Makeup Test shoot with painter Jzino

I love to do test shoots with new Makeup artists and stylists from time to time - Call it a personal project. It keeps me fresh and coming up with new and creative art pieces. I get to pick a couple models and the artist gets to work their magic in some unique way that I might not always do for a client.

You might recognize Christine - I've posted her in the past. She's a sweet girl and fun to photograph!
Joanna of Jzino Face & Bodyart http://www.Jzino-Bodyart.com had been talking about doing a project with her for a while after I had originally photographed her. We finally collaborated on a Fairy Tale piece sometime last year.

I had picked up some flowers (well... a lot of flowers) at Michael's Arts and Craft store. (Bane of my existence!! I can't walk out of that store without spending hundreds of dollars.) I created a makeshift wreathe for her hair and brought in one of my birds (this bird project will commence this year!) 

This is what the final project turned out like!

So speaking of Projects, Joanna and I are at it again!

Makeup, Facepaint and Bodypaint!

If you are on ModelMayhem, Check it out =)

http://www.modelmayhem.com/casting/1421517

Also, we are currently looking for models (18+) to be body painted

in Pinup lingerie to do Gil Elvgren Reproductions pinup photos for a

 book publication! We are submitting to the second edition

of http://www.forthetroopsonline.com/

I was part of the first edition and it was a lot of fun =)!

Some amazing photographers are lined up for this 

second edition! If you are interested in being

a model, send me an email or Learn more here:

http://www.modelmayhem.com/casting/1470841

Catch up IUSA & Master's Degree award

I was going back through all the drafts I had started when I stopped posting back in November to start cleaning them out. I normally wouldn't post about something so far past, but I just felt this post was to important to skip over and delete! I know I had posted about it briefly on my facebook, but even that was short lived when I came home and had to catch up on a week worth of emails!

Print Competition of 2011 was a really important competition for me. I only needed four more merits to get my Master Photographer Degree from Professional Photographer's of America. Well, two of my prints merited and then went Loan giving me the four merits I needed. Those two images were also published in PPA's Loan Collection book.

Blue Butterfly

Cirque Du Lauren

Professional Photographers of America's Print comp 2012 is coming up and I am currently getting my prints together to submit for the new year! Dave is going to submit for the first time, too! Next stop - Craftsman Degree!

Here are a couple photos from the Awards and Degree ceremony where I received my Masters =)!

You can view the entire gallery here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150818257918294.502080.501818293&type=3&l=5811475ecf

I am still adding to it as I get the photos off Dave and my cell phones =X

Make time for yourself

Being a photographer and business owner is not always the easiest career, but it is one of the most fun and rewarding choices I've made. I often get so overwhelmed with the every day things that I need to have done and don't take time out for me. One of the things that I frequently forget to do as a business owner is to take time to have fun with the people that I love. The best advice I can give to anyone making their own hours is to schedule in time for yourself! Treat yourself to something you love.

Dave's always reminding me I work too hard. We decided last minute to go out for dinner late one night at a local restaurant called the Cosmopolitan. I felt like I hadn't left my studio in forever! It felt so refreshing to go out just the two of us doing something that didn't involve being at home after work with netflix.

 As we were finishing up dinner, they started setting up speakers for a DJ to play music. I knew they did Karaoke at the place on other nights, but after the music was over I found out they also have a Salsa Dancing night where they teach everyone and then let them have fun. I didn't even know they did that around here!

Get out, Have fun... Go dancing =D!

We like to make goofy faces and weird hand gestures. Well, I do. I think it's rubbed off on Dave though.

Dave's Art Show

Gosh, things just don't slow down, but I promise I am getting back to my blog once again!

 I've primarily been keeping my facebook up to date! You can view my photography updates on my page here: www.facebook.com/SerenaStarPhotography or you can subscribe to my personal facebook. I tend to repost things that interest me at www.facebook.com/serenastar.  My twitter feed auto posts there, but you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/serena_star

So! Once again, Dave's Art Show was this past Sunday! He finished his semester at the college on Thursday. Only one semester left to go (woot woot) then I finally get my full time graphic designer =D. (Freeing me up more time to blog.. ha! ...And start planning my wedding!)

Dave won Best of Photography at this art show for that bottom black and white image on the left side! Image Title: Mesmerized.   He was also on the front page of the show info =)

Since I don't think I posted photos from any of his last art shows, Here is one of my favorites!

ZOMG @#$%^&*() WHERE HAVE JOO BEEN!

So it's that time again! I noticed I have slacked off on my blog again (Man I've been TERRIBLE this year!) I apologize in advance, it's another REALLY long post. Pretend it's like... several short posts? =X

Sooooo this big question. SERENA WHERE HAVE YOU BEEEEEEENN!!!!!?


