This is Dana Grant of Dana Grant Photography writing this blog.

A little bit about me: I've been a photographer for over 10 years, in business with my husband for over 4, we were voted The Knot 2007 Best of Weddings Pick in Orange County and we are 100% recommended by our brides.


First make sure that the style of photography is what you like: HERE

Questions and Answers:


What do I get?
This is a VERY special limited time offer where you will receive a hair style by Melody, makeup by Amy, photography by me AND a CD of your best images. All for the extremely low price of $185.

How many photos do I get wit the Mini B Session?
A few of the best ones are put onto a CD for you. I can't give an exact number because it depends. But I do guarantee a few of your best. (Would you rather have a ton of crappy photos or a few really awesome ones?)

Do you release the copyright?
As an artist, I take a lot of pride in my images so I don't give that away. However, please understand that this does NOT stop you from making personal prints to use for whatever you want and is a very common practice in the photography industry. It just allows me to use them in my portfolio (I only use tasteful ones.)

When/Where is this taking place?
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2008, SHERATON LOS ANGELES HOTEL (by LAX)

How do I get a spot?
Sign upHERE so we have your email address.

How do I pay?
You will receive a link to use a debit or credit card. This reserves your time slot so we don't schedule anyone else at that time. This also insures that you show up for your session that we blocked out for you.

If you have any other questions or concerns, you can email me at dana@danagrantphotography.com or jeremy@danagrantphotography.com

Hey everyone!

We are offering a Boudoir Session Special for one day only just in time for Christmas!

 

This session includes:

Professional hair styling by Hair by Melody

Professional makeup Amy Clarke

Professional photography by Dana Grant (20 min sessions at a cool hotel)

CD's of your best shots

 

All this for just $185!!!

 

The shoot will be held on Saturday, November 29^th from 11am – 8pm

Please contact us soon! Spaces are limited and are filled on a first come first serve basis.

Hey all!

We three (Amy, Melody & Dana) have awesome blogs too!  Come check us out!

Amy (make up)  http://amyclarkesfaces.blogspot.com/

Melody (hair design) http://hairbymelody.blogspot.com/

Dana (photography) http://www.danagrantphotography.com/blog/

We update these often so check us out and become one of our many "blog stalkers"

 

 

New video's that should help you girls out!

MAKEUP 101: BLUSH AND EYESHADOW
For most of us, getting started with makeup is a real challenge. What colors should I choose? How do I know what looks good on me? Then, as if it wasn't complicated enough already, how do you know how to put it all on?
I'm here to get you on the road to understanding makeup. Welcome to Makeup 101, your personal makeup application lesson! This month, learn how to choose the right blush and eye shadow colors to suit you, and easy application techniques that take the guesswork out of looking your best.

One of the easiest ways to get that healthy color is with blush; however, blush is the one product that is most commonly misused. How many times have you seen a woman with a bright pink or peach streak on her cheeks that is supposed to be blush but looks more like racing stripes? Applying blush the right way is as easy as 1-2-3. Here's how:



If your blush came with one of those little compact size blush brushes, THROW IT AWAY! Those brushes are way too small and the bristles aren't shaped properly to apply the color in a natural looking way. If it's racing stripes you want, that's just what you'll get with a bad brush. You don't have to spend a fortune on a good blush brush, you just need one that's fairly full and round, with tapered sides for better blending. I personally use MAC's 135 because its soft bristles and rounded shape apply the color very softly for a subtle look.

Don't try to reshape your face with blush and contour colors. You can accentuate your face and your cheeks naturally by just smiling. Smile, and you'll see the apple of your cheeks (the fleshy part that stands out the most), which is the exact spot to put your blush. Swipe your brush across your blush several times, then tap the excess blush off before you apply it to your face. Don't blow on the bristles or you'll introduce the bacteria from your mouth onto the brush. Now that the brush has a light layer of blush on it, apply it to the apples of your cheeks and blend up and back toward your hairline.

Your blush should enhance your face and the rest of your makeup, not compete with it. If you are wearing red lipstick, don't wear peach or bronze blush. For the most natural looking makeup, try to keep all your colors either warm (think peach) or cool (think pink). If you aren't sure what blush color will look best on your skin, just look at your cheeks after you've been exercising. That color is your natural blush color, so keep that color in mind when you are shopping.

