The New Shooters

For those who want to pursuit photography, and are just starting out, I envy you. My first few months of exploring photography were perhaps the most visually exciting times, constantly learning new ways to manipulate images and settings to create my own vision. I still get drawn into the camera, but that first photo-shoot in a small suburban park called Clay Pit creek gave me a distinct fascination with the amount of control you have over the image's emotion. A park that normally bored me, that I viewed as nothing more than a local stoner hub and dog-walker esplanade transformed into an ethereal and colorful natural haven. For me, it's always been about the feeling and the mood a photo can provide. No matter what your intentions are, when you choose to pursue photography, I dole out the cliched advice that your heart must be in it 100%. It's not easy to translate your photography into a career, and no one wants to settle. I only have around 4 years of experience and 6 photo classes under my belt, so I'm by no means a professional, but I do truly love what I do and I want to share things I've learned on the way.

I

Photography has become beyond accessible and a highly varied form of artistic expression, as well as a lucrative form of media. The DSLR camera is intimidating, so my first (and most valued) tip to you is start small. I started my interest into photography from taking pictures on my phone, everywhere I went. These days, smart phones have such good quality cameras that give everyone the power to be an "Instagram photographer". Start by taking pictures of things you feel the urge to capture, for example: friends/sunsets/food/clothes.

 

II

If you have a digital camera and you're hesitant to use a setting besides auto, watch a tutorial or read about the main components of basic photography settings, or Aperture/ISO/Shutter speed. These 3 settings control how much, how long, and how fast light interacts with the photo. Learning these will be a great jumping off point.

 

III

If you do have a camera, take pictures of the boring things, the places you see everyday, and the people you know the best. If you can get a truly stellar photo of the mundane sights, then you can get great pictures of unanimously beautiful subjects. It's really hard to start from here, and a lot of other photographers will tell you to start the other way around, but I believe learning how to make a normally dull look subject look full of life will provide a good base.

 

IV

TAKE YOUR CAMERA EVERYWHERE. People and (especially newbie photographers) tend to stray away from bringing their cameras places where they could be potentially damaged.  If you keep the lens cap on and the strap around your neck, you will be fine. Parties, big cities, hikes, and even your school (talking to you, highschoolers) provide unique photo opportunities that you don't want to miss. 

 

V

Firing a bright flash in someone you hardly know's face is not comfortable for either of you, there's not tip or "hack" for that scenario, unfortunately. For those interested in portrait, it is essential that you push yourself to take pictures of people you don't always know. Extroverts might find that easy, but for a lot of photographers, taking pictures of others is a huge challenge. Don't be scared of judgment or confusion, just press the button, I promise no one cares that much.

 

VI

It is really difficult for seasoned pros to identify their own photographic style, so trying to define yours after less that 5 years isn't going to help. Let yourself change and progress, don't try to confine your style to one category. When you approach photography with an open mind, you end up finding out a lot about what you can do with the camera.

 

VII

Accept, but don't over-analyze criticism. When you really dedicate yourself to something in the visual art field, it's hard to accept harsh criticism and channel it into something constructive. If you let everyone's words and opinions deeply effect you, you'll end up using them as a filter for your future work. Stay true to yourself, and keep in mind the original reason you started taking pictures in the first place. Use criticism to better your technicality and add perspective to your mission statement. Do not let it drag you down or tweak your vision, which is easier said than done, but VERY important.

 

VIII

Use Instagram for inspiration. Social media is 75% bad in my mind, but the creative output of individuals and artists across the world is readily available at your fingertips in this day and age. It's a major perk and advantage when you're first starting out in photography. Poke around on different magazine accounts to see the photographers and stylists that are given credit. Many have fascinating pages, that inspire me every day. My personal favorite inspiring Instagrams are @violette_fr, @manrepeller, @newyorkerphoto, @ryanparilla, @burnmagazine, and @nate_nate

 

IX

Do not fall into the brand-new high tech camera trap. A great body won't make you a great photographer or change the image all that much, a great lens will. Save on the body, splurge on the lens. Learn from my mistakes, I beg of you. Cameras are very expensive and buying one is a huge purchase, so do your research. The best starter camera range in my opinion is the Canon Rebel line. I started with the T3, and now I've moved all the way up to the T5. Both were fairly affordable and are great quality, reliable starter cameras. 

