Ashley Charlotte Odey
In the last blog post I shared some recent work with business owners creating relaxed and natural headshot profile images. When meeting Wendy Budd from Budds Apothecary she mentioned her friend was a talented make-up artist and we decided to team up for her shoot. The overall look was minimal and very natural but made all the difference both in terms of the final images and also in Wendy’s confidence infront of the camera.
Southsea based freelance make-up artist, Ashley Odey has been applying make-up and styling for over 11 years, drawing on her own background in design and photography and training with celebrity make-up artist Amanda Clarke. From working on editorial and corporate shoots, music videos, film, theatre and TV programmes such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ she’s developed her skill and a trained eye in applying make-up specifically for photographs.
Ashley shared her knowledge in applying the perfect base in preparation for the photoshoot – opting for a matte finish whenever possible to avoid the sheen look in photographs which can be caused by too much shimmer and sparkle. Her application of make-up to enhance contour and making features, such as eyes pop whilst creating a balanced palette was truly skillful.
During the session we discussed her inspiration, her current focus and her calmness which comes from her relaxation techniques.
What inspired you to start your freelance Make Up Artist business?
I have always been fascinated by the power of make- up since i was tiny, studying my mum’s make-up routine as she got ready (I learnt the cat flick from her as she never left the house with out it!) I remember my Nanny – a very glamorous Italian force of nature, teaching me how to achieve the perfect shade of lipstick by blending together three different colours and I’ve been experimenting ever since. Family and friends were victim to this growing up but eventually they started to ask me style their hair and apply their make-up for special occasions. So applying other people’s make-up as a profession has always felt fairly natural to me.
What did you do beforehand?
I completed a degree in 3-D Design, became a kitchen planner/ designer after my studies. Not until after the birth of my second daughter and meeting Amanda Clarke who offered to train me had I thought of becoming a professional makeup artist.
How do you relax/switch off?
I like to relax by meditating, reading magazines, books or watching films, and box sets, catching up with friends and yoga.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is always food, clothes and of course makeup!
What are you listening to at the moment, where did you hear it first – what do you like about it?
I’m listening to Jamie xx- In Colour, I like it because its quite dancy with good beats, and I love the steel drums used. I probably first heard it on BBC6 Music Radio station last Summer.
Favourite book?
I love books, have many favorites but the one that i have really enjoyed more recently is probably Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo – I’m reading Grace Jones’ autobiography at the moment.
Which is your favourite coffee shop and why?
Best coffee shop has to be Southsea Coffee Co, the coffee and food are amazing and my cousin works there.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Very simple advice – ‘Do what you love’.
What is on the front burner for you right now?
With Summer approaching so is Wedding Season. It’s an important part of my work. Combined with the use of top brand products and long lasting application techniques I provide tailor made bridal packages – it’s really important to me that the Bride feels confident and amazing on her special day.
If you’re looking to add session make-up to your package Ashley and I would love to work together and create some amazing portraits. If you’re interested in booking a session drop me a line and let me know if you’d like to hire a make-up artist as part of your package.
Perhaps you were disappointed with your Prom photographs or just didn’t get around to having some natural/relaxed photographs taken? It’s never too late to have an amazing portrait post-prom – another opportunity to wear your dress! Or book early for next year…..
Ashley is a Southsea based freelance make-up artist highly recommended by Moira Lizzie Photography! If you would like more information give her a call on 07920 484167 or email info@ashleycharlotteodey.co.uk
Moira is a Southsea photographer who works throughout Hampshire and the UK. She specialises in children and families and is a member of the British Association of Professional Child Photographers.For more details visit her website or facebook pages.
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