Friday Photo

Going for a bit of a 'South Pacific' feel with the colour filters on this pic, though not quite as over the top as the movie!

Vintage Makeup - The Mystery of Rachel

Last week I wrote about my vintage purchases at a local market including some unopened face powders with my name on. Rachel was the name of a popular colour of face powder in the early to mid 20th century. But how did it come to be called that? I wanted to find out.

As is often the case with these sorts of things there are several possible stories!
The first I found in one of my makeup reference books - Retro Makeup.

Excerpt from Retro Makeup by Lauren Rennells

Elizabeth-Rachel Felix. Portrait by Joseph Kriehuber
Source: Wikipedia

This account came up a number of times in my research. But then I read about another Rachel - Sarah Rachel Russell (or Leverson), also known as ‘Madame Rachel’ (?1814 - 12 October 1880). It seems (as well as being involved in prostitution, fraud and blackmail) she sold cosmetics and toilet requisites in the 1860s, often making exaggerated or fraudulent claims. One product was a personal mixture of face powders.

Madame Rachel
Source: The Library of Nineteenth-Century Photography

Both interesting stories and I guess we will never be sure which is the true source of the name.
Anyway, as colour film and television came along, more shades of face powders were needed. Extra shades of Rachel were added such as Rachel No.1, Rachel No.2, Special Rachel and as seen here - Rose Rachel.

Friday Photo

It's important to choose appropriate props for your shoot, but they should complement the model, not dominate the picture.

Vintage shopping adventures

Polka Dot Vintage Markets and Antiques and Collectibles Fair

You never know what you will find at these markets, and it is often not what you are looking for, or is that what you are not looking for?!

Unfortunately I find that a lot of the 'vintage' clothes are from the 80s or 90s. If you are my age or older, you know that the 90s was only 'ten years ago' and does not qualify as vintage! What I am looking for is something nice and colourful from the sixties or classy from the 50s! They are there, but you have to look hard. This is one cute 60s dress I found at one of these markets not long ago.

The other problem I have when looking at vintage clothes is I am always drawn straight to the lurex! I think I must have been a magpie in a former life, because I love all the shinyness! I have to keep reminding myself I have enough lurex dresses!

What did I buy?

1950s manicure set - unused

 How many of you remember your grandma having one of these?

Unopened face powders. 

I couldn't resist these as they all had my name on! Rachel was the name of a popular colour of face powder in the early to mid 20th century.

Coffee Table Books

I love flicking through old coffee table books. There are loads of wonderful black and white pictures of the Hollywood stars. It's just not the same looking up stuff on IMDB!

 Cigarette cards

The subject of these cigarette cards is 'Film and Stage Beauties' and, as you can see, the pictures are just wonderful! It does make you wonder how many packets of cigarettes someone had to smoke to get the whole set.

Upcycled clock

I used to love playing Scrabble, although I suspect Dad might have let me win sometimes!
This unique clock is from NovelTea Vintage, who also make wonderful things from old tea cups and saucers.

What's your favourite vintage purchase?

Friday Photo

These days black and white photography is often associated with something nostalgic or vintage. To get a truly authentic vintage looking black and white photograph you can't simply switch a colour photograph using a filter, you need to replicate the lighting styles used in earlier times.

How To Choose the Right Photographer For You

There are a lot of people out there calling themselves photographer's these days, and while I don't necessarily think everyone has to have a degree or X years of experience to be good, you should be selective in your choice and do your research. Here are a few points to consider when choosing a photographer.

Environment

Whatever style you are looking to create, whether it is cheeky pinup, sexy boudoir or some other retro or vintage style, you will want to feel comfortable. The photographer and/or assistant should help you to feel at ease and give you some direction as to how to pose to achieve the look you are aiming for. How long do you have in front of the camera? Is there a female on hand to assist? My advice is to talk to them beforehand to develop your idea. As well, you should talk to friends who have used the photographer's services or seek out other's recommendations.