 

X

Everyone goes through a phase of taking pictures, and for about a year or so, I thought my "photography phase" had just overstayed its welcome. The realization that this was the real deal, and that I wanted to work with photos for the rest of my life was incredibly freeing. It gave me the confidence to stick to my gut instinct to take pictures all the time, and on my own terms. Photography is a wonderful hobby, and if it feels like you could take pictures every day, you could probably seriously pursue it.

 

Filmspirations Number One: Marie Antoinette

Sofia Coppola's lucid dream like style fills the screen with an unmistakable vibe of isolation that echoes through all of her work. 2006's Marie Antoinette is youthful, decadent, and heart-wrenchingly lonely, based upon the story of the teenaged queen and her tumultuous existence in the palace of Versaille. The movie lacks in depth historical value, focusing on the imagery and pure streamlined emotional value of the queen's journey and initial demise. She was the last queen before the French revolution, and the hazy, ethereal look into the last legs of France's monarchy is heavily romanticized. Fashion, indulgence, and royalty reigns supreme throughout the picture, making it a prominent influence for the creative and romantic. I've decided to make a weekly series using screen captures of each movie that inspired me as a photographer and artist. Take what you need.

Vintage Coney Island Photo Album

Beat the Heat

With July approaching tomorrow, the sweltering weather patterns of midsummer is slowly creeping in, along with the bennies. Leaving the comforts of air-conditioning and braving it out in the Jersey or NYC rare 90+ degree, Satan's breath-esque heat can be intimidating. Whether it be going down to the beach or just strolling around town, summer days create a fuzzy thin border between "beach wear" and day-to-day outfits. Bikinis become acceptable as bras and swim trunks are commonly pants. This is all fine and dandy, but the days and nights where straying away from pit stains and moving towards functional fashion require a little more attention and thought. 

For the months of July and August, my energy levels droop to an all-time low, so my efforts to assemble a chic head-to-toe look aren't exactly at the September standard. Instead, I gravitate towards breezy dresses, minimal jewelry, button downs, and pretty much anything Bridget Bardot would wear. Between binge watching Girls for the fourth time now, trying to become a leather couch by the end of the summer, and coming up for posts that I don't have the courage to put up yet (soon! @glockthoughts), finding a cute ensemble is less of a activity and more of a task. Of course, the everyday crop top and high-waisted something-or-other option is always dangling above my head, but I'm trying to move out of that realm and into the Carrie Bradshaw summer look book aesthetic (those were undoubtedly the best). 

My favorite pieces and trends this July are all in the same user-friendly schooner, with a sense of ease and upgraded basics. In all seriousness, summer is the time to play with fit, color, and shape. Even if you're trapped inside an office, you still have that feeling of tingly summer freedom, and you should let it dictate your outfit choice. Here are some of my go-to and aspiring looks for the month of July.

Breezy midi dresses

 

button-front overalls

 

The effortless white sneaker

 

Straw Bags

 

Minimal Gold hoops & rings

 

off the shoulder crop tops

(to spice up those bland jean shorts)

Baby Face

Treat Your Skin AND Your Wallet Right

Whatever your skin texture, sebum production rate (how dry, normal or oily your skin is), or sensitivity, taking care of your skin although highly self-indulgent, is essential. It became somewhat of a priority to me only recently, when I found myself caring more about covering my troubled skin rather than curing it. A hard field to navigate, skincare tends to have a stigma of the more expensive items being the more reliable "miracle worker" products. Most people, especially those in college/young professionals, don't have the funds to drop 100 dollars on a suspicious sulfur scented face "creme". That decision additionally becomes more complicated when you have sales associate Pamela breathing down your neck, relaying facts about a brand's newest launch when all you want is a moisturizer. With competition heating up the beauty industry, indie companies and affordable companies have garnered a vast amount of attention and recognition. Providing real benefits with pure ingredients, effective formulas and affordable pricing is becoming the norm.

