🏫🎓BIC University 🎓🏫

[danielledanielle]

Welcome everyone to BICU Thread!  The only university that's pretty much accept all, serve all. (That's right, there's a 100 percent acceptance rate. )

  

WHAT IS BICU?

• Compounding of various threads (coming soon) to address some beauty basics and further highlight the 🤌🏽🤌🏽 of the BIC.
• Discussion/Exploration in the beauty space where members can post/comment on things they feel the have an expertise on, aka mini member masterclasses.  (Updated to say: think of it as TED talk x BIC 🤣)
• School spirit... Feel free to share any fun beauty gifs and pics here repping BIC  

 miss ya @JeffreyBD 

For a mini masterclass, posting styles suggested are:

• Essay
• Q&A
• Step by step, how to (think like a wikiHow)
• Photo journal
• Listicle
• Dealer's choice (a blend of the above...hey, if you want to teach an all gif lesson, go for it)

The goal is to have a well of personalized info that can be drawn from whenever.  Following social media can be helpful, but it's also nice to have real person tips and tricks.

[danielledanielle]

Face mapping!

I've really enjoyed doing this over the summer.

Here's some base observations

1. Look in the mirror 
2. Take a selfie
3. Mark your shadows and areas to highlight 
4. Underpaint

I also like these images I've gotten for Pinterest 

Face Mapping with blush

Not sure of the original, but contouring by face shape 

Smashbox guide 

[Titian06]

Thanks for this info, @danielledanielle !  I might give the selfie a try out of curiosity. 🤗

[danielledanielle]

@Titian06 , @CynthieLu It's pretty fun, I dug into my phone because I've been meaning to do this and used the highlight option to map.

 

Underpainting 

End result

(If you don't want to post your face, feel free to keep the selfie to yourself, you can see if there are any face charts similar to you and post these instead) 👇🏽

https://stock adobe com/search?k=makeup+face+chart

Just add '.' where there are spaces

[Titian06]

@danielledanielle @CynthieLu - I finally took a pic this morning.  Trying to find an online pic was impossible.  None matched where my hi- and lo-lights are.  My loan highlight is a big blob right in the middle of my huge forehead.  My shadows are right below my cheekbones, which is where I wear my blush.  I should mention I have a square face.  This may explain why when I wear my bronzer as blush, it always looks so good. 🤔

[danielledanielle]

@Titian06 , interesting!  You may have the hexagon face shape actually (or oblong?), and that makes perfect sense.  

I think I'm oblong? But, also somehow oval? Am I....Obvlong...Heh.  I sometimes use a white powder in the center to highlight my forehead and it works.  Even if you don't have a lot of shadows, face mapping is just as much as about highlighting as it is shadows.

[CynthieLu]

Thank for the visuals @danielledanielle it's very helpful. 🙏 I haven't attempted it yet but it's on my to do list to try. 

[CynthieLu]

Ooooh this is interesting @danielledanielle. You've been experimenting with this? I think I'm going to give it a try. I like the idea of using a selfie to help do the mapping. That's a good idea! 💡

[danielledanielle]

Ooop, the master has beaten me to this 🤣

Danessa Masterclasses on the way, sign up on the direct site.  You have to register/full out a form, but it's free!  

There's also a class this Sunday, not sure if spots are still available.

❌ Posting to The Danessa Myricks Beauty Thread 

 

[itsfi]

FLATLAY SKILLSHOP 101  

MODULE 3: Arrangement & Editing ~ February 3 - 16

• Beware of ... Glare, reflection, and photobombing your own shot with your thumb, foot, etc.

It happens. We've all taken photos where there's a glare or reflection. Or, one or more body parts ends up in the frame. Sometimes we catch them, sometimes we don't. Not all of these need to be edited - sometimes the glare, reflection or photobomb adds something to the photo. On occasion though, you may be able to crop or edit out the thumb, foot, etc. that accidently finds its way into your frame. Or, you may need to reshoot the photo to get it the way you want.