Hair and Makeup

Generally the photographer should be able to arrange this for you. Alternatively, if you are confident to do it yourself (maybe you are a makeup artist!) this should be reflected in the price. Again, it is a good idea to discuss your ideas beforehand to make sure they can be achieved. As with choosing a photographer, have a look at the work of the makeup artist/hair stylist. Again, they do not necessarily have to have a certain qualification, but you should take a good look at their work and see if you would be happy with that look.

Editing and Retouching

Have a look at the photographer's work. Are they able to create the look and feel you are after?
Editing generally refers to selection of the best images and may include some colour adjustment and cropping. Do you get to choose the images (with advice from the photographer if needed) or will the photographer choose them for you?
Retouching is the digital manipulation of the images and can range from slight to major. You should discuss with the photographer to determine what level of retouching you are happy with. Generally skin smoothing and smoothing out of any bulges (such as bra overhang) enhance the picture while not making you appear drastically different.

Styling

Do you need any assistance with choosing your outfit, accessories or props? Again it's best to thoroughly work through your idea beforehand and determine if the photographer can create it.

What do you get?

Make sure to ask what you will get for your money. Will you only get low-resolution images suitable for sharing on Facebook? Will you get high resolution images that will allow you to print off pictures yourself? And most importantly what about copyright of the images? Will the photographer give you permission to submit them for publication? Or even share them on Facebook?

In summary, do your research and ask questions. And let me know if you have any tips to add!

Friday Photo

Photo by Whiskey & Rye Photography

Different angles add interest!
At Whiskey and Rye Photography we like to look at things from a different perspective.

Pretty Things - Bakelite

Vintage Bakelite Bangles from Brighter Bakelite

I LOVE bakelite bangles! I love the colours and I especially love the sound they make when they tap against each other!

But what is bakelite?
One of the first plastics made from synthetic components, Bakelite was used for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, and children's toys. It was developed by Belgian-born chemist Leo Baekeland in New York in 1907.

Here are some snippets about bakelite jewellery from About.com
- Butterscotch and pea green are the most common and, generally, the least expensive colors.
- 
- Heavily carved bangles, bangles with polka dots or multiple colors laminated together, and figural pins are among the most expensive items sought by Bakelite collector's today.
- Bakelite can be tested for authenticity by feel, sight, sound and smell.

Due to the popularity of vintage bakelite, there are unfortunately other plastics being passed off as bakelite - sometimes referred to as 'Fakelite' by those in the know! During my research I found quite a number of 'tests' to determine if something really is make of bakelite, and have included a couple here.

MOST ACCURATE: The Hot Water Test
The best test is to run the piece under hot tap water.
If it smells a little like your old high school chemistry lab (formaldehyde), it's Bakelite.
If it smells like vicks vapo-rub (camphor), it's Celluloid.
If it smells like burnt milk, it's Galalith (1920's).
If it smells clean, or like nothing at all, it's lucite or acrylic.

The Simichrome Test
Carry a tube of Simichrome chrome cleaner (available at flea markets, some hardware stores, and Pep Boys) and a few Q-tips with you. Put a very small amount of Simichrome on the Q-tip. With the dealer's permission, rub a tiny (1/4") spot on an unobtrusive place of the jewelry with the Q-tip. Then look at the Q-tip. If the polish changes color from pink to amber-yellow, it's Bakelite. If it stays pink, it's some other plastic. Remember to wipe the polish off the jewelry when you're done!
Note: This is not always an accurate test. Some pieces of black Bakelite do not turn the Simichrome from pink to yellow, even though they're Bakelite.

Do you have any favourite pieces of bakelite jewellery? I'd love to hear about them if you do!

 

Friday Photo

The little details can make a big difference. Look out for accessories that complement your outfit or theme such as hats, gloves, handbags or hair flowers. This lovely hair flower is by Berry Bombshell.