You've got a little color now, but you aren't done yet! Simple eye makeup can really bring out your eyes, and you don't need six different shadows to do it. For everyday, I like to use one lid color, one highlight color, and one liner color (shadow or pencil depending on your preference). If you pick neutral shades like browns, grays, and plums, you can actually create several different looks from just three colors.

To choose an eye shadow lid color that will really bring out your eye color, think back to the color wheel you learned about in elementary school. Choosing complementary colors (those opposite each other on the color wheel) gives you the most contrast and makes each color stand out. What does this mean for eye shadow?


If you have brown eyes, shades of blue, blue gray, and plum will make your eyes stand out

If you have green eyes, choose shades of pink, salmon, mauve, and brownish-pink to make the green look greener.

If you have blue eyes, shades of brown, camel, and taupe will make the blue appear even more blue.

For highlight and liner, stick with neutral colors like beige for highlight and deep brown, navy, or charcoal for liner. Now you're ready to apply!
Lid Color
Since the lid color is going to be the focal point of your eye makeup, the part that makes your eyes stand out the most, I like to use a good eye shadow brush and a good quality shadow that is soft, blends easily, and won't crease.



Applying eye shadow isn't tricky - you just need to remember a few simple tips.


Always tap the excess shadow off the brush before you apply it to your lid, otherwise all the extra will fall into your eye or smear on your cheek.
Work slowly and deliberately. Plan where you want to the shadow to go, and don't be afraid to take your time to get it right (especially with liner).
Blend the edges of the color using a clean brush so there are no obvious lines between where color starts and ends.
Using the eye shadow color you've chosen for your lid, swipe your brush across the color a few times, tap off the excess, then apply the shadow across your lid in small strokes. Don't get too close to the crease or to your brow bone, since that's where the highlighter goes.

Highlight
Highlighting is the easiest step in eye makeup. Using a small eye shadow brush, pick up a bit of the color with the brush, tap off any excess, and apply to the area just under your eye brows. You should be able to cover it in one sweep. Now, clean off the brush on a piece of tissue or a towel, and use the cleaned brush to blend the highlighter color down into the edge of the lid color so there's no obvious line. I really use a highlight color more as a blending and softening color rather than adding more color to your eyes.



Liner
Personally, I like using a dark shadow and a flat, square liner brush much better than pencils. Pencils can drag, smear, cake, and leave little blobs on your eyelid that inevitably fall into your eye. Using a dark eye shadow like a deep brown, navy, or charcoal (please, no black) and a liner brush with fairly stiff bristles (I like Trish McEvoy's 11 and Bobbi Brown's Eye Liner Brush), you can get the same defining effect as a pencil without a heavy pencil line. If you are just starting out with shadow as liner, you could even use the tip of a pointed sponge applicator instead of a brush; the control isn't as good, but it'll do in a pinch!



Start by pointing the brush/applicator straight down into the shadow, then swipe the edge of the brush/applicator tip across the shadow several times. Tap off any extra, then use the edge of the brush/applicator with the color on it to draw a thin line as close to the base of your lashes as possible. Make sure to start at the inside corner of your eye and work all the way out to the outer corner. You can work in short strokes if it's easier, rather than trying to draw one long line. I also like to line only the top lid, but you can do the lower the very same way if you like. Experiment to see which "look" suits the shape of your eyes.

That's all there is to it! Practice with different colors to see what suits you the best, and for a little more fun, don't be afraid to experiment with colors like pastel pink, baby blue, mint green, and soft lilac. Pastels are fun and youthful - just make sure you use just a little on the lid only. Next month, our final lesson is The Finishing Touches: Eyebrows and Lips. See you then!

The Beautiful Bride To Be - Beauty Tips For The Big Day

By: Declan Tobin 

It goes without saying that we all want to look our best for the big day. So preparation is the key. Take care of your skin, hair and body in the months leading up to the wedding and you will have a good base to start from.

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Starting with body, you want to look slim and happy in your wedding gown not bloated and insecure so watch what you eat in the months coming up to the wedding and exercise regularly. A good tip to prevent bloating as sworn by Hollywood stars before the Oscars are to cut down on carb's the last few weeks before the big day. This should eliminate any unwanted bumps and bulges. To give your skin that healthy glow desired by all, you need to drink plenty of water, at least 2 liters per day, dehydrated skin looks dull, dry and unattractive. The essential fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, nuts and seeds are essential for beautiful skin and hair, try to eat as much of these as possible. Jennifer Lopez swears by this, she is so well known for her glowing, perfect skin that her perfume was called Glow in reference to her glowing complexion.