To be honest with you - I'm not quite sure. One day I posted about my birthday (mind you that post was much delayed and holding up another 28 unfinished half written blogs that I originally planned to post - most of which have no relevance anymore. example: "Dave's Art Show." Well his next art show is about to happen. Who the heck cares that he won awards for his eye series...and the crazy story of me driving there and really cute photos of the two of us and this pinup dress I was wearing with him. That was like, months ago already.)

ANYWAY! so to continue my story........  and POOF next thing I know here it is over two months later. (eek!) (plus squeal and a few more zomgz and eeks.)

Well I know in long long long long long ago posts I mentioned I got a house. Yes, a House. I promised photos of said house.... I know someone out there is still awaiting said blog post about said photos of said new house. (I think it's one of my 28 queued blog posts).. BUT! It's sort of a disaster area with boxes cluttering up literally everything right now so it's not the most flattering thing to photograph. Does not give said new house justice. I do have some photos on my FB here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150432284213294.443284.501818293&type=1&l=8c1d43984f
and I do keep updating it with random images of my disaster area. Maybe I'll post a blog once everything looks sort of nice.

So anyone that said moving isn't bad is LYING. It's like, oh lets drive back and forth with boxes and bring them into the house and pile them up. That won't take long. It'll also save us money on paying movers or renting a moving truck. I'll move whenever I have a free day while working and things will go smooth. Not.   ...and then the days go by... and then you aren't sure which house has that bill you need to pay... or where your actual bed is, or where that prop is you need to shoot a client with, or where you left your toothbrush, etc. You get the idea.

I think one of the hardest parts of the move was bringing my kitties over to the house. Being new at moving I didn't know you are supposed to place them in one room with things that are familiar to them and let them go. Give them a few days in hiding and let them come out on their own.

My story went like this: Bring said poor babies to new home. Was upset about having them in crates so as soon as I open the front door, I let them out in the entrance. I expect them to go ooooo what's this? (Especially about the stairs since we didn't have them at my Mom's house) and be like ZOMG STAIRS@! RUN! PLAY!

Well Kitties didn't want to come out. First they cried, then they came out. I coaxed them up the stairs to show them the bedroom because I felt they might feel more comfortable if they smelled all my things. They quickly race under the bed and don't come out for several days.

Not knowing what to do, Dave and I took them out from under the bed and locked them out of said bedroom hoping they would explore elsewhere.  This lasted probably less than a couple hours (even though I was sitting with them in my computer room!) They started crying and bolting into the bedroom every time we opened the door.

.K!..So this is where I got smart. I called my good friend Ivy who has moved a bajillion times with her kitties and begged for help! She told me to let them hide in the bedroom... Hence I did. Well long story now shorter than I could make it, they are now crazy little pains in my bum (Like I originally imagined them being only worse) running across everything and getting into anything then can which keeps me from working on photos... yet they still run and hide under the bed anytime a loud noise occurs. -.-; (BLAH!)

So NEXT! I've been photographing weddings.... Lots of Boudoir.... Lots of retouching. My company's sales have more than doubled in the past year. (Which is great, especially in a recession because now I own a house... So all that extra money that I was like HECK YES NEW GEAR is now ;.;.....I can haz wantz gear? Especially when a new camera can cost me the same as a really nice used car... Which I also need. Heck, a new lens can cost me as much as a used car. There are three new lenses I want each starting at $2000 and going up from there.  (Just remember... House... Toys... Car... House... Toys...) I think all three will be happening in the near future >_>;

  I also finally had to upgrade to CS5.5 and Lightroom 3 from CS3 and Lightroom 1 because CS3 can't read the new camera files that my second photographers have. (I really love my Fuji. I'm going to probably use it till it dies.) Hence I had to spend a lot of time on my bum at my computer attempting to learn new programs to continue working on my new client's work. (All while having to go back and forth between my Mom's house where the studio was located and my new house! GAH!)

I'm still teaching photography workshops! Classes take a lot of time and energy to make. It's almost like writing a book - it needs to flow smoothly and tell a story. If not you put people to sleep. My most recent was this past week at Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography. I made part 2 of my "Through the Looking Glass into another Realm, Using Fashion, Fine art, and Fantasy to go from Mundane to Avante Garde." This class was focused on Posing and Lighting (and always inspiring to find the you inside.) If you put part 1 and 2 together, I now have a full day program (hint hint!) I have to thank Dave, my amazing graphic designing fiance who made me awesome graphics to create diagrams of my lighting with. There may be a lighting book to be published in my future.. possibly? potentially? Anyone interested =D?

"Kudos to Bob Wood and the Oficers of the Antonelli Chapter of the Student Photographic Society for arranging tonight's program by Serena Star. It was excellent! Proud to claim such an accomplished young artist as our own. Serena, thanks for giving back. If you missed her presentation, check out her website: http://www.serena-star.com/ 
John Hayden, President "

I've been getting all brand new scarlet fairy clothing photographed and up for sale http://www.etsy.scarletfairy.com. This part of my company is still slowly growing. Not quite fast enough as I would prefer, but beggars can't be choosers when your life is saturated in EVERYTHING.

