Professional Make-up Artists Conference (PMAC) 2013

I had a great time attending the first annual Professional Make-Up Artists Conference (PMAC) in Atlanta, GA on November 16 & 17, 2013. This has been my dear friend Gwynnis Mosby's vision for over a decade, and I'm so glad I was able to be with her as she brought it to life! I attended the first day, which was really fun  and full of interesting panelists and demonstrations. I was honored to have been asked to be a judge for one of the competitions, and a guest.

We shot the promotional images for PMAC back in March at my studio. It was one of the more elaborate shoots I have ever done, because the model had her nails done, hair done, make-up done, and then later she had her face painted on as well. The photography part of the ads was actually the quickest! Emily, was a great model even though it was her first time. She has such beautiful features and really made the image of PMAC come alive even more! Below you can see a few behind the scenes snaps and the final images that were chosen. These images were shown all over in the advertising for the conference.

During the shoot, I decided to try my hand at making a video. I did it just for fun, and it was actually my first time shooting, editing and publishing a video. I found it so different from photography, and it was difficult for me and took a long time, but in the end I am very happy with how it turned out and glad I did it. It really captures the spirit of the shoot and what a great time we all made that day! You can watch it below, or watch it how it is meant to be seen in full screen (and straight from my website) in HD.   

Now that I've posted all about the making of the advertising images, let's talk about the conference! The conference was held on November 16 & 17th at Le Fais Do Do event space. As I said, I was so honored to have been asked to be a judge and a guest on the first day. I judged the "haute couture" competition, which had some great talent. I was a little bit nervous realizing that I had to score the contestants and talk about what I thought worked and didn't work, but in the end it was fun and I enjoyed it! The day was also special because my husband and my dad were able to join me. As you know, I took over the photography business from my dad about 7 years ago, so it was really special for him to see this with me. My husband is also one of my biggest supporters and made sure I had everything I needed all the time.

The event space at La Fais Do Do  

(Top photo) with my judge badge, and my husband. 

(Bottom photo) Posing with PMAC founder and one of my longtime friends Gwynnis Mosby, and my dad Brian Dougherty.

Another highlight for me was meeting the legendary Reggie Wells. He was Oprah's make-up artist for over 20 years, and has worked on over 100 covers of her "O" magazine! He is such a legend in the make-up industry. He is such a sweet man and took so much time throughout the whole day to talk to everyone who came to speak with him. He also wanted one of my cards because he was impressed with the advertising photos for the conference, and said he loved my work and wondered who had shot them, thinking it wasn't shot in Atlanta. 

With the great Reggie Wells. 

Speaking about my career, and studying one of the contestant's work.

After my judging part was over, I was free to roam around the exhibit hall and see what was really going on! This is where all the vendors, and artists were working. It was amazing to see everyone's creativity. 

Later that night, there was an awards ceremony. I walked down the red carpet, and was able to see and catch up with some of my friends. There were also performances by Micah Kiyo, Wish and Skye. The awards ceremony was hosted by Eshe of Arrested Development, and actor Cedric Pendleton.    

Walking the red carpet, and with my friend and one of the hosts for the evening Eshe.

The show kicked off with a fashion show by Bramer Leon Couture.

Cedric & Eshe hosting

Toby Sells, make-up artist of the popular TV showing "The Walking Dead"  presented the award for best special effects make-up. He also won an award that evening for his work. Other winners also included Roy Wooley from Syfy's hit show "Face Off".

This peacock won the award for best in body art. It was really spectacular when seen up close! 

PMAC founder Gwynnis Mosby on stage

At the end of the night, I ran into over cover model - Emily! As it turns out, she is having a baby in March of 2014 (I am January). It was so good to catch up with her, and we couldn't believe what all has happened since we did the cover shoot months ago.

Overall it was an amazing experience to be a part of the first PMAC. I am excited to see how next year's unfolds and to participate again!