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

My Vintage Valentine

Matthew Tyldesley April 4, 2018

Romance, Beauty, love and all things pretty. I have wanted to do a Valentine Themed photoshoot for some time. My creative partner, Genna Yussman Greene suggested we do one at the beginning of 2017. Genna had put together some vintage dressers and I wanted to do some classy updos and polished hair. We enlisted our buddy, Isidro Valencia for make up and two gorgeous models and our team was set.

We wanted to fuse romance, with big hair and vintage styling for a timeless feel. Genna ordered a custom floral backdrop to be used for the shoot. We chose two gorgeous models, Emily and Kristina. We have worked with both before and chose both girls for their beautiful facial structures, Their tall lean looks and their positive attitudes on set.

This collection was release exclusively by Bangstyle as a featured collection. The staff at Bangstyle have been so supportive of the work we do and they said the timing for the release was perfect.

For Make up Isidro created a soft look consisting of soft smoky eyes, pink pastels color on eyes, shimmer, rosy cheeks and soft contoured cheeks.

Spring make up 2018 by Isidro modeled by Emily

For This undo I converged all of Kristina's hair upwards into a ponytail I then added a long hair pad and a large wefted hair extension and form the hair over the pad into the shape using Fashion Works 12 and a finishing brush from Tearsheet. Control Addict 28 was used to finalize the look.

For this Fishtail undo, I fishtailed braided random sections on Emily's entire head then with the ends pinned them between the sections created for the fishtails.

This updo was a lot of fun. I was watching a lot of the old "Dynasty" so I did this timeless, voluminous undo with Redken's Guts 10 for volume. Next hair was pulled upwards into a couple of ponytails. A small hair pad was used for the bump on top that hair was covered with Emily's hair using Fashion Works 12. I smoothed the hair using a small finishing brush. The other ponytails that hair was backcombed, smoothed and rolled into shape with bobbie pins. Finished with Control Addict 28 and Shine Flash 03.

The vintage look was set using Iron Shape 11 and Sam Villa's marcel iron and pinned to cool. Afterwards the hair was brushed out using Tearsheet's static free large tail comb and Fashion Works 12. No bend clips were placed in the hair to set it while Isidro finished Emily's her make up application.

Kristina's hair was set in the same fashion with Emily's only different placement and finished with Control Addict 28.

Credits

Photography | Wardrobe | Set Design | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Hair | Matthew Tyldesley @haibymatt

Make Up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Models | Kristina Russ @kristina_russ

Emily Bennett @emilybennett_

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.

Designer, Frances Lewis designed the gorgeous sheer dress that was worn by Lucy.

Make up artist, Matt Goodlett created a dark smoky eye with a hint of bronze. The look was complete with a dramatic brow and matte nude lip.

This was a quick shoot that lasted under four hours. I look forward to more shoots with these creative artists.

designer Frances Lewis final touches on her gown

Credits

Model | Lucy Duane @lucyduane

Photography | Louis TInsley @louistinsley

Wardrobe | Frances Lewis @ann_deevelyn_clothing_co

Make Up | Matt Goodlett @mattgoodletmakeup

Hair | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

BTS making of video: LUCY

Unique

Matthew Tyldesley December 20, 2017

I have some pretty amazing friends in the beauty industry. My friend and make up artist, Bethany Hood asked if I was interested in a fashion and beauty photoshoot with photographer, Chelsea Marrin. I course I say yes I had not had the chance to work with Chelsea and I was excited when they sent me the vision board.

They wanted lots of texture and volume, warm hair tones that contrasted with dark hair color and heavy fringes.

Wardrobe would be original designs made by Gunnar Deatherage. I quickly pulled from my arsenal of hair pieces and wigs to create several looks. I precut a couple bobs with strong fringes and set a couple with either a texture iron or curling iron. I colored a couple hair pieces as well.

fringe benefits...custom bang attachments

The photoshoot was set early on a gorgeous sunny day at Clay Cook's studio. Lots of snack were present and random tunes played in the background as Bethany and I readied both models. Initial fittings were done on the models before hand and hair and make up were combined to compliment each look. Sadie Ann Miller and Mei Li Zheng were the lovely models booked.

For this look on model Sadie, I used a custom wig colored with a soft peach highlights mixed with dark tones of which I secured to her head. I then used really small hair pads I place on her top sides and lightly backcombed the hair before covering the pads entirely and secure with hair pins. I strategically placed random section of hair across her forehead and highly teased the ends before spray Redken's Quick Dry 18.

Make up consisted of a green lip and soft cat eye with enhanced gold eyeshadow. Brows were heavily defined with soft contour on the cheeks.

bts image of Mei Li all about the fringe

This look required a custom wig that I Cut a strong fringe before styling each section with the Sam Villa texture iron. Afterwards hair was teased at the root and shaped into volume with Fashion Works 12 and lots of Control Addict 28.

