Makeup Tips for Photography

Some of the most common questions asked by my clients before a shoot are: How do you prepare your makeup for pictures? Should I wear makeup to a photo shoot? How do you prepare for a photo shoot the night before? How should I do my makeup for an outdoor photo shoot? What makeup looks best on camera? How do you prepare your skin for a photo shoot? What foundation is best for photo shoots? How do I style my hair for a photo shoot?

So I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to bring in my talented friend and Makeup artist Renee Jacobson for some insight on the topic of pre shoot makeup and skin care. Renee and I have worked together on multiple projects and she is one of the most popular makeup artists in Portland. I'm honored she took the time to be my guest author for today's blog. We hope these tips help. Make sure to connect with Renee on Instagram HERE

Makeup by @reneejbeauty on IG

Let's keep it simple

You’re beautiful. You’re perfect. You’re fabulous. Don’t feel pressured to stray too far (or at all) from your typical beauty/grooming routine. A gentle exfoliation for your face and lips the night before your shoot, followed by your favorite moisturizer will go a long way in helping your skin look it’s best.

Check that your hair, skin, brows, and nails are all clean, tidy, and groomed to your liking, and Voilá! You’re photo shoot ready!

Book ALL the Things (with a buffer)

• Haircut
  
• Hair color
  
• Brow or body wax
  
• Facial
  
• Manicure
  
• Pedicure
  
• Spray tan
  

If you are someone who regularly schedules any of the above services, or would like to use your shoot as an excuse to get pampered a little extra, great! Just make sure to get them booked ahead of time and give yourself a buffer of about a week before your photo shoot.

Giving yourself that buffer allows your skin time to normalize and recuperate. It also provides a ‘woopsie’ window in case one of said services doesn’t quite turn out how you expected.

Makeup by @reneejbeauty on IG

DIY Warning

Any of the above mentioned services can be done at home. If you’re a DIYer and/or on a budget, I see you. You’re a champion.

Two bits of advice:

1. Give yourself a buffer. Plan your self care and grooming into your schedule at least a couple days before your shoot. Procrastination can lead to a late night pre-shoot, and the power of beauty sleep should not be underestimated.

2. Stick to what you know. If you’ve never waxed your own eyebrows, the night before your photo shoot is not the time to try.

And remember- it’ll be tempting...you’ll find little things that beckon for it... but RESIST the urge to pick. Leave it alone.

Yes, you.
Yes, that.
Leave it be.

Makeup by @reneejbeauty on IG

Practice in the mirror

If the very thought stresses you out, skip it. You’ve booked a photographer who will direct your movements and help you feel comfortable and look fabulous in front of the camera.

However, bringing your own poses to the table can be a great way to ensure that your photos capture your authenticity and most flattering form. If you want to get some practice in, spend some time with yourself in the mirror. Find the poses and shapes that flatter your form and take note of how they feel in your body, and how you moved into them, so you can recreate that sensation when the mirror is a camera. But again, don’t stress! Your photographer will guide you.

Makeup by @reneejbeauty on IG

Stretch

No, really. Being in front of the camera can be surprisingly physical. You may be asked to bend, stretch, twist, lift, sit, stand, climb, leap... This will not be a passive experience so do your body the favor of a few down dogs the night before and/or morning of.

Makeup

Cameras see differently than our eyes do. The inconsistencies in skin tone and texture become more exaggerated and apparent through a lens. Basic cosmetics can brighten dark under eye areas and smooth away tonal inconsistencies, saving your photographer hours of editing.

Anyone and everyone who professionally exists in front of a camera wears makeup. In the world of photography, it’s a must. Even if makeup isn’t a part of your daily life, it should be included in the schedule and budget for shoot day.

Makeup by @reneejbeauty on IG

Options

Hire a professional! Hair and makeup artists exist to help you look and feel your best for your big day. Freelance hair and makeup artists will meet you at the photo studio, or even at your home, with all of the tools, products, and expertise to create the look you want, that the camera understands, and that will keep your photographer behind the lens (their happy place) instead of stuck editing in front of the computer (significantly less happy place).

Makeup by @reneejbeauty on IG

DIY Makeup

If you’re confident with your own cosmetic skills, you may still want to consider hiring a pro as the products and techniques for photography makeup do differ from day to day makeup. But if you’re going to DIY, here are some things to keep in mind:

The goal is to create an even “canvas” and accentuate the features that you’d like to be seen- typically brows, eyes, cheeks/contours, lips.

There are thousands of tips and tricks to consider when planning out your makeup look. Here are a few:

-Foundation doesn’t need to be a mask. Well-chosen and well-blended concealers are often enough. Allowing your natural skin to show through keeps you looking like you, and also helps prevent the dreaded mismatched jaw “line.”

-Which brings us to blending. Use less product and build slowly. Buff, blend, blend, and blend some more. Harsh lines, mismatched tones, and uneven application can lead to even more hours of editing than no makeup at all. Blend it out, boo.

Makeup by @reneejbeauty on IG

Contouring Demystified

Don’t be scared.
Choose a color that’s just a couple of shades deeper than your skin.
Start at the top of your ear and bring it down no lower than the bottom of your nose, following your cheek bone. Not in the hollows of your cheeks, but juuuust above that, and still below the crest of your cheek bone.

Add a kiss to both temples, a dusting to your hairline and under your jaw line, and to the sides of your nose. Blend it out. Boom. Now the camera can see the natural contours of your face, and they won’t get lost or “blown out” in bright light.

Be blushful

Go a bit bolder with your blush than you would on the daily. Much of the color gets lost in light and editing so make sure to include it in your look.

But above all, remember that you are art. You are beautiful and worthy of existing in photos.

For more information on

• Makeup tips
• One on one lessons
• Group classes
• Booking hair and makeup services

find me on IG @reneejbeauty or email me at [email protected]