Over the years of taking portrait photos and creating props, sets, backdrops and lighting aids I have relied heavily on my DIY skills to create what I needed for a photoshoot. I’ve decided it’s time for me to share what I’ve learned with others who may be getting started in photography or photographers who are just looking for new ideas.
Many of you know me through Menagerie Photography which is my photo studio located in Lisbon, Connecticut. At Menagerie Photography, I specialize in women’s portraiture including boudior, fashion, fitness, pinup, personal branding and generational portraits like Mother-Daughter photography.
I am creating a new web site MarilynRiel.com to use as my platform to share with others and display some of my personal Marilyn Riel photography.
Coming soon to my new page:
Helpful hints and tips for photographers
Photography and prop related DIYs
Templates to get you started in your photography adventures
Guides that detail my favorite poses and lighting setups
Images from my personal Marilyn Riel Photography
Plus more information, images and just fun stuff!
Please let me know what you would like to see me post on the page. I would love your ideas and your feedback as I begin this new adventure.
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
With spring right around the corner and bathing suits already for sale in the stores, it’s time to tackle going through your wardrobe! If you’re like most of us, there are clothes in your closet and dressers that haven’t been worn for years but you can’t bring yourself to get rid of. Well, today we’re going to share some essential tips for organizing your wardrobe and getting ready for the warm weather.
Start Now
Waiting until the warm weather has really hit, inevitably leads to stuffing all the winter items in bins or boxes because you are too overwhelmed to deal with sorting through each item. So start now and pick one of the plans below that works for you. There are different approaches to tackling this project and it’s best to pick which one fits you best. No matter what approach you pick, have your bags, boxes or bins ready for sorting your items.
Make a Plan
For the one step at a time approach, pick one type of clothing at a time, for instance socks & underwear, jeans, jackets, etc. This process will take longer but is less overwhelming and works for those who just can’t dedicate a whole uninterrupted day to getting it done. Take everything of that item you own and assess what condition it is in. Just like on the TV shows that focus on cleaning out a house, make three piles – Keep, Donate, Trash. If you have items you were given as a gift and never wore because they didn’t really suit your style, put them in the donation pile. If you have clothes that are stained or torn and cannot be cleaned or repaired, put them in the toss pile. This is the time to be honest as well. If you have clothes that don’t fit, are you actively doing something to remedy the situation? If that pair of size 6 jeans you had in high school have a ton of memories but no chance in hell of ever fitting again, it’s time to donate, toss or get crafty with them. Remember if you choose the crafty route and you don’t get it done in the next 6 months, time to let them go!
For the brave souls who can tackle their entire wardrobe in one go, remember to set aside enough time and space for your project and have a plan before you start. Take everything out, empty your closet and all your drawers so you have a big picture of what you have and the outfits you love to mix and match. If you have classic items that mix well with everything and that can be worn for years to come, those are a great place to start your keep pile. No matter which approach you choose, this can be a difficult task but you will feel great when you finish.
Storage Tips
Once you have your keep items selected you still have a few things to do. Before you pack everything away when the warmer weather hits, remember to keep a few transitional items for those cool days so you don’t have to pull bins back out later. Throw out the toss pile and pack your donate items in your car to drop off your next time out. If they stay in the house, these items have a sneaky way of crawling back into your closet and drawers.
When you’re ready to store items, it’s important to do it correctly so when you go back to them in the fall, they are still in wearable condition. If you have items that need dry cleaning, get that done before you store them as any dirt or oils should be removed before packing them away. If you have jackets you are storing, make sure they are washed and thoroughly dry before putting them in storage. Make sure you empty pockets, zip or button items before packing to keep things in shape. If you have items that will be stored on hangers, invest in hangers that will not leave your clothes misshapen over time. Use caution when storing items in a basement or attic if they will be subject to moisture or extreme heat or cold as mold can ruin your favorite clothes and leave spots that will not come out. Last but certainly not least, label your storage containers so it will be easy for you to retrieve items when the weather begins to cool off or if you decide to take a vacation to an area that has cooler weather.
I hope these tips help you get this off your to do list and moving on to more fun and creative projects or on a shopping trip to fill in the gaps in your wardrobe for spring!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
February is almost here and spring is just around the corner. What are you doing to be ready for spring? When you begin your spring cleaning, and go through your clothes don’t forget to go through your makeup as well!
