Makeup Artist Turned Model

What happens when you're a makeup artist who is working with a photographer and you've come to like his work a lot? Or, you've seen how he can transform your handy work into something extraordinary? Well, you schedule a personal session for yourself.

That's exactly what happened to makeup artist NaTasha Barr of Divine Eyez. She was so impressed with how several clients' portrait sessions turned out she asked me to create some glamour shots of her. My first question to NaTasha was, "Who is going to do your makeup". That was an inside joke, of course.

Anyway, the makeup was impeccable, as only she can apply it, and we had two wonderful sessions together. I personally think NaTasha could handle the double role of Makeup Artist/Model. From what I've experienced while photographing her, I don't think you can take a bad image of NaTasha. She's just that good in front of the camera as well as handling a makeup brush. So, take a look at the portraits that we created together as two accomplished artists in our own arenas. She loves applying makeup and I love taking portraits.

Enjoy!

Willie

Images can be enlarged by double clicking on them.

Contact NaTasha at: Divine Eyez

My Mother Taught Me #7

My mother taught me OSMOSIS.

She said, "Shut your mouth and eat your supper".

Stephani Gibbs - Senior Portraits

Stephani Gibbs and I have a running friendship that goes back to her "Sweet 16" birthday party. It is really neat watching her grow up into a young woman who will be graduating in 2011 from St. Thomas High School. Since we have this unique relationship where I have become the "family's personal photographer", naturally Stephani wanted me to create her senior portraits. I could not have been more pleased or excited about photographing her again.

So, we sat down and discussed the locations and wardrobe with Stephani and her mom, then scheduled a day to go out and have some fun. I usually take a ton of images during my senior sessions, but here are a few of my favorites. Stephani was great in front of the camera and we got a variety of images with unique locations that will certainly make her fellow classmates envious of her portraits.

Thanks, Stephani, and I'll see you at graduation in 2011. You go, Girl!!

Enjoy!
Willie

For information about having your senior portraits created for you or your senior, click on this link: hillpics1@aol.com. Additional savings available by mentioning this blog posting.

"CPP" Mark

It is listed in all of Portrait Corner Studio, LLC's advertisement, correspondence, and is promptly displayed in the studio. It is the "CPP" Designation. What does it stand for and where does it come from? Frequently I get asked this question, so I thought I might take the time to answer. Not to cloud the waters with my on interpretation, I went straight to the organization that grants this designation: Professional Photographers of America. The following information is listed on the PPA website (www.ppa.com) and can be reviewed. Here is why we are so proud of this designation.

Just look for the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) mark

When you hire a photographer, you want the best. Unfortunately, anyone can claim to be a professional photographer. So we made it easier for you to find a true professional via the Certified Professional Photographer program.

The Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Certification program is recognized throughout the industry as a mark of excellence. When you see a photographer displaying the Certified Professional Photographer seal, you can be assured that he or she is among the less than 8% of all imaging professionals who have successfully completed and maintained our requirements.

What does “Certified Professional Photographer” mean?
Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is a designation granted by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, the world’s leading certification agency for imaging professionals.

To assure you of the photographer’s level of expertise and continuance to develop new skills and techniques, those who have earned the CPP designation:

• Pass a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise
• Successfully submit their work to a panel of judges for review and approval
• Renew credentials every 5 years with continuing education, submitting work for critical evaluation, or retaking the certification exam

Your Assurance of Quality
Whenever you enter a studio displaying the Certified Professional Photographer emblem, you will be dealing with a professional who is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of professionalism and expertise available.

To end this FAQ, I did a search on the PPA.com website to see just how many certified professional photographers were listed in the Dade/Broward area. Including myself there were approximately nine. Portrait Corner Studio, LLC. is proud to be among this list of elite photographers and studios. Dana and I look forward to continuing the great service and professional photography that we have been giving our clients since 1985.

Enjoy!

