Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

Things To Consider When Buying A Tripod For Your DSLR Camera

by

tripod for DSLR camera - marissa elman

A digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is a popular tool among modern photographers. DSLR’s can be utilized for either fun or professional photo shoots depending on the advanced capabilities it may have. One of the more popular tools utilized with this camera is a tripod. That is why the following list of things to consider before buying a tripod for your DSLR camera has been created. The considerations are as follows:

 

  • Why Is It Needed?
  • What Price Is Too High?
  • What Is The Most Important Factor?

 

Why Is It Needed?

 

While this may seem obvious, it is worth the time to truly investigate why this tripod is being purchased. If it is just to take a few photos once or twice a year, rental equipment may serve the purpose better. If instead, it is viewed as an investment in a photography career, it can serve dozens of purposes and be a useful tool day in and day out. For example, low light situations are ideal for tripod use and this investment opens up a whole new group of photographic possibilities such as this and many others.

 

What Price Is Too High?

 

For amateur photographers, an average or even lower priced tripod may be more than enough. For professional photographers however, the extra expense may be well worth it. The additional features that are afforded with more expensive tripods will pay for themselves in the long run because of the added capabilities that it provides. Price shopping is essential to making the proper purchase.

 

What Is The Most Important Factor?

 

There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a tripod. Some photographers require the tripod to be lightweight as to easily transport it across rough terrain. This can be highly beneficial to photographers that frequently shoot in nature. If the tripod is too heavy, it may make the trek into the wilderness nearly impossible. Height is also a contributing factor. If the tripod fails to be able to shoot from a range of heights, it may serve less useful than was originally thought.

 

Tripods can be highly beneficial to professional photographers. That is why it is so imperative to consider all of the above questions and so many more before finally deciding to pull the trigger and purchase one.

 

What NOT to Wear to the Office This Summer

by

What not to wear to the office this summer - Marissa Elman

Whether you’re absolutely tired of the heat or not, you can’t exactly throw on your jean shorts and hit the office. One thing is for sure, whoever invented air conditioning is both a genius and a hero. Hopefully, your office has it, but, you still have to wade through the inaugural heat wave to get there. With all the how to’s out there we thought this subject deserved the reverse with what NOT to do. So, here is what NOT to wear to the office during the summer.

 

  1. Do NOT wear shorts

Shorts don’t even fit the bill for business casual, let alone full business attire. Maybe you work for an office that has casual Friday’s and you can ask your boss about wearing shorts then? But for the most part, it’s just inappropriate. We know, it’s hot, you’ve probably got a nice summer glow going on those lovely legs of yours, but you still can’t wear shorts to the office!

 

  1. Do NOT wear sunglasses indoors

It isn’t cool and is it absolutely NOT ok in the office. Keep your shades outdoors for when you actually need shade, not indoors. We all know there is no reason for you to use them inside. You’ve got about a 2- minute window to get them off and into your bag before the people will notice. Get to it!

 

  1. DON’T be a shoobie

If you are unfamiliar with what a shoobie is, it is a person who wears socks with sandals, kind of pulling off the combined style of a tourist/surfer- aka NOT ok for the office. Stick to your regular close-toed shoes or, if you’re a woman, you might get lucky with some open-toed heels.

 

  1. Do NOT wear ripped clothing

Ripped jeans, ripped t-shirts, ripped jackets, anything ripped- don’t do it! It is unprofessional and should be saved for out-of-office activities.

 

  1. Do NOT wear yoga pants, crop tops, or tank tops

We know, we know, yoga pants are so comfortable! You still can’t wear them to the office. Same goes for trendy tank tops and crop tops. If you can wear it to the gym, you shouldn’t be wearing it to the office, plain and simple.

 

Whatever you do, use this list as a guide when planning your outfit for the office during the summer months!

Fashion Icons in History

by

Fashion Icons in History

There has always been an interest in what everyone around you is wearing, especially the elite – the celebrities, the movie stars, royalty. We look to them for inspiration and can still spot their influence, decades later.