Keep your skin in shape with a daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. It's very important that you are using the right products for your skin type. You can get advice from your local beauty sales counters on the best products out there for you. Remember to exfoliate your skin weekly, this will eliminate old dull skin cells and reveal new fresh skin beneath.

You should have an exfoliating routine for your back, arms and chest or any other part of your skin that will be on show in your dress.

This will give a lovely healthy shine to your body. Remember to lash on loads of body cream after you exfoliate to sooth and moisten the skin.

If you are unlucky enough to have dry frizzy hair or you use color and harsh styling products regularly, you need to give your hair regular hair masks to bring the life and shine back to your tresses. Most salons provide hair treatments with lovely essential oil and vitamin products, which are great for your hair and scalp as a lovely weekly or biweekly treat. The price can range from $30 to $80 depending on the salon.

If you are more of a DIY girl why don't you purchase your own intensive moisturizing hair conditioner and do your own treatment. When you have put the treatment in the hair apply heat to using a hairdryer, then wrap your hair in cling film to keep in the heat, leaving as long as you desire this will prove a more intense treatment allowing the moisture to penetrate the hair cuticle.

Your hair will be shining with health and smelling yummy on the big day.

Now for the real magic "make up" of course. Now that you are all glowing and beautiful nature sometimes needs a little help to give us that Hollywood beauty we all desire. The next step is your make up application. If you are going to get your make up done professionally you should shop around, just be cause they are "professionals" doesn't mean they are talented.

Make sure you have an idea of what you want to look like on the day, bring bridal photos with make up styles you like and ideas on what hair style you will have also helps.

A clean fresh look always works with definition on the eyes. Make up that looks good in person is usually too little for photographs; the last thing you want is your eye disappearing in the photos. A good idea is to bring an instant camera with you and take photos of the various make up looks you have tried out, between you discuss what you like and don't like. Remember a photograph is less forgiving than a mirror.

Finally your hair, the range of styles are endless. Do not try out any new hair colors or cuts in the months leading up to the wedding, You don't want to try something different and trendy and then hate it leaving you no time to grow it out. Stick to what you know suits you. Also going for the most up to date styles isn't recommended you don't want to look back on your photos in ten years time explaining to your kids how it was fashonable at the time.

The first decision up or down? Wearing your hair up shows off your neckline and bone structure, always flattering in photographs. On the other hand more people are going for the sexy wavy tresses look that is being sported by Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston on her wedding day, very bohemian chic.

Your wedding gown will ultimately dictate your hairstyle. The rule of thumb is usually sexy wavy tresses equals' plain simple dress. The simple up style will flatter the more elaborate dress. Either way what you feel comfortable with and the prettiest with is the style for you, a happy comfortable bride is a pretty bride.

How to Make Short Hair Sexy












No matter how short your hair is, it's always fun to try new styles. For summer, you want ideas that are quick, easy to achieve, melt-proof and sexy. We asked New York City stylist Kim Lepine what she tells clients at her Madison Avenue salon. First, she says, get a haircut, even if it's just a trim. "You don't want to begin the summer with split ends," she notes. Then, try out these styling ideas:
Work with your curl. If you have texture or curl in your hair, it's beautiful, sexy and modern to play that up, says Lepine. Use gel or styling pomade to accentuate individual curls. Short and long pieces can be flipped upward. And one or two hairs around your face can be pin-curled and pulled off the face with small barrettes.
Give straight hair a lift. If you have a straight, chin-length bob, you can update the look by texturizing the front of it. Just add a volumizing product and tease the hair. Then lift it off the forehead and secure it with a pretty hair accessory, like a barrette with flowers. If you don't want an Elvis-like poof, says Lepine, you can get lift by simply adding a foam or volumizer to the roots of your hair, then softly teasing hair at the roots by gently pushing the ends of the hair towards the scalp with a brush. Finish by brush

