Are your clients ready for their close-up?
Photo shoots—whether color or black and white—demand specific makeup techniques which, when performed to perfection, produce a flawless, photo-ready face.
Whether you’re just getting started in a career in makeup artistry or you’re an experienced makeup artist looking to step up your game and ensure your clients are always photographed in the best light, it’s a good idea to brush up on the art of photo makeup. Here’s everything you’ll need to know …
Up Your Game with Advanced Makeup Artistry Training in Photography Makeup
Formal training in photography makeup is a smart pursuit, particularly if you want to enter or advance in the fashion photography industry.
Through an advanced one-day course or multi-day program in photography makeup artistry, you will gain a deeper understanding of shading and contouring techniques used in photography and editorial work.
Advanced training in photography makeup can broaden your career prospects, allow you to build your portfolio with color and monochromatic looks, and earn a name for yourself in high fashion, photography, advertising, runway, TV, and film.
How to Achieve a Photo-Ready Face
The goal for color photography makeup is to remember that soft edges are the key! That means blending should be your primary focus. Second on your list of things to do when flexing your makeup artistry skills for a photo shoot is achieving a natural glow. That means going easy on the setting powder, adding radiance with a light matte bronzer, and highlighting the lips with a glossy lip color. Keep the gloss to the center of the lip, avoiding the corners.
Black and white photos require makeup that focuses on contouring in order to create highlights and shadows. Because black and white photography turns colors into shades of grey, black, and white, makeup needs to be all about creating dimension.
For example, warm colors will appear as lighter shades of gray, while cooler shades will appear darker. If your clients want to achieve a more natural look, it is always best to stick with warm tones like peach, both on the face and the lips.
High fashion black and white photographs, on the other hand, are best achieved using cool tones, such as charcoal, violet, purple, and blue. Likewise, a striking black and white photograph can be achieved by highlighting the lips with shades of pink that translate into deeper shades of gray.
Unless you are aiming for a very bold look, it is best to avoid red lips in black and white photos, as it often makes them appear black.
Photography Makeup Tips and Hints
There are many techniques for ensuring a flawless face that’s ready for color or black and white photographs:
- Always moisturize the skin before applying makeup to create a fresh, dewy complexion.
- If your client is being photographed in natural light, apply their makeup in natural light, if possible.
- The application of a primer before foundation allows you to create a smooth canvas that can handle even the tightest shots. Primer is great for concealing large pores; creating a smooth, even skin texture, and minimizing fine lines.
- When applying foundation, use a damp sponge or foundation brush to ensure even coverage. Use a translucent powder (sparingly) to cut down on excess shine.
- Playing up the eyes is always a good idea, but avoid using anything shimmery or glittery. Matte and satin shades in lighter, neutral colors will make the eyes appear larger and brighter.
- Eyeliner is always great for playing up the eyes, but go easy because too much (especially when applied to the inner lower lid) can make the eyes look small.
- At least two coats of black mascara are a must – every time.
- A natural shade on the lips is always a safe choice because lip color trends tend to change so quickly.
- Steer clear of foundations with an SPF because they tend to reflect too much light and make the skin appear shiny.
- Create illumination in all the right places by applying concealer one shade lighter under the eyes, down the bridge of the nose, and around the mouth.