 

Here are a few big names that just might sound familiar, and the fashion influence they brought to the table:

 

Grace Kelly

To say Grace Kelly influenced fashion is equivalent to saying Leonardo da Vinci painted a few pictures. This actress-turned-princess was one of the first in Hollywood to really  develop her own “signature style” and became well-known for her uncluttered, clean-cut look. She appreciated simplicity and elegance and was a firm believer in wearing pieces you love more than once, which is why she has been photographed wearing the same dress at multiple events. Almost unheard of in the entertainment industry!

 

Grace Kelly is also one of the first to inspire fashion houses – does the Hermes Kelly bag sound familiar? That’s because it was designed for Grace herself. When she married into Monaco’s royal family, she continued to play by her own rules and set trends each and every day.

 

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn is another style icon known for her clean lines and crisp look, and if you’re still not entirely sure why, maybe the words “Little Black Dress” will jog your memory. That’s right – we have Audrey Hepburn to thank for making the idea of a versatile little black dress fashionable again, even decades later after Coco Chanel initially introduced the idea. Audrey made the look fresh again, and as evident in Breakfast At Tiffany’s, the public really took to it. That, and her infamous black capris.

 

While many of her outfits had the look of men’s fashion, there was no doubt of her femininity even during a period where bold patterns and wide skirts were the norms. Audrey kept her look clean and simple, and many still emulate her today.

 

Madonna

Everyone knows Madonna, and unlike Grace or Audrey, it’s not because she kept her outfits simple. She changed the pop music game starting in the 1980s, and it’s never been the same since, and neither has fashion. Her outfits have spanned styles from punk, western, androgynous, military, even geisha and a touch of S&M, and no one really knows what she’s going to wear next, even now. Her outfits often reflected the tone of her music – for “Material Girls,” Madonna channeled her inner Marilyn Monroe. For “Vogue,” she drew from Horst P. Horst’s famous 1939 photograph. Her influence is alive and well today, too. If it weren’t for Madonna, who knows if crop tops would have taken off nearly to the extent that they have?

 

Whatever Madonna was wearing, people were taking note. Whether that meant a cone-shaped bra and pink corset, or simply befriending and wearing a new designer, all eyes were on Madonna for the next trend.

Subscription Boxes: Getting Fashion in the Mail

by

subscription boxes - marissa elman

 

If you’re into fashion but your schedule is too busy and doesn’t allow you hours each month to shop for clothes, a subscription box could be a great solution.

 

Gwynnie Bee

 

This subscription service offers sizes 10 to 32 and allows their members to have a lot of control in what gets delivered to their door, but also has an element of surprise because you never know what you’ll find on the site! Create an account and search through their inventory, adding individual pieces to your online closet that catch your eye. Once the items arrive on your doorstep, you can choose to send them back if they don’t appeal to you, buy them outright if you absolutely have to have it, or you can even choose to wear them a couple of times and return them later.

 

Stitch Fix

 

If you’re looking to expand your wardrobe with pieces you may never think to add, Stitch Fix is an excellent choice. First make an account and fill out your sizing information and personal preferences when it comes to clothing, and one of their personal stylists will put together a small collection and send it to you. The styling fee is $20, but shipping is free. Once you receive your subscription box, you can choose to keep the items and pay the cost for each, or send them back for free.

 

Fabletics

 

Keep yourself motivated to stay in shape by signing up for a Fabletics membership. This is a monthly subscription service that delivers workout outfits to your door. The styles are released every month and you can pick an outfit you love so you can showcase it the next time you hit the gym.

 

The Rachel Zoe Box of Style

 

If you don’t want to get clothing in the mail but still want a great subscription service, check out Rachel Zoe’s service. The Rachel Zoe Box of Style is delivered once each quarter, costing $100 and contains several high-quality items based on the upcoming season.

Microblading: Things to Know Before Making the Appointment

by

marissa elman

 

The practice of microblading has become the latest brow craze in the efforts to achieve thicker, fuller and more beautiful brows. Brow tinting seems like a thing of the past, as many are now opting for the semi-permanent, effortless brows applied by licensed cosmetic tattoo artists. For those thinking brow microblading could be the solution for thin, sparse brows, here are some important things to consider before making the appointment.