Many women forget that expired makeup can actually make you sick. Expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and even eye infections if you don’t replace them before they go bad. Just as you should never share your personal eyeliner or lipstick, you need to make sure your makeup has not reached its age limit. Many makeup products do not have an expiration date on them, but periodically weeding out old makeup is important.
The hardest part is knowing when to throw away an item as their life expectancy varies from product to product.
Some makeup has a symbol that looks like a jar with a number in it. That is the number of months the product is good for from the day you open it. Not all makeup has this symbol so I’ve included a list below of products and when each should be tossed. The key to being successful in this process is keeping track of when you bought the item. If you’re like me and have a hard time remembering when you bought that specific red lipstick or your favorite charcoal eyeliner, here are a few tips to help you out.
One option is to use a sharpie to write down the date of purchase directly on the item. If you can’t do that on things like eyeliner pencils, you can use small stickers that you have written the date on and stick them onto the product.
And don’t forget, your makeup brushes should also be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination or illness. If you are sharing your brushes, they should be cleaned between each use.
PRODUCTWHEN TO THROW IT AWAY
Lipstick and Lip Liner 1 year
Lip Gloss 18-24 months
Mascara 3 months
Liquid or Gel Eyeliner 3 months
Pencil Eyeliner 2 years
Concealers 12-18 months
Oil Free Foundation 1 year
Cream Compact Foundation 18 months
Powders – blushes, shadows, bronzers 2 years
Cream blushes and shadows 12-18 months
I hope this information helps you stay healthy and allows you to continue your beauty regime with confidence! Maybe you can even get a few extra items when you’re replacing your old makeup!!
If you have dreamed of having a photo shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
Are you a fan of Rehab Addict, Fixer Upper, or Good Morning America’s Makeover, we are all captivated by the idea of makeovers and transformations. Whether it is a single room or an entire house, people watch shows like the Property Brothers to be inspired or to dream. Do you watch the makeovers from What Not to Wear or Good Morning America? Why? What is it about these shows and the people on them that draw you?
I love binge watching DIY shows from HGTV and my husband and I totally remodeled our 1000 sq. ft. studio space back in 2014.
I believe we are drawn to these shows because they give us confirmation that change is possible and can happen to us. The home you dream of, the clothes, hair and makeup changes that would show just how beautiful you are and build your confidence; these are what we see. We see “every day people” making their dreams come true and we want that for ourselves.
If you are in love with these shows too, are you inspired, motivated and driven by what you watch to make changes in your life? Do you only dream or do you run towards those dreams to make them a reality? I’m here to tell you to run towards them and make your dreams come true.
I left a job I had for 22 years to follow my dream and to share it with others. I love what I do and it’s a lot of hard work and long days but even on my toughest days, I would not trade it for anything! If you have read my other blogs, you have heard about women who I have photographed and seen their images. You know that I love showing how amazing each one is in her own style. Many of these women had dreamed of a chance to be pampered for the day, to look amazing and feel great about themselves. Their photo shoots gave them a chance to be beautiful, sexy, retro-chic, strong, powerful and to see that in images they could take home. They are able to look at these images when their having a tough day and smile; knowing that they are beautiful and powerful.
You deserve to make your dreams a reality! Whatever your dreams are, the only way you can achieve them is to get up each day and purposefully work towards them. You can do this if it is what you really want. Go for it with your heart and your soul every single day and watch your dreams become your reality.
If you have dreamed of having a photo shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
Do you remember making the macaroni picture frame in grade school, spray painting it gold and putting your picture in it as a Christmas gift? Our kids may still make us wonderful gifts using their creativity and lots of glue, but as adults, there are ways we too can share our favorite photos and memories at the holidays.
During the holiday season everyone is extra busy decorating, shopping and planning their holiday events. Remember taking time to spend with your family and friends is the heart of the holiday spirit. Many people take pictures or go to a professional to have their photography done but never print or hang their images in their home. Take some time this holiday season to create photo gifts to hang at Christmas or enjoy all year.
If you are the Martha Stewart type, you already know the detailed steps for creating photo montage trays and snow globes made with cut out images of each family member from last winter’s photos. Not everyone has the time or desire to spend days on their holiday projects. I have added a few quick, inexpensive and easy ways to share some of your favorite memories either on your Christmas tree or as gifts.
