Lo & Co. Blog

Expert Advice - Willi Wong Photography

I enjoy talking about weddings with other vendors and I love getting the inside scoop from photographers.  I am always fascinated by how photographers play with light and how they work with the bride.  I worked with Willi Wong for Marni's wedding (see below photo) and just last week when I posed for a portraiture session with him.  We had a ton of fun and I can't wait to show some of the great photos. Willi is a storyteller and ultimately a great story is what we all want to hear or see.  I highly recommend reading Willi's blog which is full of thoughtful insight as well as see great photography. I always come away with a positive outlook after I read his blog. - Lo

Willi was kind enough to let me interview him:

What questions should a couple ask the photographer during their consultation?

There are more wedding photographers out there than the amount of time you have to find out about them before your big day so choose wisely. A consultation should not be the first time you try to find out about your photographer’s work. Sometimes it is not about what questions to ask, but the vibes that you get from the photographer. 

This may sound obvious, but if his/her work does not stir strong emotions in you don’t even bother to setup a consultation!  Try to find out more about the photographer on a professional and personal level.

By the time you are ready to commit an hour or two to meet with the photographer; you should already have seen much of his/her work through the website and blog and know about the detail pricing. If you have not done the above, you are wasting valuable time from your wedding planning and that of the photographer’s.

On a personal level you would want to find out if this person would be good addition to your wedding day. Would he/she be the kind of person that makes you and everyone feel at ease and comfortable on the day no matter what happened? Does your personality match?

On a professional level you would want to find out about this person’s work ethic. Why did he/she choose this profession? Has he/she ever missed a wedding? Is photography his/her fulltime or weekend hobby job?

 It’s also a time for the photographer to find out more about you; be frank about your likes and dislikes. Talk to him/her about your dream wedding images and what you like to capture on the day of, the day before and after the day. (Engagement session and Day after shoot).

What are some key things to look for when choosing a photographer?

•    Look for consistency in the quality of work. Make sure you see a few full wedding portfolios and not just the selected one or two images from different weddings.
•    Read reviews from former brides and ask references.
•    Look through individual wedding albums to see if the photographer’s work holds up from wedding to wedding.

What are some big warning signs to be aware of when looking at a portfolio and choosing a photographer.

•    The inconsistent quality of the images from one wedding to another.
•    Incomplete portfolio with images from here and there.
•    You don’t feel at ease with the photographer.

What advice do you give for the bride who feels that she doesn't photograph well?

First hire a great artist like Laura to do your hair and make up; second hire the photographer whose images touch your heart. You and your images will be beautiful when you enjoy every moment of your wedding day. I have photographed close to a thousand brides and have yet to see one that is not photogenic. Trust in your photographer to “see” you in the best of light and to capture the beauty in you and of your day.

Digital vs. film? Should a bride be concerned about this?

That should not even be a question anymore because digital has definitely matured into a complete professional and artistic medium. It’s a question of personal preference. If you decide to go with film, make sure you have all your images scan at the highest resolution possible because the labs may not be able to print from negatives in the future.

Do you feel that getting ready photos are important?

Yes, they are very important. It allows the photographer to build a rhythm with the bride and the groom so they are comfortable with his or her presence. This comfort level makes for great candid photos and relaxed portraits.

This early opportunity to see the bride, the groom and the wedding party makes me almost invisible to them and thus on several occasions I was asked by the brides where I was when she walked down the isle! They have gotten so used to my presence when they were getting ready, they stopped noticing my presence!

Do you like to have a shot list for any posed shots?

When you hired your photographer chances are you love his/her work; so don’t hamper the creativity by handing him/her with a shot list. If you must, keep it short so he/she doesn’t waste time looking through a list and misses the beautiful images of the moment.

A shot list would be very helpful when it’s time for the family photos. Make sure you entrust the list of must have family photos with names of the family members to someone who knows the family, so the list can be checked off.

What is the biggest mistake that brides make with timing on their wedding day?

Not giving enough time to hair and make up. My experience tells me that 3 hours are a must for the bride to get her hair, make-up, and dressed. The second costly mistake is getting ready too far from the ceremony site which can lead to delay because of traffic. I have seen my shares of wedding day delays and still live to tell beautiful stories; so just stay cool if it should happen to you and let the professionals save the day. That’s what we are hired to do, to handle any situation and still come away with great images.

What would your perfect client be like?

Someone who truly appreciates my work and believes in my ability to deliver to her the best wedding story ever! The perfect clients are the ones who book me as their photographer.

Thanks, Willi!

Simple & Sassy - Get The Look

I did a post on Jen's video a few weeks ago and here is the "Get the Look" that I promised. Jen's look is actually quite simple and classic and I didn't even use false lashes because her natural lashes are so long. I have included a close up photo of Jen that I took during the trial so you can see how it would look if you were looking at yourself in a mirror.  I feel that this perspective is so important since most photos are in brighter light and the makeup is very diffused.  Jen looks as if she doesn't have on much makeup except for lip color but in reality she has a strong eyeliner, foundation, concealer, filled in brows, and tons of mascara. I have a face chart and detailed product list on my Get The Look page. How adorable/pretty/cute is she?? I just love her.

