Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/688035
94 | NAILS MAGAZINE | JULY 2016 My First Test Shoot } STYLE After taking a step out of my comfort zone to email and introduce myself to nail artist Ashley Gregory in Chicago, I was introduced to a whole new world within the nail industry. Ashley is a session manicurist and just happened to be in the market for an assistant. A manicurist assistant is the right hand of the lead manicurist, helping with set up and organization of station, clean up, and prepping the hands/feet of the model. Given a hectic schedule, Ashley was unable to make it to one of her test shoots so she called me and asked if I was interested in the opportunity. A test shoot is an artistic collaboration where a photographer, hairstylist, clothing/prop stylist, makeup artist, model, and manicurist come together to create beautiful images that each can add to their portfolio. I didn't know what to expect and had butterfies in my stomach. The shoot was confrmed and scheduled for two days out. On the day of the shoot I arrived 20 minutes early. I have the mindset that if I'm on time, I'm late. The shoot was held in the photographer's studio apartment. I met the model going in and she seemed to have a great personality, as did the photographer, so it was easy to relax a bit knowing our personalities were clicking. A couple of tables were set up for the artists as well as a table in front of a blank wall where I envisioned our beautiful work to be photographed. As we waited for the makeup artist to arrive, the photographer began to give some direction by presenting some props she would like to use. Once the makeup artist arrived, we chatted a bit about our vision and were ready to work. The frst look featured googly eyes that would be incorporated into the face. The model wore a black sweater, her hair was worn slicked back in a ponytail, and she had on clean makeup with a pop of shimmer on the eyelid. For the nails, we decided on a dark look. I performed a manicure, applied cuticle oil, and moisturized the hands and arms while the hair and makeup artist created their look. The model had short nails so I used Kiss Full Cover Nails and polished with CND Vinylux in Blackpool. As I worked, I thought it would be a great idea to add the Googley Eyes down the arm and hand and then create some nail art googly eyes trickling down onto the nails. Everyone agreed, so I went ahead and added the googly eyes using CND Vinylux in Creampuf and Blackpool with a dotting tool. I am very happy I spoke up. I learned that this is what a test shoot is about — for all to come with creative ideas that work toward the same look/goal.