Before you asses how to treat and care for your skin, you have to understand it. Oily skin is the effect of over-achieving sebaceous glands. A fairly simple concept, oily skin means that your skin is slightly slick or shiny at the touch beyond just the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), and is commonly acne-prone. Pores are protruding and can be hard to hide. Dry skin is equivalent to slacker sebaceous glands. Dry skin is usually tight, more rough, and prone to red patches/acne. Combination skin is a, well, combination of both skin types. Oily in the T-zone and normal/dry on the perimeter and cheeks of the face. Normal skin is balanced, usually not too dry or oily, not usually acne-prone but highly envy-ensuing. If you'd like more clarification, I recommend taking the queen of skincare, Renee Rouleau's online quiz, here.

After understanding the nature of your skin type, the next step is to learn how to take care of it in the most effective and affordable way. Splurging on one truly good product is always okay, but you can cut corners with most products. There are some pretty basic tips and routines that will help you start to regulate your skin depending on your skin type and concern. If you want a basic routine, no matter what skin type you have, the 3 most important steps are:

 

Cleanse Morning and Night

use a Toner

Moisturize (even with Oily Skin)

 

******If you want a more specific and aggressive routine:******

Cleanse morning and night

Exfoliate 2-3 times a week

Use a Toner

Apply a specifically targeted serum

Moisturize

 

I've spent about 18 months testing new products and learning about smart skin care, and I destroyed my wallet so you don't have to. These are my recommendations and suggestions for each type of skin, each price range, and each concern. I've included my current skincare collection to showcase what products I've come back to and repurchased, as well as the products I'm trying out.

My Picks

 

Cleansers

For oily skin: Cleanse with a clarifying cleanser, to thoroughly eliminate excess sebum and collection of sweat, grime or makeup. For a pricier option, I would highly recommend Skyn Iceland's Glacial Facial Wash at $30. For the mid-price range, I'd say Clinique's Liquid Facial Soap for Oily Skin at $14. The cheapest option, a cult favorite Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, is only $1.50 less than the Clinique cleanser, but comes with 3x the product (16 oz.). For Dry Skin: an oil-based cleanser or gentle wash is the most beneficial. At the highest price mark, the philosophy Purity Made Simple cleanser ($24) is beyond amazing, and perfect for sensitive skin. I'd scrub my eyes with it and there wouldn't be even a hint of stinging. For a mid-priced option, the Face Shop Rice Water Bright Oil-Cleanser ($10.15) worked miracles for my skin in the winter months (I have combination skin that gets dry in the winter). My least expensive recommendation for a dry-skin cleanser is the Neutrogena Naturals Face Wash ($6.99) or the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($9.99). For Combination/Normal skin: at $38, the Fresh Soy Cleanser is a gentle, versatile and amazing option. Very soothing and tightening, and suitable for sensitive skin. At the next price level down, The Body Shop Tea Tree Cleanser ($14) or the Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel (same price) are both favorites of mine. Mario Badescu has many natural products for ageing skin, so if that is your concern I highly recommend checking them out. The lowest priced option for cleansers usable for normal/combo skin is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($8.59).

 

 

Exfoliants

There are two main types of exfoliants: chemical (AHA and BHA), and physical. Both can be very irritating, and should be used with caution. Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, exfoliating dead skin should be at least a once a week occurrence, in order to speed the process of regeneration. Exfoliants are generally versatile to all skin types, the variability depending on sensitivity rather than sebum or age per say. My favorite physical exfoliants are the St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask ($4.29) and the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ($55). My favorite chemical formulas are the Pixi Glow Tonic ($15), and The Ordinary AHA & BHA Peeling Solution ($7.90). I've personally never tried the brand, but I hear constant raves about the brand Paula's Choice, specifically their selection of chemical exfoliants. 

