OBD Photography's First Award Nomination

"If you want to achieve some really big and interesting goals, you have to learn to fall in love with hard work." ~Steve Pavlina

"Practice, the master of all things." ~ Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus



I've accomplished a lot in my career as an artist. But being placed on the ballot for the upcoming Fashion Awards MD 2012 has been one of the most surprising accomplishments of all. I know I know, I haven't won anything just yet, however being recognized and categorized amongst the best is rewarding within itself.

Ok, now on to the truth...these types of things make me so nervous. And I mean like stomach bubbling, sweaty palms nervous. I've never been much of a competitive person or the type to boast about being the best. Don't get me wrong, I think I'm GREAT!! These feelings aren't about self doubt, in fact I am very confident in all that I do. But I'm much more comfortable being great behind the scenes. This interesting fact makes me a total walking contradiction because I am very outgoing and I DO like the spotlight, hey I'm a Capricorn - we generally love attention lol.

I didn't realize how introverted I've become until I saw the email above. I knew that I was nominated in the general voting process, but to make it through 10,000 nominations instantly put me in a zone.  I'm super excited and extremely shy about the award ceremony. But nonetheless, I've proudly accepted my nomination.

To learn more about the fashion awards, go to www.fashionawardsmd.com. To vote, please go to http://www.fashionawardsmd.surveydaddy.com/s/fashion-awards-md-2012-official-voting-ballot-730pm .

I'd like to hear from you. How do you deal with shyness?

Cover Showcase: Get the Look

With Wife Extraordinaire Returns Part 2 being released this month, I wanted to showcase the makeup look that I did on cover model, Feven.

Face: MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC45
Cheek: MAC Blush in Pinch Me
Lips: NYX Lip Pencil in Fuchsia, Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia
Eyes: MAC Paintpot in Blackground. MAC Pigment in Naked.
Brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud

More with DaJion...

Here are more images from my shoot with DaJion. Expect to see her gracing a book cover very soon!

Another Banger Revealed

I told you all that model Lauren would be featured on a book cover in an earlier post. Well it was only proper that she graced the cover for the FABULOUS 5x Award Winning Author Venesha. Kiss the Boys: Fabulous Guide to Love & Relationships is set to be released this Fall. Venesha's book covers are always a joy to create because her only demand is that they are fun and fabulous.

Kiss the Boys follows her latest best selling book, Mirror Mirror: Sweet 16 Tips To A New and Improved You!

For more information on Venesha, check out her snazzy site at www.urbanbarbiedoll.com.

Behind the Scenes @ OBD Studios

I had the pleasure of shooting Puerto Rican beauty, Angel Perez, for an upcoming book cover. Angel's lipstick is Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick, In Vogue.

Get the Look: Doll Face



( computer screenshot)

It was such an honor shooting with one of the most adorable fashion lines to date, Chocolate Couture. And carrying out the baby doll theme was such a blast. Above is one of the make-up looks.



Products Used:

FACE
-MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW35
-Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse in #4 Dark
-MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Medium Deep
-MAC Iridescent Press Powder

EYES
-MAC Eye Shadow in Too Dolly
-MAC Eye Shadow in Saddle
-MAC Naked Pigment
-MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
-MAC Brow Pencil in  Stud (Brows)

LIP
-NYX Lip Pencil in Fucshia
-Maybelline ColorSensation in Fuschia Fever
-MAC Lip Glass in Pink Poodle
CHEEKS
-MAC Blush in Fleur Power
-MAC Blush in Dollymix

Behind the Scenes @ OBD Studios

Feeling sexy is ignited through feelings of self...

I had the pleasure of working with Kekya Badd, a seasoned model. Here, I candidly captured her 1st glance of perfection. I enjoy a direct connection between the model and my Canon, however candid pictures are almost like x-rays in a sense. This exercise shows me what the person feels about themselves internally. It also allows me to see if she will be nervous, comfortable, confident.

Do You Have the Right Business Card?

The one mistake that a lot of Entrepreneurs make is not having the proper marketing material. The most important marketing tool is a business card. I've compiled a list of features your business card should have.

1.) If your business involves anything visual then it is a MUST to include snapshots of your work. I get so many business cards from other photographers, hair stylist, fashion designers, etc...that do not include pictures of their work. Your business card should always remind a person of why they should be contacting you. Showcase your awesome work!

2.) Using stock photographs instead of photographs of your own work tells your potential clients several things: A.) You aren't taking your business seriously B.) You aren't confident in your own craft C.) Use my services at your own risk. The point of a business card is to sell yourself and what you can provide. A person may be reluctant to using you if they can't see the actual work.