 

Microblading is essentially a form of cosmetic tattooing:

 

Unlike a typical tattoo, microblading is done with a handheld tool instead of a machine. As it is still applied with a needle, depending on the pain threshold of the client, a very minimal amount of discomfort should be expected. The treatment can also take up to two hours to complete.

 

The pigment is bladed in tiny, hair-like strokes to resemble natural brow hairs. This form of tattooing is not implanted as deep within the skin as a regular tattoo would be, so the pigment will naturally fade over 18-24 months.

 

Take proper care and precautions before appointment:

  • Stop all use and consumption of blood-thinners, chemical peels and retinol a full week before the scheduled treatment
  • Do not wax, tan or overexpose skin to sun for at least three days prior to appointment
  • Skip the coffee and other caffeinated drinks on the day of the appointment 

After-treatment care is just as important:

  • Protect brows from water and moisture prior to treatment—avoid sweating and washing face with water
  • Take care to avoid any situation that might infect the freshly bladed skin with dirt, bacteria or other debris
  • Vaseline or aftercare ointment may be applied to calm itchiness and redness, but do not scratch, touch or irritate treated area as it heals
  • Similar to a regular tattoo, bladed brows may fade in prolonged exposure to the sun—after brows have healed, be sure to apply sunscreen when outdoors

 

Remember, microblading requires maintenance:

A follow-up appointment is recommended 4-6 weeks after the first blading, where the technician will touch up any hairs and adjust coloring. To keep brows looking flawless, touch-ups are required about every six months.

 

With first-time treatment costs that can cost up to $900, it is important to understand that the microblading process is a long-term investment that will require consistent upkeep.

 

Sources:

http://info.gotbeauty.com/blog/all-the-microblading-information-youll-ever-need

http://www.elle.com/beauty/a37438/semi-permanent-eyebrow-microblading/

 

Tips for Photographing a Wedding

by

For professional and amateur photographers alike, working at a wedding can be both a learning and enjoyable experience. Not only is it a chance to showcase your photography skills and get creative with new shots, it’s also a great way to build up your clientele and gain new business. The following are tips for getting the best possible shots on your clients’ most important day of their lives.

 

Meet with your client beforehand

Most weddings require weeks or months of planning and can be stressful for both the photographer and the two getting married, but it doesn’t need to be. When you meet your clients for the first time, it’s a good idea to bring along a few ideas, whether or not they’d like you to use props, and ask questions about the venue. Some couples choose to take photos with their car or will request that a classic car be sent to the venue. Knowing this beforehand will allow you to plan out creative shots prior to that day.

 

Once your clients decide to go with you for their wedding, make sure you draft a contract for them to sign. Unfortunately, couples don’t always make it to their actual wedding day, and the contract will give you peace of mind when it comes to receiving payment.

 

Ask what shots they like

Nowadays everyone is on Pinterest, and couples will probably have a good idea of what shots they’d like to see taken during their wedding. Coordinating their shot ideas and mixing some of your own will only help guide you through the day with a bit of ease. It’s a good idea to give them a form they can fill out with the different shots they’d like to see after you’ve had a chance to develop them. Shots like the kiss after the vows and photos of them cutting the cake are ones that go without saying, but for the more creative pictures, it’s a great idea to have a list so they don’t spring them on you the day of the wedding.

 

Meet the Maid of Honor and/or Best Man

The ones that get this honor in the wedding are oftentimes either relatives or close friends that have known the couple for a long time. The couple will more than likely be quite overwhelmed the day of, and these two people can be invaluable in helping corral people that need to get their pictures taken into the room with you.

 

Go to the rehearsal

Make it a point to attend the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. This allows you to really plan out your day the night before. Make sure the lighting is how you need it to be, you have space for your gear, and you have a safe place for your equipment on that day.

