Photography Tips from a Familiar Face

Nigel Barker, known for his role on the judging panel of America’s Next Top Model, has many other talents which include being an author, a model, as well as a photographer.

Nigel became a successful model after his mum entered him in to a TV show searching for new models, despite him at the time wanting to pursue a career in medicine. It was the show that started his modelling career after Nigel finished as a finalist. From there his modelling career lasted around 10 years, with Nigel modelling all over the world, including Milan, Paris and New York. 

In 1998 he decided to focus on a different career after accepting that modelling wouldn’t last forever. This career was photography. Photography seemed to be his forte, resulting in him opening his own successful photography studio StudioNB.

Some of his most successful shoots have taken place on America’s Next Top Model, which he joined as a judge in 2003. However, as well as judging the models, Nigel was given the opportunity to photograph the models personally, helping them reach their full potential. Nigel has produced stunning photos on, and off, the show, which not only capture the beauty of the model, but also the beauty of the surroundings.

Nigel revealed tips to aspiring models and photographers on PopSugar TV, whilst also giving quick demonstrations. These tips included:

• ·         Be yourself. Nigel says, “If you’re a goth, be a goth, If you’re a punk, be a punk, because there is nothing more beautiful than who you are.”
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• ·         Be Spontaneous. Nigel says, “Spontaneity is very useful when you’re trying to take a picture. As a model you don’t just want to be that façade, you’ve got to have something that is going to create spark and it’s the photographer’s job to coax that out of them.”
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• ·         Smile with your eyes. Nigel says, “There is nothing more important than smiling with your eyes, your eyes are the window to your soul and they truly tell the story of who you are.”
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• ·         Don’t put yourself down. Nigel says, “A lot of people think they have a good side and a bad side, but that’s not the case. What you might think is your bad side is what other people might like.”

Well there you have it, some tips from a photographer who has worked all over the world, here at LuxeModels we certainly agree with them!

Controversy over Curvy Mannequins

There has been an inflow of mixed reactions causing internet controversy after a photo was taken of a curvy mannequin in a Swedish retail store called Åhléns. The photo was recently uploaded to Facebook gaining over 50,000 likes and 16,000 shares in just a few days.

The image was posted on Women's Rights News’ Facebook page with the caption “Store mannequins in Sweden - They look like real women. The US should invest in some of these.” The mannequins were originally understood to be displayed in a Swedish H & M store; however, later reports confirmed that the mannequins were actually in a Swedish store called Åhléns. The Mannequins photographed in the Swedish store are unlike typical mannequins, as they have larger thighs and stomachs than most, which portrays a more realistic body image.

Most mannequins tend to be a US size 4 to 6 and some displays can be as much as six inches taller and six sizes smaller than the average US women. This is far from a realistic representation of society, with the average US woman wearing a size 14. Nearly 70 million American women alone are overweight, which helps to reiterate the unrealistic nature of the mannequins. There have been several reports released that analyse the affects the media can have on how people perceive their body and many people claim we are over exposed to unrealistic expectations of how people should look. It has also been suggested that stores would benefit from using mannequins that look more representative of customers.

There has been previous controversy over shops using unrealistic mannequins. In 2007, companies such as Zara and Mango agreed to replace excessively slim mannequins on in-store displays with size-6 mannequins or bigger after they received several complaints from the Spanish Ministry of Health. Stores now need to carefully consider the size of the mannequins they use. In another case a store used oversized mannequins and a photo later appeared on Reddit and caused many people to suggest the store was promoting obesity. This leaves many stores with the dilemma of ensuring that their mannequins are suitable and not negatively perceived by customers.

This issue of obsession of size has spread throughout the whole fashion and modelling industry. Many industry insiders seem to agree that there is now a serious problem. Beauty standards have become unattainable and some models who are not a size 0 have started to complain about not being able to fit into sample clothes.  The nature of the modelling industry has made it ever more competitive and many aspiring young models have gone to drastic measures to meet new criteria set out by modelling agencies.

If you are thinking of pursuing a career in modelling don’t hesitate to contact Luxe Models.

What to expect from your first modelling shoot

Luxe models knows that modelling is a tricky business. A certain set of skills must be owned by a model in order to succeed. The difficulty of working well with a camera is massively underestimated; the best make it look easy, but any model knows it requires a certain talent that not many possess. If you are gearing up for your first modelling shoot, make sure you bear in mind that communication with your photographer is key. Listen to them avidly and you’ll be on the right path. Expect to be taken outside of your comfort zone and always stay confident. Even though it can be nerve racking, remember that you have been booked by them and that they want you.

 Firstly, it is a good idea to get to grips with... your own face! This sounds bizarre, but facial expression is (obviously) very important in modelling. It can be underestimated how much effort it takes to get the exact look the photographer/director wants to go for. Get to know your face in a mirror or in front of a camera with a friend. Practice the way in which you can hold your face to create different expressions. Obviously, we all know the general rules of smiling and frowning (!), but it’s a good idea to master a sultry look, a candid look, a thoughtful look etc. Expect your photographer to ask you to give certain expressions and looks; be prepared to be diverse. 

