Be Prompared!

OK, it’s not exactly summer (or even spring outside) and it actually feels kind of autumnal but the reality is we’re way past Easter now, the next big calendar date has to be Prom night, in May!  How many of you out there are getting excited just thinking about the best night in the school year?  Have you bought your dress yet?  Who’s taking you to the coolest night of the year?  Maybe you’re just keeping your options open and going with your BFF’s!

So the date in the diary has been circled with a big red 0 and you’ve probably started shopping for that all-important Prom dress (or maybe you haven’t started yet!)   If you’re super organised, you may well have the dress of your dreams hanging in your wardrobe, the sparkly sandals to match and the little touches that make you look like the model you are, we’re talking earrings, a dainty necklace, a classy handbag…even hair accessories (all important to get everything just right) but have you tried everything on together and are you really pleased with the look?

No doubt you look sensational, bet you can’t wait to show off your outfit to all your friends, you’ve probably played around with your look, maybe experimented with your make-up and hair – but is it absolutely PERFECT?

Enter Fresh Academy….do you really want to look your very best?  Do you want to catch the eye of the guy you secretly wish would notice you?  Do you want to be the envy of all the girls?  Well then you have to bring your Prom outfit (and accessories) to us.  Book in our spectacular Prom fashion photo-shoot and we’ll style you so you look like a fashion model.  We’ll look at your dress, we’ll get to know what you like and then we’ll style your hair and our expert make-up artist will show you how you should do your make up, what will suit you and what will enhance your best features.  Then, to remember your Prom forever, we’ll take you into our 8,000 square foot fashion studio and treat you to a full photography session with our professional photographer. 

We know exactly how to make you look fantastic….why not book in?  For the month of April and May our Prom shoot is absolutely FREE and that’s not all – you’ll also get a FREE A5 image of your choice.  Just call Marisa on 01923 212 673 and quote FRESHPROM.  Please note there will be a refundable deposit of £30 to secure your session.

Mother's Day at Fresh Academy

Mother’s Day at Fresh Academy

If you’re like us, you’ll be asking your friends, family and work colleagues what they’re going to buy their mums for next week’s Mother’s Day.  Every year, we want to be a little original, come up with something different other than standard boxes of chocolates or bouquets of flowers.  Chocolates don’t last long (well certainly not where we are!) and flowers are limp in less than a week so when the chocolate box goes in the bin and the vase is washed out, what’s left for Mum to remember her important day? 

We know we’ve said it before but the truth is; there is nothing more personal, sentimental and special than a unique photo shoot.  We say unique because every one of our Fresh Academy photo shoots IS unique to the person or people involved.  No two families are alike and no two people look the same (unless you’re an identical twin…or triplet and so on!) and we take time to get to know the participants, what they want, their type of lifestyle, their preferred sets and props.  We can safely say that we always get original, exceptional and different images.  Not only that but we give all of our photographic experiences a completely private session in the 8,000 square foot studio (yes we said 8,000!)  That means you don’t share the studio with anyone else – it’s all yours for the time that you’re there.  You have complete freedom of choice in the sets you choose and no one else taking up the same time as you have booked unlike other studios.

Sounds great – well, there’s more.  Let’s talk about a Mother and Daughter fashion photographic shoot as one of our Mother’s Day packages (worth over £200).  Both of you will come into our Watford fashion studio and after your consultation with our stylist and studio manager, you’ll get your hair styled and make-up professionally applied.  Our make-up artist and hair stylist are extremely experienced and both are often out on photo shoots to the stars.  They will transform or enhance your look depending on your requirements.  So feeling like stars you’ll then experience the best photo shoot around.  There are so many stunning sets to choose from.  From vintage looks to modern backgrounds and floors, cars to bars…we’ve got an enormous selection with props and accessories to compliment.

The photo shoot is followed by a cinema style viewing and it’s here you can select your images.  There are many ways to frame a print!  You can of course, just have the images but we have portfolios, wall hangings and blocks to mention some of the products Fresh Academycreates.

That’s why we know there is no better gift for Mum.  Needless to say, Mother and Daughter photo shoots are not the only packages available.  Mum can have her very own fashion photo shoot which makes a terrific gift, making her feel and look sensational.

