For my birthday this year, my family members got together and brought me a photo shoot from Red Leopard Photography. It was a complete surprise for me, but my sister knew I'd love it, and I did! Sarah's home studio is located in Busselton , just shy of 2 and a half hours south of Perth.
As part of the package, I received full pin-up makeup and a hair-do to match. I then had access to her extensive wardrobe and fun props. A few days before my shoot, I was emailed a quick questionnaire to tell Sarah about what style I liked, as well as if I had skin problems, such as sensitivity, as well as some other general questions. This allowed for her to be ready for me.
When I arrived, Sarah showed me to the dressing room. The room is stocked with bits and bobs for the photo shoots. It was full of hats, dresses, old telephones, umbrellas, shoes and everything else you could think of for the perfect shoot. Sarah also allows you to bring your own props if you'd like them in the photos. I brought down some of my favourite pearl jewellery as well as some of my own shoes, which I wore for the photos.
After putting my hair in curlers she started with my make-up. The first theme was 50's housewife. Sarah told me she had some fun ideas, starting with my hair and a giant curl. When my make-up was done and my hair was up, she went to the cupboard and started pulling out dresses. Funnily enough, they were all red, which is both of our favourite colour.
The first dress was a cute red gingham dress with a fishtail and a frill at the back. I also had a sweet red flower in my hair. First up, was house work, which is always best with a drink in hand.
Then we moved onto a movies theme.
I then got hungry, so we moved onto a baking theme, which always turns into a mess.
I thought, before I started the photo shoot, that I would be nervous, but I wasn't. It was just me and her, oh and her adorable puppy Betty-Lou, in the studio. (Well Betty was out the back, peering through the window). What helped, in my opinion, is the time spent before the shoot. When Sarah was doing my make-up and hair we were just having a chat. A bit like when you are at the hairdressers. So when it came down to the modelling side of things I felt comfortable and had a lot of fun.
The next theme was 1940's glamour. So after a costume changes and some additional accessories, out came a beautiful black chair and a new set of props, as well as a different backdrop. This time I wore my pearls and one of Sara's vintage fascinators and a silky read dress.
Time for another phone call.
This next one was just a spur of the moment thing. We moved over to her curtains for a Hollywood silver screen look.
I absolutly loved wearing the gloves but there was a Wheels and Dollybaby cardigan that I just had to wear.
Before I even returned home I there was a sneakpeak on the Facebook page and not long after I was sent the proofs to look at. From which I agonised over until I found my favourite for her to touch up and send to me. When I was at my dads house, hair and make-up still done but in my own clothes, I showed him a photo of me from the shoot off of Facebook. He stared at it but didn't pick it was me, even though I was still dolled up and standing there holding the phone showing him the picture. This is a real testament to her amazing talent that my dad was confused. Although she did not hide the real me, just made me into a character for the day.
I had an amazing day, and felt very spoil. I am so happy that my family brought me this gift for my birthday and I have already recommended it to friends. I also recommend it to everyone else!!!
Until next time.
Love, love Elle.
