Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

5 Trends to Avoid This Winter

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The world of fashion is increasingly fast-paced. Trends seem to change at lightning speed. Last season’s must-haves quickly become this season’s faux pas. Avoid embarrassment this winter season. Don’t be caught dead in any of these out-of-style pieces.

 

  1. Cropped Coats

Cropped coats have been popular in the past, but it’s time for a new queen bee. This season is all about dramatic, full-length coats. They are warmer as well as more mature. A camel colored coat is a classic and timeless piece that fits this trend. A fur or faux-fur choice is a more glamorous and attention-grabbing option that also aids in providing sufficient warmth.

 

  1. Over-the-knee boots

Over-the-knee and thigh-high boots seemed to be everywhere over the last few years, knocking knee-high boots out of their once-popular ranking. Fashion is always cyclical, and knee-high boots have made a comeback. Equestrian boots are among the most popular styles. However, motorcycle boots and heeled animal print boots, such as snakeskin, are bolder choices that can add extra flair to your outfit. Avoid boots that rise above the knee if you want to appear fashion-forward this season.

 

  1. Mini Dresses

Mini dresses were a unique trend for winter in the past. Perhaps they were downright inappropriate since winter is not a time for warm-weather clothing. Mini dresses are being replaced with warmer, more appropriate options such as ankle-length or midi-length dresses.

 

  1. Vinyl

The age of vinyl is gone. Say good riddance to all the clear vinyl skirts and shoes especially. Many could argue that the vinyl trend was a faux pas to begin with, but in any case, it is gone for good. Leather has risen in its place instead. Leather lasts longer and looks better than vinyl. Vegan and vegetarians may choose a faux-leather option to keep in style with this trend.

 

  1. Boxy Silhouettes

Winter doesn’t have to mean being drowned in fabric. Loose, boxy silhouettes are a thing of the past. Far too often, boxy silhouettes translate as sloppy and lazy instead of effortless. The current style is more refined, feminine, and clean-cut. Choose figure-flattering silhouettes in luxurious, quality fabrics to look put together instead of careless in shapeless clothing.

How to Choose the Best Camera for You

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With so many different cameras on the market, choosing one can be quite a task. There are a few important criteria you can consider to make your choice a little easier. Here are three things you should consider in order to choose the perfect camera.

 

Budget

If your budget is in the lower ranges, say $500 or less, you’re already essentially making the decision to stick with lower-priced point-and-shoot cameras. High-quality, professional cameras will generally start around $2000. Anything in between is basically an “enthusiast” camera—you have some knowledge of photography, but you’re not in the big leagues yet. The good news is that even if you don’t have a big budget, you can still get a camera that produces a high quality photo.

 

Camera Types

There are three camera types: point-and-shoot, DSLR, and mirrorless. If you have a low budget, you’re probably going to automatically be shopping in the point-and-shoot category. However, if you have a bigger budget or you can splurge on whatever you’d like, this opens your options up to DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

 

Point-and-shoot cameras are named so because that’s all you really have to do. They are basic cameras that are easy to use and produce decent quality photos. DSLR cameras are a much better quality camera. The lenses are interchangeable, but they are more difficult to use. Mirrorless cameras are about the same quality as DSLR cameras (maybe even better), but they tend to be much more expensive, especially the higher-quality ones. Amateurs and professionals use all kinds of cameras.

 

Photography Goals

What you want to do with your photos as well as what type of photos determines the type of camera you need and what features are most important. Are you taking pictures for your leisure? Are you going to sell your photography? Perhaps you’ll be taking sports or action shots. All of these options require different features. If you aren’t sure what you’ll be shooting, aim for cameras with a lot of options or auto settings.

 

These three simple criteria can significantly reduce the plethora of camera choices. Once the choices are narrowed down, you can easily choose one that will be suitable for you. The perfect camera will quickly lead you to the perfect picture.

How Do Fashion Trends Become Popular?

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Fashion trends are important to everyone, even people who don’t put a lot of thought into fashion. Ask yourself, how many people do you see out in public who are wearing clothes that are not in style? Fashion trends seep into our minds consciously and unconsciously, and even individuals who are not interested in fashion tend to be influenced by what is mainstream. But why do fashion trends become popular?

 

In the past, fashion trends became popular due to the traditional model of originating in the fashion houses, then off to the magazines, and then bought by the consumers. However, now it is the 21st-century, and the Internet is a significant part of our world.

 

Because of the Internet, the way fashion trends become popular comes from more than just the runway. 

 

The Streets

We watch what people wear on the streets, particularly in popular cities like New York and Los Angeles, where people are known to be more fashion-conscious. As we pass one another on the streets, we consciously or unconsciously take in what people are wearing. For example, if you are a woman and see a large number of women carrying large handbags rather than small purses, chances are you’ll purchase a large bag over a small purse. This desire will be assisted by what will be available in stores because stores tend to reflect what we see on the streets.