3.) When you give one person a business card, chances are other people will see it as well. Include as much information as possible about your services. Instead of listing 10 different social site addresses, use the space to list your prices or specials. My photography business card (below) has my prices and a description of my packages. So when a person calls, more than likely they are ready to just book.

4.) Having a Facebook or Twitter page these days has become as common as having a driver's license. If your Facebook or Twitter page is not 100% dedicated to your business then you should not include that link on your card. If you insist on connecting to people through those outlets then set up a business page, especially if it's FREE.

Here are my cards for OBD Photography & Oddball Dsgn. I have a collage of my work on both cards. On my photography cards I have my packages and prices. The card is also slightly larger to act as a mini comp card as well. If you are in need of a set of fly business cards, feel free to contact me at davida@oddballdsgn.com.

BLOG FOLLOWERS WILL RECEIVE 10% OFF OF THEIR 1ST SET OF CARDS

OBD Photography now offers Gift Certificates

Mother's Day is approaching and nothing shows your appreciation more than pampering the one you love. I am now offering gift certificates for my photography services. A gift certificate will cover any package of your choice with 10% off. For more information visit http://obdphotography.com/packages.html. I do specialize in glamour, however I also shoot portrait style for those considering this offer for older moms :) Each gift certificate is delivered fabulously wrapped and customized.

Lauren was a Blast to Work With

Lauren was so much fun to work with! Very professional and in touch with what works for her body. I think our session turned out great! Lauren will also be gracing a book cover very soon, so be on the lookout for this gorgeous face.

Makeup, I did a neutral cut crease and bold lip. This is one of my favorite makeup looks on myself.

Behind the Scenes @ OBD Studios

I believe the most sexy moments are caught unintentionally. Bianca was touching up her face and I picked up my camera to capture. The undies...I made them.

Get the look: Sexy Victoria Secret Makeup

Bianca came into OBD Studios wanting a sexy Victoria Secret style photoshoot. Ironically I recently tore out a page from their latest catalogue to emulate a makeup look. The look was a very neutral yet sexy eye and neutral face. Here are the products used to master this look:

FACE:
-Kiehls Facial Moisturizer (Always start with a moisturized face)
-Smashbox PhotoFinish Primer (Primer to fill in pores and create a smooth canvas)
-MAC Select Cover-up Concealer in NC42 & NC45 (Use 1-2 shades lighter concealer under eye. Use skin toned concealer on brows and marks)
-Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse in Caramel Dark#2
-MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC45 (Used to set foundation)
-MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Finish Powder (Used to set under eye concealer)
-Sugar Baby Bronze Ambition Illuminator (Used under eye, forehead, cheeks and chin)
-Avon Majix Illuminator in Medium (Used under eye after foundation but before the setting powder)
-MAC Fix Plus Spray (Used after face was complete to set the makeup)

BROWS:
-MAC Brow pencil in Spiked (used to outline)
-MAC Eye Shadow in Espresso (used to fill-in)

EYES:
-MAC Prep & Prime Eye in Medium Dark (Used to prevent shadow creasing and to create a smooth lid)
-MAC Paint Pot in Painterly (Used as a base to make shadow POP)
-Coastal Scents Pigment in Metallic Pearl Honey Tan (Used on whole lid)
**-A color from Coastal Scents Neutral Palette (color below) (Used to blend out the lid color into the crease)
-MAC eyeshadow in Handwritten (Used to define crease and outer lid)
-MAC Pigment in Naked (Used to highlight brow bone and inner V)
-Andrea MODLASH Human Hair Lash
-MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder (Used on Water line)
-Maybelline EyeStudio Eye Liner Gel in Blackest Black (Used for cat eye)
-MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara

CHEEKS:
-MAC Blush in Format (Used to contour cheek)
-MAC Blush in Peaches (Used as cheek color)
-MAC Blush in Style (Used as cheek highlight)

LIPS:
-MAC Lip Treatment (Used to moisturize lip)
-NYX Lip Line in Tangerine
-MAC Lipstick Ravishing

BRUSHES USED:
-MAC 190 Foundation Brush
-MAC 213 Eyeshadow Brush
-MAC  222 Blending Brush
-MAC 210 Eye Liner Brush
-MAC 224 Blending Brush
-MAC 116 Blush Brush
-MAC 109 Contour Brush
-MAC 266 Small Angle Brush
-MAC 129 Powder Brush
-Coastal Scents C408 Shader Brush
-Sephora Slanted Eyeshadow Brush

I HEART Virgin Models

I absolutely loved my photoshoot with Feven. This was her very 1st photoshoot ever and I think she nailed it. She wants to pursue modeling and I believe she has what it takes. This Ethiopian beauty was a blast to work with.
Hair by Steph daHairQueen (This girl is the truth). Here is here FB page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1092120019
Makeup, Editing and Photography by Me