Have fun with your bangs. If you have bangs, try pinning them to one side. (You may have to add gel or light hair spray first.) Or apply gel and let your bangs fall in pieces over your forehead. It lightens your look and ups the flirt factor.
Go natural. Short African-American hair that hasn't been straightened is perfect for summer styling, according to Lepine. "You can braid hair, bunch it in certain places, coil it, pin it, texturize it," she points out. "I love pinning short, natural hair with lots of small, beautiful hair accessories." The style can be playful or glamorous, depending on the pieces you choose.
Try a very short ponytail. It's sexy; it's sporty; it's feminine; it's fun. Use a covered elastic or a clip, and if your hair is very thick, apply hair spray or gel to help secure it. You can make the style even more fun by using baby claw clips or barrettes instead of regular barrettes to hold hair up on the sides. One trick: Your short hair will hold better if it's not squeaky clean. (There will also be fewer flyaways.)
Get highlights. Highlights look really chic and pretty on short hairstyles, especially if they're layered and messy, says Lepine. For short hair, highlights should be multidimensional, not all the same color, she notes. Two or three shades of blonde or light brown are best, with the lightest shade on the ends of hair. The blend of highlights makes hair look brighter, she says, and also ensures that roots will be less noticeable.

Do your homework


Flip through bridal magazines and visit Brides.com's Hairstyles Gallery to find looks you love.

Flatter your dress
Let your wedding dress guide the hairstyle you choose: updos look stunning with backless designs, while romantic ringlets complement princess ball gowns. Long, flowing waves are perfect for a wedding on the sand.


Select a stylist

If you don't already have a stylist you want to use for your big day, look for someone who specializes in formal or camera-ready styles. Get recommendations from friends and brides in your area.

Professional style

Don't trim, color, perm or chemically straighten your own hair—especially during the six months leading up to your wedding day.

The long and short of it

If your hair is short but you want to wear an updo, start growing it out as soon as possible. Keep in mind: Hair grows about half an inch per month.
Torn between two dos?

Sport one style during your ceremony (perhaps a formal updo), then another, more relaxed look (think loose, cascading curls) for your reception.


Hair Dos and Don'ts

• Don't get a partial highlight (meaning only the top layers of your hair are colored) if you plan to wear an updo on your wedding day. The two-tone look won't be flattering.
• Do as celebrities do and use clip-on extensions and hidden hairpieces to add volume, length and holding power for your big day.
• Don't choose an outrageous, over-the-top hairstyle if your normal style is sleek and simple. You'll feel uncomfortable, and you won't look like yourself.
• Do schedule your hair appointment several hours before your ceremony. You don't want to have to rush.

STYLES

BOB
Short and sassy cut; hair falls to the earlobes or just beneath the jawline. Best for: Straight hair, casual affairs.

BUN
Hair is gathered at the nape of the neck or crown of the head with pins. Best for: More formal affairs.

CHIGNON
A knot of hair worn low on the back of the head or at the nape of the neck. Best for: Sophisticated affairs.

FINGER-CURLS
Rippled waves set when the hair is damp, then dried and sprayed into place. Best for: Casual yet sophisticated affairs.

FRENCH TWIST
A roll of hair worn at the back of the head and secured with pins. Best for: Traditional affairs.

PIXIE CUT
Hair is usually no more than one inch in length anywhere on the head. Best for: Girls with small faces and delicate features, urban affairs.


Treatments and Techniques

EXTENSIONS
Human or artificial hair that's woven into a person's existing hair to create length and volume.

DEEP CONDITIONING
A moisturizing process more substantial than regular conditioning; can be done in the salon or at home.

FALL
An extra piece of hair pinned to existing hair to create the illusion of length or fullness.

FLATIRON
A technique for creating superstraight hair by heating it between two warmed metal plates.

JAPANESE STRAIGHTENING
A relaxing technique, suitable for all hair types, in which a glycolic-acid derivative and tiny heating irons are used to produce silky-straight tresses.

HIGHLIGHTS
Select strands of hair are lightened with dye to create a sun-kissed look

LOWLIGHTS
Add depth and variation to highlighted hair.

PERMANENT COLOR
Binds to the hair and fades less than semi-permanent dyes.

SEMI-PERMANENT
Dyes that fade with washing, but last longer than temporary color.

SINGLE-PROCESS
Any dyeing process in which all hair is colored the same shade. Unlike highlights or lowlights, no foil is used.

TEMPORARY
Hair color that lasts anywhere from a few shampoos to several weeks.