 

Celebrities

We watch celebrities that we see on the Internet or that we observe on reality TV shows, and we’re influenced by what they wear. For example, arguably the most famous celebrity TV family is The Kardashians. We watch what Kim, Kendall and Kylie Jenner wear. We probably won’t spend as much as they do on an outfit, but stores make it a point to copy these styles at far more affordable prices because designers know that people are influenced by what they see.

 

Fashion Blogs

Another way we follow fashion trends is with the many fashion blogs that appear on the Internet. Following fashion blogs is more of a habit for a fashionista than your average woman. However, fashion blogs are prevalent in the 21st-century, and the most trafficked ones will influence how individuals perceive the latest styles and compose their own wardrobe.

 

Instagram

Social media is prevalent in the 21st-century, especially with the app Instagram. It has at least one billion users. What makes Instagram so conducive to fashion is because it is primarily a visual medium. Users upload their photos for people to view. There are millions of various fashion photos on Instagram that profoundly influence users.

 

Fashion trends become popular when they are easy to create and easy to afford. They are only popular when everyday people can wear them. Fashions exclusively among the very rich are not popular with everyone.

How to Define Your Style

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Many people experiment with style as they grow up. However, some of us prefer a defined sense of style into adulthood.  The first step to defining your own style might be to find a style icon. Browse magazines to find celebrities whose styles you like. Look for pieces that remind you of that person’s style and envision yourself wearing those articles.

 

Your current wardrobe can provide insight into your style. Look at the styles that you have multiple of, such as polka dots, that already define your style. On the other hand, if your wardrobe contains some outliers, you might not be as comfortable wearing that style, especially if you only wear those items infrequently. However, you may need to branch out from your comfort zone if you want to find your style, especially if your closet is currently full of sweatpants and t-shirts. Although it takes time to become comfortable with new fashion, it may be well worth it to define your style.

 

Once you’ve identified styles that you like, do a little research to find a name for it. Perhaps you prefer bohemian or modern fashion. Determining the right label can help you find more items that you’ll like that match your style when searching for ideas in magazines or online.

 

Whether it might be a certain style of handbags or sunglasses, matching jewelry, or some other aspect of your outfit, pick a signature item. Of course, you don’t need to wear the same signature piece. It’s okay if you have multiple black booties. They all create the same effect. The people who know you and your style will think of you whenever they see a similar piece!

 

Don’t get too caught up in fads. Something that looks great one season might seem incredibly dated the next year, not to mention a decade later. Furthermore, sometimes trends may not be flattering on you or make you feel comfortable when you wear them. Instead, look for pieces that won’t go out of style and that suit your tastes.

 

Once you’ve nailed down the overall look that will become your style, you can look at accessories, jewelry, and shoes that complete the look. Purses, belts, scarves, hats, or hairpieces can also be the finishing touch on the perfect outfit!

Fashion Trends of the 2010s

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Just like any other decade, the 2010s were full of many different fashions that make it unique to all others. To many of us, the 2010s seemed to have flown by. Here are some fashions from the 2010s.

 

Hipster Fashions

Hipster fashions took this decade by storm. “Vintage” clothing became all the rage as trendy, thrift-style stores popped up in urban areas. Mismatched clothing articles became a trend, and there were retro themes where people dressed in the fashions of previous time periods. In some places, it wasn’t completely unusual to see a guy dressed like someone in the 1920s. The 1980s, especially, was glorified in fashion. Music and clothing from that time period made a huge come back. The idea that clothing had to be stylish or hip was challenged, and more people felt comfortable sporting awkward, unique outfits.

 

Spike Heels

Spike heels were all the rage as teenagers and young women wore them to all kinds of special events. Whether it was a graduation or a night out, you would see people break out the six-inch heels.

 

Leggings

Leggings were especially big in the 2010s. They came in many different colors and prints, though the most common types of leggings worn were back. Wherever you went, you would see girls and women of all ages sport the skin-tight bottoms. People would dress their baby daughters, as well as themselves, in leggings. Even in the winter, people would commonly wear them even though a majority of leggings were relatively thin. Fortunately, “thermal” leggings were produced to provide people with more warmth in the winter.

 

Beards and Mustaches

Of course, in the 2010s, beards and mustaches still had bad stigmas among large swathes of people. However, they became popular among a certain subset of the population—particularly among people thrown into the “hipster” category. People grew long, thick beards and mustaches. There were even some men who styled their mustaches in eccentric ways.

 

These are just a few of the fashions that were unique to the 2010s. Beards and mustaches became popular among a certain subset of the population, despite retaining their negative stigmas among others. Females of all ages wore leggings, even in the cold. Young women wore tall heels to special events. Hipster fashions took the world by storm. Other trends like high-top sneakers and athleisure clothing also emerged and gained popularity among the general population.