Want Free Makeup? Sign Up For These Rewards Programs

by

Want Free Makeup- Sign Up For These Rewards Programs

Beauty products are very well known for coming in small packages with large price tags. With that in mind, like most people you probably would love any rewards program that can alleviate some of that financial burden. These programs offer many perks which include free products after a period of time. Take a look of some of the beauty store rewards programs you might want to sign up for.

 
Sephora: Sephora’s Beauty Insider

Sephora is one of the most popular beauty stores, and they have a wonderful multi-leveled rewards program that benefits its’ customers’ spending. At Level one requires a small amount of purchasing to reach and it rewards you with a free birthday gift and beauty classes that teach things about makeup and other beauty topics. As you continue up the levels such as VIB and VIB Rogue you will be able to enjoy perks such as free and exclusive gifts, seasonal discounts, promo codes, and one free custom makeover. Along with that, you can also expect to receive free two-day shipping, a private hotline to answer all your beauty questions, and invitations to private parties and product launches.

 

M.A.C: M.A.C Select (Back to M.A.C)

M.A.C is another popular store with a great program that has numerous benefits that are beyond the basic free shipping, free samples, and anniversary gift. They also have the Back to M.A.C program where you receive a free lipstick, or eyeshadow, or gloss if you join the M.A.C Select program by returning original packaging for six M.A.C products to your local store. Other rewards include a free 30-minute makeup application, first glimpse at new collections, and free two-day shipping on orders of $50 and more when you spend $150 within the year. Now if you decide to go all in and spend $500 in a year, you will receive two 60-minute makeup applications, early access to new collections, and an even better anniversary gift.

 

Ulta: Ulta’s Ultimate Rewards

Ulta’s Ultimate Rewards program has a great points system that allows you to be rewarded for each dollar your spend. For every dollar spent, whether in-store or online, you receive a point. These points can be saved and redeemed for virtually any product in the store. You will also receive email offers where you can earn the double, triple, and even quadruple the amounts of points you would normally earn. During your birthday month, you can earn double the points when you make a purchase as well as a free birthday gift. Also when you spend $450 in a year, you can go up to the Platinum level where you will earn 1.25 expiration proof points, along with a ten dollar coupon to go with your free birthday present.

 

Sally Beauty: Sally Beauty Club

This one might seem a bit unpopular as unlike most other beauty rewards programs which are free, Sally Beauty’s Sally Beauty Club has a five dollar fee. However, the upside to that is that as soon as you sign up, they spot you with five dollars, so it’s almost like signing up for free. They also offer many great perks such as a fifteen percent discount when you spend $25 in a month.

 

Fashion Trends for Fall of 2017

by

Fall Fashion Trends 2017 - Marissa Elman

 

It’s almost time to put away the flip flops and get ready for Pumpkin Spice Lattes and the cool fashion trends that follow with the autumn season. As we head into fall, it’s time to check your wardrobe and make sure you’re ready to start it off on the right foot with these trends that are sure to be hot this year. Fashion week was held back in February, but the styles seen then help to set the stage for the fall’s trends to follow.

 

Denim

A timeless classic for anyone’s wardrobe is denim, and for the past few years, skinny jean denim has been the go-to style for many women. This fall, designers and trendsetters have decided to take a more structured take on this classic by creating more structured separate pieces like tailored jackets and skirts with clean lines. For jeans, we’re looking at high waisted and looser on the leg pants, rather than tight skinny jean styles we’ve seen over the years.

 

We’re also seeing more denim on denim looks for this season, allowing you to pair your favorite pair of jeans with an always-comfortable jean jacket.

 

Subdued floral prints

Florals for spring are typically a given, but florals rarely make waves in the fall. Rather than bright, colorful floral prints, we’re seeing flowers in subdued or even neutral shades. For this trend, aim for dark colored floral prints that are the opposite of pastel.

 

Trumpet sleeves

Shirts with sleeves that flared out made waves in the 70s and it seems like they are right on trend again. This look can be achieved with neutral colored shirts and dresses as it adds some fun to a simple garment. Or, go bold with a strong pattern or rich colored dress for some drama. This nod to the era of disco will add some flair to your fall wardrobe.

