image by Genna Yussman Greene/ Absolute Studio

INDIAN SUMMER

Matthew Tyldesley September 14, 2020

My dear friend, Genna always says about all our creative projects “Everything we do is a production”. She is correct. Having lots of experience after doing editorial work for decade I can say if you’re going to do a photoshoot, photograph enough content to tell a story and to create a collection. As was the case when Genna mentioned wanting to do a indian inspired photoshoot..

I knew Genna and I would have a lot of prep as far as location scouting and I would be responsible for helping to assemble a team. We both posted model calls on social media requesting models that would be interested in this concept.

Genna had been compiling textiles, fabrics and wardrobe and accessories but would need a stylist to oversea and configure the wardrobe for each model chosen. Genna contacted stylist, Fitz Fitzpatrick to be the wardrobe stylist that would be responsible for curating these looks. I contacted artist, Danielle Toller-Goldring to create the make up for each model. Genna would be behind the lens, me on hair and Cyndi Snow would be assisting us on set.

I created a vision board for both hair and make up to help inspire both Danielle and I. We booked three regional models from the state. We were happy to book three local regional models whom would become our muses. We love diversity with our collections and booked models, Dezaray Nicks, Dakota Bruton and Emily Marie .

Each modeled brought a different element to the production. Exuding both beauty and strength each model had a unique style and wardrobe selected through out the day. We arrived early on location to prep the models at Absolute Studio in Louisville, KY. Models arrived at different intervals. As models arrived Fitz started selecting wardrobe fittings prior to sending them to hair and make up. Make up and hair prep took up the three hours with the models rotating between Danielle, Fitz and me for hair. After hair and make up models were sent to wardrobe to dress.

Meanwhile Genna and Cyndi were readying her cameras and lens along with packing a travel kit for an on location shoots on the sides streets of Frankfort Avenue. Once the models were ready Genna and Fitz would take some or all of the models and transport them on location. The team would rotate back and fourth to the location for photographing then back to Absolute Studio to change. This would allow the models breaks to cool down and hydrate/snack as well as light hair changes and make up touch ups.

The day was very, long twelve hour day but we knew the results were worth everything we did. This team did a stellar job and everyone brought their talents and dedication to this project. For hair I did a variety of long hairstyles including braids and fishtails. On scalp braids (cornrows) andcustom extensions. I did a lot of blow drying and straightening for each models. I used custom wigs on model Dezaray and added embellishments to each of of the model’s hairstyles.

Several weeks had past after the photoshoot and Genna was selecting and editing images. It was then that we were plague by Covid-19. Everything was shut down and we were all home bound with no work or photoshoots in the near future. This time gave Genna ample to time to finish editing the images that she would send to me to submit for publication.

After a couple days I received an email from the editors of Imirage Magazine, who wanted to publish the images. “Indian Summer” was published in the May 2020 issue in a six page spread highlighting all of our hard work during quarantine. Thank you to Imirage magazine for the feature. Thank you to the entire team and to the models for bringing this vision to life. We were fortunate to see our work see the light of day. Everything happens for a reason and this was definitely meant to be.

Credits

Photography: Genna Yussman Greene/ Absolute Studio @gennayussman

Wardrobe Stylist: Fitz Fitzergerald @ritzy_fitzy

Make Up: Danielle Toller Goldring @tailoredbytoller

Hair: Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Assistant: Cyndi Snow @x2cgirl

Models:

Dezaray Nicks @dezaraynicks

Dakota Bruton @dakota_bruton

Emily Marie @xxemilymarie

The Making of Indian Summer

Image Genna Yussman Greene/Property of Absolute Studio, Louisville, KY

CRIMSON EQUINE

Matthew Tyldesley July 14, 2020

Amazing ideas and opportunities can happen anywhere and at anytime.It was during a hair appointment last summer my client, Diane Moore suggested I along with Photographer Genna Yussman Greene do a photoshoots involving her horses. I instantly loved the ideas and later that week phoned Genna to share my conversation I had with Diane about working with the horse and she loved the idea. Genna had been preparing a collection of Latin/Spanish clothing in Red and Black hues in various textures and fabrics. Reworking vintage fashions, textiles. She was even making some elaborate dresses with long trains on her sewing machines.

As with all our shoots, Genna and I generally overshoot with several models and we originally only planned on four models but the shoot evolved to be three times as many models and two make up artists. I contacted Lexington, Mua, Portia Greene and Louisville, Mua, Jace Race to do make up for a total of eight models.

Booking models is a tedious process, I used social media to do a model call of which can be hit or miss with responses. The process of messaging back models and writing/rewriting details is a lengthy and time comsuming process and sometimes a “cat and mouse” experience to make sure models read all notes and give confirmation back. Sometimes several models come out of the woodwork and then sometimes very few respond back. We will tend to work with some of the same models and include new models and I will invite some clients who may be interested. My biggest key is to select models that will pair nicely together especially for cohesiveness when your trying to tell a story. For maximize content, Genna and I create multiple looks on all models with the team to have enough material to work with post shooting.