 

Toners

Toning is essential in order to balance skin's ph, after a day of makeup, environmental exposure, and aggressive cleansing. Consider it the liquid restoration. For Oily skin: a more expensive option is Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner ($34). An outstanding mid-price toner would be the Corsrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner ($11.66). This is technically a chemical exfoliant, with use of AHA and BHA (alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids) to open up pores, allowing natural skin to renew itself. If you'd like to more about this topic, I recommend the Paula's Choice beginner introduction to AHA's and BHA's. The cheapest option for oily skin is also a very common and accessible one, Witch Hazel ($10.53). For Dry skin: the Fresh Deep Hydrating Rose Toner is widely known for it's skin softening and hydrating formula ($44). The Klairs Supple Preparation Toner ($19) is something I absolutely swear by, and turned my skin around from its periodic cystic acne binge in January/February. My pick for a cheap but reliable toner geared towards dry skin is the Burt's Bees Rosewater Toner ($10.99). For Combo/Normal skin: I recommend Lancome's Exfoliating Toner at $26. For the mid-price selection, I personally rely on ANY of Mario Badescu's toners and "lotions", specifically the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion ($15) or for ageing skin, the Glycolic Acid Toner ($18). I also really like the Earthscience Clarifying Herbal Astringent ($11), good for those looking to purchase more natural products. The lowest budget recommendation is the Simple Soothing Facial Toner ($7.79) or The Ordinary's Glycolic Toner ($8.70). 

 

Serums

For this category, unfortunately it's hard to spend little and find a serum that truly does its job. Serums are targeted towards specific needs, so instead of doing serums for each skin type, i'll be organizing them based on specific skin issues. For dry, flaky, irritated skin: Fig + Yarrow Facial Serum ($22.99) doubles as a moisturizer, and keeps skin hydrated and smooth all day. For oily, large pores: Skin Food Peach Sake Serum controls oil, smooths texture, and smells absolutely amazing on top of it all. For ageing/dark-spots/dull skin: The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Serum ($90) and the Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment ($105) have been neck and neck for quite some time now. Both wildly expensive for the average civilian, but praised for their abilities to transform skin. For oily acne-prone skin: The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc Serum ($5.90) is wonderful for combo skin experiencing breakouts. The Ordinary as a brand is a phenomenal company, with amazing prices and the least gimmicky products you can find. One of their branches is in North Jersey, so it only took 3 days for my first package to arrive. For dry acne-prone skin: First Aid Beauty's Repair Hydrating Serum ($36). For dark spots/acne scars: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair ($24.97). Another product that can be grouped together with serums is essence, an additional layer of benefits and preparation. My personal favorites are both snail enzyme derivatives, the Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence ($14.48) and the Benton Snail Bee Essence ($19.60).

 

Moisturizers

For some strange reason, all of my favorite moisturizers come in pots, which has proven to be a fairly unsanitary method of storage. Nevertheless, I've plowed through around 20 different moisturizers in the past 2 years or so. Moisturizer is a very mainstream form of skin care, and has been a staple of the beauty routine for many decades before us. For oily skin my top picks in price ascending are as follows: Garnier Moisture Rescue ($5.41), Teddy Organics Rose-hip Oil ($21.47), and Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer ($27.50). Oil for oily skin has been a taboo idea, but now has widespread acknowledgment in its beneficial nature, controlling sebum and replacing over-active production with nutrient rich oil. For dry skin: in price ascending again, The Ordinary Rose-hip Oil ($9.60), First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($30), and Clinique Moisture Surge Intense ($52.50). For combo/normal skin: Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Moisturizer ($15.49), Missha Snail Aqua Cream ($28), and Belief The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb ($38).  An honorable mention for any skin type is the Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream ($24.50).

IMG_8671.JPG
 

Masks

A very fun and relaxing aspect of skin maintenance, face masks are all the rage right now. Whether you need a surge of hydration or a refresh button for your pores, masks are deeply integrated into the market, and some of them are outrageously priced. Just as I did for serums, I'll be organizing masks by skin concern rather than type. For lack of hydration: Origins Drink Up Intensive ($26). For clogged pores, acne: Aztec Healing Clay ($9.48), Glam Glow Super Mud travel size ($22), and Kiehls Rare Earth Mask ($30). For rough/uneven textured skin: Fresh Rose Face Mask ($25). For anti-ageing: AMOREPACIFIC Intensive Serum Masque ($32). For any concerns, TonyMoly has sheet masks sold in urban outfitters that are pretty great, but the more upscale sister is the Pureness 100 line. You can find their masks here.