Photo Ornaments
There are many varieties of photo globes, some made with glass tree ornaments, some filled with fake snow and require you to roll your pictures up to get them into the ball.
I picked the straightforward process of using the Photo Ornament ball from Michael’s Craft store.
These balls easily open to allow you to insert your image and come with a clear template you can use to ensure your image is cut to the proper size.
Being clear front and back, you have the option to add a note on the back of the picture or you can do two images back to back. You can also still add fake snow at the bottom or use glue and glitter to decorate the balls but they look great without extra added.
The ball cost me less than $3.00 and I used a copy of a photo of my children when they were little.
**Always remember to use a copy of your photo and not the originals when making craft projects. Reprints are very reasonable at your local photo counters.
Another quick way to enjoy favorite images every year it to start a tradition of hanging a photo ornament with the current year and a place for your favorite picture. These are fun and can be great conversation topics when the kids are older and bring home a significant other for Christmas. If you have more than one child, hanging one for each every year, can create the beginning of their own collection for when they grow up and have their own trees. Having ornaments on your tree that hold childhood memories is a precious gift.
Here I used a Christmas wreath that is an actual photo frame, from Michael’s Crafts. This style opens easily from the back but can only hold one image as the reverse is the photo frame backing. Cost under $5.00 and again it has a plastic circle you put in front of the photo when hung that can be used as a template to cut out your photo.
A great way to display the children’s school photos, baby’s first steps or a wedding or engagement photo.
Luminaries
A favorite holiday tradition is candles on the table. What better way to add to that than to create luminaries that glow with images of those you love?
You can create a luminary using any clear glass container you have that can easily fit a candle (real or battery operated) inside of it. Options are canning jars, vases, hurricane lamp globes, etc. Here i used a simple square vase with a votive candle as my light.
Since regular photos are too thick, I took images that I had digitally on my computer of my little fur babies and printed them on regular printer paper. If you don’t want any overlap on the corners, you will need to carefully measure and cut each image. I don’t mind the darker overlap areas on the corners. Depending on the size of the container you are using and the number of images you want to use, you can let the edges overlap a bit to create a photo collage look. As long as you leave the majority as one layer thick, the light still shines through nicely.
Once your photos are cut out, you can spread a Mod Podge product glue on the glass or use watered down white glue (I used an Elmer’s glue/water mix with a small sponge paint brush). With the surface covered in glue, place your cut out images carefully on the glass. They will stick pretty well but can still be carefully re-arranged if necessary at this point. When your images are all in place, paint a layer of your glue mix over the top to finish sealing them in place.
As you can see, a small tea light candle gives enough glow in this luminary to light up the images and gives a soft glow to the room. There are a number of other methods to make luminaries, I like this one because if you only want to use this as a temporary display, you can soak the glass in hot water to remove the images and glue.
The most important part of all this is to get your images printed and share them! Enjoy your holidays and share the love of memories with family and friends! If you would like to share your favorite way of displaying or gifting photos for the holiday, please comment below!!
If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.
If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation. You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed. To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio? We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.
Summertime and outdoors go together for most people. Are you planning on spending a lot of your time outside this summer? If so, check out our 5 quick summer skin tips.
I love spending the day outside, absorbing the summer sounds, smells and the warmth of the sun. If you’re like me and have light skin and eyes the summer sun isn’t always very forgiving. Even if you are lucky enough to tan easily there are still some important items that should be on your summer agenda.
Also, remember if you are planning on getting married this summer or have a special event where pictures will be taken and you don’t want tan lines, it is important to protect your skin so you can look your best and feel great!
Keeping your lips Kissable
Spending a lot of time in the sun and fun during the summer is expected but can dry out your lips. No one wants to kiss lips that are cracked and dry. Keep your lips protected with a lip balm that has at least SPF 15 protection.
Try a new fashion for your head
Throwing on a baseball cap can protect your scalp and keep the sun out of your eyes if you’re at your favorite team’s game; but does not protect the rest of your face from the harsh sun. Choose a wide brimmed hat instead and be fashionable and protected.
Summer fruits to encourage healthy skin
Cantaloupe and Watermelon are at the top of the list for healthy summer eating. Cantaloupe is rich in antioxidants and is said to deliver a unique hydration to the skin. Watermelon is an all-around favorite at most picnics and is rumored to actually boost your SPF by several factors according to skin care expert Kate Somerville.