What is a Daguerreotype and How Can You Spot One?

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Old family photo albums are an excellent way to connect with family from previous generations. The problem with most aged photo albums is the lack of information available to identify distant relatives. Without dates available, knowing how to visually identify photographic techniques used in these photos can help with determining approximate time periods these photos were taken. While hundreds of photographic techniques exist, only a handful was employed for family photographs including daguerreotyping.

 

What is a Daguerreotype?

The daguerreotype, named after its creator Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre, was the first commercial photographic technique utilized from 1839 to 1860. The daguerreotype was a one-of-a-kind image transposed on a highly polished silvered copper plate. The surface of the plate was sensitized to light via exposure to iodine or bromine gases. After exposure to a daguerreotype camera with a special lens, the plate was placed in a box to be developed with mercury vapor.

 

Characteristics of a Daguerreotype

There are distinct characteristics that can be used to identify a daguerreotype including time period and the materials used to display the photographs, including the cases, plates, and size of photographs. Daguerreotypes were available in Britain between the 1840s and early 1850s and were only accessible to middle and upper-class families because they were very expensive. Since daguerreotype photos were extremely delicate and easily blemished, they were always accompanied by protective cases most often formed with leather and faced with velvet or silk lining. Seeing that the daguerreotypes were transposed on highly polished silvered plates, they may appear as negative, positive, or a mirror depending on the angle at which they were viewed. In addition, these silver plates were susceptible to tarnish if exposed to the air. To prevent tarnish, the plates were sealed under glass. However, it’s very commonplace to spot tarnishing around the edges of the daguerreotype where the glass seal is impacted first. Lastly, daguerreotypes were used to keep account of natural phenomena, extraordinary events, and portraits to name a few. Be that as it may, the portrait was the most common and generally only came in very small sizes, usually in dimensions 2×3 inches.

 

Armed with an accurate definition and characteristics of daguerreotypes, spotting one is a little easier.

Creating Mixed Media Art with Photography

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Creating mixed media pieces is a fulfilling artistic activity to attempt with all types of wet and dry materials. Artists create mixed media pieces by combining any two types of media, such as acrylic paint with oil paints. However, mixed media artists aren’t limited to creating pieces with paint and other typical artist media. Photographers create works using mixed media by combining their photos with paint, pencil, pen, or other types of media. Many artists will experiment with developing their own unique methods of using various papers, photographs, and wet media to make collages of their own work.

 

Mixed Media Through the Ages

Although photography is a relatively new media for artists, mixed media works were popularized long before the invention of the camera. For example, Leonardo Da Vinci is known to have used gold leaf in his paintings. Even though photography is a viable media today, current artist Lawrence Weiner chooses to use text in his mixed media work. However, if someone is interested in creating works of art in the modern digital age, incorporating photographs into the composition is a viable option that might produce the desired result the artist aims to achieve.

 

Ways of Experimenting With Photographs

Watercolor:

Using watercolor paint on photographs adds a whimsical element to the picture that didn’t exist in the original. Photographs with watercolor take on a mysterious, unique quality. If an artist is unsure of how to begin with this technique, they should try printing a picture with plenty of white space on the edges.

 

Ink:

Artists use this technique to make their pictures stand out by adding shapes or colors to the original photograph. In order to avoid making mistakes on the original, it’s helpful to have an extra copy of the photograph. This gives the artist some freedom to experiment with ink without the fear of messing up the picture.

 

Collage:

Professionals recommend this technique to people who are hesitant about painting on their pictures. There’s something satisfying about cutting paper up to arrange it differently into a cohesive new piece. This technique for creating mixed media work often looks multidimensional. 

The 90s Fashion Revival Today

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One quick scroll on Instagram and it’s clear that the 90’s are back in a big way. While most would cringe at the reemergence of 90s trends and perhaps flashbacks of their own fashion snafus; its safe to say that there are trends worth rocking. Crop tops and mini skirts once made popular by Cher and her gang of friends in “Clueless” are making their rounds on the scene again. Track suits have also made their way back into the fashion circuit, with both men and women sporting them. Vintage graphic t-shirts and basketball jerseys from the 90s are also in heavy rotation on the streets and on social media.

 

Cosmetic brands, such as Kim Kardashian’s KKW Beauty, are also flashing back to the past with the release of 90s inspired makeup collections. Makeup trends that are popping up again are clear glass lip glosses, matte eyeshadows, thicker eyebrows, glitter, and lip liner. Accessories like tiny hand bags, charm earrings and necklaces, bucket hats and the ever popular Kangol hat are also making their comeback. The uber cool skater look has also been making a comeback these days. Chokers which were once very popular in the 90s are made new again. Whether a diamond, velvet or plastic choker, this accessory has become a favorite amongst teens and millennials alike.

