The other day, I realized that it’s been ages since I updated my FAQ. Many of the answers were completely outdated, like what photo equipment I use, my age (!!!), etc. I quickly updated some of the more blatant errors, but I wanted to bring it to the forefront and answer some of your most frequently asked questions. And just so you know, I never mind answering. The best way to get a quick reply is to comment here, on my most recent instagram post, or on twitter.

 

• What camera equipment do you use? I usually shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III. My lenses of choice depend on the situation. I use the Canon 24-70  f/2.8L series (expensive, but a beautiful lens), 50 mm 1.4 (super versatile, great in low light, sharp, and relatively inexpensive by comparison…but the 50mm 1.8 is even cheaper and is still a great lens), 85 mm 1.8  (for portraits…this is what I usually use for makeup shots), 100mm 2.8 for macro shots, and 40mm pancake lens for when I need something super flat and portable (traveling, when I’m out and about and don’t want to bring a camera bag). Do you need all of that, if you’re looking to buy a digital SLR? Definitely not. I’ve built up my collection throughout the years, through different SLR bodies. If you’re looking for an entry-level digital SLR, you really don’t need to go with a full frame body and you don’t need to spend a ton of money on L series lenses. Get a less expensive body and a sharp prime lens (50mm) and you’ll be good to go, and then you can add on as you see fit. I also have a Canon 70D, which I love using for video (articulating screen is so helpful for when I need to shoot my own video content). It’s about a third of what I paid for my Mark III and it’s such a great camera, so I highly recommend it.
• How do you edit your instagrams? I have a few go-to apps, and several that I use on occasion but still love. The short answer is that I use Snapseed for basic editing, VSCO for moodier photo filters, and A Color Story when I want it to be bright and light. I feel like I’m cheating by just listing the top three, because I have a lot of others that I use for different reasons…but I need to do a whole post about that.
• What programs do you use to edit your photos? Photoshop and Lightroom. I also love Radlab  for shortcut actions (you can mix and match filters at various opacities).
• How do you do your brows? My brow routine can be seen here, although I usually use Dipbrow instead of powder. I also get my brows threaded, not waxed. But I recently got my brows done by Bethany Wolosky, thanks to an amazing reader tip, so once they’re totally healed (and touched up), I’ll share more info about that process.
• Where did your name come from, and how is it pronounced? Keiko is my Oba’s name, who is 100% Japanese. I’m only 1/4, but I love my name and can’t imagine being called anything else. It’s pronounce Cake-Oh, but I answer to Keeko, Kee-Oh-Ko, Koko, whatever. I’m used to it:) My ex-boyfriend thought my name was Kinko for about a week, when we started dating. I just rolled with it.
• Who did your tattoos? The yellow roses on my shoulder/arm and the flowers on my forearm are by Amanda Wachob, and the Miku portrait is by Becca Genne-Bacon. They’re both based in Brooklyn, New York. My anchor tattoo is by Legion Avegno   in Kissimmee, Florida. I’m sorry, but I can’t help you get on Amanda’s waiting list. But I promise that she’s worth the wait!
• I’m going to NYC. Where should I go? I can’t tell you how many times I have sent a laundry list of places to anyone who inquired (I’m always happy to do so!), so it’s kind of silly that I never made an entire post about this. But I’ve been working on an extensive list of where to go in NYC, including a google map, and it will be done very soon. You can also check out the rest of my city guides, here – including a couple of posts that focus on my favorite Brooklyn spots. If there are any other places you want guides for (that I’ve been to), please let me know!
• Where do you buy your vintage? Here you go.
• What breed is Miku/how old is she? She’s half Pomeranian, half Eskimo, and she’s adopted. She’s proof that adoption is the best answer, because she’s the most magical and wonderful and amazing and beautiful and perfect little pup in the whole universe (this is not an exaggeration). She just turned 12, but she still acts like a puppy!
• What is your skincare routine? You can see the basics of my current skincare routine, here. I am also working on a post about the oils, serums, and masks that I use, which will be up soon (probably next week). I also swear by chemical peels – I get the Vitalize Peel. I do those pretty regularly. And FYI, I’ve been giving beauty and skincare tips on Snapchat and plan on doing that more often, so add me on there.

 

Any other questions? Feel free to ask me and I’ll answer!