Bethany turned up the depth with a darker lip color to compliment Gunnar's wardrobe.

A similar technique was done on Sadie's hair

The following looks on both models contained custom wigs colored with various Redken copper and reds hues. Heat styled with a curling iron and Iron Shape 11.

Credits

Models || Sadie Ann Miller @millerannsadie

Mei Li Zheng @meilivzheng

Photography || Chelsea Marrin @chelsea_marrin

Wardrobe || Gunnar Deatherage @gunnardeatherage

Make up || Bethany Hood @thehouseofhood

Hair || Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Assistant || Hunter Zieske @hunterzieske

BTS making of UNIQUE

Tropical Vibrancy

Matthew Tyldesley October 25, 2017

I was really excited when Redken released it's vivid hair color line, "City Beats" and I wanted to create a bold hair color collection for competition.

This collection was 1 of 5 shoots executed in the winter of 2016 for NAHA 2017. Although it was not nominated, I submitted the collection for publication and was honored to have it grace the pages of Beauty Launchpad Magazine.

I really had to think about a good concept but nothing had come to mind until I took a vacation to Key West with my husband, Eric. I figured I could take lots of photos for inspiration. I practically took photos of everything. Once I returned home I sorted through the images and found 3 sources of inspiration. The view of the Southernmost point beach front, two colorful shot guns homes on a residential street and a the beautiful Queen Angelfish from the Key West Aquarium.

Before attempting the looks on the models it was imperative to create the looks on mannequins first. I order several mannequins for practice from Pivot Point and created pattern on the mannequins and place different shades on different areas of the head. Afterwards I could analyze the looks and make changes when adapting the looks on the models.

Next it was time to book the photographer. I had recently done a couple photoshoots with Jenni Harper Young of Harper Young Photography. I asked her if she would be interested in shooting this collection and she gladly said yes.

I booked make up artist master, Isidro Valencia and designer/stylist Genna Yussman Greene to work on this collection. The date was set, the team and now for the models. I booked both models and clients for this one with models that had to be completely open to a drastic but amazing change. I had them come in for a 7 hour hair prep that involved multiple treatments, pre lightening, toning, coloring and cutting.

For Vickie, she had some grown out blonde ends with quite a bit of regrowth. I pre lightened her hair twice with Flashlift lightener and pH Bonder. After processing, shampooing and drying the hair the final colors of Broadway Blue and Taxi Cab Yellow were applied to her hair.

Vicki hair was previously lightened by me so I had to focus on her regrowth and do a decolorizing on her ends. Afterwards the final colors of Coral and Teal were strategically placed on her hair.

For Chris, I pre lightened his hair twice with Redken Flashlift lightener and ph Bonder. Lightening his ends first and then his root area. Pre tone with Shades EQ gloss 09P then I was able to apply Brooklyn Blue, High Line Green and Broadway blue to his hair.

I created this shag layered cut on Vicki with a soft side fringe and face framing layers. For Styling I round brushed the hair with Guts 10 for volume and set the curls with a 2" marcel ceramic Hot Tools curling Iron and Hot Sets 22. Hair was cooled and brushed brushed out and finished with Fashion Works 12 and Control Addict 28.

For Perri's haircut I lightly layered her hair and tightened up her fringe. Hair was styled with Guts 10 and Set with a curling iron with Iron Shape 11, Cooled, brushed out and set with Triple Take 32 and Shine Flash 03.

I did this undercut with my And is "Envy" clippers directly on scalp and layered the top length with my 7" Sam Villa shears. Hair was styled with Pillow Proof Primer, Argan 6 oil and Iron Shape 11. Finished with Mess Around 10 and Control Addict 28.

tearsheet from Beauty Launchpad Magazine

Credits

Hair | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Photography | Harper Young Photography @jharrrper www.harperyoungphoto.com

Make Up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Styling | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Models | Vickie Tang @lunarlurker

| Perri Fields @perrierleigh

| Chris Diaz (Heyman Talent Agency) @chrisryandiaz

The day of the shoot was a lot of fun, we started early at Jenni's Studio. We made sure to have plenty of food for everyone. It took two hours for each model. It is always a pleasure to have Genna and Isidro on set. Isidro created a soft smoky eye, nude lip and make up to enhance the facial features of each model. Genna did these "Net" dresses and tops for the the models for an aquatic feel and Jenni did an excellent job of capturing the looks.

I submitted the collection Beauty Launchpad Magazine editor, Alyson Osterman-Kerr. She loved the collection and wanted it exclusively for the August 2017 issue. The team and I were thrilled to see the spread when it upon it's release.

BTS making of video for Tropical Vibrancy

I am so grateful to this team. Everyone worked os hard. After the photoshoot I spend a final day changing the models hair to wearable colors. This shoot took over 24 hours and was worth every minute.