 Ok, so we’ve covered the face, now it’s time to think about the body. The way in which you hold your body is definitely something you should practice. Your photographer will want you to hold all kinds of different positions. What’s more, you will be surprised at how much effort it takes to look natural. Get used to moving your body in ways you wouldn’t usually do in day to day life. Bend your arms, twist your torso, discover how to make different shapes and what kind of positions flatter certain clothes best.

Finally, all models should expect to be able to work with props. Of course, there will be shoots where you don’t have to use props, but there will be many where you’re expected to work with all manner of things, from food, to sports equipment, to make up, to animals! Practice with anything and everything; use a mirror to get an idea of what you look like when eating, toss a ball and pose at the same time, try draping yourself across a sofa in a few different positions. It really helps if you look comfortable with different props, so practicing is a great way to show your photographer that you’re able to work with anything. 

Luxe Models wishes you the best of luck with your first shoot!

Until next time!

How to Work Colour into your Wardrobe

Here at Luxe Models we know it’s the little fashion tips that help. Whilst you might want some ideas to freshen up your look, you don’t want a complete Trinny and Susannah-esque overhaul, right? We thought not. In this post we’re going to be covering all things bright and beautiful. That is, colours. How does one work a bit of brightness into one’s wardrobe? It is surprising how many of us have beige, grey, black and white dominated clothes collections. 

Make Up
Make up can be a great way to infuse an outfit with colour. Try a matte red lipstick if your outfit is primarily black or an orange gloss if it’s dominated by beige. A bright pink lip goes wonderfully with white, or go for hues of metallic green around the eye if you’re daring enough. Here at Luxe Models we love Barry M for colours galore; it offers inventive takes on classic make up. Have a browse of their famous nail varnish collection to liven up your outfit. We’re loving their peach and blue shades this summer. 

Don’t be garish
There’s one thing Luxe Models hates: colour and black done badly. 

Example: you are wearing all black, and decide to change your black top for a bright pink one.

Block colour alone with black is a no no, for reasons we’re unsure of. It's just too much density. If this is going to be done, it must be approached with extreme caution and model good looks must be exercised. Instead of pairing block colour with black, mix it up by adding some whites and greys; it’s all about getting the tone right. 

Jewellery
Little details can turn your outfit around. Flecks of colour around the ears, neck and wrists can transform your look from dull to delicious quicker than you can say “rainbow”. Here at Luxe Models we think feather earrings are a great way of injecting colour into an outfit. There are some great neon feathers on the high street at the moment that would look great at festivals.

It’s the little things
Try opting for items of clothing that have small coloured detail, such as stitching. This adds just a touch of life to an otherwise bland outfit. Go for jackets with a bright silk lining to give a flash of colour throughout the day. As they say... every little helps!

So, there you have it. You don’t have to go all Lady Gaga this summer. Instead, you can embrace the smaller pleasures in life by adding touch of colour here and there to your favourite outfits. Take classic a little bolder; where you lack in daring, you can more than make up for in taste!

Until next time...

Luxe Models

Fall 2013 Trend Report

It does instil one with a little bit of nausea, trying to think ahead to fall 2013. We’re barely out of the last hell on Earth otherwise known as British winter. But fashion is fussy and fashion must have its own way; look to the future we shall!  Of course, autumn/winter is all about coats... especially in Britain. Our coats must be fashionable because we must wear them day in and day out over everything. They are the one fashion statement we get to make in a world that does not allow much exposure of anything. 

This year we’re seeing a few trends appear on the catwalk and each one is as exciting as the last. 

Anarchic

We’re seeing punk everywhere at the minute. It ruled the red carpets at Cannes film festival recently, and is set to show its face again this winter, with echoes of Sid and Nancy dominating coat designs. Expect tartan, leather, studs, chains, zips and spikes. Things are going to go all Vivienne Westwood and Siouxie Sioux on our asses and we can’t wait. 

Pastel

We are not going to let autumn get us down this year, apparently. No we are not. We shall not swathe our sun deprived bodies in blacks, greys and burgundies, instead we shall dance down snowy streets in beautiful pastel colours with blush in our cheeks and smiles on our faces. Expect baby blues, buttercup yellows, lavenders and powder pinks.

It’s a guy thing

Silly enough to not wear a jacket to a cold December evening do? Fear not, your date’s jacket is just the trick. Get sassy in oversized simplicity. If it’s too big, it’ll fit the bill. Expect double-breasted designs that scream, “Look at me! I have a boyfriend, and I am wearing his jacket!”

