could be your ticket to good hair days and keeping wrinkles at bay. Make sure you’re also changing your pillowcase at least once a week to prevent oil build up on your pillowcase (which leads to acne)

Look after your skin

Your skin is an amazing organ which works overtime while your sleeping. Cells rebuild and repair at all stages of sleep, so having a good skincare regime is extremely important. Make sure you give your skin a thorough cleanse at night followed by a exfoliation once or twice a week. Using a heavy night cream is great to let your skin absorb overnight and keep your skin hydrated.

Banish Eye Bags

There are multiple ways to tackle eye bags. My favourite is green tea. Start from the inside and then work your way out. Green tea is full of antioxidants and is also really hydrating (aside from lack of sleep, this is one of the main causes) So make yourself a cup before bed every night, trial for a week to see if you can see the difference. If your looking for results instantly, get yourself the under eye melt from Bossy. You can read my review here

Lengthen your lashes and brows (the natural way)

Apply castor oil to a clean mascara wand and apply to your lashes and brows before you sleep! You can use this technique as long you like- not only does it help to promote growth but it also conditions. Remember to wash it off in the morning or your make up won’t last throughout the day.

Use Coconut oil as a overnight hair treatment

Yes- this is yet another coconut oil tip- but it’s a goodie I promise! Before you go to sleep, apply lashings of coconut oil to dry hair, you can then wrap it up into a cap to avoid getting it all over your pillowcase. Leave the treatment in overnight. The next morning, wash your hair as normal, your hair will feel nourished and healthy!

Don’t forget about that pout!

Use your favourite lip scrub in the evening and apply lashings of lip balm. You’ll wake up with softer nourished lips that don’t chap in the morning.

Enjoy your beauty sleep lovelies! If you enjoyed this post, please give it a share! Your friends may like it too xx

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Beauty

7 of my favourite nail colours for Summer

October 16, 2015

Don’t you just love summer?

Yesterday, I asked my friend Amy to help shoot this mini video. Since summer is coming, I thought what better way to celebrate then dedicate a little video for some of my favourite nail polishes for summer! Also, I wanted to try something a little different to my normal product post. So, 129 images later and hours of trying to edit, this is the final result! A little rusty I know- but not too bad for my first attempt….?

Hope you enjoy!

The featured colours are;

Morgan and Taylor- All White Now

Morgan and Taylor- Don’t worry be Brilliant

OPI- Glitzerland

OPI-Dutch ‘ya just love OPI? (This is no longer available, but I love it!)

OPI- Bright Lights- Big Colour

Essie- Pink about it

Nicole by OPI- Playin Hooky

What are some of your favourite colours for summer? Let me know below x

2 Comments

How to: LIFE

The 5 Warning Signs that you’re doing Social Media Wrong

October 12, 2015

These days it seems like you can find everything you need to know about someone with a simple Google search (a scary but true thought!)

Social media accounts are now acting as a digital resume, so it’s more important than ever to manage them carefully. Your accounts are how you are represented with not only your friends and family, but also future employers or future clients who are doing some sneaky homework on you.

The Golden Rule.

I read on another blog that you should never post anything on Facebook or Instagram etc that you wouldn’t want on the cover of The New York Times. Basically, if what you just posted would mortify you if printed for millions of people, then you probably shouldn’t post it on your social media. This may be a little dramatic, but overall a good concept.

Pick up your social media game by avoiding these 5 mistakes;

1.Can’t figure out the hype?

If you can’t figure out the hype here it is; Social media is a great way to connect with like minded individuals and build relationships. Instagram, is one social media platform that I feel has helped me a lot with some personal and career growth. Making the right connections with people in your niche always works in your favour. On Instagram, I have managed to build relationships with other bloggers, find new brands to work with and on top of that I am inspired daily by the Influencers that I one day hope to be like.

2.Your last 5 posts were Inspirational quotes

Yes, we get it. Quotes can help you boost yourself up if your not feeling your best, but posting quotes left right and centre is not a good way of communicating with people. Would you wander around the street bursting out quotes all day long? Probably not… People want to connect with you, not a quote that is plastered all over the internet. Before posting something, think “how would this sound in real life?”

3.You can’t remember the last time you had a conversation in social media

The intent of social media is to social not to just focus on yourself, but the other people around you. Having conversations with other people and focussing on engaging with others. If you can’t remember the last time you had a conversation on a social media platform, you may want to start one up, the results could surprise you.