My Current Skin, no face makeup

A Guide to Thrift/Consignment in NYC

in

First and Foremost: Fast-Fashion and Second-hand shopping

       

The sheer convenience and ease of driving to the nearest mall to scout the warehouse sized fast-fashion powerhouses of 800% markups only to find a body suit owned by thousands of other people is a familiar routine, an almost inevitable custom of the average consumer. To be an informed and conscious shopper means a counter-effort of falling into the trap of being fed by big business, and as adorable as that PacSun corduroy button-up skirt is, a similar one is hung up in the Buffalo Exchange on East 11th Street. The difference being the purchase at a consignment shop will be significantly cheaper and won't contribute to the destructive environmental and social practices that would be supported with the purchase from Zara, Forever 21, or Primark. (**Hello yes if you aren't aware of the common morally corrupt truth behind the textile manufacturing industry in Asia read this article right here**)

In a 2013 Environmental Protection Agency report, it was stated that textile waste reached 15.1 million tons. With the industry of fashion booming and evolving at such a rapid pace, these large fast-fashion corporations have grown more than 9.7% in the past 5 years. Such an alarming rate begs the question, if we continue on in this pattern of cheap, poorly-made, impulse bought garments, how will we manage the waste? Thrifting and consignment are the necessary encouraging establishments of accessible advancement. The dangerously accelerating heartbeat of the fast-fashion industry contributes to a problem that will suffer from the "if they don't see it they don't care" mentality- if preemptive actions aren't taken. Textile waste, use of low-cost/high-yield outsourcing tactics, and dizzyingly fast cycle turnovers are immoral standards of corporations that have been taking over the fashion world. The effort to resist this movement is more essential than ever, and second-hand shopping is the pinnacle of these actions. Even the smallest purchase from one of these stores is money not supporting the practices of big business. It's one less item being purchased therefore less funding for the company to continue the harmful system of mass-produced garments.

This is not to say that brands outsourcing manufacturing to minimize costs is not a wise business tactic, even practiced in even very small companies. Its effective structure is what provided the common business model to skyrocket in sales.

This is also not an angry protest of all big fashion companies, it's a memo to all of you who, like me, have purchased almost exclusively from brands like these for most of your life. It's truly a matter of principle. Only recently have I started to stop and think about what the impact of each purchase would do. I'm in the fifth percentile of eternal laziness, so being a wiser shopper to me first meant buying the stuff nobody wanted. Yet as I did more research I came to find that it's simpler than going out of your way to dig through racks of ill-fitting trousers that reek of mothballs and buyer's remorse.

Thrift and consignment store shopping is rewarding in every aspect. Yes, there will probably be many a Gap sweater but through the darkness you will find a treasure, whether it be a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress or just a well-fitting, soft t-shirt. If you truly love fashion, or just want to save money at all, second-hand shopping is a viable option that deserves more attention in the I-want-it-now generation. 

  

**Of course I'm no expert and if you'd like to know more about this topic I'd highly recommend Justine Leconte's YouTube channel- a Paris-based fashion designer with lots of advice and knowledge about the manufacturing of a garment and the nature of fast fashion. Her video on the rise of fast fashion is what initially opened my eyes to the issue.**

The 6 Best Thrift/consignment Stores in Nyc ♂♀

Most of these are chains, with few spread around the city. These are my favorite locations, due to their Vast variety and price range.

No Relation Vintage

Mid-size, fairly priced (5-20$ range), lots of trendy NYU kids popping in and out of the two, *and only two* dressing rooms in various pairs of Levi 501's. Very popular due to the prime east village location, make sure to check out the 5-10 dollar priced WALL of denim cut-off shorts or the rack of overalls. Iconic and one of the many amazing L-Train Vintage shops. L Train Vintage is the best of the best. It's a collection of thrift stores located off different stops on the L train going through Williamsburg. No Relation is pretty close to their crown jewel. 

