Makeup is a necessity not a maybe.

Makeup is a necessity not a maybe.

That’s a quote from one of the makeup artists (now referred to as MUA’s) I use for my photo sessions. And I too stand by that quote, having a makeup artist on deck during a shoot can make all the difference between a so-so photo and a photo that jumps off the page/screen. This is especially true if your MUA wears multiple hats; hair stylist wardrobe / image consultant. Granted that having a MUA available for a shoot may not be in the budget for everyone, but if you’re a model and you’re trying to get noticed and you want future work as a paid model then I strongly suggest using a MUA. Even if you’re not a model having a MUA can help with the process of creating that WOW factor. I’m not saying that as a photographer we can’t bring that factor on our own. But as with any process this is a step that should not be taken lightly.

I have noticed from some of my earlier work without an MUA and then the work done with a MUA that only in the slightest instances does the work without the MUA parallels the work done with the MUA. I guess it really depends on the context of the photo. I also learned that having a MUA on site during the shoot can save valuable time in post. See with the MUA on site they can correct things that you would have ended up dealing with in post. I have had a few MUA’s whom assisted during a shoot with the infamous shiny forehead from the model sweating from working with bright lights and multiple poses, as well as minor fixes of the hair. Plus there have been times whereas the entire color scheme needed to be changed and guess what you change the color most cases the makeup will need to be changed as well.

One of the biggest arguments I hear from some potential clients are; for the amount I’m paying the makeup artist I can just go to the mall into the MAC store spend $40 dollars and get something and they will make me up. True but considering that MAC doesn’t take appointments there’s no guarantee that you’ll be to your session in time. Also the MAC agents don’t have the slightest clue of what type of colors you’re going to be shooting against. I know blue is blue, but in the photography world blue is not always blue. The MUA when doing your makeup on site can review the scene we’re shooting and do your makeup accordingly. Then also take into consideration that you are at the mall not in the studio. Once you leave the mall and head to the studio it’s a touch & go situation. Especially if you’re dealing with the elements such as rainy day or extreme humidity, see hiring a MUA she can do your make once you’re at the studio. Therefore eliminating the fear of your makeup just not looking right for your session and not getting the results you were looking for.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you’re looking for the best possible result during your photography session… and whether or not you’re doing it on a personal or professional capacity you should strongly consider including a MUA in your session. Believe me a good MUA can make all the difference. Even with the photos I do for my port I will never shoot without a good MUA.

Thanks for your time!