Dave and I are working on a music project. I am getting back into singing (something that I haven't done since I graduated with my second high school diploma from a tech school for acting. I was also forced into the school chorus XD) I realize I really suck. I mean - really. Have you ever been pretty good at doing something and then quit it for like 7-8 years? I have a LOT of work to do... but we have a baby grand piano now - so how can I not sing =D? (Dave keeps patting me on the back reminding me I have a pretty voice and am writing pretty lyrics. It keeps me going, but makes me nervous about the general public. =X )

I'm also getting (mildly) back into modeling - For the sake of art projects. I haven't had time yet, but it's something I plan on doing to create art. I've got a lot of costumes and ideas I need to get out that I want to do =D I'm still toying with the idea of getting back into makeup (at least for my own side projects.) I'm not sure whether I want to make the investment or not though into the kit for how little I use it. (Had to throw out my old kit since you can't use old makeup on people.)

I'm still planning my own wedding which still has no date. (And no it won't have a date till Dave gets out of college next winter). Imagine me holding my hands out like a scale, now place house on one hand and wedding on the other. House tips the scale just a wee little bit. I have a whole themed wedding planned and a story to go with it. Just you wait. It's secret too XD I think it might take me that long just to get all the details made and ideas together... and find a photographer to photograph it. (Does anyone know how freakin' hard that is when you're a photographer and know a bazillion photographers?)

Oh and to finish it off, I'm working really hard to finish my first novel in my Chronicles which I hope to be selling on Amazon very soon =D (I even have a cover mock up now... but you can't see it yet.. =P) I've been working on this book since I was probably like 9ish? Maybe younger? It is absolutely nothing like the original idea. In fact it's a different story concocted sometime probably in High school. I've picked it back up once a year over the past few years but finally let my mother and Dave read it and now I've got them hooked. I figure it must be good if I've got them reading it because I had to beg them to begin with. I have four books almost completely outlined out right now and about 40,000 words written. It's been super secret! (Imagine me humming Mission Impossible while typing this paragraph.)

I feel like I'm missing stuff o.o I know I am because it's been what... 2 months (Holy Geez where does time go in my life???) I look back at my schedule and I have lists written REALLY REALLY tiny every day of the past two months. (Dave is always asking me how I can write or read my tiny tiny list.) A list that I keep doing, crossing things off - and then adding more to x.x. It's never ending. It seems to magically remain either the same length or longer no matter what I do. (I'm going to need a bigger schedule book. That or a REALLY big marker board for my office.) I am here though! I am alive. I will attempt to post stuff thats sitting in my queue. There is now 29 =D

I now have a tumblr that posts (most of the time) a photo a day. http://serena-star.tumblr.com/

I have a youtube channel and Dave and I will be working on making videos of everything from Behind the scenes of my shooting, tutorials of photography & makeup & more, Candid days of my crazy life, Slideshow videos of my photography (thanks to eMotionmedia.com for photographers), and so much more:
http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialSerenaStar

OH! I have a terrible addiction to reading. I found good reads... add me as a friend here: http://www.goodreads.com/serenastar
 ... I might post up some reviews of books I like and clips of my up and coming book here in the future as well!

I do have a twitter! http://www.twitter.com/serena_Star, but if you are a friend of mine on my personal facebook, it posts there as well. That's halfway maxed out though.

I guess to finish off this post (although I know I probably lost over 2/3rds of my readers within the first few crazy paragraphs), I want to know what my fans think (and I will probably post this again since like I said, I lost most of you already.) What do you want to see more of? I'm taking my website and branding in a slightly different way. I want you guys to know Serena Star the Artist -- Not just Serena Star the photographer... Because I'm more than a Photographer. There is way way way more to me and what goes on in my crazy mind. How do you feel about getting to know me - all the aspects of my insane life and what I do, not just my photography on my blog, fb, etc?

xoxo~!

Happy 23rd Unbirthday

I say unbirthday because it took me nearly two weeks to post (Bad Serena), but house and work has been keeping me busy busy!

So I wanted to post up some highlights from my Birthday! You can view the entire album here:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150456559918294.448294.501818293
^Viewing the entire album is a great way to see all the fun and crazy faces of Re in order =X

My day started off attempting to answer my 250+ Happy birthdays across a wide variety of websites (mainly Facebook). Dave had class until noon and my mom worked, so I figured I would attempt to relax a bit (although I originally had 'house work' written on my schedule book. I was quickly talked out it it.)

We went out to dinner at Applebees, starting the evening off arguing in our normal family tradition over who was going to sit where around the table.