 

Beacons Closet (Bushwick)

Beacon's Closet is another fairly iconic thrift and consignment shop chain. If you want true to form vintage, including windbreakers, lacy 60's slips and old designer handbags (can I get a heck yeah), this is the place for you. I'd say around 5-50$ price range, as it varies all over the place based on age, brand and so on. They do have a high concentration of unique and stylish pieces that transcend time and the passing fads. I actually walked in by accident the first time, and it's now in my top 2 favorite stores.

 

L Train Vintage

If you're cold, ever have been cold, are going somewhere cold, come to this mecca of jackets and fur coats. Located a five minute walk from Beacon's closet on the border in between Bushwick and East Williamsburg, this store is for those looking for the quintessential Vintage shop. Prices are pretty reasonable, around 5-40$, but can reach up to 100 (in the case you want a pimp daddy lookin fur cloak if ya catch my drift).There are many other locations like this under the umbrella of L Train Vintage, and to find the other locations click here. 

 

Urban Jungle

Simply put, this is the costco of thrift shops. This is additionally located next to Le Point Value, another warehouse-type second hand store with even more finds. This is for the advanced thrift shopper, or at least someone who really knows what they want. Substantially cheap and varied,   priced around 2-50$, Urban Jungle is iconic, classic and a landmark of Bushwick. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by another landmark of gentrification, the pizza and italian hipster mecca Roberta's. 

 

Buffalo Exchange (East Village)

The pumpkin spice latte of consignment/thrift shops. Very easy to get to, two huge stores in Chelsea and the East Village. Great selection of 4 year old Divided by H&M crop tops and Forever 21 pieces circa 2011. But seriously though this chain is the best for beginners and those looking for modern, up to date items with a vintage fit and style. Price range is around 5-30$, very easy to find things that are currently trendy, fit well and it's a pretty upbeat store on top of it all. Lots of teens and college kids scouring the racks in any given location. Oh, and they've got a killer accessories section. Find all locations here. *They've also got locations all over the country, including Philly and Boston*

 

Crossroads Trading Company (Williamsburg)

Oh, Crossroads. Why do you slaughter my wallet every time. Nestled half a block from the Bedford stop on the L, this is by far the most pristine consignment store I've ever seen. This was the store that turned me on to the world of thrifting and consignment, with a wide variety and range of current and designer clothes at a distinctly cheap price. I remember coming here with my mom and sister about 3 years ago and feeling like we knew a secret that no one else knew. Priced in between 5-50$, I have found free people, Levis, vintage Gucci, Kate Spade bags and a slew of other treasures here. Not very vintage-y, much more modern but still a must-do for anyone shopping in the city. Also, AMAZING quality. Consignment for people that don't like consignment. *They also have a location in Manhattan that you can find here*

 

Honorable Mention

(For the local homies)

Rebel Supply Co.

Asbury Park has a great downtown district with a ton of unique and innovative shops. One of my favorites is Rebel Supply Company. Prices range from 5-30$, with a refreshing mix of old and new. They have implemented a prevoiously unseen tactic of half the store dedicated to new, half dedicated to consignment. RSC truly has something for everybody.

 

Basic Tips for Thrift shopping

How to find the best deals and make the process easier

  • When searching without specifics in mind, try and imagine each piece hanging in a trendier store (i.e.: Urban Outfitters). Very helpful tip for those just starting out.
  • Thrift shopping is cheap, MUCH cheaper than other retailers, but it's not pocket change. Plan a budget as you would when going to the mall. 
  • Bring your own bag. Let me repeat that: BRING YOUR OWN BAG. You usually have to pay for bags at most second-hand shops so bringing a big canvas one rolled up in your purse will save some extra bucks.
  • Always wait in the dressing room lines. Sometimes they can be daunting, but the reward of a completely unique item that fits you like a dream (promise, it will happen) is worth it.
  • Ask for help. If someone chooses to work at a trendy thrift shop, they will be pretty great at assessing what kind of garment or style you want. 
  • If you are put-off by the hygienic aspect of second-hand stores, ask for hand sanitizer or bring a travel sized tube with you. 
  • Try things on that you would never think about wearing, it will help you expand your knowledge of what you like and what looks good on you. I guarantee you'll be surprised by what you end up buying.  
  • Always look at the shoes. This is usually where the true gems are.