Academy Photoshoot | Edgar

Atelier Emmanuel runs an Academy for our apprentices, a sort of post-graduate training in the Old World style. Before we took a Summer break, we decided it would be fun to organize a photoshoot for them. The apprentices were given little guidance, other than that the shoot would be indoors with a basic backdrop. We supplied the photographer. They came up with the concept, model, wardrobe, makeup and, most importantly, the hairstyle.

Edgar: I wanted to create a vintage style, like a 40's or 50's pin-up. I went with barrel curls for the bang and on the side temple areas. The toughest part of this hair style is to get the right proportions between the front and side curls. The sides have to be balanced to the bang, and all three curls have to fit the model's head. 

I was the first of the apprentices to turn in his idea and secure a model (I 'cheated' and used Meredith, our receptionist). Because of that I was able to schedule to be first to shoot. This gave me time to do a second look while the other shoots were going on. I pulled down the curls from the pinup look and created a finger wave that was still pinup, but also modern. This second look really played well with the highlights we had added to the Meredith's hair.

Overall an easy shoot. Meredith is good to collaborate with. She takes directions well and understands how to move with the camera. Because we work together, I was able to practice the style a couple of times beforehand so that on the day of shoot, styling went smoothly. Time management is key: I find that a big element to a successful session.

For a next photoshoot, I want to style both a male and female model for a couple's shoot. Probably still in a vintage style.

Hairstyling: Edgar Carubio
Makeup: Clifford Hashimoto
Photography: Tara Arrowood
Model: Meredith Harris

Edgar was a student of biochemistry, who realized his real calling as a hairstylist. He graduated from Skyline College of Cosmetology two years ago then began with a front desk position at our salon to get his foot in the door. Now a full time apprentice, Edgar is building his menu offerings for clients.

As part of the Academy programme, Edgar trains every Monday on cut, color, style and other hair services. To be a model, please contact us.

Academy Photoshoot | Anthony

Atelier Emmanuel runs an Academy for our apprentices, a sort of post-graduate training in the Old World style. Before we took a Summer break, we decided it would be fun to organize a photoshoot for them. The apprentices were given little guidance, other than that the shoot would be indoors with a basic backdrop. We supplied the photographer. They came up with the concept, model, wardrobe, makeup and, most importantly, the hairstyle.

Anthony:  Yes, that's me fixing the model's hair. It's a recurring thing in photoshoots: some of the best expressions happen while we're primping the hair. It must be because the model is unguarded in those moments.

As far as the shoot goes, I was happy with the results.

The texture came out really well and suited the model's personality — once we got her into it, and a bit more sassy and flirty. This is a style I would do again, without isolating the technique. Instead of the entire head being done, I would like to see the curls patterns in smaller areas with other textures, and even colors, thrown in to create a different overall effect.

I would probably have chosen a different top for her to wear, too. We weren't really planning on having it show in the shots. But to crop the top out, would throw the image off-balance.

Overall, though, I loved doing it in this environment and was very happy to work with my model.

The shots we picked here play off a sort of doll-like, mannequin look. It wasn't necessarily what we'd been shooting for, but it's an unintended result that I love. 

We let the hair get looser and crazier as we went on. With a blank setting, the hair ends up being its own background.

Styling: Anthony Tanno

Makeup: Clifford Hashimoto

Photography: Tara Arrowood

Model: Jordan, with Look Model Agency

A graduate of the Cinta Aveda Institute, Anthony is happy to be with us and living his dream of being a stylist. 

Academy Photoshoot | Nicole

Atelier Emmanuel runs an Academy for our apprentices, a sort of post-graduate training in the Old World style. Before we took a Summer break, we decided it would be fun to organize a photoshoot for them. The apprentices were given little guidance, other than that the shoot would be indoors with a basic backdrop. We supplied the photographer. They came up with the concept, model, wardrobe, makeup and, most importantly, the hairstyle.

Nicole: I immediately knew I wanted to focus on bridal and special occasion updo’s for this photoshoot. I love doing updo’s, and I believe that styling for weddings and special events is a part of the market that AE should tap more into. As we build this part of our business, I want to grow with it and be the go-to stylist that people want for their special occasion.

I'm happy with the results of the shoot. I feel it shows my skills in updos, and conveys my interpretation of wedding hair: timeless and elegant, yet playful and modern.

Having never done a photoshoot before, it was an interesting experience — especially because I had my sister as a model.  Directing her was hard. We're just used to smiling for photos, so it didn't come easy for her to make different expressions and give different looks. I also wasn’t used to how the model’s wardrobe looks completely different on camera than in real life. Next time I would pick outfits that have a little more flair. The plain white dress I chose didn't really work. We ended up getting rid of it and just using the sheer material seen in the pictures. 