Summer salads – literally eating your SPF!
Some experts are saying that eating foods containing vitamins C and E together can help reduce your chances for sunburn. With this in mind, eating a salad that includes citrus, berries or tomatoes for your vitamin C along with Vitamin E rich nuts is healthy and could help protect your skin from painful sunburn.
Protect those areas where the sun doesn’t normally shine!
Slathering on the sun screen when you get to the beach or to the pool is great but don’t forget that most bathing suits don’t protect real well from the sun. Many new materials are meant to allow your skin to breath – from beach wear to t-shirts – and allow the sun to burn your skin even though you feel covered. Put your first layer of sun screen on before you get dressed to make sure you are fully covered.
Remember to take good care of your skin no matter what time of year and you will look and feel great! Have that glow for your special day, whatever the occasion and remember to capture those memories in photographs.
If you are planning a photo session and want more information about Women’s Portraiture – boudoir, fashion, pinup, groom’s gift, etc. you can click the link below, fill out your information and we can set up a free pre-shoot consultation for you.
If you have enjoyed this or any of our other blogs, please feel free to comment below or send us a message via our contact form on our web page. We would love to hear from you! Enjoy your summer!!
If you are like me, you want to look your best but often are searching for time to fit taking care of yourself into your schedule. I have put together five quick, easy ways to help you look great without breaking the bank or spending a lot of extra time.
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR LOTION
The best time to apply lotion to your skin is right after you get out of the shower. Your skin will absorb your products more quickly, so you won’t need to use nearly as much.
QUICK MANICURE FIX
When you smudge up your at-home manicure, avoid using Q-tips, which can’t neatly clean hard-to-reach areas. Try using an angled eyeliner brush. Dip the brush into a small container of acetone and run it along the edges of the nail. The brush can fit in the small areas around the nail bed without damaging the manicure.
SOOTHING PUFFY EYES
If you drink Green Tea; after you steep your green tea, put the tea bags in a container and store them in the fridge. If your eyes seem puffier than usual in the morning, place a bag on each eye for a few minutes. The natural caffeine in green tea can help reduce swelling.
DEEP CONDITIONING YOUR HAIR FOR CHEAP
Yes, coconut oil once again works wonders. But it’s when you add a shower cap that the magic happens. Apply the coconut oil from your scalp to the ends of your hair; then put on a shower cap. The shower cap holds in heat allowing the oil to penetrate into the hair. Keep the cap on for an hour before following your usual shampoo routine. The end result is wonderfully soft and shiny hair.
TAME HAIR STATIC QUICK
Having static problems with your hair? Just rub a dime-size amount of hand lotion into your palms, and then run your hands through your hair. No more static and no heavy product to weigh your hair down!
I hope these tips help you as much as they do me. Stay tuned for my next “Tips on Tuesday” health or beauty post!
We were tired of the same old options for dinner and decided to try something different. Who hasn’t wanted to have a sundae for dinner? Well, we know an ice cream sundae is not exactly a well-rounded meal so we used different ingredients. Don’t they look yummy?!? They are actually made out of vegetarian barbecued pork and mashed potatoes, layered in sundae glasses with a cherry tomato on top. The recipe is simple and only took about 10 minutes to make. We used vegetarian friendly ingredients but it could easily be made with real pork. If you want to try this one yourself, the recipe is below. Enjoy your summer and make dinner fun!
BBQ Pork and Potato Sundaes
Ingredients:
1 box Morningstar Hickory BBQ Riblets (heated as per instructions)
1 package Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes (prepared as per instructions-any flavor-though some look more like vanilla ice cream than others)
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce (optional for extra sauce)
Small grape or cherry tomato
In sundae glass, layer pork and potato. Occasionally using the BBQ sauce for more of the hot fudge sauce look is optional. When you get to the top of the glass, the last layer should be potato. You can make this look like a scoop of ice cream (as shown in the small sundae) or you can make it look like a dollop of whipped cream (as shown in the larger sundae). You can add some extra BBQ sauce over the top and garnish with a small grape or cherry tomato. Grab a spoon and enjoy!
A graduate of the New York Institute of Photography, Marilyn has won awards for Best Artist and loves doing editorial style work as well as contemporary portraiture.As a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, she takes pride in operating a professional studio and being part of the local business organizations.
