Don't be Camera Shy part 1

Flicking through Scratch magazine my eyes feast on the assorted images plastered over the pages, delicate digits tipped with glittery gems, fruity colours shown off in glorious Technicolor all designed to inspire me.
Out of everything I do, from creating nails on my clients, demonstrating at shows, holding seminars and workshops worldwide the most satisfying is capturing my work on film, immortalizing my creations for thousands to view. But I am no photographer and like most I certainly didn’t know the difference between pixels and Dpi’s. But with a few basic rules and some easy steps to follow, compact in hand you too can take pictures to be proud of.
This two part tutorial will give you a glimpse of what you can achieve with your compact camera and some desk lamps. Covering styling and using props, getting the best from your camera with some lighting tricks and macro functions, using colour to create emotions and tension, plus the power of reflecting and diffusing light.

Styling your photos is a valuable tool which helps sell it to the viewers, makes them want more of what you’re offering. This will determine if your photo will be accepted by editors, to illustrate articles, newsletters and blogs, your images can become attention grabbing promotional shots, or win competitions, and become front covers.
Your image has to present a unique and cohesive presence to attract the interest of the viewer. In professional circles the stylist is the person who works closely with the photographer and art director helping to create an enhanced and thoughtful photo. But at the moment with compact in hand you are all of the above, and it makes styling your shot one of the most important roles. If you employ a photographer he or she will still require you as the client to style the photo shoot.

Step 1 - What does your image tell you?
Consider the subject and the story behind the image, what is the message you’re trying to convey? Why are you taking the shot? Is it to sell services to your clients, photograph competition material, following the criteria laid out in the rules, are you hoping it will be a consideration in the magazines? It is important to know what the reasons for taking the photo so here is a check list of things to remember;
What are you trying to say?
What are you selling?
What are the obvious qualities – colour, texture, shape, design, functions?
What are the hidden attributes – uses, interesting alternatives?
What is the social setting where these nails will be worn?
Were they created using a special process
Is it a natural process?

What inspired you to create the nails?
What is interesting about the subject?

Using this list will help you come up with a clear and concise idea of the message you’re trying to get across. Keeping an open mind while working through your list and consider some of the points to style your photo. Remember at all times your job is to open the viewers mind to the possibilities.
Step 2 - Setting up the shot
Gather props which enhance the subject, use your list to decide the story your trying to tell and gather ‘stuff’ to help you. I have a box full of bits and bobs collected over the years which I can dip in to. Start your treasure chest now, and fill it with leather bound books from second hand shops, multi colored ribbons and cloth no longer needed, interesting stones, shells and pieces of wood collected on walks. One of the best places to find unusual shaped vases and trinket boxes are the pound shops. There is a wealth of discarded tat which can become your savior in charity and jumble sales every where. Keep your eyes open and collect, because they become ideas and inspiration for your next photo.
Examples of props to convey a message;
Natural – muted colours, pine cones, soil, water, leaves, wood
Tools of the trade – powders, glitters, cuticle pushers, nail files, creams
Needle and threads, buttons and cloth
Paints and sketches, pencils and paper, ink and quills and books.
Food like sweets, fruit and chocolate
Step 3 - Taking the pictures
Set up your shot using only one or two props, position the hands on a plain background to show them off at their best; don’t clutter the image with unnecessary additional colours. When taking your photo’s force yourself to study the area around the hands and nails checking for shadows, make sure the position of the hands are flattering and not ridged, and more importantly nothing is obscuring or distracting your eye away from the nails. Your looking to see if the props and back drop bring out the best so be self critical and direct yourself looking at different angles and positions. Move the props around, take some away or add some more. You can change the focus of the image by moving the angle of the camera and lighting. This process may take some time, and a lot of clicks of the camera, but be patience you will know when you have that perfect shot. sometimes I come away with an image that took only 10 minutes, but then there are others that have taken 2 or 3 hours before I am happy with the final shot. The most important thing to remember when styling your own shot is to be free, don’t fixate on one idea, playing is the key to learning and developing.