One way that I've been able to minimize the occasions where a glare, reflection or photobomb can happen is to take a test shot and see if any of those elements are present. When I first started taking photos on BIC, I would set up my layout, take a photo, and then look at it to see if there were any elements that I didn't like or want in my frame. I'd also take a look to see if there was anything out of range or that didn't suit my eye or my preference for how I wanted the shot to look. I would then reset the layout or I'd keep the layout but shoot from a different angle or position. I'd repeat the process of looking at and assessing the photo. It seems onerous. It was. But, that's how I personally undertook my flatlays in the very beginning. I took photos in the same spot and over time, with enough shots, I generally got an idea for what I was working with regarding angles, reflections, shadows, etc. at a certain time of day and how I needed to get the photo(s) I wanted or found acceptable. 

Another approach is to layout your products and set up your shot and then take as many photos as you can. The idea here is that with so many photos taken, you'll have more options to choose from. You'll also have more photos to look through but if you have the time and patience - and attention to detail - this can work out well. 

• Arranging Your Flat Lay / Framing Your Shot 

This is where playing around with different arrangements and practicing different layouts over time can be helpful - for both learning different options for how to frame your shot and find your style. There are a few general approaches to arrange your photos:

1.  Linear - the items in your flat lay are placed in straight lines, arranged parallel or perpendicular to one another. This creates a very neat and organized look. 
2. Random - for this arrangement, there's usually one product that will serve as the focal point of your photo and is typically placed front and center of the frame to stand out. Everything else - other product(s) and prop are then placed randomly around that product. You'll edit that randomness to create a more cohesive "random" looking shot. 
3. Reflecting Real Life or In Practice / Use - the core of this set up is to arrange your products how they would be used or how you might expect to find them in real life. An example of this is have your makeup compact and/or lipstick coming out of your purse or various pieces of makeup coming out of your cosmetics bag.

Other concepts to consider or think about as you set up your flat lays (or as you try different arrangements) to see what suits your eye and as you work on developing a style that is unique to you, include:

1. Balance: Items are placed in such a way as to create a symmetrical look and feel to the entire shot/frame. 
2. Rule of Thirds: Your frame is divided horizontally and vertically into thirds. The technique is well described with examples from some fabulous BIC members here --> A Year of Beauty- Photography Challenge-... - Beauty Insider Community
3. Negative Space: Not every empty space in your flat lay needs to be filled up. You can create a beautifully artistic shot with keeping empty space in your frame empty.
4. Layering / Stacking Products or Layering Products & Props: This can be d`one or practical as well as artistic reasons. They're also not mutually exclusive - layering products and prop for practical purposes (e.g., to keep a product in place / from rolling off the table or to minimize glare, reflection or photobombing) can create a very aesthetically appealing photo.

• Putting It All Together

Lighting, angle, props, background, arrangement, editing.  It's time to put it all together. 

ASSIGNMENTS:

📚  Assignment No. 1:

Try at least one, if not all three, of the different approaches to arranging your flat lay. Linear - Random - Reflecting Real Life

📚  Assignment No. 2: 

Try at least one (or all 4) of the additional concepts for arranging your flat lay shot. Balance - Rule of Thirds - Negative Space - Layering / Stacking Products & Props.

📚  Assignment No. 3: 

Put together a frame that incorporates all of the Modules and your personal style.

Examples for Assignment Nos. 1 & 2 will be posted shortly, as a reply to this post.

[itsfi]

Module 3 Examples (for Assignment Nos. 1 & 2)

Linear Layouts:

Spoiler

And, linear with a twist:

Random:

Spoiler

In Real Life:

Spoiler

In Real Life + Linear
In Real Life + Random

Other:

Spoiler

Random with layered / staggered pieces (Patrick Ta Cheek Duo over MAC Luxe Lucky palette)

Rule of Thirds

These photos ⬇️ are more included because I'm very happy that Rhode is making its way to Sephora. 😉🙌 @danielledanielle @ather @peculiarzmakeup 
Random
Rhode layout cropped

[danielledanielle]

Sorry Professor @itsfi , I'm very late, but I think my work is at least passing

Random/stacked

Random ..I also have a rule of third for this that won't post 😔

In Real life 🤷🏽‍♀️, the cap is off

Linear - liked it so much this was a haul photo, too

In Real Life... These are all washed and ready to go, thought the flat lay version was interesting

Spoiler

Head on

Random

IRL, another practice made haul photo

Linear -ish

[itsfi]

More than passing @danielledanielle! 🎓 You have no need to apologize whatsoever. Oh, that random/stacked Pat McGrath shot is beautiful. Fab idea to share a photo of the makeup brushes and brush stand from over head and head on. I 100% agree - love that linear brush haul photo! 😍  Ahh, rule of thirds. I do try my hand at that from time to time still.