CHECKLIST


6 months
• Research hairstyles: Consider your personal style, your wedding dress and where your reception will take place.
• Interview stylists: Ask to see their portfolios, and discuss ideas for your style.
• Determine a schedule with your new stylist for your pre-wedding cut, color and other treatments.
• For hair that's shiny and healthy, start getting conditioning treatments six months before your wedding day.
3 months
• Choose your veil or headpiece.
• Bring all hair accessories with you to your next appointment.
1 month
• Get your hair trimmed. If you perm, straighten or color your hair, get these treatments done as well.
• Do a trial run of your big-day do. Bring a trustworthy friend to get her honest opinion. Don't be afraid to reject a style. Your stylist should be willing to experiment until you're satisfied.
• Ask your stylist to show you how to remove your headpiece without ruining your do; practice before you leave the salon.
• If you highlight your hair, now's the time for a final touchup. Color looks better after the first couple of weeks—and if you don't like it, there's enough time to get it fixed.
• Assemble a "hair repair" kit for the big day, stocked with extra pins and any styling products for last-minute touch-ups. Ask a bridesmaid to make sure it's with you when you dress.
Your wedding day
• Wear a loose shirt that zips or buttons in the front so that you won't ruin your do when you change into your wedding dress.

Top Ten Tips and Advice: Make-Up






1. You can use a highlighter to brighten your makeup. A Highlighter Concealer covers critical areas such as shadows and lines resulting in a natural glow. Apply directly over blusher, mix with blusher, or use just above blusher and around the eyes. Also use under the eyebrows and a touch down the nose. This will significantly brighten the face. After the finish make-up use to cover circles under the eyes, sides of nose, corners of lips and hallows of the chin etc. Blend lightly with your fingertips and brush with powder. The Highlighter can also be applied first, let dry and then apply your normal make-up. For full eyes, use the Highlighter as an eye shadow by applying to the upper end of the eyelid.

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2. The most important makeup products that should be used daily are concealer, eyebrow pencil, mascara, and lip color. Concealer will make you look less tired. Eyebrow color will give your eyes more character. Remember, you do raise your brows when you are surprised. Mascara will make your eyes appear larger than they are and more open. Lastly, lipcolor accentuates a lovely smile. Now you´re ready to greet the world.

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3. A fresh and natural look in makeup would be wearing a tinted moisturizing cream, a light blush or bronzer for your cheeks, a light coating of mascara and lipgloss. Let your natural beauty show through!

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4. Makeup Trick For Red Eyes Try cool cotton compresses with an alcohol free toner. Cucumber slices may be beneficial if you want to try a more natural method. Now for the makeup. Use a minimal amount. Play up your lips instead. Apply a neutral color eyeshadow. If you must wear mascara, opt for a waterproof type, in black or black brown. Skip the colored ones except for navy, which would whiten the whites of your eyes. Try a bright blue pencil below your lower lashes. This should do the trick.

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5. "Pretty and sexy" comes from within as well as how you wear your makeup. Wear a minimal amount of makeup, i.e. blush, lipcolor, and mascara. Smile, have a friendly attitude, and you will glow..

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6. For someone with copper colored hair, warm earth tones are best. For the eyes wear a bronze or gold eyeshadow with a teak eyeliner. Lipstick in a rust with a gold accent is very pretty.

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7. For minor mishaps...Did you smear your mascara? Is your blusher or eyeshadow too dark or the wrong color? For a quick and easy spot removal, use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover. It´s easy to get into a small area without having to start all over and it works great!

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8. For Asian skin tone it´s always good to use foundation and powder with a yellow undertone. Although many Asian women believe they need to wear pink makeup shades to counteract their natural skin tones, this creates a very unnatural, outdated look. Using yellow-based products do not make Asian women look more yellow, but rather they produce a natural, flawless look that is modern and beautiful. see Colosé Caprice Foundation #1 in Taiwan.

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9. Cosmetics have "gone bad" if they smell funny or if the formula has separated or dried out. Be especially careful with products used near the eyes as this is a sensitive area. If you suddenly react to a product that you have used faithfully, there may be bacteria forming, and therefore you have a reaction.

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10. Beauty consultants help customers choose cosmetics and show them how to use them. Beauty consultants should: be good at selling, be helpful, friendly and polite have some artistic ability and a gentle touch for applying make-up and giving and or discuss facials with their clients.