Metro UK Feature with Flytographer

When you read this – you may wonder if in fact I am currently using my fabulous Flytographer photos for an online dating profile – I am not 🙂 But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great idea.

I think it’s funny that I talk about Paris in the article – but these pictures are from New York. Details…

This is from the Life & Style report in the Metro UK for September 4, 2014

How a hot shot can help snap up a date 

Author Elena Murzello talks to Ashley Pearson about boosting her profile with a pro-shot portfolio

Everyone knows you have to look good in an online dating profile. Using a professional snapper and hiring a witty writer to pen your blurb is becoming the norm but no longer content with standing against a white background, singles are hiring photographers to capture them in glam settings in order to attract a lover.

While holiday snaps are nothing new- as Kate Taylor, relationship expert for match.com says “People in summery, exotic photographs are seen as more attractive, sociable and healthier than the same people in wintery shots” – the chances of you capturing the perfect holiday selfie are slim. But hire a pro and you get all the extra pizzazz (and airbrushing) of a professional and capture the adventurous globetrotter vibe as well.

Think stylish shots of sporty looking accountants skiing down mountains, glam PR girls climbing out yellow cabs in teetering heels, curvy divorcees lying on immaculate white sandy beaches and good looking hipsters hiking Kilimanjaro.

No wonder companies like Flytographer are in demand. It’s a service providing professional – quality holiday photos worldwide thanks to a network os skilled snappers, many of who shoot for likes of Vogue and Vanity Fair.

Elena Murzello, dating expert and author of The Love List: A Guide to Getting who you want, is a client. “Having a profile photo that stands out is vital,” she says. “First impressions are key and it’s the difference between a swipe or a second look.”

“Travelling solo to Paris, I booked Flytographer to capture me on the Pont des Arts bridge and at the Louvre. There’s only so much detail and personality a random selfie can portray. I loved the results – my online interest increased exponentially.”

Flytographer founder Nicole Smith is surprised by this new market but couldn’t be happier. “I set up the company so that people on holiday would go home with great photographic memories,” she says. “If clients are using them as a way to find true love after they get home, it’s a bonus.”

ELENA:)

Photo shoot with Joey Armstrong

To end off the summer, I wanted to do a photo shoot incorporating all the products I have blogged about this summer for pure fun. Why not? I enlisted Joey Armstrong – a fabulous lifestyle photographer here in Vancouver (along with her awesome assistant Alison Page – who is a photographer herself) who helped me create a wonderful photo shoot that was placed products organically and featured yours truly. I think that the pictures turned out wonderfully and its always cool to see how different photographers work their magic and really get you to shine. Thanks Joey, Alison and Diana (makeup artist) for the fun shoot and fabulous pics!

ELENA:)

Tiggy Ross Review

The art theme continues with the introduction to Vancouver artist, Tiggy Ross. I have to say – Instagram is perfect for connecting people via hashtag.

I’m intrigued by Tiggy’s use of watercolour combo’s and can’t wait to see what other elements of nature Tiggy uses in her art.

I’ll be waiting along with everyone else for the big reveal of her website on July 30!

Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram: @TiggyRoss and ‘Like’ her page on Facebook.

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Diana Richardson

I worked with a lot of people in 2013 for the launch of my book. One in particular has been my go-to since then and I’m grateful to call her my friend. Her name is Diana Richardson and she’s an awesome makeup artist and she just launched her own website.

Follow her on Instagram: dianarichardson123 and don’t forget to ‘Like’ her page on Facebook: Diana’s Artistry.

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the sweet, kind and talented Diana Richardson:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver? 

I have lived in Vancouver for almost 3 years now.

2) What is your favorite makeup product and why?

My favorite makeup product would have to be a beauty oil. Beauty oil’s are essential for our skin and will enhance the look of make up application significantly. Beautiful make up starts with beautiful skin!

3) When did you start doing make up? 

I’ve been doing makeup for 2 ½ years

4) Tell me about your favorite characteristic of a person’s face and why.

My favorite characteristics on a person’s face would have to be their eyes. Eyes are the “Mirror of the soul.” You want the main feature on your face to “sparkle.”

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

Sense of humor. You can never get bored with someone that will flirt and make you laugh 🙂
Romantic. I love a guy that will go out of his way to make me feel appreciated. It’s so important to keep the romance alive!
Intelligence. A guy with looks is great, but a guy with brains is even better. You don’t want an idiot trying to guide you in life!
ELENA:)