I really appreciate you putting yourself (and your photos) out there, in addition to taking part in the skillshops. It took me a lot more time than I anticipated to put the "lessons" together (though I suppose I could have been less detailed 🤔). It's been a lot of fun to see your photos, in the hauls thread and here, and to see your style evolve. Motivating and encouraging, too, to see how you try different things. 👍

Question(s) for you - 

1.  What was your favorite photo you took during the skillshops? What made it your favorite?

2.  Which skillshop topic would you want to focus more time on?

You're totally ready to do your own flatlay on the fly photo shoot. 📸

[danielledanielle]

@itsfi, thanks to you.  This was fun.  I think just having your thought process + step by steps/recommendations is amazing and will serve as a guide always.

Here it is!  BIC has a weird thing with some of my photos that are still from GIFs, even if it's the size limit.  I tried seeing if I could upload it to the gallery and voila! It does ... So I screenshot'ed my own photo 😂🤷🏽‍♀️

This is my favorite.  I think more lighting and lighting exposures would be helpful.

[itsfi]

@danielledanielle, that's kind of you to say; thank you. 

That's a very artistic shot. 😍 Completely understand how it's a favorite. 

[ather]

@itsfi  Oooo I love this lesson! What’s your favourite layout? 

I really like the in real life layout! It is so refreshing! And it’s nice to see how people have their products in their house. Gives me a sense of who they are! I love it! 😍 

[itsfi]

Awwww, thank you @ather! I look through these frames and there are a host of things that it brings back (like what I did with setting up the shot or where it took place) and I also look at it with an eye of editing the photos or if I could, rearranging them just so. 😆 I do appreciate the memories looking back at these photos has brought back and I also appreciate seeing how I set up certain shots and thinking through how I would modify them now, and why. I wasn't going do these flatlay skillshops but those two things I've gotten from it personally, along with a few other takeaways, have been lovely. 

I wholeheartedly agree - I do enjoy seeing in real life layouts, with or without editing. That's not to say I don't appreciate and enjoy more staged photos, because there are some that I absolutely am floored and inspired by - whether they're doing it as part of their livelihood or just because. There's a few folks, outside of BIC and in it, whose photo aesthetic and their eye for capturing a look, are just so beautiful. Some are editorial, some have a sense of calm to them, some action packed or with movement (in a still frame, no less). Each though has their own look and feel and you see it.  A couple I've seen them do their thing live, either in a video or in person, and it's incredible. 

But I got sideways of your ask; sorry about that. I like the in real life shot of the foundations - a lot of things just came together for that shot to happen - it's one of those shots where I couldn't have staged it to look this way even if I tried. I was just sitting at the end of my bed and took the shot just to see if the lightin was good. I like the Rule of Thirds shot because it took me a lot of time and a lot of test shots to even understand the rule and I had much help from two very patient friends here. I also like it because if I look at it a certain way, the lighting in the  back makes it look like there's some movement (but there's not). I like the general layout of the background and side pieces in the in real life + random shot becuase it is how a part of my table looked but my brain is telling me "you need to edit this, this, and that; move this here and then shoot it." Ha! But I can recall what was going through my mind when I did take the shot. Ahhh, all these lessons learned just looking through these now. 

[itsfi]

FLATLAY SKILLSHOP 101 

MODULE 2: Background & Props - January 20 - February 2

This is probably the module that may garner the most interest. I get it, it's more fun and glamorous. If lighting and angles are the foundation and structure, background and props are the interior design part of building a house. 

• Using What You Already Have On Hand - Background and props can be found among the things you already have in your home. I find those to be some of the best things to use, as it's unique to you (versus copying what someone else has or has used). It also provides a glimpse of your own, individual style, and personality and that's always fun. Those are some of the things that my eyes often gravitate towards.

• Keeping It Simple vs Being Extra - Sometimes less is more. Other times, more is more. One thing to keep in mind with either approach is the proportion of the props to your products. 

ASSIGNMENTS

📚  Assignment #1 - Focus on Background. Lay out your products on one or two backgrounds. Remember to try the shots from different angles as well as head on and overhead. If possible, try taking photos with the background with different lighting - natural and artificial. Post a photo of the same products on at least two different backgrounds - the photos can be either a flatlay or head on set up, your choice. 

