GET INSPIRED

**Yasmeen | High School Senior Class of 2020**
Photo by Captured by Sherry Ann, Grand Haven

GET INSPIRED | A Shoot Fit for a Queen

In December, 2019 I ran a socialmedia push, asking followers tocomment with a gif and tell me whatthey wanted for Christmas. Theresponse was fantastic. I loved theanswers some of you all posted. Tacosmay have been my favorite, but therewere some other great ideas, such as acharm bracelet and a camera. The gif withthe most reactions was winner. Enter Yasmeen.Her friends and family went full force up-votingher response. I really appreciated the amountof support I saw.

Once voting was over, I reached out to Yasmeenand asked her to name some of the musicians she was loving right now. “My favorite singers are Ella Mai, Post Malone, and juice Wrld.” I had to look them all up of course because I am not current on music, and I only know who Post Malone is from the various memes I have seen online. After a google search or two, I was giddy. I said to Yasmeen, “I think it would be fun to replicate one of your favorite stars shoots” and I sent her a few images I pulled of Ella Mai from my search. It was like fireworks. As an up and coming artist, Ella Mai does not have a lot of images yet. After going through the handful of images I could find, we decided to take on the task of reinventing her Debut album cover. The original photo of Ella Mai was taken by Jonathan Mannion, a very talented and well-known artist in his own right, he photographs many musicians and artists.

The idea of looking at the images of artists that you look up to is a great way to get inspired for your images if you are stuck. Some people know exactly what, when and how they want to shoot their photos, but for those of you who want to do something a little out of the box, this is an excellent idea for you.

Looking at Ella Mai’s Debut photo, a few thingsstood out right away. The fur coat was fabulous,but I could not find thatcoat anywhere. I found asimilar one on amazon butthe reviews were terrible.I ended up finding the onewe used online at H & M.

**Scan QR Code to watch BTS Video or visit https://youtu.be/pNNReHOUDTU**

Then there was the issue of the couch. Of course I could have scoured stores looking for a blushcolored velvet couch, or I could cover one of mine with the same fabric, so that is what I did. 3yards of pink later, I have a pink couch in my studio. Viola.

Of course there was still the glaring issue of Yasmeen’s stick straight hair against Ella Mai’s natural curls. My search for a wig proved more difficult than anything else. I did not want to order an African American wig and try to make Yasmeen something she is not. I just wanted to inspire the look after Ella Mai’s, so after quite a lot of digging, I was able to find a wavy brown wig that still had the volume we were after. And with that, all of our pieces were complete and we were ready to shoot.

**Ella Mai | Debut Album**
Photo by Jonathan Mannion

The Transformation

With the jacket and the wig, Yasmeen was ready to become magic and talent of hair and makeup artist Daniela Chelsea Moon at Salon Koje in Fruitport. She always does an amazing job with my clients, and this time was no different.

Here are some behind the scenes photos of the process in the salon that transformed Yasmeen into Ella Mai for her photoshoot. We made a video of the process too, so check that out.: https://youtu.be/pNNReHOUDTU

1. First step was pull back Yasmeen’s natural hair. Two braids did the trick here.

**Yasmeen Behind the Scenes**
Photo by Captured by Sherry Ann, Grand Haven

2. Lay down a solid foundation.

3. Chelsea is amazing at applying makeup that holds up under the heat of the lights and fills in pores without flashing back at the camera.

4. Simple shadow and eyes emulate Ella Mai’s style in her shoot. The more natural the better.

5. The braids have to be pinned up. Yasmeen experiences an ASMR video for the first time.

6. The cap of all caps. Tuck in all those hairs!

7. On with the hair. This wig was actually really well put together, adjustable, and fun!

8. Not complete, but close. After a little trimming and teasing, we’re done.

GET INSPIRED

The Transformation

This article is from:

Senior Elite | Volume 5