Points to remember

1 After making the decision to create an image you need to decide what you’re going to photograph, develop your idea and create a story for your image; it will make it easier when you’re styling the shot.
2 Manipulate lighting, add texture and vary location or completely new looks to your imagery.
3 The simplest styling can really give flair and drama to your shot, even humor can go a long way to expressing the image.
4 If you’re using the photos to advertise your salon it is import to create a consistent and inviting look, keep the styling similar and use it to express your passion for your craft.
5 Finding the model and time, this is not a quick process and can be demanding on the model. I normally set aside one day to take two shots. Spend time in the morning to apply the nails the afternoon is free to take the photos and style the shot.
6 Touch ups, unfortunately this is also important and can make or break an image. There are many programs available alternatively there are photographers and graphic designers who will do this for you, touching out the back ground, air brushing the blemishes and making the image saleable.

Show off your passion, share with others your skills and develop your portfolio through photo’s. Next month we will be looking at your camera and how you can get the best from it and why colour is so important.
TUTORIAL – EXERCISE 1
Follow this simple exercise and send your images to info@sambiddle.co.uk for feedback.
Using the following three items as props, style a photo of nails, remember your going to tell a story with your image, do not detract from the nails and sell your designs…..without words.
Props to use –
1. Book or books,
2. Candle or candles,
3. Reading glasses.
You don’t need to use all the props in your photo.


Based on Sam Biddle’s photographic workshop this tutorial will help technicians who want to illustrate their designs and share them with others. The workshop offers an in-depth and practical solution to learning some simple techniques and skills, utilizing the expertise of Stuart Dibben from SJD Photography, http://sjdphotography.photium.com. List of workshops are available on www.sambiddle.co.uk or contact Sam on info@sambiddle.co.uk

Latvia

I have now recovered from my vodka induced trip to Latvia, having sifted through the piles of do lists on my desk and filed them in their usual place, I can now spend a little time sharing with you my experience in the Baltic's.







Having been invited for the second time now, I love working with Oniks Beta, which one of the largest distributors in Latvia, stocking a range of products from OPI, Super nail, Odessay, as well as natural nail care, they also have an extensive training programme which provides government led training and private tuition. Elena Tarlavskaya, one of the most influential women within the industry in her country and has not only been responsible for building this amazing business but has also been instrumental for the structured and organized the competition in Latvia.



I was asked to judge, demo and hold a seminars out there, and of course the best part was seeing all those talented technicians spin their creative idea's onto nails using paints and acrylic. Mastering the medium in Fantasy 3D and nail art and coming up with some spectacular results. The judging is of course a glamours affair, with a parade of models on a catwalk,music, lights and interviews.




I have to say my favorite didn't come first place but all the nails were spectacular. I will never make a Simon Cowle, I think perhaps I am too soft, knowing the amount of thought and effort which goes into each set of nails, I appriciate the skills regardless of how complex or limited. What I enjoy seeing is the passion these girls have and the 'peace they acheive when they are lost in their 'creative moment'. With each nail supporting the subject Autumn pearls, the competitior had the task of making them stand out, what strikes me is differnt to the UK & US competitions is that the models where given simmilar costumes to wear, and it was the nails which had to represent the catagory. I think I would prefer to see an overall look created by the technicians to complete their design, from hair, makeup to a funky costume, incluing a mood board and steps, for us to see a creative process.

This year there was a new category in the competition; pedicure, and I was honoured to be asked to judge.
It was an amazing experience and something which I will write
about in more depth for Scratch magazine in January.
Demoing on the stand is always a good experience and made better with the company of Danny Phung from O.P.I, global guest artist from Canada, Danny was also asked to judge the Pink and white category. Working with other guest artists from around the world is certainly a perk of the job, and learning from each other can only go to strengthen skills.











My only regret is that I couldn't stay longer, the people are very hospitably and I enjoy their company, with a visit booked in the diary for 2009, I have some exciting things to offer them in the new year.

It has been a busy couple of weeks, but one of the highlights was my mini road trip around the Cornish and Devonshire Colleges. Ez Flow Nail Systems new distributor Anna Curtis invited me along on round robin of some of the best colleges in the South West.

With only 2 hours at each venue, we were able to show these new technicians some amazing products and fantastic un-seen techniques. We visited Truo college, and then zoomed off to St Austel's with only 10 mins to spare, after a quick Big Mac in the car we hiked up the motorway to Plymouth city college.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the College tutors for inviting us and making us feel so very welcome.

The main comments from all the students was 'how new' design and colour is, or 'seeing something fresh and exciting' where before the south west has been forgotten. Out on the fringes of the nail industry our new generation tech does not realize the potential of there own chosen career, and for me it was exciting to talk to them and show them what can be achieved.

