mink photography

Having Fun with Mink

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Mink Photography

Having Fun With Mink

To be “minked” is to have fun. This is the motto of Mink Photography Studio in Takapuna, and it rings 100% true. Whether you are looking for something new, something outside your comfort level or simply something that makes you feel pampered and special – getting your photos taken at Mink Photography is a great idea.

Where to begin… I was recently “minked.” And, despite initial hesitation, I live to tell all the readers of Channel magazine that it was a wonderfully exciting experience that I am so glad I did.

As I walked into the studio, I was very unsure of what my non-model self was getting into. To my relief, the Director, Sarah Breslin, was there with me every step of the way to not only help me feel at ease but to also really enjoy the experience.

With her great energy, Sarah guided me through the pre-shoot consultation. We began with a tour of the studio and a slide show of images from other Clients. Already the nerves began to subside. From the re-creation of a famous photo to photos with my partner – and everything in between – I started to see just how creative this experience could be.

I also started to see the photographer’s style – and was calmed when Sarah explained that Lester was very good at making people feel relaxed in order to get a more natural shot. This was exactly what I needed as my fake photo smile is notorious within my circle of friends and family.

Getting down to the nitty gritty – wardrobe selection – is when I really started to get excited and have fun. “What to wear?” is a big question! And again, Sarah came to my rescue. She helped me think about what I really wanted to use the photos for, who would receive them and where they would be placed. Most importantly though, she asked me what I was comfortable with.

So what did I want?

I wanted a professional shot, a classically beautiful shot and perhaps, a beachy shot – images that would capture what I really look like (but maybe a little bit better…okay a lot better!). My mind started scanning my wardrobe instantaneously. I would need a little black dress, a crisp white shirt, perhaps a silky shirt and my new straw beach hat. I also wanted to bring a few items for the “maybe pile” – to have fun with on the day.

Sarah and I ended the consultation with a few details: hair and make-up preferences, arrival times and a few last tips. I had one last request; no Texas cheerleader hair! (You would be surprised how often it happens to me.)

On the day of my shoot, I arrived to the studios at 12:30pm with my friend and confidant Kasey. Greeted by Sarah and Lester, we were escorted to a sitting room for my makeover.

Nothing goes down better than being pampered. My hair was straightened and teased. My make-up was carefully applied. My cup of tea was constantly filled. It was a very enjoyable experience sans Texas curlers.

Despite the fact that my hair and make-up made me look like Jennifer Aniston (I beg the Channel readers to just go with this one – for my sake), I stepped onto the set nervous and shy. This is when the great Lester de Vere stepped in. He re-explained the process, told me if the photos were bad it was his fault (never mine) and prepared me to feel comfortable in front of the lens.

With Lester in charge, he began to scan and select outfits that he thought would photograph the best. The “maybe pile” was definitely a good idea. With outfits laid out, and the assistance of Kasey the master accessoriser – away we went!

Once we started shooting, my nerves eased a bit more. I was given lots of positive reinforcement from my support crew, and Lester was good at grabbing candid shots. The shoot started going really well once we rolled out the fan! I loved it so much; I think I will probably request a fan for all photos – from family barbecues to nights on the town.

I got so comfortable that I even started to make suggestions of outfits and poses that I wanted to try. Nothing crazy – but baby steps. The point is, I was having fun.

The last step was the photo viewing which I did the following week. I was so excited to see if my awkward smile was still there – or if Lester had worked his magic on even a goof like me.

The photos were great. My favourite were the candid shots (and of course the shots with the wind in my hair), and despite the fact that it is always hard to see yourself in photos – I walked away with photos that I loved.

The proof is in the pudding. As I was writing this article, my partner rang to tell me he had seen the images, and in the greatest Kiwi boy compliment told me, “You actually look pretty good in those photos.”

So, I walk away grateful for the opportunity to take the photos, happy that myself and other people really like the images, and, most importantly, I had a great time doing it. I cannot speak more highly of Sarah, Lester and Mink Photography.

Channel Editorial (more articles by this person)

Source: Having Fun with Mink

Telecom Derby Day

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Mink was one of the proud sponsor of the Mercedes Prix de Fashion - here is the winner - looking stunning!!!

Source: Telecom Derby Day

Her business Article

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Picture Perfect

I’m sure you’re all familiar with the old adage, ‘Give a woman makeup and make her beautiful for a day but teach a woman to use makeup and make her beautiful for a lifetime’. Well, it goes something like that.

Sarah Breslin and her team at Mink Photography are giving women all the ingredients for a dazzling display.

Sarah, whose background in business includes launching the Contours gym chain throughout New Zealand and Australia, is passionate about helping women in the health and wellbeing industry.