After Dinner (thank you to my family for not telling the restaurant it was my birthday) we went back to the house for some cake and such. Now normally my family buys me an ice cream cake, but they were apparently scarce this year.... So they figured, what the heck. Anything Princess-esque would work. Well, they did well. Apparently Disney has created friends for Tinkerbell. I must attempt to find this movie although cheesy as it probably will be.

Obviously my family, Mom, Dad, Brother - and Dave were there. But my friends Joanna and Katie (and the creepy mannequin we photograph all the Scarlet Fairy stuff on) also attended my party. As Tradition we all sang the Viking Happy Birthday dirge courtesy of my medieval upbringing. (Yes the one that used to get posted on my locker at school which was confiscated by the counselors before they tried to kick me out of school... Yeah Really. That one. Gotta love growing up as a SCAdian.)

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/music/birthday-dirge-faq/

This pretty much just about sums it up. With a lot more verses that aren't really as dreary (well, maybe). Imagine a room full of really really really REALLY drunk people with less scary faces laughing and slamming their beer goblets on a table singing this while eating a feast of medieval food... I loved my childhood.

So as to continue with normal tradition, I get an enormus butcher knife (American Mcgees Alice for the win) and a spoon for my cake. The spoon to get the first bite out of the middle of my cake - and the knife to destroy my cake =D

And thus the passing out of cake begins

My brother was pretty amused by the scary amount of icing on this cake.

My parents really did go out of their way =X

And something to keep my cats from playing footsy in my drinking water while I'm working. (Weirdest cats ever.)

The Tinkerbell card started SINGING. (/immediate close and reopen cautiously)

Both my Mom and Dad's cards made me cry. Bad. My mom gave me her card earlier in the morning.

The crazy singing Fairy card brought me back to earth =X

And last but not least, a few days later at the Guild Print competition, my friend Gino gave me a balloon for my Birthday! I was so excited to see it tied to my chair!!!! I was going to tie it to my wrist but I was afraid with how much I use my hands when I talk I would slap people in the face with it. I tied it to my purse and enjoy it's company until near the end of the night when it somehow came loose and floated to the ceiling (/sadface). My guildies came to the rescue and attempted to get it down from the ceiling, but alas it will live it's life out above the chandelier (Thank you guys for trying! xoxo!)

On a final note before the commenting commences - Yes, I know. I'm like a little kid. I probably will be until forever. Live it up - have fun. Sometimes it's healthy to be a little immature =D

Halloween 2011

Well one of my absolute favorite holidays is right around the corner again.... Halloween!

To celebrate this amazing holiday where adults get an excuse to run around in sexy costumes, I wanted to throw up a one look special to photograph those amazing costumes you spend such a fortune on and only get to wear once a year! (and normally only once, period!)

Halloween Special 2011

-One Look Session (Must be with a Halloween costume)

- 1-2 hours shooting time

-Complimentary consultation session

- Coaching to teach you how to pose like a model!

- Select proofs in a private web gallery for you to view or a Complimentary proofing session to choose final images

-Access to select costuming and props including but not limited to Cat girl, Playboy Bunny ears, Dalmation ears, Nurse, Demon, Angel, Witch, Sexy Faerie, Maid, School girl, Flapper, Medieval Dresses, Magician, Belly dance, Burlesque dancer, and more assorted props and lingerie

- 3 Fully retouched 8x10(12) prints on Metallic or e-surface paper (That's one free print!)

- 3 Web photos (900px longest side) emailed to you of the prints to post on your facebook or other favorite social networking website!

-Don't want prints? I will swap out the prints for 3 additional web photos =)!

Only $159

$149/ea for groups of 3 or more (up to 5) in the same day (So grab two or more of your friends and make it a fun day out!)

Makeup is not included, but I have several Artists that I recommend!

(Plus then you have sexy makeup done to go out in the evening!)

Don't have any experience posing in front of the camera? Afraid you aren't "model material?" I hear this almost daily at my studio. My answer to this is Don't worry! I have loads of experience guiding women no matter how nervous they are into relaxed, sexy, fun poses. My goal is that we have lots of fun and have some images that you can keep forever to remember this fun time in your life! 

If you've been wondering what it's like to have a "Serena Star" experience, this is a great, inexpensive opportunity to have fun and see what it's all about!

Don't have a costume (Shame on you, tehe) It's totally ok! We have tons of pinup lingerie and cat ears, demon horns, masks, and more available for you to use! You can also check out my companies clothing store at http://www.scarletfairy.etsy.com for some cool things for halloween this year! (Coming very soon)!

This special is also good for couples, kids, and more looking for a nice halloween portrait! Have more than one costume you want photographed? Contact me for a special package ;)!

Special Ends Halloween! Don't wait, book now as spots fill up quickly!
Go to my website at http://www.Serena-Star.com and contact via my Contact Form!