Makeup for video and photography (VIDEO)

I had to share this new Michelle Phan video with you because she demonstrates many techniques that are important for video, as well as photography.  Pay particular close attention to how she preps her skin, applies foundation, and how she lines her eyes.

As always, men just please keep loose or pressed powder (translucent) on hand, blotting tissues (you can get these at Rite Aid) or regular tissues, and lip balm.  A bronzer is fine, as is some concealer, if needed.

For my ladies who are Conversations in Public Relations guests, keep in mind:

• For the few days before, prepare your skin with a light exfoliation to remove dead skin cells.  Try the gentle and effective exfoliating scrubs made by Aveeno or Lancome.  And drink plenty of water!  (This is also good advice for men — also, if you can, abstain from alcohol for a couple of days before the shoot. It will make a big difference in your face.)
• Buy a video-friendly foundation, concealer, and powder (with no SPF, which can reflect in the lights).  You can try Revlon‘s Photo Finish, Rimmel (inexpensive at any drug store), Cargo HD (can be hard to find, try Sephora), or Makeup Forever.  Benefit makes a powder foundation called Get Even which you can use wet or dry and provides good coverage.  You want to even out skin tone without the foundation looking too heavy on your skin, since we shoot in HD (high definition).  Primer will help your makeup smooth on more easily on your skin and will make it last longer. Rimmel makes a good and inexpensive primer.  Buy a concealer that is 1/2 to 1 shade lighter than your complexion tone.
• Do NOT forget eye brow pencil.  Some of you might not need it, but many ladies over 30 do need a light application of brow pencil.  If you are willing to spend a little more ($22), this brow powder is highly rated and is available from Sephora: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P69300.
• If you are over 35, choose matte shadows for your eyes in neutral colors, using a fairly light shade on the lid (to brighten the eyes), unless your complexion is dark.  Clinique has some great shades.  If you are under 35, you can use some shine, but avoid overly metallic looks for video.
• You don’t have to line the waterline of your eyes, as she does in this video, but it would help if you would wear eyeliner on the lid (a soft smudged line in brown or grey; try Almay eyeliner pencil), as well as mascara.  For sensitive eyes, try Almay mascara, which is what I use.  Otherwise, look into Maybelline Stilletto, which is a well-reviewed and inexpensive mascara (less than $10) or Maybelline Great Lash.
• Lipsticks should be creamy or matte formulas, not high gloss or metallic.  I also ask my ladies to bring a clear gloss or petroleum jelly which I may have them apply very sparingly to the center of the bottom lip to bring light and attention to the mouth.

When media relations requires sensitivity: a conversation with Ami Neiberger-Miller (VIDEO)

Ami Neiberger-Miller and Mary Fletcher Jones

Does handling media relations mean you always have to capitulate to the demands of the press? No, not always. In this conversation with Ami Neiberger-Miller — in charge of public affairs for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (http://www.TAPS.org) — we learn how to handle media relations with sensitivity.

Recorded 2010 at the offices of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors in Washington, DC.

Host: Mary Fletcher Jones. Direction: David Hyson.

10 ways to say thank you for your video interview

David Hyson adjusts the camera for the perfect shot

When communications professionals appear on Conversations in Public Relations, they reap many benefits.  Their visibility among a global audience of communicators is increased through the exposure the series provides through blogs, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.  And nothing showcases subject matter expertise like online video does.  A Conversations in Public Relations video is significantly beneficial for a participant’s personal brand and company brand.

Each Conversations in Public Relations video we produce represents about 20 hours of our non-billable time, so expressions of thanks from participants are quite meaningful to David and me.   As communicators, we also value the opportunity to extend our relationships with participants and have access to business development and networking opportunities.

If you have appeared in a Conversations in Public Relations video and feel inclined to tangibly demonstrate your appreciation for our efforts on your behalf, here are some suggestions to consider.

1. Call us (571) 269-7559 and let us know you have viewed the video.  Tell us what you think and thank us for our time.
2. Leave a comment on the Conversations in Public Relations YouTube Channel or blog expressing your thoughts about the experience.
3. Write a recommendation for our work on LinkedIn, under the Conversations in Public Relations section.
4. Offers us a paid project to work on, or recommend us to someone you know (see the Fletcher Prince website).
5. Suggest future show topics, and personally introduce us to thought leaders whom you know well for video interviews.
6. Invite David and me for lunch or coffee with you.
7. Ask us to speak about social media (YouTube, blogging, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) or marketing at your company or organization.
8. Invite us to your company events and celebrations.  Maybe we’ll bring a video camera! 🙂
9. Send us some company SWAG or remember us with a small gift or greeting card around the holidays.
10. Provide us with two complimentary event tickets, conference admissions, or two seats at your sponsored table.