Early last year, she established mink photography along with award winning photographer Lester de Vere, not only to produce stunning photos but also teach women how to recreate their look at home.

“It’s amazing how many women come in who are stuck in a rut with how they do their hair and make up,” Sarah explains.

“So many women have issues with seeing people in magazines and thinking why don’t I look like that? We’re very hard on ourselves. I found it was quite empowering for women to come and have a makeover and experience what it was like to be done up and taken through a professional photo shoot – to see themselves in a light that they’ve never seen before.”

Each Mink Photography client will first go through a planning session, where Sarah and her team find out exactly how to give you the results you desire – then, there’s the photo shoot where all the magic happens and finally you can sit down and enjoy a viewing session.

“We want people to go away with some fabulous photos having had a great experience. Our make up artist is fantastic at explaining how you can achieve the same result by doing it yourself.

“The result should be some great images and so much more – I think it’s especially important for businesswomen. More and more these days, people see pictures of you on your website or business card and judge you. It’s worthwhile to make that first impression a good one.”

Mink Photography would like to offer Her Magazine readers a picture perfect offer of a one-hour pampering makeover, followed by a one-hour professional studio shoot. This two-hour session is normally $300 but if you call on 09 969 1443 and mention this article, you’ll receive a special price of only $95. The studio session can include your family or loved ones – we suggest you do a combination of both.

www.minkphotography.co.nz

Source: Her business Article

A Girl Called Hope

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Dear Sarah and the team at mink photography

Thank you so much for the vouchers you donated to our Walk we held on Saturday October 30th at Western Springs, Motions Road, Auckland. We were able to give out the six vouchers for a free makeover, shoot and portrait to the first six people that registered for the walk. We also gave out one of the free shoot vouchers to every walker that took part as they crossed the finish line. We so appreciated the time you took to create a voucher that had our logo and was personalised for our event.

Thank you again for your support and generosity for this great event we hold each year to fundraise for A Girl Called Hope.

Kind regards

Jenny Barrow

Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator

Source: A Girl Called Hope

TVNZ stitch and bitch blog from Fashion Week

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Natural glamour at Fashion Week

Ladies, forget the caked-on make-up and poker straight hair - one of NZ Fashion Week's make-over workers say it's all about volume and a natural glow.

Sarah Breslin, the director of Mink photography, is offering free make-overs all week for those lucky enough to wander through Auckland's waterfront venue, and she says the shift in hair and make-up is becoming obvious.

"At Fashion Week only a year or two ago you would have noticed a lot of really dark make-up and dead-straight hair gracing these tents, but not so much anymore," said Breslin.

"We're getting a lot of women coming through and asking for a natural look, something that will make them glow - really earthy tones that compliment their natural skin colour, no more of that caked on foundation that hides how they look."

And with the zjusing (jooshing?) comes a lot of poofing - of the hair, at least.

"Lots and lots of volume, a bit of curl, some waves - we're getting asked for that by the women stopping in more and more. Side-swept fringes too, that curl back off the face," said Martin.

It's a different story for the models on the runway, who are used to getting primed and prodded in the build up towards the shows, but take a look around Fashion Week's Halsey St venue and Breslin's right - the ladies (and gentlemen) are looking more natural and carefree than previous years.

Bring on the easy glam!

http://tvnz.co.nz/fashion-week/natural-glamour-3793161

Source: TVNZ stitch and bitch blog from Fashion Week

Get minked at Fashion Week!

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Biggest fashion week ever!

Now in its tenth year, New Zealand Fashion Week has come a long way, baby.

Thread remembers the first one, back in the Auckland Town Hall, with just one room, not the many tents and offsite shows of today. Now for 2010 NZFW has announced its recession-beating biggest list of designers ever to show there.

NZFW Managing Director Pieter Stewart spoke to sponsors, designers and fashion industry media at the Westin Auckland Lighter Quay, official hotel of NZFW, at 3.30pm today, and unveiled the new campaign billboard created from the New Talent competition. Read about it here.

“2010 is all about celebration for the New Zealand fashion industry” said Stewart, “a lot has changed in the past ten years and NZFW has seen a lot of designers come and go in that time, but announcing a full schedule of designer shows, the most we have ever had, is something to celebrate as we look toward the next ten years. “

Mink Photography's Sarah Breslin and Lester de Vere. Mink Photography will be offering hair and make-ups at their stand in the fashion week exhibition space for delegates to drop by for a freshen up. How nice!

Source: Get minked at Fashion Week!