Mariano Delgado- photography
JCrew - dress and shoes
Jennie Brent from Lo and Co. - Hair

Jen at her makeup trial

Foundation:  Era Face by Classified Cosmetics color R2.
Eye Shadow:  Stila Kitten and Heather in the crease
Eye Liner:  Bobbi Brown Granite Eyeliner
Lip:  M.A.C Retro topped with Bobbi Brown Cranberry Lip Sheer
Cheek:  Nars Mulitple Stick - Orgasm on cheekbones and Bobbi Brown Nectar on the apples of the cheeks.

Inglourious Basterds - Beauty Inspiration

I can find beauty inspiration in the most unusual situations, and this fall I have found it in the much ballyhooed movie, Inglourious Basterds. Quentin Tarantino's chewy dialogue and impeccable direction made this fantasy of a marauding nazi killers in German occupied France seem like it could have and should have happened.  The film was also so incredibly acted that I found myself holding my breath during certain scenes as if I was alongside the actors on screen.

So how does this gruesome part of history inspire me?    It reminds me that beauty isn't in designer clothing, bags, shoes and the newest trends.  Beauty lies first in strength of character and conviction. Beauty can be as simple as holding your head up high even during great diversity.  Great style can be seen anywhere - even on people that live in horrific times. The main character, Shoshanna was dressed in baggy grey clothes, but she still looked stylish.  There was something about the way she held her cigarette and the perfect messiness of her hair under her hat. 

So, you are thinking "great, now Lo expects us to go sans makeup and smoke cigarettes!"  Heck no,  that is the inspiration for my fall look which I will call the "less is more" look.  The french are great at creating an effortless look that screams confidence.

Sans makeup, but oodles of attitude.

Applying the war paint (cream blush)

The look is quite easy and below are my picks for products:

Cream Blush
M.A.C  Bobbi Brown, Nars, Revlon

Matte Lipstick
Check out previous post on how to apply a red lip

Nail Polish
Dark red/plum I love O.P.I's Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ and Vampire State Builiding
Classic red - O.P.I's Big Apple Red, and Essie's Fish Net Stockings

Style Workshop - Sept 24th

In a fashion rut? Do you feel like you have nothing to wear?  Confused about how to wear that shirt in your closet?  What you need is a little style help from Amy Salinger.  Amy and I have collaborated many times and I can't recommend her enough.  Amy is very talented and extremely funny so this is a perfect opportunity to step up your style and have a fun evening!

Eyelash Extension Offer - $199!

If you have ever wanted to try eyelash extensions, this is a great offer.  Yoshie is one of the best and she is at the wonderful Tres Belle Spa. 

105 Bond Street, Boerum Hill

Brooklyn, New York 11217

718.797.0033

www.tresbellespa.com

Our Technician Yoshie was featured on

Tyra Banks because she is THE BEST.

September 10-12 get GORGEOUS semi-permanent lashes

 that last through exercising, swimming and sweating.  

We are happy to offer our most popular service 

at the very special price of just $199

*usual fee for this service $350.

*by appointment ONLY.

*non-refundable fee must be paid at time of reservation

Finding a Flaw Mentor

I am asked by my clients to disguise their flaws daily and it has inspired me to add a new category to my blog called "Flaw Mentors". Women constantly pick apart their photographs and obsess about a flaw even though most people have slight facial abnormalities. A photograph is not a true representation of how one looks.  It is a frozen two dimensional image of a face that is three dimensional and fluid.  Some people are very photogenic and others are not.  I am not that photogenic as my right eye is lower than my left and when I face the camera straight on this is obvious. This used to bother me until I noticed that many celebrities - Shannon Daugherty for one - have the same flaw and they still look great.  From that point on whenever I disliked something about my face, hair or body shape I would search for a celebrity who had the same issue and they would become my Flaw Mentor. I encourage all of you to try this out. It is surprising how many gorgeous women have "flaws".   Heidi Klum admittedly has a lazy eye and I think that she is doing okay with her face.

source

Angie sent me an email about her perceived flaws.

Lo,

 As you can see, my eyes are kind of different in that the bottom lid sort of

slants up whenever I smile, or do anything. It makes me look like I\'m kind

of mean or glaring or something. Also, from certain sides, my face looks

really fat and my cheekbones big. Is there anyway to get rid of that or make

my face look smaller? 

