Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

Introduction to Contrast in Photography

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The use of contrast in photography is one of the most critical aspects of art. Knowing how to manipulate contrast will help improve your technique and photography overall. 

Contrast, simply put, means different. In photography, some of the most usual differences are changed by actually altering the changes in color or tone in the composition. Lowering or heightening the contrast in the photo can significantly alter the story your picture is telling. 

Creating an exciting color scheme involves some knowledge of color. You don’t need to have the eye for the color of Vincent Van Gogh; knowledge of or an on hand color wheel will suffice. A color wheel is a tool involved in a vast medium of art. It merely consists of the relationship between different colors. Using color schemes, you can play around with what colors provide. It’s easy to find complementary colors because they are located on the opposite side of the wheel.

An easy example is the juxtaposition of the colors green and red. They both compliment each other and cause their counterpart to pop or “stick out.” You can also classify colors into two categories, warm or cold. Combining a cold color with a warm color will provide contrast in your photo. 

The most popular form of contrast is called tonal contrast. Tonal contrast refers to the balance of brightness in different elements of an image. Those contrasting hues are very noticeable in black and white imagery. If the photo is both very dark and contains very bright tones, it has a high tonal contrast. If the image has a far range of tones from pure white to pure black, it is classified as a medium tonal interest. 

As you work on your photography and image editing sills, pay attention to your usage of contrast in both pre and post. Variation can change your story as much the actual image does. Play around with colors, tone, and brightness and, most importantly, have fun!

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!

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.