In July I attended the PPCF Portfolio Builder Workshop at Evolve Technology, and as a photographer with a passion for creative, non-traditional styles, this event was a perfect fit. The PPCF partnered with VAMP to create content for the artist's makeup portfolio as well as our own photography portfolios. For me it wasn’t just about capturing beautiful images—it was about connecting with the artistic community and reigniting a love for special effects makeup, something I’ve dabbled in during my time in the face and body art community.


Having taken a few special effects makeup classes in the past, I felt an immediate connection to this art form. Seeing these models transformed into living art pieces brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement, and I loved being able to capture these intricate details through my lens.


The workshop wasn’t just a solo journey—it was a true collaborative experience. Photographers, models, and makeup artists all came together to create something special. I enjoyed bouncing ideas off fellow photographers and experimenting with different angles and lighting techniques to enhance the surreal looks of the models. The energy in the room was contagious, and it pushed me to try new approaches that I’ll definitely be incorporating into my future shoots.


This event was a fantastic opportunity to not only grow my portfolio with fresh, eye-catching content but also to build connections with other creatives in the industry. Meeting photographers with similar interests in offbeat styles, as well as talented makeup artists, has opened up new avenues for collaboration. I left the workshop feeling both inspired and connected, ready to explore more creative projects in the future.


If you’re a photographer who enjoys capturing something out of the ordinary, or if you want to challenge yourself creatively, the PPCF Portfolio Builder Workshops are always a must. It’s an experience I highly recommend, whether you're looking to expand your portfolio or simply want to connect with the local creative scene.

Egyptian-themed costume with Anubis mask and ceremonial staff against desert backdrop.
Egyptian-inspired cosplay featuring an intricate Anubis mask with gold and blue details against a red background.
Behind-the-scenes photo of costume preparation with Anubis-themed character in Egyptian regalia.
Detailed closeup of Anubis mask costume with gold accessories holding a red crystal prop.
Close-up shot of hands in gold bracers holding red crystal props against Egyptian costume.
Egyptian-themed Anubis cosplay with blue and gold headdress and ankh necklace holding red crystals.
Fantasy creature photoshoot with pink and purple styling in outdoor winter setting.
Pink cosplay performance featuring dramatic lighting and butterfly-inspired headpiece on dark stage.
Theatrical performance with dramatic lighting shows costumed figure with outstretched arms on stage.
Pink fantasy costume photoshoot with butterfly ears against blue twilight cityscape.
Fantasy character in pink attire posed with Eiffel Tower visible in background at sunset.
Behind-the-scenes studio shot of fantasy character in pink costume with dramatic lighting.
Artistic performer in pink corset and furry wolf-like costume ears poses theatrically against dark background.
Dramatic fantasy character portrait with fierce expression against fiery background.
Fantasy-themed theatrical performance scene with fire effects and dramatic lighting.
Action shot of fantasy character performer against dramatic fire and blue background.
Fantasy character in fiery scene with dramatic lighting and special effects makeup against flames.
Dramatic fantasy character wielding weapons amid orange flames and smoke effects.
Behind-the-scenes makeup application with dramatic lighting in studio setting.
Dramatic portrait with blood effects and moody lighting in gray sleeveless top.
Artistic portrait with fire effects and dramatic makeup in atmospheric lighting.
Close-up profile view with dramatic makeup and flowing blonde hair against dark background.
Behind the scenes photo showing makeup application on performer against yellow background.
Fantasy creature in dark costume holding lantern against textured yellow wall.
Dramatic creature makeup with pointed ears and fangs, holding lantern against yellow backdrop.
Fantasy character in medieval costume holding lantern with dramatic blue smoke effects.
Creature character in black and gold costume holding antique lantern with dramatic lighting.
Dramatic theatrical photo of a prisoner in white clothing bound with rope showing signs of violence and distress.
Dramatic photo of a bound captive in chains against a grungy yellow background.
Dramatic capture of shackled hands against vibrant blue background in theatrical lighting.
Dramatic theatrical portrait against blue background showing intense emotion and theatrical makeup.
Close-up shot of bound hands with dramatic lighting showing theatrical blood effects.
Person in plaid suit and theatrical mask poses against city skyline at dusk.
Close-up of figure wearing ornate mask and plaid suit against colorful urban backdrop.
Behind the scenes makeup application with artist working on performer in plaid shirt.
Performer with special effects makeup playing bass guitar against mystical blue background.
Rock musician in costume playing bass guitar under dramatic stage lighting.
Monster-themed costume with green hair and prosthetic fangs smoking against dark background.
Creative Halloween costume featuring green spiked hair, fanged prosthetics and punk rock style with denim vest.
Portrait of performer in theatrical makeup wearing patterned headwrap and bow tie against gold background.
Expressive theatrical portrait with star makeup and metallic accessories against green background.
Whimsical green face paint character in French mime style making heart gesture.
Theatrical green-faced performer in beret and striped shirt against autumn trees and blue sky.
Costumed performer in green makeup poses joyfully with Eiffel Tower in background.

Injury Victim - Jobeth Garza

Lady Bat - Jackie Coleman

DND Horned Mask - Arnold Beauie

Prawn Burgundy - Danielle Battaglia

Anubis - Lindsey Smith & Sierra Morales

The Mask - Allie Thomas

Avatar - Summer Cirone

Optical Illusion Face - Em Wagner

Punk Warewolf - Connor Hayes

Creature from Lisa Frankenstein - Victoria Rohal

Thanks to all those who set up stations for us to use!