Alyson Hearts Faces

This shoot was all about the Rococo look with a modern twist. I did the makeup for both Andrew and Jansen and it was all captured by the amazing Elisabeth Moore. Elisabeth has such a fabulous way of working with models; she gives easy direction and then is able to capture them in just the right moment. It was such a fun shoot and everyone worked famously together.

We shot in a spacious photographer’s studio close to Pilsen. Once again, I was reminded of the decadent space this city has and the incredible talent that lies within.

Click on the pics!

The theme for this shoot I conceived and did the hair/makeup for is: “Too Big For This Town”.

Shot at the iconic Country & Western bar, Carol’s Pub in Chicago on Clark & Leiland, the shoot stars Chicago actress/ performer/ writer/ teacher Janna Sobel as a fictional Chicago artist on her last night in town before heading for the coast, destined for fame and fortune.

Styled by Mario Calhoun (Art Institute fashion student) and shot by photographer Elisabeth Moore , it was simply electric. See for yourself.

I had the pleasure of doing makeup for Chicago-based photographer Rance Rizzutto. Rance, who has a performance background himself, shoots fabulous headshots.  He knows how to make actors feel comfortable in front of the camera and has a keen eye for composition.  He shoots in this huge warehouse-like space with big windows above a black box theatre and it’s pretty magical.

I fully enjoy doing headshot makeup. I get to collaborate with great photographers and  meet super-creative actors at all points in their careers.  This was Melina’s first set of headshots and she did fantastic! I like this shot a lot because of its soulful quality.  Plus, she looks the way she would if she were going to an audition and that’s essential.

Headshots are an actor’s calling card; a good one can open doors where there were once walls.  I wish Melina the best of luck on her acting journey and think she’s off to a great start!

Welcome to Alyson hearts faces!  As of April, 2011, this site features my work/adventures as a makeup artist in Chicago.

Most recently, I met this amazing, creative duo Zivi and Kelsey (Describe the Fauna) who work  in Bridgeport out of a huge, old piano warehouse.  Check out their website www.describethefauna.com to see some more of their ethereal, spacious photography.  We collaborated on the following fashion-y shoot; I did the hair and makeup.  Our model Vernonia was awesome and fully embodies both the edgy and softer looks.

And as you peruse the pictures, see if you can hear a cello and guitar accompanying a guy and a girl singing in perfect harmony…because that’s precisely what was playing during the shoot…live!  Turns out the old piano warehouse is also a practice space for bands.  I was in awe.  It’s times like these that I love Chicago more than anywhere.  I love it for its space, its artists and its unexpected moments of striking beauty.