Comments on: Makeup Artists – Why you Need One and How to get One for Free

By: Yucel

Yucel — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:13:52 +0000

This is really a great why we must go the MUA route for a photo shoot.

While many models have the right experience to punch out their makeup, most folks just have not got the background to know what does and doesn’t fly w flash.

Here is something on what a pro makeover did for these 9 women: http://glamourphotography.co/?p=356

Us photogs have a harder time explaining this to our women clients, many of whom do great jobs on their own street and night makeup.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:53:58 +0000

I’m a professional photo retoucher. Work for a company that I have a NDA with so can’t divulge too much. We don’t use Photoshop. Our parent company develops software programs. The proprietor was a former photo retoucher – back when it was done manually/with an airbrush. Our software program approaches the task at hand from a totally different direction than Photoshop (Photoshop is meant for mass production/user friendliness).

With that said we tell the professional photographers we work with NOT to use too much makeup – especially eye makeup. Makes post production so much more difficult when drastic changes are needed. In the fashion world it seems that less money is being spent up front/on the set. Our company was up nearly 30% for 2009 amidst a terrible economic recession/depression.

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:18:45 +0000

Very excellent post. It has been very difficult for me to find anything good on this topic. thanks.

By: Beautiful Horizon Photography

Beautiful Horizon Photography — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:09:26 +0000

I am a hair stylist,make up artist, and photographer, This article was very helpful.

By: Andy MIlls

Andy MIlls — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:24:27 +0000

@Wayne there is no need to bite her head off over the issue, especially as technically the MUA is being paid. Elizabeth is talking about hiring the MUA on a TFP/CD basis – while the MUA does not receive cash, their “payment” is the prints from the shoot which he or she uses to promote their skills and get further work. It’s an arrangement that can be beneficial for all parties involved.

@Mindy – there are (obviously) different styles of make up for different styles of shoot, which a make up artist will be able to produce for you; in other words, you don’t go for a glamour look when doing a straight portrait. When you produce a portrait for a client, you want them to look their best and a decent MUA will help with this, especially if the subject has blotchy skin or other skin “issues”. You can “fix” these problems in PS after, but you do run the risk of the skin looking fake, and the less work you have to do to each photo, the better.

By: Kieron

Kieron — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:30:02 +0000

I prefer to see the natural beauty come through. I just ask models to apply light makeup sparingly if any at all. Having said that, I suggest to grooms that they apply makeup for weddings as compared to the bride (who is often caked in makeup) their shiny faces stand out!

By: wayne

wayne — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:36:08 +0000

@Elizabeth, you must have a more generous electric company than I do. Mine doesn’t take I.O.U.’s.

By: Elizabeth Halford

Elizabeth Halford — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:00:33 +0000

Wayne, it’s all about passion. Not always just business. I am passionate about my craft and I don’t always find that it is prudent to bring money into the equation. I have a massive heart to do end of life photography as a gift to the dying. I don’t charge them for that.

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:44:36 +0000

While I appreciate your effort in writing this article, I find several points that I disagree on. As far as fashion or glamor shoots, I usually have no say as to what the models are wearing or their makeup. That is decided by whoever is sponsoring the event or shoot. Weddings can go either way… what usually happens is that I give suggestions if asked. It’s her day and I found out a long time ago that most are set in what they want long before they ever talk to me. For portraits or shoots that I pay for, I don’t want a lot of makeup. I want a natural look. I found that a top of the line concealer for shine and maybe some LIGHT eye liner / mascara works fine. Sometimes eye shadow is used but it has to be light and subtle. I have tried several MUA’s and found that they tend to apply way too much makeup, especially for low light shoots. To me, it makes my subject look fake. But, that being said, it is my personal way of shooting and I don’t expect everyone to shoot the same way.

The 2 photos side by side can’t be fairly compared. The before photo is much warmer and brighter than the after photo.

By: wayne

wayne — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:06:45 +0000

@Elizabeth: No, we don’t all work for free sometimes. I never do. It sets a bad precedent and is bad for the entire industry. No one expects the gas station to give them free gas. Photographers, makeup artists, and other creative types shouldn’t be any different. It’s when we start engaging in practices like this that the general public starts to believe they can get something for nothing.