📚  Assignment #2 - Focus on Props. Pick out your props.

• 2a - Take a flatlay shot with your products and prop(s). Make adjustments for lighting and angles, if and as necessary.
• 2b - Take a head on photo with your products and prop(s).  Adjust for lighting and angles, if and as necessary.

📚  Assignment #3 - Putting it together - Background and Props. If you'd like, you can change out any or all of the components used thus far - products, background and props. You don't have to use the the same products, background or props as you did for Assignment #1 or Assigment #2. However, the same products, background and props should be used for both Assigngments #s 3a and 3b

• 3a - Arrange everything together in a flatlay
• 3b - Arrange everything together in a head on shot.

I'll include examples of for these assigments in a reply to this post shortly. 

Questions after completing Module 2:

1.  With respect to Assignment #3, what did you like about each shot (3a and 3b)?

2.  With respect to Assignment #3, what, if anything, would you change or do / set up differently for the photos for parts 3a and 3b. NOTE: If you're pleased with your photo, it's absolutely fine to say, "Nothing" or "I wouldn't change or do anything different."

[itsfi]

MODULE 2 examples

Assignment #1: Background

Spoiler

These were fun to put together. The background of the first photo is a box from a special edition Shu Uemura shampoo and mask set that was available at Sephora during the holidays a few years back.

The background of the second photo is a DIY project consisting of a piece of cardboard (possibly a Sephora shipping box) and washi tape.

Assignment #2: Props - 

From a previous set up

Spoiler

Props + Products - Flatlay

Props + Products - Head On
There's a different look and feel to the photos. With the inclusion of the box in the head-on frame, the focus is divided between the products and everything else. With the first photo, the flatlay set up, attention is given more to the product themselves. 

These photos were from a few years back. If I had an opportunity to re-shoot, I would:
- flatlay shot: rearrange the sticker and post card (the props) so that only part of the sticker sheet appears. I'd also lay the products around the post card.

- head-on shot: ditch the box. Similar to the flatlay changes, I'd place the sticker sheet behind the post card, only having part of it peeking through. I'd keep the post card where it is, propped against the wall, but I'd arrange the product to the side of the post card, possibly including a product or two in front of it if it didn't obstruct it too much.

For this BIC U course

Spoiler

The Sephora shopping bag makes for one of the best backgrounds and prop. 

Assignment #3: Background and Props - I took 3 sets of photos for this assignment, with small adjustments made to the layout. The First Set satisfies the assignment. The other sets / photos are just extra to show how making minor tweaks can change the look / feel of a photo.

Spoiler

First Set

Spoiler

Props here are the plant and the mug. I angled the flatlay shot so that I could get a better photo of the Bioderma.

Placed the Ami Cole lip oil on top the Sara Happ lip scrub to create a better line with the taller items likes the Summer Fridays sunscreen and the mug. Where it's currently positioned, the Rhode lip balm veers on blending into the photo.

Questions after completing Module 2:
First Set:
1.  The color scheme isn't bad. I just realized I forgot to include the Touchland hand sanitizer from Module 1 (it's being used). I can see how including it in these shots would have added more dimension and created a better looking layout. 

2.  If I could reshoot these, I would have included the Touchland Peppermint Mocha Hand Sanitizer. 

Second Set

Spoiler

Removed the mug and replaced it with a mini Voluspa candle. Repositioned the Rhode balm at the base of the Bioderma micellar water. The candle is unlit in the first photo; lit in the second.


Swapped out the travel sized Bioderma for a full size to show how proportions can change the look and feel of a layout.

Questions after completing Module 2:
Second Set:
1.  I like the look and feel with shooting in the landscape format - it feels less scrunched up.

2.  If I could redo this layout, I would move the Rhode balm closer to the center, but would probably need to relocate the lip scrub and lip oil, since the Sara Happ name would likely be obscured by the Rhode.

Third Set

Spoiler

These shots were taken in a portrait (versus landscape - see below) format. The Ami Cole lip oil is in different places in these photos. I prefer the second one as it showcases all the products more clearly. In the first photo, the Ami Cole almost gets lost between the plant and the Bioderma.



The landscape format here allowed me to get in closer and include more of the prop (plant) in the photo. It feels less scrunched up than the two pic prior to these two. 