 

Glittery shoes

Last year, nude heels were all the rage as they were a way to elongate your legs and went with absolutely every outfit. This fall season, consider going on the opposite end of the spectrum by adding some sparkle to your shoe collection by investing in a pair of glittery shoes. While they still are likely to pair with multiple outfits, sparkly shoes will add some panache to your wardrobe.

 

Most Instagrammable Spots in Manhattan

by

marissa elman

 

Are you planning to travel to the “Big Apple” in the near future? New York City is filled with incredible spots that are sure to make anyone’s Instagram account shine.  Make sure you have Instagram uploaded onto your phone, grab your camera, and plan out your trip to include these locations so can snap some awesome pictures of this iconic city.

 

Manhattanhenge

The phrase was originally coined by astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and it is the event when the sun sets between the buildings that run east to west. This will require a little bit of planning beforehand to make sure you’re there whenever this happens, but the photos are worth the extra bit of planning you have to do. This phenomenon takes place because New York City is set up as a grid, allowing the sun to perfectly rise or set between the buildings during the winter or summer solstices.

 

Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building, located at 175 5th Avenue, is definitely one of the most iconic buildings of Manhattan. This triangular-shaped skyscraper stands out on the street and is easy to photograph from practically any angle be it ground-level or aerial. The building gets its name from it’s shape, as an iron is of a similar shape.

 

Central Park

This large park in the center of Manhattan gives its visitors beautiful glimpses of the city from a lovely landscape. The park itself has so many lovely features like sprawling fields, lakes, and sculptures. An afternoon in Central Park, regardless of what time of year you visit, is sure to bring about some Instaworthy shots.

 

Helicopter Rides

Viewing New York from a helicopter is a fantastic way to get a new perspective of its majestic features, while also giving you the opportunity to snap some one-of-a-kind shots. A short ride will certainly make you fill up the memory in your camera and will definitely be an unforgettable experience. It can be costly, but if you’re able to save up, it’s worth it to take the ride at least once.

 

Highline

Originally a part of the New York City Railroad, this elevated park is located on the west end of the city. Walking along the old railroad bridge will allow you to spot various New York City structures and take pictures of the iconic skyline.

’90s Fashion Trends That are Making a Comeback

by

Marissa Elman - 90s fashion

Fashion trends from the 1990’s are anything but boring. From bright colors to muted plaid, the ‘90s showed us a variety of trends that have largely remained dormant until just recently. The following trends are now back on the fashion scene for those of us who are willing to relive that decade.

 

Doc Martens

These chunky boots have definitely made a comeback. This staple shoe was found in most teenager’s closets in the 1990s. Today, this versatile footwear can be dressed up with a cute frock or dressed down with jeans.

 

Plaid

During the 1990s, grunge was in the music scene and oversized plaid was all the rage. It started making an appearance on skirts, blazers, hats, etc once Clueless hit theaters. In today’s fashion, plaid has made a serious comeback and can be seen in some of the most high-end retailers.

 

Jelly Sandals

Children of the ‘80s and ‘90s will remember the plastic sandals called “jellies.” These sandals often came in a wide assortment of colors and are a throwback to the carefree days of childhood. Now, jelly sandals are seen on the runway and in fashion magazines, once again, in every color under the sun.

 

High-waisted jeans

A decade ago, ultra low rise jeans were popular, but we’re now starting to see high-rise make its way back into fashion. Once declared “mom jeans” are now seen on runway models during fashion week. To wear this look, find good-fitting jeans that hug your curves and pair them with a fitted shirt or crop top.

 

Neon

In the 1990s, neon was typically paired with more neon, and the wearer sometimes looked like a rainbow color explosion. Nowadays, the neon trend is back in fashion but the bright colors are typically paired with a neutral color. If you want to try this look, make the neon a statement piece and wear neutral colors as well, especially black.

 

Choker Necklaces

The majority of girls of the ‘90s wore choker necklaces almost every day, especially the tattoo style choker. Now, these necklaces that sit tighter on the neck are even hotter than ever this year.