For Mother’s Day this year, book in your Mother’s Day shoot before 1^st April as a gift to Mum and we’ll give you the session absolutely free, we have two options available:

1)                 FREE Mother and Daughter experience with free 5 x 7” print

2)                 FREE Mother’s Fashion experience including hair and make up

Call Hollie to book quoting “Mother’s Day 2013 option 1 or 2 on 01923 212 673 but hurry as sessions are limited.  We can provide you with a special Mother’s Day gift letter to present to Mum with details of her gift and who it is from.

Fresh report on upcoming Celebrity Weddings for 2013

2013 is going to be a big year for celebrity weddings.  In fact, we are sure that it’s going to reach fever pitch.  The list is exciting, from Keira Knightley and James Righton to Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux.

We’ll start with the biggest names in Hollywood; Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, scheduled this April, no doubt this one is going to be one sensational wedding.  Is Angelina going to go for a sleek, sophisticated dress or a big traditional meringue?  She will probably shock us all with something dramatic and completely controversial but no matter what she chooses she’s going to look incredible.  If there’s any bride perfect for some of our sultry and sensual Bridal Boudoir photographyit’s Angelina!  If she’s reading this then we’d like her to know that we do a full Bridal Boudoir session at the Fresh Academy, she needn’t worry about Papparazzi as she would have our entire Studio to herself.  Our professional photographer will create outstanding images worthy of any Hollywood star that she can choose from, and we suggest she goes for a huge wall hanging for the bedroom as a wedding gift for Brad.  Bridal Boudoir is the perfect, original gift for any groom, giving him something he’ll have to admire forever.

Interestingly, it appears that Jennifer Aniston (as if you didn’t know, Brad Pitt’s ex -wife) will be marrying her fiancé Justin Theroux on his 41^st birthday.  Apparently this one is going to be very low key with only 50 guests.  We’re not on the list but we would like to offer an extra birthday/wedding gift for the couple. Jennifer would look great doing some sensual Bridal Boudoir photographic shots in our Studio.  We see her in expensive, simple pure white or ivory lingerie, minimal make-up –with soft lighting.  Jennifer, how about a Boudoir portfolio of photographs as a birthday present for Justin, we will include 15 A4 images of your choice retouched (as if you need that!) and it will be displayed in a superb, glossy, celebrity style aluminium case for just £695.

On the other end of the scale Elizabeth Hurley and Shane Warne are due to be married at some point this year.  This one is going to be a huge event with two wedding locations, Australia and the UK.  If we were to recommend any of our photo-shoots to these lovebirds, we’d probably suggest a Couples Photo-shoot at the Fresh Academy in Watford.  So Liz, before you tie the knot in the UK why don’t the two of you drop by and enjoy a pampering session at our 8,000 square foot Watford Photographic Studio.  We don’t have red carpet, but our purple plush carpet will do just as well. We know you too are partial to a bit of make-up and like to look your very best.  Our expert make-up artist will apply your professional make-up (yours too Shane!) and we will whisk you into hairdressing for a hair up or your signature long, wavy locks.  We think both of you would look great in a jeans and t shirt casual photo-shoot, Elizabeth you’re such a lover of white jeans bring them with because we include outfit changes while having your photo-shoot, feel free to bring some of your incredible Hollywood evening wear too.  After your session, you can both relax in our cinema viewing room and we’ll premier your images.

For more information about our photo-shoot packages, call Hollie on 01923 212673.

A New Year, a Fresh New You

We bet you’ve got a fair few New Year’s resolutions and probably one of those is for a fabulous new you.  That could mean going for a regular jog, membership to the gym, giving up smoking or just a new outfit to make you feel gorgeous.  Well, why don’t you let us help in giving you a brand new YOU – or perhaps you have a friend who you think deserves a new look, then we can definitely help.

By coming into the Fresh AcademyWatford and having a fashion photography shoot we can show you how extra beautiful you really are.  Just by having your hair styled by our professionals and your make-up applied by our in-house expert means that you’ll be looking superb and you can even steal some of our experts’ tips too to re-create the look at home.

Sensational hair, incredible make-up and an 8,000 square foot fashion studio full of outstanding sets, backdrops and a treasure trove of different accessories.  You can choose from a glass floor, a hanging swing, our very own tax, if you want an outdoor look we have a hedge…a bed, to name a few and so much more, even a giant Union Jack wall covering for the extra patriotic!

