my breath of fresh air || inspiration

Somehow, I needed this. I needed to be alone with my camera in the great outdoors and just snap away. It's been a long time, and I'm sure you've noticed. I knew it was going to be a good day today, because I woke up and 6:59 on the dot. Obviously when you wake up at 6:59, you're going to get up at 7:00. So I did. And instead of the usual Special K for breakfast, I sliced an apple, popped bread in the toaster and was proud of myself for being healthy. All throughout the day I've been trying to drink more water and be creative, and when you actually decide that you're going to be creative today, it's so much easier than sitting around wishing you were doing something productive.

Here's what my artsy mood led me to today:

I'm thinking of adding it as a print in my etsy shop. Opinions?
What did you do today?

-hannah

fog || a makeup tutorial

This makeup would be perfect for a dinner date because it's a little smoky, yet still wearable. I actually wore it today when I went to my brother's tennis tournament because I thought it was light enough, and it was! I had so much fun thinking this up :)

Products Used:
UD Primer Potion
Wet n Wild eyeshadow trio in "Don't Steal My Thunder" (lid color)
Profusion Palette
L.A Colors Auto Eyeliner in Charcoal
Wet n Wild Pencil eyeliner in "Deep Blue"
Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette
CoverGirl Professional All-in-One Mascara in "Very Black"
Maybelline Dream-Lumi Concealer in "Radiant"
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder

As you can see in this last photo, it's not that dark. If you try this out, post a photo of it on your blog or flickr so I can see how it turned out!
-hannah

one frame friday || a link-up

When I saw this little link up over at Bree's blog I knew I had to join. Sometimes one picture is all you need!

Last week, the roses in my neighbor's yard were in perfect bloom. I had been busy all day and when I finally got time to myself I immediately grabbed my camera and headed outside to the flowers.

The sun danced on the soft grass, making patterns on my bare feet. A warm breeze stirred the air, and the delicate petals of the sweet-scented roses brushed my arms as I crouched among the bushes with my camera held to my face. And I snapped. It felt so good to capture the world's natural beauty again. I hadn't done it in a while.

As much as I love clicking the shutter to catch expressions and emotions of people, there's something about nature photography that gives me peace.

What's your favorite thing to photograph?

-hannah

what to wear?!? || for photographers

My first real photo shoot with a model is approaching, and I've been thinking about it a lot. Mostly my thoughts are questions:

What equipment should I bring?

Where should we go first?

What poses should I suggest?

What should I wear?

Yes. That last questions usually pops up if you're the model, but for me it's important. Being a photographer, I know what it's like to get down on the ground to get the shot, climb on top of things, and go through hot and cold weather. I need an outfit that'll hold up through all of these obstacles. And so do you!
Here are some ideas for outfits that us photographers need in different situations:

1. Weddings
Okay, weddings are tricky. You want to stay out of the way, but at the same time you need to be everywhere at once. You also need something you can move freely in...

Summer Wedding by nutty97 featuring chiffon dresses

You can't beat a sun dress! It'll keep you cool, stylish, and comfortable. As for flats, you can never go wrong with them if you have a pair that will be comfortable for you for a whole day :)

2. Family Sessions
Now you really have to be able to move! Especially if there are a bunch of little kids. You want to be able to look casual without looking, well, bummy.

Summer Family/Lifestyle Session by nutty97 featuring short shorts

This outfit will give you the ability to run around and chase the kids, while still being able to look somewhat professional (in other words, not bummy ;).

3. Summer Engagement Session
I'm gonna be honest with you: I love engagement sessions. Why? Because the couples are calm, mature, and cute as anything. I've only done one, but I'm hoping and praying I get to do another one.

Summer Engagement Session by nutty97 featuring jean shorts

Like I said in the collage, if you have heels or wedges that you can walk (or run) in easily and comfortably, go ahead and wear them! Especially for engagement sessions, because couples are typically more patient than toddlers ;) Also, wear something that makes you relaxed. If you are relaxed and easy-going, the couple will be too.

4. Summer Model Sessions
In this collage, I'll show you what I really do plan on wearing:

Summer Model Session by nutty97 featuring faded jeans

I actually own that shirt, and capris similar to the ones pictured. I'm choosing to wear tennis shoes because we're shooting at a few different locations, and I want to be able to climb up on things and do whatever else I might have to do :)

I hope this little guide was helpful, I certainly enjoyed putting it together! If you'd like any other "photographer guides" I'll see what I can do :) Do you have any tips for photographers? I'll feature the best ones in my next "guide" post!

-hannah

adele inspired || a makeup tutorial

Source: indianvanitycase.com via Alicia on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via jesse on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

This talented British singer is one of my top makeup idols. Top. She never fails to look stunning, gorgeous, and all-around classy. So today I thought I would share my love with you in a makeup tutorial. This is definitely not quite as dramatic as some of her looks, but I meant it to be that way. I wanted this look to be wearable for maybe a girl's night out, or a dinner date, or a concert (maybe an Adele concert ;), or even during the day if you feel daring!
Hope you enjoy!

Products used:
UD Primer Potion
Revlon ColorStay Quad in "Natural Khakis"
CoverGirl Single Eyeshadow in "Champagne"
Wet n' Wild 3 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in "Knock on Wood"
Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette
Jordana FabuLiner in "Black"
CoverGirl All-in-One Mascara in "Black"
Wet n' Wild Mega Volume Mascara in "Black"

As always, prime your lids first.

Next, take a matte shadow that's 2-4 shades lighter than your skin tone and sweep it all over your lid.

Then take a shimmery cream/white color and with your finger, dab it right in the center of your lid.

Apply a medium brown shadow in your crease.

With a purple/burgundy/red shade that is a little darker than the brown you just used, define your crease a bit more. As the colors get darker, you want to stick closer to the outer part of your crease, so only go in about halfway with this color.

Finally, use an angled liner brush and dip it into a dark dark dark burgundy shadow (think almost black). Make a smudgy "v" shape on your outer corner.

Blend it out with a fluffy brush.

Now, Adele is famous for her dramatic cat-eye liner, so take a black liquid liner and draw a thin line all the way across your upper lashline. Make it thicker as you get to the outer corner and give it a little wing.

And last but certainly not least, the mascara. Adele is almost always seen with thick, full, false lashes. I don't own any false lashes (shame on me) so I'm just piling on mascara.

 DONE!

Oh, and I'm sorry for the weird blurriness in the pictures. I'll have to check that out :P But other than that I hope this was helpful! And if you have any other celebrities who have amazing makeup you think I should know about, please tell me!

-hannah