In the last photo, I swapped out the full size Bioderma micellar water for the travel size. Both these last two shots are not great proportionally but I like the first one better - it looks better to my eye.

Questions after completing Module 2:
Third Set:
1.  I like the second and third photos best.
2.  I'd like to see how these photos would have turned out if I had more light coming in when I took the pics.

[itsfi]

FLATLAY SKILLSHOP 101

MODULE 1: Lighting & Angles - January 6 - 19

• Finding The Right Light For You 

            -  Natural vs. Artificial Lighting

            -  Time of Day & Positioning 

            -  Tips & Tricks to Improve Your Lighting

• Knowing Your Angles

            -  A View From Above

            -  Tackling it Head On

            -  Unique Angles

EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES NEEDED:

- Camera

- Products - My recommendation is to select 2-6 items. This will help you work with products of different shapes and sizes.

ASSIGNMENTS:

There are 4 assignments in this module. Post your photos for this Module 1 here, including the Assignment #.

In a reply to this post, I will include notes on how I approached these assignments, with some examples. 

📚  Assignment 1 - Find the best light in your home (or wherever you will be taking your photos for this Module) for taking photos.

• Natural light usually offers the best lighting. If you can find a spot in your home where you can get natural light AND there's space for you to lay out your products AND take photos, that's your spot.
• If you are not home when it's light out, then find the space in your house with the best lighting and space for taking photos. 

NOTE: if you're working with natural light, the "best light" may depend on the time of day the photo is taken. If the light is too bright, your photo can come out overexposed. If there's not enough natural light coming in, your photo can have a hazy or dark look to them.   

📚  Assignment 2a - Flatlay shot - After finding your photo spot, lay out your products flat on a surface and take photos.

• How should I set up my products? However you want. For this first part though, let's go with laying out the products flat on the surface. If the surfaces where you will take photos are uneven or you run into problems with your products rolling off the surface or not being able to lay flat, place a towel - dish towel, bath towel, washcloth - on top of your surface to make it easier to lay the products flat against it. 

📚  Assignment 2b - Flatlay at an angle - If you are finding that taking the photo directly above your products is showing shadows or one of your products is causing a glare or reflection, try angling your camera slightly - instead of having your camera directly over the photos, tilt it slightly up and towards you.

📚  Assignment 3 - Head on shot - In the same spot where you took a photo of the flatlay arrangement, now arrange your products for a head-on shot - stand your products up and take your photos "head on" - level your camera with the products and point your camera directly at the products. 

Assignment 4 - If your the set up of the room where you are taking your photos allows for it, try taking your photos with the light source at different positions - if natural light, with the window behind your products or to the left side or the right side, above your products and/or in front of your products. If you're not using natural light, do the same but with the light source behind coming from behind your products, to each side of your product, above your products and/or in front of your products.

Questions after finishing Module 1
1. Based on this exercise, where (and, if applicable, when / what time) is the best lighting in your home (or wherever you are taking your photos) for your product photos?

2.  Do you have a preference for taking your photos overhead (traditional flatlay) or head on?

[CynthieLu]

📚  Assignment 1 - Find the best light in your home 

Spoiler

☀️ The best light in my apartment is ideally close to the windows of any room after the sun has finished rising but before it passes completely over it highest point in the sky. The windows in my place only face sunrise and after a certain point I lose the natural light I feel I like best.

📚  Assignment 2a - Flat lay shot 

Spoiler

I found I enjoy a good flat lay, on a table I like to stand directly above and take my shot. It's a method I use often for hauls etc...
Using my weekly capsule for this assignment 😉🤎

 

📚  Assignment 2b - Flatlay at an angle 

Spoiler

I liked trying this angle shot,  it  made working with the mirror in the compact easier. 😉

Its a very subtle angle shot, lol. But it looks nice I think. 

Questions after finishing Module 1
1. Based on this exercise, where (and, if applicable, when / what time) is the best lighting in your home (or wherever you are taking your photos) for your product photos?

Spoiler

I think for me anytime before the sun hits it's highest point in the sky make for the best pictures. The placement would be near or around the windows. In each room I have a place I gravitate towards that seems to get the kind of light in looking for 

2.  Do you have a preference for taking your photos overhead (traditional flatlay) or head on?

Spoiler

I prefer a traditional flat lay but I have experimented with standing my products up. I like both buuut flatlays are easier for me and therefore safe me time. 😉