The studio will be yours alone to enjoy, you won’t need to share it with anyone else at all, unlike other studios – we give you exclusive use during your appointment.  That means there will be no one else except you, your photographer and a stylist too. .  Remember, we’re sponsors of Miss England and the official photographers so we really are the best!  After your fashion shoot, we’ll take you through to our cinema style viewing room where you can sit down, relax and take a look at the outstanding selection of images that our professional photographer has taken. That’s when you can choose the images you want and how you want them, you may want a full portfolio book and we have many styles to choose from.  Perhaps you want a wall hanging?  Whatever you want we will take you through the range and even give you an idea as to how our products will look with your image.

Don’t forget that if you would rather just experience our professionals for hair and make-up then we have our Fresh Style package which for just £50 you can book in to have your hair styled and your make up applied. This package is more than perfect for a big night out, but just as good to give you a New Year confidence booster too.

For more information on all of our different packages and for pricing please contact Hollie on 01923 212673, you never know, we could throw something in as an extra especially for you!

The Clothes Show - a Fresh report

For the 6th year running Fresh Academy Fashion PhotographyStudio exhibited at the Clothes Show Live NEC Birmingham from Friday 7^th December to Tuesday 11^th December and enjoyed every second! As cold as it was outside, it was lovely and warm inside with a hot, hot, hot atmosphere! More like a party than a show, we were privileged to have the current Miss England (and Fresh Academy bff Charlotte Holmes on the stand on the first day.  Charlotte was busy chatting away to all of our gorgeous visitors, giving tips to those who dream of becoming a model and helping us judge our Miss Fresh Teen competition.

Our stand, PK138 was right opposite Rimmel London perfect partners for fashion photographers Fresh Academy, we were also close to Lee Stafford and Claire’s Accessories.  Whilst we were drooling over hairstyles and giving our own Fresh Academy hair stylists plenty of inspiration for our fashion make-overs, we were also coveting the next trend in jewellery and accessories. 

As far as those celebs go, Fresh Academy caught more than a few glimpses of the handsome Peter Andre who was there with his entourage.  We’re so sorry to hear that Peter’s brother is very unwell and we send the whole Andre family our love.  Amy Childs from TOWIE was milling around the show, looking ultra-glamorous and so was blonde bombshell Gemma Collins.  We’re big fans ladies – if you’re ever in the Watford area and want some extra special photographs taken then feel free to ask us!  Also having a wander round the Clothes Show was cute Jamie Laing star of Made in Chelsea.

The big news for us was that we actually had a Miss Fresh Teen Heat LIVE on the stand!  The lucky and beautiful winner of this heat is Emily Darney who comes from Essex, pictured with Charlotte Holmes right here.   Emily is 15 years old and you can find more information out on www.missfreshteen.com where you can vote for your favourite.

As well as Miss Fresh Teen, our Fresh Academy team were busy scouting for Miss Fresh Photographic (heat of Miss England), Miss England and Miss Fresh Plus, were you one of the lucky girls asked to enter?  For more information on these exciting competitions you can visit www.missengland.info, and www.missfreshplus.co.uk 

Other exciting brand names exhibiting included Barry M, David& Goliath and the new sensation Onesies from “One Piece” - these will be on our Christmas wish list!  Haven’t had anyone come into our Watford Studio and ask to be photographed in one of these yet but there’s time!

Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model were busy at The Clothes Show Live and held a terrific catwalk show, Rissikat Bade from the show was also there. If you have dreamt of being on a catwalk then you should come into our Studio in Watford and have some model shots done, could be you next year on that catwalk…you never know.

In the meantime, we need a rest after a hectic few days and we’re so looking forward to welcoming our Clothes Show Live stand visitors to Fresh Academy itself, see you soon!

HRH Duchess of Cambridge – cure your morning sickness with a Bump to Baby Photo Shoot

Poor old Duchess of Cambridge – we’re sorry to hear she’s in hospital suffering from acute morning sickness but we were also so thrilled to hear that she’s expecting the next in line to the throne.  Perhaps we can comfort her with a brilliant bump to baby photo shoot?  After all, there’s nothing worse than all the Paps desperately trying to get hold of the photographs of the century – Princess Kate’s bump!  If HRH would like to step into our FreshAcademy studios we can promise her right royal treatment and complete privacy.  From the moment she comes through our doors, she’ll feel right at home, down to the royal purple carpet and plush seating area.  We’ll bring out all the stops for Kate Middleton as we do for all our clients but we’ll hold off on a glass of champagne and offer her a fresh orange juice to keep her feeling refreshed before a consultation with our professionals.