4. Your not replying to comments

I guess this kind of falls under number 3, but this is one thing that really bothers me and thought it deserved a mention. If someone is taking the time out to comment or engage with you on one of your posts, not only is it rude to not respond but you will also look a little stuck up (sorry to be blunt). People will eventually get bored of you ignoring them and they will move on.

5.You can’t remember when you last posted on Facebook or Instagram

Social media does not wait for anybody. If you can’t remember the last time you posted, guess what? No one else can either. It’s up to you to be present. Time moves faster in social media than it does anywhere else. It’s not built to be a static website where everything stays the same for months on end, it’s built to be somewhere you connect and somewhere people can find out more about you and what makes you tick.

I hope these tips helped, have you got any social media tips for me? Let me know below!

4 Comments

#GIRLBOSS LIFE Real Talk

The Shopaholics Guide to Saving

October 9, 2015

Step one to becoming a Girlboss.

Girlboss is the thought provoking book written by Sophia Amoruso. It teaches us all how to become a Boss in our own right. I’m not saying you need to own your own successful chain of stores to claim Girlboss status. Becoming a Girlboss is about taking charge of your life and having the freedom to live the life you truly want.

The truth is, it’s not your income, it’s about spending within your means.

Imagine if you had the financial savings to give you a little more freedom? How good would that be? I’m sure you can already think of a million ways to put it to good use. So, I have put together a guide on how to start taking control of your financial status.

Set Yourself a Weekly Budget.

Setting yourself up a weekly budget breaks down all your expenses. It lets you see how much your spending a week on things you don’t need and it allows you to revaluate where your money should be going. Leave yourself a small budget for any random expenses that pop up.

Open a savings Account.

Set one up with your bank, its easy and they usually have great incentives. If you don’t touch the money in your account for a certain period of time, you can end up earning some great interest back. Make sure every payday you put a certain amount in each week, this will one day feel natural and you’ll get used to not having the extra cash there.

Ditch the Lattes.

You don’t realise the affect coffee has on your bank account until you look at your bank statement and count up how much it’s really costing you. Save yourself the pain and bring your coffee from home. Go out for coffee on the weekends as a treat.

Say NO to impulse purchases.

Impulse purchases are a great way to buy things you don’t need. Say no to buying things just because they looked pretty in the store or were on special. The only exception to that rule is if it’s something you have really wanted for a long time, then it finally goes on sale, go for it. Otherwise, it’s just going to be another scarf or another pair of shoes that sit in your closet. Your going to get home and never use it, so leave it where it belongs. At the store.

Hide your credit card.

The second step, and this is critical. Is to hide your credit card. Or even better- chop it up. I’m a firm believer in only spending what you have, and if you are really wanting to save- the credit card must go.

Unsubscribe from Mail Lists.

When you’re trying to save money- what’s the last thing you need? You’re favourite store telling you all about the great deals that you are missing out on. Or even worse… All the gorgeous new arrivals that just got in. That temptation is not welcome here, remember money in your account not your feet!

Find creative ways to make money.

If your struggling to get by this can be a great way to save. Use the extra cash to put directly into your savings. Some great examples are babysitting, bake sales or selling your clothes you no longer want online. You don’t have to be ultra savvy to come up with ways to make extra dough, just get back to basics. It creates a fun way to top up your savings. (This also cures boredom on your days off)

Have you got any savings tips to add? Let me know below, and if you enjoyed this post make sure you find me over on for updates!

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FASHION

The benefits of Outfit Layering

October 4, 2015

Spring, like autumn, is a season for layering.

If you’re finding that your wardrobe is starting to look a little drab, you are most definitely not alone. But, before you pull out that credit card, think again. Their is no need to blow your budget on new clothes that you’ll only end up wearing a handful of times.

Instead focus on layering the pieces that you already own, this could just give you the little confidence boost you need and it’s a great way to fall back in love with your wardrobe.

Layering is something I personally love all year round, (yes, even lightly in summer) but the beauty of applying it in spring is that it prepares you for whatever the weather throws at you; from a cold crisp morning to a scorching afternoon.

Apart from the practical benefits, layering is a great way to play with textures and finally wear those pieces in your wardrobe that you forgot all about.

A cashmere poncho is the perfect foundation piece for layering as it’s light to wear, has fantastic insulating qualities and can be worn as wrap or scarf given its oversized nature. The texture of cashmere contrasts well with silk, leather and cotton. You don’t need to be afraid to play around with it.

So, how many is too many layers? Luckily for you, there are no rules, you can layer until your little hearts content. Just wear enough to keep yourself warm in those mornings. You can always shed during the day 😉

Happy Layering!