Of all the things I do, demoing in different lands, developing workshops to get the best out of you and even writing on the blog and in the magazines, visiting the colleges is the most rewarding, because I know if one one of those many many women are inspired enough they can go on to make some fantastic waves of change in the future.

If you would like more infomation about Ez Flow in the South then plese contact Anna on; nifty-nails@hotmail.com, or telephone her on 07983025157.

Preview of new design DVD

Here it is a sneaky peak of my New DVD. Jam packed full of both acrylic and Gel design steps, this DVD will be released in March 2009.

But for you I wanted to show a little something, because I just can't wait. The amazing front cover on Scratch this month - Dangerous Liaisons, a gel design utilizing the now all too popular stilletto is just one of the exciting nails featured.

If you can't wait to find out how to create this look you can always download the step by steps on my download page at http://www.sambiddle.co.uk/.

be inspired...worldwide.

With 60% of my website traffic coming from overseas, I thought I would post alittle something about the up and coming roadshow dates in Latvia, Malta, Sweden, Greece & USA. It is a great thing when I see my little map on my Stat's page, full of yellow dots, every week I see more popping up world wide. I love receiving emails from talented techs in far flung places like Cape Town and New Zealand, my inbox is full of questions and examples of work from Japan and New Dehli. Feeling very privilidged to have so many people from all over the world in my little virtual address book I thought it would be great to let you know about some up and coming dates I have in the planning stages at the moment;

I will attending the Hair, Nails and Beauty show in Latvia, where I will be demoing on the Oniks Beta stand and have a 2 hour fantasy seminar booked, so please come and visit me on the 31st October to 2nd November. To book your place on my seminar contact Julia on oniksbeta@hotmail.com



Fantasy inspire class - 21st November in Malta, for more information on this unique class contact Sue Caruana at Beauty Inc on 21381275, her mobile is 9944 2860, alternativly you can email Sue for your info pack on lightconceptnails@hotmail.co.uk.




I have the pleasure of working with Iryna's Nails in Sweden, where I will be holding a 3 day Inspire workshop next year in May. For more information contact Bob Giblett on P: +46 706 324228 or Email him on bob@irynasnails.com. Check out Iryna's work on http://www.irynasnails.com/



With a huge interest from Greek techs, I am collecting names and emails, so if you want me to secure a date for 2009, please email me on info@sambiddle.co.uk








The USA is such a huge country with a wealth of talented techs, and deciding on the best place to host an event is difficult, I am calling out for all techs who haven't yet registered your interest in this road show please mail me on info@sambiddle.co.uk.


If you would like more infomation on these events or those held in the UK, you can visit my website on http://www.sambiddle.co.uk/, the events page has a list of UK dates in London, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Birmingham and Cornwall, as well as a list of Ez Flow classes.

Creative Thinking

Once you have learned the craft of nails and earning a living, should you continue to develop yourself and your skills to create some truly amazing work?” Working on bettering yourself and your skills is the first step to being a successful technician, start today with these six simple steps.

Step 1 - Nail Technicians are Creative People!
The next time you think "I can never come up with good ideas," remember this; there is a countless number of useful ideas and innovative thoughts in all of us. You are brilliant, yes this is a fact and it is your life that makes you brilliant. Your life is unique, full of obstacles and inspiration. Take some time to remember every situation you have encountered, every problem you have faced, and the countless solutions and creative ways you have come up with to solve them. However creativity is not only about finding solutions to problems or thinking up different ways to do things.

Step 2 - Look at things in a new perspective
I use problem solving as an example to help you realize that creative thinking requires us to look at things from new perspectives.
We all have some level of creativity within us and you can teach yourself to be more creative. Using this creativity in your work, to improve our business and enjoy the freedom it brings.
Step 3 -Positive thinking

