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First image from a modeling photoshoot for Crimson Chain Leatherworks (and makeup close up) - I did not make this outfit, but was asked to wear CCLW's hand made leather pieces and accessories. Having seen their pieces up close, I knew what great quality they were and I love this company's design aesthetics. I am also wearing a winged jetpack which was a collaboration between us (my <a href-"[link]">Steampunk wings and CCLW's leather and metal work).

Photo by Brian Boling
Makeup and styling by me
Model was me
Leather by Crimson Chain Leather Works
Bodysuit by BEBE
Belt by Ralph Lauren

Makeup-wise, I went for a harder & edgier look, using Ben Nye red pigments to create the bold extended eye shadow, and MAC and Sephora brand shadows (3 shades) to my eyes, from highlights to the blackest black color. MAC and Sephora both make great black shadows and I highly recommend them. For this look I "overdrew" the eyeliner (MAC Fluidline) to the inner corners of my eyes. It's usually something I only reserve for very staement-making makeup. I finished off the eyes with thick false lashes and bold eyebrows.
For my lips I used dark brown eyeliner pencil to contour, a dark red lipstick, a brush to blend the color to the lipliner, and gold shadow pigment for highlight. My blush is Bare Minerals.

I'm sure I'll get lots of "Oooh photoshop" comments, and I just want to say, for the record: Anyone who does professional photoshoots and makeup understands how much good lighting and good makeup can achieve. (I use a variety of products to even out my skintone, tame under eye darkness, shade bone structure etc, before I apply any color to my face.)
Photoshop can enhance the intensity of the colors, shadows and highlights and is perfectly integrated into the process of Photography. Photoshop is used in not only in fashion and people photography, but commercial products, landscape, architecture photography etc.
When it comes to people photography, there is a difference between a convention snapshot, candid portrait at a party etc. and a professionally set up fashion, glamour or cosplay photoshoot, where the objective is to create a beautiful image and strive for Perfection.
I also want to point out that digital artists use Photoshop, Illustrator and other programs to create fantastic images, why would photographers who shoot digital not be allowed to use Photoshop? Many traditional artists who paint on paper will scan in artwork and finish them in Photoshop, tweaking the lines, combine pieces from various art pieces and correcting the colors. I see Photography being no different.

So, take it or leave it, but thanks for reading.