A Makeover and the evening at 'Effortless Gorgeous Women'

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

I think rather than the word 'Makeover', it should be phrased as 'Making the best of what you have'. I gave myself over to the wonderful team at 'Mink' photography to experience the package they had generously offered to our members to win in a recent draw. I was a bit apprehensive as I couldn't really see the point of personal upmarket photos being taken for me at 61 years of age. Bit of an indulgence I thought but now I have been through the effort I have a different take on why. "Think of it as an archived memento for the family," said the gorgeous Sarah from Mink. Sure I said sceptically until I read the response from the woman who won the 'Makeover' competition.

Ann wrote when told of her win, "Dear Geraldine and Raewyn, What a surpise when I just checked my emails. What a treat that will be- I'm stunned! - As a single mum of 5 children for several years there wasn't any spare money to spend on me, but it was all worth it to see them grow up into wonderful ,caring young adults. So now it's time for me. It feels like a reward for all those hard years, I can't tell you how thrilled I am at the prospect. This was always on my 'bucket list' of things to do one day....because I usually avoid being photographed, and I wanted the children to have one good photo of me!"

I can't wait to hear from Mink Photography...I'm going to have a nice cup of tea to celebrate.... and a piece of chocolate. Thank you so, so much."

That certainly changed my outlook and when speaking to another wisanow member who has won one of the lesser makeovers she said she was so looking forward to having the family come in for a group shot after her makeover for the photoshoot. Sarah's suggestion again and one the wisanow member is totally thrilled about. Anyway the photo at the right came out as a bit of a surprise and one that will be given to the grandchildren so they can remember me as something other than the person who will be there in their twenties given the youngest one is under two.

Now to the evening of 'Effortless, Gorgeous Women'. The first ten women to enter the wisanow 'Makeover draw with Mink Photography were also given tickets to this evening which I had the fortune to be able to attend last wednesday night the 31st of March. Joining with Mink photography was Global Self-Image Expert, Susana Sarmiento who picked a brave woman from the audience for the quick makeover for the night.

What really struck me was how focused we all were on the good points of each woman which we could identify easily as strangers even though when questioned each woman struggled to quickly identify her best three features herself. Except for the midlifers. There was no hesitation when they were asked to write down what their best features were. And why not after living with them for so long. And anyway, most of the angst of wanting to be taller, smaller/bigger busted has been over-ridden by reality come fifty. Still, we were there to learn tips to make dressing and wardrobe stocking and refining easier. Susana and the wonderful makeup artist worked their magic and lo and behold out came a rather more gorgeous woman after the 'Makeover'.

Susana is very adamant about ridding black from all wardrobes which I simply do not have a hangup over. And, she gives a very convincing argument as to why in one of her great videos on the TV 'Breakfast' session. Click on the photo of Susana on the left to view the video. Susana is a regular on TV and has the most wonderful tips all available on video to view at any time. Check out Susanas website to see Susana talk on the video 'Stylish at any age'

Sure colour needs more airing with NZ'rs and Australians but I would have hated to see Audrey Hepburn's famous LBD in any other colour. And, as Paula Ryan, doyen of NZ fashion and self confessed black as a staple lover, says, "women who wear black lead colourful lives."

All in all a great night with really expert presenters.

Source: A Makeover and the evening at 'Effortless Gorgeous Women'

Megan's Mink Makeover - Thread

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Want to feel like a celeb for a day?

I got as close as I’ll get to it in my lifetime with a make-over and photo shoot with Lester de Vere and Sarah Breslin at Mink Photography in Takapuna to celebrate having my little girl. I not only came away feeling truly pampered by the whole experience, I had gorgeous photos to boot. Here’s what went on...

I met with Mink’s lovely Sarah Breslin - who previously set up Contours gym so she so knows a thing or two about making women feel good - plus the Brit is pretty glamorous herself. At this complimentary planning session I sat down with Sarah to chat about what I wanted from the photo shoot and arranged a booking.

When I arrived I was introduced to today’s make-up artist, Lisa Shearer, a professional make-up artist who has worked on film, TV and countless celebrities’ faces as well as beautifying the likes of me. Lisa began the Pygmalion Project by ghd styling my hair. Sarah's helpful info sheet told me to arrive with clean, dry hair. Lisa then asked me what look I was going for and looked through my selection of outfits to decide on make-up colours to complement them. We selected soft grey and lilac shades from MAC and used my own nude Karen Murrell lipstick to finish.

After hair and make-up, which lasted about an hour, the photography session began in earnest. Lester got Lily and I to pose in our first outfit, in a classic pose with baby on my lap, both looking forward. Lester says for children around five months of age, there's a window of about twenty minutes to work with, so having tried and true poses works really well to get fast results before the tears! Here's the result of that shoot. First, Lily having her Extreme Close-Up to camera. Lights! What a born model.

...And my favourite shot of the day, a portrait of us together which looks lovely and relaxed.

Read Megan’s full article on the MINK experience at Thread.

Source: Megan's Mink Makeover - Thread