Creativity is a state of mind. Telling yourself or others "I'm not very creative," or "I can never come up with new or clever ideas," destroys that state of mind. Creative thinking requires positive thinking. Don’t mistake creativity with artistic licence, these two things are very different, and you don’t need to be artistic to be creative. Remember, it is about looking at things with a new perspective and find a solution to a particular problem. If we look at designing nails, it is not about finding a design; we use ‘inspiration’ for that, but more about interpretation the design and finding a creative way to dilute it and use it.
Step 4 -Inspiration is critical to creative thought. Without sudden flashes of inspiration, we might never arrive at creative solutions to difficult problems. Without the fresh insight that intuition grants us, we might never see the bigger picture.What we see, hear, feel, taste, and touch -- influence our state of mind. A positive atmosphere contributes to a positive and creative state of mind. Surround yourself with inspirational props, use magazines, junk mail, cereal boxes, wrapping paper and birthday cards to name a few to generate ideas. Besides what we see or hear, the scents, textures, and tastes experienced during our creative thinking time contribute to our creativity. Collecting whatever materials inspire you and give you ideas is a step towards finding a creative solution.
You need to store these ideas, and the brain is not the place to do it, image it is a huge filing system, if you’re actively trying to retrieve stored inspirational memories with you’re not able to come up with new ideas. Whether it's a folder, a notebook, or an entire file cabinet, keep clippings, thumbnail sketches, junk mail, photos, and anything else that inspires you or gives you ideas. Don't just file it and forget it - go through the file get in the habit of making notes, outlines, sketches, or doodles. Jot down or record all your thoughts, no matter how bizarre or where ever you are, some of your best ideas come just before falling asleep. Keep a notebook at your bedside, in your hand bag, even in the loo so you will always be ready to write down ideas.
Step 5 -Have a goal
While positive thinking allows your mind to accept new ideas and creative thoughts, using an effective thinking method can help direct your thoughts toward specific goals. Daydreaming, relaxation, and free association allow the mind to come up with new or unusual ideas or idea fragments. Having a goal for your creative thinking will prevent those random thoughts and ideas which may not be particularly useful.
In my first class I talk about the five steps to develop your design, and how important it is to decide your topic, find a subject which you want to recreate, for example ‘seaside’, ‘wedding flowers’ or ‘hot tropics’. Once you have your title you can find inspirational images to support it, and develop your creative solution. Working more effectively will prevent your mind running away with unrelated thoughts.
Step 6 -Practise & Discipline
Science has speculated that we are using 10% of our brain capacity and expanding your brain and mind will accelerate your creative potential. Everyone has natural creative talent and this can be enhanced by stimulating the mind.
Your sensory input gets stored in memory. By giving your mind fresh inputs each day, your memories get triggered and combined with the new input. Sometimes you will get ideas or gain new perspectives. Creativity takes practice. Your creativity is there within you, but you must make a habit of using it. Through imagination and creativity, using what we think and how we think to determine our quality of life is a powerful tool, and as Albert Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Sir Francis Bacon is famous for saying “knowledge is power”?
Every thought we have is a creative thought. The question isn't whether we are creative or not. The question is whether we are aware of our powers of creativity and are able to expand and use them purposefully.

Nails & Styling by Sam Biddle; Photography - Stuart Dibben; Models - Vicki Smith & Jorden Biddle
This article was published in Scratch magazine September 2008

Nail Professional of the Year 2008

Wow what an amazing evening, all the excitement and tension in one room filled with sparkling dresses and Dicky bows. As I look around the room I am amazing at the amount of people who have come together on this special evening to recognize and honour the best the industry have to offer.

The walls twinkle as tiny fairy lights blink in tune to the pumping music and each of the finalists are reviewed with a summery of not more than 30 words! Then the winner is called out to a resounding applause. Cheers from the various groups remind us of the support offered in a room full of strangers...we all feel the same, the tension builds as the categories are crossed off one by one. Then it is here Nail professional of the year, John is squeezing my hand, Victoria has her eyes closed and Mum winks at me..... I am not sure why I did this now, and I really don't want to find out who will receive this title any more.

Claire Durtnall - Holland from East Bourne, East Sussex, walks up to the stage to receive her trophy, and I am really thrilled for her I know how she must be feeling... well done Claire. I am so honoured to be one of those finalists and I know how those other 6 women are feeling within their groups of friends and supporters, I also know that this has happened to us all for a reason, we are brought to this place to learn and grow and the next time we enter and win we will appreciate it so much more.

If I am honest I am disappointed but I am also very very proud to have been invited and been part of a great evening. I have enjoyed the company of some amazing achievers and have taken this experience as a resounding success. I want to thank my gorgeous husband and amazing mother for being there and Victoria Smith and Andrew for supporting me all the way, you will never know how much that meant Vic. Amber Gibbons, Jane Cook, John Hardwick and the team from Grafton's arrived within mins of the awards being over to commiserate...it is nice to see the support that we some times take for granted, and realize that the people around us are there guiding us on each step of our journey. For the many emails and text messages from everyone wishing me well......I am also very very grateful.

So do I put my self through all this again, do I continue competing in this arena......? You tell me.