'Skin Shield': Elements: Makeup, Photography, Styling and Model Choice

Skin Shield is an article on pollution and how it takes its toll on our skin. The article discusses what the main causes of pollution are, as well as the long term and short term effects it has on our skin. It then goes on to suggest products which can be used to combat pollution damage.

Setting

As the editorial images will be part of the article, I want to give them context and relevancy by choosing an appropriate setting. Setting is one of the most important elements to this shoot as this is what will create the city-vibe that I am going for. I would love to shoot on an old estate with lots of grey buildings and dramatic architecture which will create a brutally harsh feeling to the shoot - much like the effects of pollution on the skin. There may not be anywhere fitting in Southampton so I may have to look further afield, but will do a whole post in the future when it comes to finding the location. I know I'm looking for buildings designed in the Brutalist style, like the the Barbican Centre in London.

Makeup and Hair

As the article is all about skincare I really want to make up in skin shield to be very fresh including all this is that she has not known so I'll just use a hint of tinted moisturiser to perfect my models skin, brush through the brows and take a really glowy liquid highlighter with a transparent sheen across the eyelids on the bridge of the nose to give a generally healthy look to the skin. Nothing too shimmery! This editorial isn't really about the make up it's more about the general image and setting so I just want to create something that supports the message of the article, without detracting from the message it's giving. As for the hair, again I don't want anything going to be too distracting from the general image so will just use straighteners to create a loose wave and as there will be a couple of outfit changes I can switch up the style from a loose wave worn down to a relaxed ponytail.

Photography

I want to find a really good photographer to work with on this shoot as it is important that not only does the model look her best, but the setting is also made the most of. I know for sure that I want this shoot to be shot in black and white, as I love the monochromatic look and think it works perfectly with both the styling and the harshness of the surrounding setting. I may end up shooting some shots of the buildings myself, If I can't find a good enough location near by I plan to go to London to take some shots of buildings, and then shoot the images of my model closer to home. With the right editing I then should be able to make the images fit together as if they were shot at the same location. 

Styling

Again, to go along with the city feel of the shoot, I want to create a sports-luxe feel with the styling. I love the look of soft basics mixed with sporty pieces, trainers and crop tops with a 90's influence. Below are some examples of pieces I've found that could work, particularly the striped trousers from ASOS!

Model Choice

The model choice for this shoot isn't as crucial as for some, but as the makeup and hair in this look will be very minimal, I do want to find someone who is naturally beautiful with with very good skin. I would really like a dark haired model for this shoot as I think this will look the most flattering in the high contrast black and white shots.