Photo Jul 12, 10 00 22 AM.jpg — Selfie with Diane

As with anything unexpected challenges arise, after weeks of planning a day before we had to make the call to cancel the shoot due to a storm. Bummer, but we reset the shoot a few weeks after that. Of course we could not retain all the models as it was back to school season for some of the college/highschool models. We overbooked the shoot because we know the day of some models won’t be able to show up. This is typical within the industry and I’ve encountered at every show/shoot at some time in my career. Prepare for the unexpected…amazing things happen when you least expect them too. You just roll with it.

We travelled to Harrodsburg, Kentucky about and hour from Louisville, KY on a very hot day. We weathered the heat with an amazing team for 14 hours in the beautiful countryside of Kentucky with beautiful horses. We were fortunate to have this collection published in Like A Lion Magazine during the quarantine in the May 2020 issue. It was wonderful seeing the release as this would have been the Derby season had it not been post poned due to quarantine. We felt this collection represented Kentucky’s love for horses and fashion with our own creativity.

In addition to booking talent, I had to create look boards for hair and makeup for each model and for both make up artists. I used Google/Pinterest images using key words that pertained to our theme. I knew I would need to keep hair simple, classy and elegant. For cohesiveness, I decided to make rose hair pieces for each model. I made varying pieces that I adorned each model’s hairstyle with. I had also prepped some wigs to help with timing.I also always keep wigs and extensions in my kit because some of the models recently cut their hair shorter than their headshots.

The day stared at 5 a.m. after my morning coffee, my tools were packed the previous night and my car loaded. I would be transporting any of the models that needed a ride if they arrived at my house that a.m. I had a cooler packed with beverages and bag full of snacks for us to have on location for the models and we would work out details for lunch. We arrived on set at the horse farm and was greeted by Diane and her daughter, Kara. We set up two tents to house the models to protect us from the bright rays of the sun. We had tables for the make up and hair set and we set up wardrobe in one of the barns for the models to dress.

We did a quick meeting with the team to go over expectations of the day and how the flow of the shoot would work. Models were staggered hourly to arrive at different intervals to keep the flow and to prevent models from sitting to long in hair and make up. Genna had scouted out areas with Diane on location as we prepared models. Genna and the assistant would take groups of models that were ready on location as we prepared the next set of models that arrived on location.

Each model wore 2-4 looks a piece complete with accessories and minimal hair changes and make up touch ups. It was a pizza kind of day as you never know what will be available but fortunately there was a pizzeria very close to where we were working.

For Megan’s Hair, I used hair extensions to add density and large hair pad to create this classic shape. Using hairspray to slick back her hair with a center part and hair pins. Heavy shine spray to reflect off her gorgeous hair color.

For model Stephanie I actually used to different custom wigs to give her an alternate look. I prepared a blonde braided wig for texture and a sleek black wig. It totally changed up her look and was convenient to have already prepared with the timing allotted for each model.

For model Braden I slick his hair backed with a Denman brush and a round brush for volume. Set his length on top with a large iron and back combed with hairspray for this classic pompadour. This was his very first shoot and I’m sure it won’t be his last.

For Model Ariana I fishtailed half braids around her entire head except the center of which I backcombed and formed over a pinned hair pad. Afterwards I strategically placed all the braids over the pad and pinned them into place. I loved the some texture from the fishtails that blew in the soft breeze.

Model, Dakota has very lovely and extremely lengthy hair. I would give her a center part with two large fishtails of which I would stretch out to expose a soft wispy texture.

In addition to the models, the horses were the true stars. Along with Diane’s horses their were lovely horse scattered through the location that were friendly and happy to have their photos taken. Gentle giants with beautiful hair. This was an amazing opportunity for everyone involved.

For model, Christie I set her hair on top with a large iron and teased it into this half up do. I left her bangs out an curled the ponytail.

All the assistants on set did a fabulous job, Diane, Kara, Brandy and Love helped transporting, directing models, carrying and dressing models, getting food and hold up camera gear for Genna and managing the horses. Love also modeled having dual roles on set. I added a custom ponytail to her slicked back hair for a classic look.

I had the entire next day off as I needed the rest, unpack my car and prepare for a busy week in the salon. Genna and the make up artists had worked so very hard as did all the models. Everyone had worked so very hard on set. The shoot was so busy but I did get the opportunity to ride on one of the horses.

After the photoshoot Genna and I spent time selecting photos for the collection and she started preparing and editing them for submission. We were so happy to see “Crimson Equine” published in Like A Lion Magazine. Everyone’s hard work paid off and it was nice to see this released during quarantine shut down. I love this gorgeous and colorful collection. The beauty of fashion, hair and make up and the beauty that everyone brings to the table.