Willie (CPP)

The Art of The Portrait

The Art of The Portrait
by Willie L. Hill, Jr., CPP


Candace Booker

I start by looking at the spiritual soul of a person. We all have it, but for most of us it is well hidden, guarded or disguised. The invitation to let someone enter into this inner sanctuary is the essence of a great portrait. That’s what I’m after...I want to intertwine and exchange our personas. Next I select the proper theme, background, lighting, and photographic equipment. Then I blend these ingredients into a prevision of what I want the final image to portray. Embrace the inner person. See what you’ve never seen of yourself. Delight in the discovery of who you really are. There. The charades are gone; the walls are down; you are who you are.

Thank you for letting me share my creativity with you. It happens every time I press the shutter. Tell us if you want to experience a personal relationship with our photography.

Call us at (954) 921-7959 or visit http://www.portraitcorner.com.

Inspiration guaranteed.

7 Steps To Making Tough Decisions

In these difficult times, many folks are having to make some tough decisions that will affect them for years to come. Many of these decisions are life altering, too. So, how do you deal with these tough decisions when you feel there is no answer.

Well, I was in my office last night and discovered a little note on the wall that I'd pasted there years ago. I planted it there during the years when things were going real good. Not so now. I reread what I'd written and was amazed at how appropriate it was for 2010. I thought I'd share those 7 steps with you in hopes that it will give you encouragement.

Here are some tips on how to make tough decisions.

1. Seek God's direction through prayer and fasting
2. Let Him speak to you through his word or other Christians
3. Place your faith in the joint decision by remaining patient
4. Steadfastly join your request with His impending answer
5. Whatever the answer, accept it, claim it, or do it!
6. Leave the consequences in God's hands
7. Thank and praise Him

Enjoy!
Willie

My Mother Taught Me #6

My mother taught me IRONY.

She said, "Keep laughing and I'll give you something to cry about".

Ornamental Home Design, Inc.'s Trailer

The first time that I used one of the products from Ornamental Home Design, Inc., it was one of their decorative doors. Some of their doors are on display at their showroom and they made great backdrops for fashion shoots. I was so intrigued by the beautiful home products they offered, one day I took the time to stop by and chat with the owners Tony Polo and Jorge Fallad. Since then we've developed a wonderful relationship with them and wanted to help promote that business.

I produced his short video trailer as a self promotional piece for Tony and Jorge. I hope they like it!

Enjoy!
Willie

Ornamental Home Design, Inc.
227 N. Federal Hwy.
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(954) 929-9982

Blondell Gibbs' Wall Portrait

In this profession you have some clients who simply stand out from the rest and Blondell Gibbs has been one of those persons. From the very first moment we met her it has been the kind of relationship that has deepen and grown over the short years we've known each other. A lady of impeccable taste, her appreciation of the finer things in life is reflected in every decision that she makes.

Recently, Mrs. Gibbs commissioned the studio to produce a large canvas portrait of her family to hang over the mantle in her home. There were two options: 1) Regular paper printed portrait with a frame, or 2) Canvas gallery wrap that is often seen in museums. The day we interviewed Mrs. Gibbs it was obvious that a 40x60 canvas portrait was the type of "fine art" photography she needed and wanted to hang in her beautiful home. Needless, to say, this was the correct choice in products to display her family portrait.

I wanted the hanging of this beautiful canvas portrait to be special for Mrs. Gibbs, so not only did we document the event with still photographs, but I invited David Cabrera of my video team to come in and we created a documentary video for her permanent record.

Mrs. Gibbs, thanks for the wonderful opportunity to enhance your life with the creating and hanging of this beautiful family portrait. I believe that not only did you make the right decision as to who would create your portrait, but you also wisely chose the best product to display that image. I'm looking forward to creating the three generation portrait you mentioned as we left your home.

Enjoy!

Willie

Mrs. Gibbs' portrait under wraps.

Preparations for hanging the canvas.

David working his video magic.

The canvas is finally in place.

Mrs. Gibbs admiring her new piece of art.

Dana and Mrs. Gibbs introducing the portrait.

View from the kitchen into
the living room.