Get Camera Ready with #TheDiMorelliEffect

I often get asked about my job as a blogger and I always say it’s 90% grind and 10% glam. Many times, I write about my experience working non-stop with my hair up in a bun, glasses on, sweats & hoodie with a plate of food by me and the world at my fingertips (literally- it’s called the internet) but today, I’m going to tell you about the 10% of what I do- which has to be my favourite!

This campaign could not have come at a better time- after filming 3 interviews in a day, and prepping a TV shoot and some red carpet interviews, while juggling a full timer, Getting Camera Ready for work is a mesh of preparation and a whole lot of help from my team. It’s the cultivation of that 90 % of work put into creating something to put on camera. It involves being organized, reaching out, planning logistics, bringing a team together, pulling looks to fit a shoot, sourcing interviews and doing research on products and people- and then the day where everything comes together almost seems like an orchestra, where different parts create something special when placed altogether!

I’ve partnered with a fantastic skin care line that I totally vouch for because of how amazing my skin feels after using their products, Di Morelli Skincare, to expose my secrets to Getting Camera Ready naturally. I went for a face scan where you stick your head in this magic machine that tells you what you need for your skin type. Thankfully my skin is actually in very good shape so it was more of maintainence and prevention from sun damage (because I hate sunscreen).

This shoot is a partnership with Di Morelli Skin Care Vancouver and Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver who graciously provided product and venue. All thoughts expressed are my own. Disclaimer: I am wearing makeup in this shoot but obviously (like OBVIOUSLY) you want to apply these products with your face clean. 

 Sam’s Tips on How to Get Camera Ready 

1. Prep your skin (and not with makeup)

I have a confession. I do not like sunscreen (coming from a gal who lived in a tropical country most of her life). I don’t like the smell, feel, you name it. But Hallelujah, I actually found one I like and *surprise* it’s from the Di Morelli skin care line. I just like how it doesn’t smell or feel sticky okay?

But skin prep is so important to looking and feeling confident on camera. Every time I know I have a photoshoot, video shoot for YouTube or a TV shoot, I prep my skin in advance every night and morning to make sure I don’t get nasty bumps or dryness.

Why? Because no matter how much makeup you put to hide it, it’s still there. Trust me, you’ll feel more comfortable whether you’re on camera or not, if you already have naturally good skin. I currently use the Vitamin C serum + Skin Brightener, as well as Sunscreen. Oh right, and Moisturizer. I’m also one who neglects the skin on her legs but I JUST FOUND OUT that I can use these products on my legs too. Whaaaaattttt.

2. Drink lots of fluids

I HONESTLY need to take my own advice. Water is so important (yes we all know that). What you don’t know is that if you don’t drink enough water prior to a camera shoot, your mouth is going to get dry OR your lips will get cracky as you are reading your script or trying to relax your mouth for a photo .. and then behold, you look like you’re trying to fish kiss something.

So drink water folks, that way you don’t have to worry about bad breath during live interviews.just saying. 

3. The balance of preparation and spontaneity

I’ve learned this through my YouTube and Tv interviews. I used to structure my questions for guests in a way that it was Question 1 —> Question 12 in order, and this simply does not happen, NOR is it realistic NOR does it make for good, engaging TV.

Prepare for the interview with your questions as the BACKBONE of the interview/if your guest is on the quieter side but always, and I mean always leave room for fun and spontaneity. Leave room for the conversation to become A CONVERSATION- because that is what makes for great entertainment.

4. Being mentally prepared is as important as being physically prepared

If you follow my blog, you have probably read my Colour Series or my Fashion to increase Fitness post- all of which talk about how what you wear can affect how you feel. So simple as that, you want to not lean on either extremes but find a nice middle ground where what you put on your body compliments and enhances your performance on camera.

Like how I exfoliate!- Can’t make the connection? I have these mini under the skin bumps due to clogged oil glands that I tried to zap away laser wise and then it came back and basically I looked spotty for 2 weeks for nothing. But now I get to exfoliate and it DOES make the difference when you feel like your skin is flawless (enough)

5. Weird High School Musical mouth exercises

You know that scene in HSM 1 where Sharpay does this weird mouth movement, sing song ritual to prepare before going on stage? Okay, so now all of you know I watch High School Musical BUT besides that fact, this does wonders to prepare you before going on camera.

It relaxes the jaw, makes you feel more comfortable and helps with the enunciation of words!

So there you have it, my secrets to Getting Camera Ready!

The products I absolutely love from Di Morelli:

Vitamin C Serum

Brightener

Sunscreen (I’m totally converted now so that’s a brownie point)

Exfoliating Pads

My awesome team:

Di Morelli Skincare + Teresita

John Yoo (who took these INCREDIBLE shots)

Shangri-La Vancouver

Dress: Fine Finds Boutique, Yaletown

Hair: Brendan from @BeautyAGoGo1

Interested in checking out your skin and get camera ready?

Read more about them here!