A Special thanks to everyone involved. A big thank you to Diane More and Kara Percle for hosting us and the privilege to work with her amazing horses. To Genna Yussman Yussman for your constant creativity.

Credits

Photograpy /Wardrobe/ Creative Direction: Genna Yussman Greene

Photographer’s Assistants: Kara Percle, Love Yascone, Brandie Perry

Hair: Matthew Tyldesley

Make Up: Portia Greene and Jace Race

Location/Horses: Diane Moore

Models: Margarita Karasjaka, Megan Amanda, Stephanie Lynn Johnson, Braden Marble, Ariana Johnson, Dakota Bruton, Christie Perez, Love Yascone

The making of “Crimson Equine”

KMAC Couture 2018 | Backstage with designer Tiffany Nelson

Matthew Tyldesley April 17, 2018

I was in the midst of traveling when Louisville, Ky based designer, Tiffany Nelson (Holic Mode Design) asked me to style hair for her models for KMAC 2018 at the Kentucky Museum of Arts.

Katya takes the runway by storm. Image by Studio One Photo

I had worked on a few projects with Tiffany and it was only a year ago I had done hair for her last show.

Centria slays the runway. Image by Studio One Photo

I agreed after she sent me her conceptual sketches of both her designs along with inspiration images of the hair she wanted for both models, both of whom I had the luxury of working with in the past. Katya Estes and Centria Kapris both have amazing runway walks.

Katya and Centria during dress fitting

image by Tops Louisville Magazine

studio image by Tops Louisville Magazine

The talented make up artist, Matt Goodlett would be doing both models make up. Tiffany had two distinct looks for each model inspired by David Bowie and Game of Thrones. For Katya, Tiffany wanted a slicked back pompadour and for Centria, Long white hair with loose curls.

I arrived several hours before opening to the public for call time. Downtown Main street was shut down for the runway show as people were readying for the evening show when I checked in. I was then directed to the third floor of the elevator where I was greet by Tiffany and the team.

The placed was filled with teams preparing their models (all 47). Matt was in the midst of Katya's make up: a huge Bowie lightening bolt in grey and silver metallics and glitter inspired by "Aladdin Sane"

We made sure to add pairing nails to both models. Tiffany piece for Katya titled "Visionary" cream body suit with gold armor shoulder pieces with matching shin guards.

Tiffany creating finishing touches on Katya's outfit

Tiffany was really excited and was making final adjustments on her garments for the models. She even rocked a custom wig I had done for her.

For Katya's hair I used hair gel and lacquered down her sides while creating volume with her top length using a hair dryer. Afterwards I set the hair using a 2 inch march iron and set to cool. I then back combed the entire top section then smoothed the surfaces using a finishing brush and hair spray. Pinned into place. I added some glitter/gel and gold leaf to her sides and finished with gold bobbie pins of which were crossed on the back of her head.

We had a bout the two hours to ready our models before they were taken away for run through which took about two hours. Models returned for last touch up and hour and half before the show.

For Centria's hair I used a custom white frontal wig of which I set on rollers and used steam heat to set the hair. I did a center part with loose "lived in curls" as requested by Tiffany. Once fitted on Centria, Matt colored the hair line with blue make up. Using a small paint brush and gold glitter gel I covered her partline and blurred the gel outwards afterwards we used gold leaf and pressed that into the gel. Lastly, finishing the look with a crown.

Centria's multi-colored dress complete with train was titled "Soothsayer" of which she rocked the runway.

For Centria's make up matt created a "Ziggy Stardust" look using metallics, gold and blue tones. Pairing blue lips with a silver\gold moon temple.

Centria's multi-colored dress complete with train was titled "Soothsayer" of which she rocked the runway.

The show was a huge success and the models delivered on runway. I look forward to the next show with Tiffany.

Credits

Designer | Tiffany Nelson | @holicmodedesign

Make Up | Matt Goodlett | @mattgoodlettmakeup

MUA Assistant | Rebecca Renee Rhodes | @porcelain_kween

Hair | Matthew Tyldesley | @hairbymatt

Models | Centria Kapris | @centriakapris

Katya Estes | @katya_estes

KMAC Couture2018 | Kentucky Museum of Arts | @kmaccouture

KMAC COUTURE Runway show for Tiffany Nelson

Lucy

Matthew Tyldesley February 28, 2018

Photographer, Louis Tinsley asked me to do hair for an evening photoshoot. I agreed as I like the model, designer (Frances Lewis) and make up artist (Matt Goodlett) involved in the project. This was also my first time collaborating with Louis so I was really excited.

Louis requested a blue wig and I have this dark blue blob wig i styled on Model, Lucy. I braided her hair before covering with a wig cap then attached the wig on her head. I used love heat on a hair dryer and Fashion Works 12 working spray to shape the wig. Once in place I used Control Addict 28 to lock the hairstyle.