 

Vans and Converse shoes are classic staples favored by many skaters and skate fans alike. Other 90s trends seen in footwear are platform shoes and combat boots. Doc Martens, which were very popular in the 90s have regained popularity with the rise of the 90s grunge look. Denim inspired by the 90s has also made a big comeback, with vintage retailers stocking classic Levis 501s. Mom jeans, which are characteristic of a higher waist and straight silhouette, are very popular and can be dressed up or down.

 

Overalls have come back in a big way and show no signs of disappearing anytime soon. Whether shorts or full overalls, these tried and true blues are unisex and can be styled a number of ways. Denim jackets are also on the scene again. Whether cropped, studded, patched up or plain, a denim jacket is 90s accessory that seems to be more of a staple than a trend. The grunge look is also making its rounds again with the help of flannel shirts, loose jeans and mini skirts.

Tilt-Shift Tips for Novice Photographers

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Most photographers are informed in the art of taking tilt-shift pictures.There are two options to achieve a professional tilt-shift image: use a 35mm lens when the picture is being taken or utilize an editing tool such as Adobe Photoshop, tiltshiftmaker.com, or an iPhone app to edit accordingly after the image has been captured.

 

Here are 4 tips for tilt-shift photography to help you produce quality work.

 

  1. Take a high-quality photo using the right positioning.

 

Most tilt-shift photographs feature cityscapes or other scenery. For the best results, you need to capture a good picture to start. Take the photo in an aerial view, but do not take it from too high above the focus. By following this tip, the point of interest in the image can be emphasized from the depth of the background. Before capturing the photo, consider the point of interest that will be emphasized with the 35mm lens or where you will edit the picture after capturing.

 

  1. Select a simplistic looking scene so it is easier and cleaner for miniature faking.

 

Miniature faking is a way of making photo looking like a scale model when compared to the real thing.

 

Capturing the perfect tilt-shift image is best done using a simplistic scene. For example, a field scene with a few trees and a house is simpler than an image of bustling Times Square in New York City. Focusing the house would be simpler and more effective than making the people in Times Square that is captured in a photo a point of interest. However, advanced photographers have achieved great success in capturing busy scenes and applying the tilt-shift effect, so this is not to limit you in your creative pursuits.

 

  1. If you are using Photoshop, utilize these tips.

 

Select a point of interest in the scene and apply certain filters for successful miniature faking. Strategically placing the blur gradient and applying then Lens Blur filter will enhance the chosen point of interest. Applying 30% master saturation level is the next step. Finally, utilize the Curves tool to give the photo contrast to complete the miniature faking look.

 

  1. Make sure the photo is at it sharpest with great lighting for an enhanced presentation.

 

This tip is especially important if the photo will be edited in Photoshop or via another editing tool. The scene must be sharp and defined with the best lighting possible so that the point of interest is well emphasized during the miniature faking process. Hence, it is also advised not to take wide shots of scenes.

Top Photography Programs

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There are many exceptional photography programs to research when applying to a school. To give a potential student a starting point for program consideration, four websites were evaluated for their top picks. The following programs are rated on the consulted sites.

 

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Santa Clarita is a private school. The goal of this program is to produce graduates who become artists working in analog and digital photography or video. Social commentary is supported as is involvement in grassroots organizations. Aside from artists, the career paths of graduates have included documentarians, educators, editorial and commercial photographers, journalists, curators, designers, and photographic entrepreneurs.

 

The University of California in Los Angeles is a program that is geared towards using photography to create art. A student’s ability to discuss the history of photography and its narrative potential is stressed while video and installation art are also explored. UCLA is a public university that was ranked first in this category by U.S. News & World Report in 2018.

 

Rhode Island School of Design is an art and design college located in Providence that has been consistently ranked as one of the top schools for art and design in the world. Its approach is to teach how symbols, metaphors, and cultural cues can be incorporated into image making. Creating photography is combined with learning how to interpret photographic images, thereby treating the venue as a craft and a language.

 

The Art Institute of Chicago‘s photography program teaches students to redefine photographic concepts. Technical and conceptual mastery are considered integral to a student’s ability to discuss their work and the work of other photographers. This independent school is located in downtown Chicago and has been rated as the most influential art school by Columbia University’s National Arts Journalism survey.

 

The University of New Mexico was found on all referenced websites, demonstrating its relevance and prominence. This program seeks to cultivate a student’s intellectual and aesthetic growth through visual literacy. Lens-based techniques are incorporated into a student’s acquired skill set. The school is a public university located in Albuquerque.

 

There are several variables to consider when choosing a photography program. Whether the school is private or public, its geographic location, and what type of career a student wants to pursue post graduation are important factors to evaluate. The programs listed in this article are all held in high regard; finding the right fit for a student’s desired qualities in a school just needs to be determined.