Angie,

You have high cheekbones, full lips and beautifully shaped eyes.  These are all admirable physical traits that you need to embrace.  Your face isn't fat it is round and your cheeks may be on the fuller side right now, but they will keep you looking youthful.  I had huge cheeks in my twenties and then around my mid thirties, I finally had some cheekbones. You may not like looking younger now, but you will soon. Remember, photos flatten out your face, so please keep in mind that your face is more angular in person. Your eyes may turn up when you smile, but that isn't a bad thing.  Take a look at Lucy Liu. Her eyes get much smaller and turned up when she smiles and you can see that her eyes don't exactly match.  Regardless, she is stunning.  She has also has high and broad cheekbones which enhance her overall beauty.

source

Angie, I want you to find your own Flaw Mentors and start working your beautiful face.  When you appreciate your beauty others will as well - trust me.  Nothing is more beautiful than a confident woman who is comfortable in her own skin.  I would suggest the following to enhance your natural beauty:

• Have your eyebrows shaped:  Groomed brows will give you a more sophisticated look and enhance your eye shape.
• Wear blush:  Blush will add dimension to your face and give an overall boost to your skin
• Wear eye liner on your top lash line:  Eye liner will pull focus to your eyes and give you a more polished look.  Choose a gel liner that won't smudge.  See my favorite products post.

Real Brides - Jen in Brooklyn

Jen came to see me and my hair diva, Jennie B for a trial and the three of us had so much fun it hardly seemed like work.  Jen is a cutie patootie and I think she looks like the love child of Isla Fisher and Lindsay Lohan.  We rocked out her look with a stained red lip, false eyelashes, and a catted out black eyeliner.  I will have a follow up post this week with her photos and a break down of all of the products that I used to "get the look".  Jennie B did an amazing job on the hair for Jen and her sister and videographer,  Michael DiChiaro put together this cool highlights reel. Also, check out this hilarious save-the-date (I refuse to use the acronym).  I looove Jen and Brian's sense of humor!

www.CreativeVideoEditing.com

Hayley and Gareth's Elopement

The Elopement.  What bride hasn't thought about it?  Throwing the wedding binder out the window, ripping up the seating chart, and making a bonfire of all of those bridal magazines. Nevertheless, most brides muster up the strength and stamina to plan the big wedding. These are the majority of my brides, so my curiousity was piqued when was I asked to work with an eloping bride.

British couple Hayley and Gareth boldly planned their "party of two" in NYC. They had a grand day planned to the "T" by my friend and colleague, Soraya Jollon .  They got ready at the chic Library Hotel, followed by a photoshoot all over the city with photographer, Erica Lynn who did a bang up job. Their intimate ceremony, was officiated by Carrisa Templeton  (one of my brides) followed by cocktails at Pegu and a fabulous dinner out in the city.  Hayley wore here gown (and super cool boots) the entire day.  The day was one of the rainiest in May, but as you can see by the photos it didn't dampen their mood.

Hayley was a dream to work with and Gareth was just too adorable with those mutton chop sideburns.  I watched as Gareth saw Hayley for the first time in her gown and I was moved by his emotional reaction.  They are just such a lovely couple.  I left the hotel and although the day was gray and rainy I felt like my heart had grown a little by witnessing their love.  Best of luck, Hayley and Gareth.

Fabulous in Five - Products and Techniques

The sexy and sassy stylist (I just love alliteration), Amy Salinger asked me to be a guest for her Fab in Five video. Amy has a slew of great videos on youtube and her website/blog is amazing. Click here to subscribe to Amy's Videos and/or click here to receive Sass n Style updates. Check it out for stylish yet practical tips. I had a blast doing this video and am planning on doing more how-to videos this month.

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NARS Multiple Creme Duo ($45) or Nars Blush/Bronzer Shadow Duo ($37) - A must have in my makeup kit.

Avon's Mark Cosmetics has some great blush and bronzers at a great price ($6) I use After Glo everyday for a great peachy blush and Bronze Glo and Golden Glo work well as a bronzer.

Technique: Apply bronzer in a big "c" around your eyes brushing on and under your cheekbone and lightly over your eyes on the temples. Add blush on the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow.

Don't forget to tap off excess powder on brush before applying and use the brush to blend once the powder has been dispersed on cheek. When in doubt, blend and check your makeup in natural light.

[photo source]

L'Oreal Infinite Wear Shimmer Eyeshadow - Shroom

Stila Kitten Eyeshadow - another staple in my makeup kit

Technique: Apply with brush or finger all over lid. Add to inside corner for extra "oomph"

Prestige Lip Liner in Cameo or in Natural. Can find in drugstores.

Technique: Apply neutral lip liner all over the lip as a lip primer to add longevity to any gloss.

Hair Favorites

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls - I picked this up at Duande Reade and was super impressed with the product. It is great on curly hair and I also found that it works well on slightly wavy hair like mine to create a "beachy wave" look.

Technique: Work product into hands and apply lightly to curls.

Salon Grafix Spray Powder Shampoo - Skip the pricey powder shampoos and get the same results.

Technique: Hold can 6-8 inches away from hair and spray toward the root of the hair. Spray in sections where you need lift or want to absorb oil. Best to do little at a time, don't spray your entire head like Amy does in the video!

[photo source]

Great Video

If you haven't watched this video yet then you are missing out.  This Minnesota couple put a whole new spin on walking down the aisle and I applaud them for breaking tradition and doing something that is unique.  I can't stop smiling when I watch this and now I am obsessed with the song "Forever".