Fur fur fur

Forget classic fur. Forget soft sheathes of neatly trimmed, smooth, elegance. This year’s fur is shaggier than a 70s carpet. And it’s not just the shagginess of it that was turning heads on recent catwalks. Fur this year is emblazoned with crazy patterns, it’s coming in bright colours and bizarre shapes. It’s wacky and we love it. Fur, we accept you for who you are.

So, there you have it, a glimpse into the distant, but no so dismal future. You can now make your fashionable purchases and pop them in your closet until a later date... and also pop winter to the back of your mind where it belongs. We’re sorry for bringing to your attention the fact that winter will reign once more, but be enlightened by the fact that it is not for months to come. We’re just way ahead of the game here at Luxe Models. 

Until next time!

How to Choose What to Wear

There is an age old problem affecting women (and men) all over the world: having tonnes of clothes but nothing to wear. One might think that owning a large and varied collection of clothes, accessories and shoes may be enough to take the world by storm each day in utmost style. One would be wrong. In fact, it is often the case that the more clothes a person owns the more chance there is that their outfits are going to end in catastrophe. The fact is, fashion needs to be thought about, outfits need to be planned, throwing on any two items out of your wardrobe is not good enough when you want to look fabulous! So, how to go about looking fabulous? 

Firstly, do your homework. Fashion magazines offer a catalogue of inspiration. Flick through the most recent edition of Vogue and steal ideas. That way you can try to recreate an outfit; wearing an item of clothing because you like it is all good and well, but what on earth are you going to pair it with? Putting together an outfit based on something you see in a magazine is easier than it looks; you’ll be surprised at how many pieces of clothing you have that are similar to the stuff you see in the mags. 

Secondly, decide on a ‘look’ and stick to it. Too many outfits go wrong because the occupier of said clothes has been uncertain about what era, style or general feel they want to go for and has ended up in a mismatched nightmare. Trying to go for too many looks in one outfit is a sure fire way to strut the catastrophe catwalk. It might be tempting to start throwing on accessories just because they’re new, but be aware that they might not go with what you’re wearing. Pick a look before choosing your outfit then accessorise accordingly. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to re-live old classics. So many people pick outfits according to newness of clothes, rather than the look they’re going for. This results in the outfit being dictated by new items, rather than an actual thought out style. The fact is, that new top might go so much better with an old jacket than one you bought recently, but one disregards this fact in favour of wearing the young stuff. The most stylish fashionistas are forever parading in charity shop buys, vintage, and throwbacks from their teens made modern, so dig deep and concentrate on style, rather than fresh threads alone. 

These points may seem to be stating the obvious, but bare them in mind the next time you’re getting dressed and... well, you’ll see the results. Promise!

Luxe Models Exibition

We thought it might be an idea to show you some of the work we do here at Luxe Models. We love everything about fashion, photography and modelling, so it's great to be able to share our passion with others...

Beach Wear

Luxe Models loves nothing more than to accessorise on the beach. Just because you don’t wear much on the beach, doesn’t mean you don’t have to wear much. This is an excuse, actually (ahem), to accessorise more than ever before in the world of accessorising. “Why?” you ask. Luxe Models will tell you (because we are wise beyond words)... On the beach one doesn’t wear much in terms of clothing, yes, we are aware of this, BUT: the lack of clothing actually acts as a reason to drape one’s semi-naked body in tassels, in jewellery, in sexy sunglasses and unconventional footwear. Bangles, hair accessories, sarongs: think of it this way, the less clothes you wear, the more accessories you can get away with. Hurrah beach! Hurrah sun! We worship the warm rays of heat you provide, which allow us to glam up our lives without looking like a weird old bag lady. Ah, the simple pleasures in life.

Bangles
Luxe Models loves that clinky, clanky sound you get from strolling along the beach dowsed in chunky metal goodness. Wrists swathed in big round variations of bangle joy; we love it! Check out Topshop for some awesome wrist action. H&M is good if your budget is a little lower, and AlexanderMcQueen is good for those whose budget is more open ended than the sweet blue skies that encompass our favourite beach locations.

Sunglasses
When on the beach abroad (and not mooching around Britain’s dreary high streets), one realises that sunglasses have a practical purpose. A purpose that is not merely to conceal baggy old hungover eyes, either! When on the beach, a Luxe Model needs eye-shields because of actual sunshine! Here at Luxe Models, at this moment in time, we’re loving round little numbers. They’re cool in a kind of hippy/Beatles way (as if there are any uncool hippy/Beatles ways).

Earrings
There is literally nothing better than a big pair of chavvy gold hoops. Luxe Models is not joking in relaying this solid fact. Bikinis and hoops look hot; there are no two ways about it. Other oversized earrings are also a hit. Or what about those earrings that are kind of like an ear cuff, yes, an EAR CUFF! It’s the future. One end clips on to the top of the ear whilst the other goes through the lobe piercing. Genius.

So, there you have it. A little beach accessory guide that should get your fashion juices flowing in time for this summer’s escapade abroad. Happy Holidays!

Luxe Models

xx