All in all, the photo shoot was a great experience. For the next I want to focus on hair color, doing something which expresses seasonal trends.

Styling: Nicole Siri

Makeup: Clifford Hashimoto

Photography: Tara Arrowood

Model: Gina Siri

After graduating from Cal Poly in 2009, Nicole decided to follow her passion for hair. She enrolled and completed the cosmetology program at College of San Mateo. Nicole was licensed in fall of 2010 and immediately pursued Atelier Emmanuel for an apprenticeship. After 18 months of apprenticing, Nicole is now a Junior Stylist.

Academy Photoshoot | Audrey

Atelier Emmanuel runs an Academy for our apprentices, a sort of post-graduate training in the Old World style. Before we took a Summer break, we decided it would be fun to organize a photoshoot for them. The apprentices were given little guidance, other than that the shoot would be indoors with a basic backdrop. We supplied the photographer. They came up with the concept, model, wardrobe, makeup and, most importantly, the hairstyle.

                               

Audrey: For this shoot, I intended to create a dreamy state of mythical power — both the beauty and strength of feminine nature.

The original inspiration was a handful of fennel I picked on a walk. As it dried, it retained it's beautiful lace-like shape and I decided to spray paint it gold and use it as a necklace. It also became the inspiration for this photo shoot. I went and gathered more fennel and some other plants with interesting textures. 


I asked Nehara, a fellow dancer, to be my model because her hair is a mass of lace-like tiny curls that created the textural foundation and voluminous form that I wanted for my backdrop. I used a tiger eye necklace for structure to bring in round shapes and a warm tone.

I thoroughly enjoyed the process of arranging this photoshoot. The salon transformed into a performance arena with the buzz of creativity I live for. 

The most challenging, fun, and difficult part of shooting for me is the amount of details that need to be seen and dealt with all at the same time — is the hair working, is the makeup in place? Is the dress making the right shape, does the lighting produce the feel I intended? Is the model moving in a way that conveys the right story? Is she coming up with a better story? Sometimes the pressure cooker of a shoot creates something better than expected, sometimes not so much. 



In the shot to the left, Nahara has a great posture, in-between vulnerable inquisitiveness and primal ferocity. Though it's harder to see the details in the hair, the overall story is great. You can see how this shoot would have fit well in an outdoor setting.

Because five of us were shooting that day, there wasn't enough time to do an outfit change.  I would also have liked to put up the hair that was on her neck to create an alternate look. And, originally, she had a flare of dry fennel along the top of the dress covering her décolletage; depending on the angle and her position, it served as a sort of screen from behind which she looked at the camera. Unfortunately in practice it didn't work, so we removed it. 

You start a photoshoot with an idea, and then you have to let it be molded by the actual circumstances...

And, you have to remember that there will be other photoshoots!


In that spirit, here are few ideas I look forward to shooting:

Using the story of the red shoes that dance a person to death.
A model with red hair and a blue velvet dress contrasted with a low color urban setting.
Shooting in Union Square when the iceskating rink is there.

Hair and Makeup: Audrey Kral

Photography: Tara Arrowood

Model: Nahara Kelev

Audrey Kral joined us in Spring of 2012, coming from the Cinta Aveda Institute training program. "What people always ask me is how I ended up in hair from a background in dance, interior design and oil painting. To me, they all work with the same elements: structure, form and transformation. Like dance and interior design, I get to work in collaboration. Like oil painting, we play with color and texture. In this case, the transformation happens in one sitting. A nice change of pace for me!" 

Academy Photoshoot | Paul

Atelier Emmanuel runs an Academy for our apprentices, a sort of post-graduate training in the Old World style. Before we took a Summer break, we decided it would be fun to organize a photoshoot for them. The apprentices were given little guidance, other than that the shoot would be indoors with a basic backdrop. We supplied the photographer. They came up with the concept, model, wardrobe, makeup and, most importantly, the hairstyle.

Paul: I got this concept from an image I saw for a hairstyling how-to called the "twisted sister." In it I noticed that each section of hair fed into another to become a solid form. Taking that idea, I made a bun as my foundation and slowly began twisting large pieces of hair and incorporating it into my base. The result was amazing and I was really impressed with myself. The finished form was intricate in detail and maintained a messy but still eloquent look.

Styling: Paul Pu

Makeup: Clifford Hashimoto

Photography: Tara Arrowood

Model: Alice K, with Look Model Agency

Native of Hawai'i, Paul has been bringing his positive energy and happy mood to our salon for over 4 years. Paul received his education from The San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology. Then, after over 80 individual training sessions with Emmanuel, nearly 3,000 hours of observation, assistance and apprenticeship with senior stylists, Paul finally qualified to become a Junior Stylist with Atelier Emmanuel in May of 2011.