Here's a little anecdote that I'm sure one day I'll look back and laugh at.

This past summer when I ordered my 'book' (a hardcover portfolio to hold my printed photos), I initially requested one that had 50 pages (so, 50 pages back and front = 100 potential spots for my prints). The gentleman at House of Portfolios was kind enough to point out to me that the industry standard is about 25...so that's more like 50 of your best images within your book. Well, duh me. I was probably being overly ambitious and obviously naive. When I thought about it more, I considered that at the end of the day, a busy client wouldn't want to view 100 pictures of my work. The 'best' pics should be enough to indicate whether or not my work suits a client's needs. Yup, learning as I go...

It's been just over a year since I first started building my commercial and fashion portfolio and it's amazing to see the development from those early pictures with the first few photographers I began to network with...here's one of my first few pics:
Fast forward to present day and a more recent shoot with Nadia below, the best part is I'm still learning as I go...and growing each step of the way. With all the developments this past year, I definitely can't wait to see what another year will bring. :)

Q: hi Rhia,
I have a formal event to attend and would really like to wear false eyelashes, but am afraid that I might be too old for them (I am in my 50s). I don't want to look like a drag queen! Do you have any suggestions?

A: Too old for falsies?! Please! Many 'mature' women, like Oprah, rock the false eyelash look but you wouldn't even guess that they have false eyelashes on. The key to making false eyelashes work is picking a style/size that appears natural and makes you simply look like you have lush lashes (well that or a really good mascara on!). Choose a size that closely matches the length of your own natural lashes. Quo eyelashes (available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada) in styles 800 and 801 are great choices for natural lengths (801 is pictured in the 'after' above).

If a full set of lashes is too much, you can also purchase false lashes in halves or individual clusters. You can even cut a full set in half and place the trimmed halves on the outer corners for a lush lash look. Once the lashes are on, be sure to curl the lashes so that the falsies blend well with you own natural set. Add a couple of coats of waterproof mascara and your lashes will be party set! Hope this helps!