With a bump to baby shoot, we generally advise that our pregnant lady comes in a couple of months before the big day, so Duchess Catherine, you have a few more months to decide when you would like to visit us and we hope that by the time you do come in, you’ll have got over your morning sickness and will be positively glowing.

Your consultation will be followed up with a private photo shoot (as we do for all of our clients) in our 8,000 square foot Fashion and Family studio.  You can choose from so many superb sets to be pictured in, from a nice comfortable bed (good for resting on when pregnant), to sumptuous chairs or if you’re feeling energetic, our disco floor will have the royal baby dancing away!  Remember our backdrops and accessories – there is a treasure chest full of different things to enhance your photo shoot, from hats to wall coverings, royal crowns to jewellery or of course, you’re welcome to bring the real crown jewels in for the session –we have worked with jewellery before for our corporate clients!

Once we have captured your precious bump we will sit you down, prime position, in our cinema viewing room and we’ll show you just how incredible you look in your pregnancy.  You choose the image you love the best and we’ll treat you to it.

Then it’s over to you to have a couple of months R&R before the birth of His or Her Royal Highness and you choose when you want to come back for the baby photo-shoot.  Our future King or Queen will be treated to their very own baby session complete with or without toys, outfit changes, set changes and props to make him or her gurgle happily.

You can then select your favourite image and we’ll immortalise it for you in another free print.  Of course, we know you’ll be spoilt for choice and want to buy more perhaps as a memento for HRH the Queen, your father in law, Prince Charles or even for the Royal Thank you cards!

We would be over the moon to have you in our studios!  For everyone else who is pregnant right now and reading this blog, just quote KATE and get a free bump to baby photo shoot at the Fresh Academy in Watford – we promise you royal treatment from the minute you book!  Call Hollie on 01923 212673.

All I want for Christmas is a little bit of Fresh...

We bet that you’re finding it hard to believe it’s Christmas next month.  The year has flown by and now we’re nearing the middle of November, hands up who’s really done their Christmas shopping?  If you’re organised then you’ll probably have started, or at least drawn up a list of who’s lucky enough to receive something fabulous and what that is to be.  Or maybe you don’t do a list at all and you just venture out to the shops hoping some special ideas will catch your eye.  Then there are those of you who prefer to sit at home, slippers on, mug of tea and click away until you’ve finished everything off without even having to brush shoulders with anyone on the bus or tube.  Whichever way you do your Christmas shopping, one thing’s for sure – it has to be done!

We all worry about what to buy – and we imagine every year you’re left wondering how to be really original.  You know yourself how it feels to peel away the wrapping paper to reveal yet another jumper you’ll never wear or a pair of scratchy woollen socks!  A couple of DVD’s you’ve seen before or an expensive perfume that isn’t really your style.  So bear that in mind and let’s try and be really unique together! 

For those of you who’ve been into our Studios, you’ll know that we have over 8,000 square foot of carefully designed space.  This includes a very comfortable welcoming reception area, a hairdresser salon (yes – really!) and an absolutely outstanding photographic Studio with a huge amount of sets, props and accessories.  We even have a relaxing area where you can view photographs on a large screen after a photo shoot.  You’ll also know we cater for fashion as well as family photography.  For those of you who didn’t know that, well, you do now!

What’s that got to do with Christmas?  You may well ask…well, we’ve put together a few great ideas for gifts which we absolutely guarantee will bring a smile to those who receive them.  Take your pick from three different presents, two family style gifts and a fashion make-over present.

You could give someone the gift of photography for a whole year….this means not one, but three Fresh Family photo sessions at our studio in Watford and a free 5 x 7 print from each session which will be presented at the end of 2013.  All this for just £69.  That really is easy on the pocket!

Or – give the Grandparents a real treat with a “Generations Photo-Shoot” with their family.  One terrific photo shoot and a free 5 x 7 print for only £29 at our studio in Watford to be taken whenever they like.

For mums, sisters, girlfriends or friends we’re suggesting you buy a Fashion Make-Over which includes hair styling and make-up as well as the photo-shoot and complimentary A5 print for the spectacular price of just £49.

So – now we’ve sorted out your Christmas list, what about you?  Well , you know all those exciting parties you’re going to this Christmas?  Come to us and enjoy our new Fresh Stylepackage for just £45 (that’s 10% off) if you book in advance of December.  Call Hollie for more information about all of our Christmas packages on 01923 212 673.

Fresh – we really do have something for everyone!