Why Professional Makeup Matters for Your Personal Branding Photoshoot
Many of my commercial clients are used to having a full creative team on set. But for entrepreneurs booking a personal branding photography session, working with a professional hair and makeup artist can feel new.
Most people tell me the same thing: “I just want to look like myself on my best day.”
Creating that effortless, natural look for the camera actually takes a lot of skill. So I asked one of my go-to artists, Jarrett Brandon, to share some insights.
Here are five questions about makeup, skin, and confidence before stepping in front of the camera:
1) The “No-Makeup Makeup” Look for Branding Photography
Most of my clients want to look like themselves, just on their best day. Why does it actually take more professional skill to create a “no-makeup” look that holds up under studio lights than it does to do a heavy glam look?
“It’s one of those things that only professionals with years of experience understand! There is a balance to looking natural for camera, without looking heavily made up, but enough that you don’t look ‘washed out’. What might look like too much in the mirror will look beautiful under studio lighting! A pro makeup artist (and photographer!) will help every step of the way and create a polished, professional look for you with the use of commanding touch.”
2) Skin for Everyone:
In my studio, I work with a huge range of people—different ages, skin tones, and textures. How do you tailor your approach to ensure that everyone, from a 20-year-old founder to a seasoned CEO, feels their skin is being celebrated rather than just covered up?
“One of my earliest memories was working at a retail M.A.C. counter and getting a week long basic training (and years of additional training) that taught me color theory and understanding undertones of human skin. This is a skillset I’ve taken with me over nearly three decades of artistry in every medium or setting in the beauty industry that has served me greatly.
I truly look at each client as a unique individual with unique specific needs. And honestly it always starts with a short consultation with each client to understand the ‘look’ and ‘feel’ they want to convey. Then using my skillset to translate that into reality.”
3) The Confidence Boost:
I’ve noticed that when a business owner feels good in your chair, their body language changes before they even reach my backdrop. From your perspective, how does a professional styling session help a non-model “switch on” for their branding session?
“I have spent my entire life in service of others. I am always trying to build people up, in whatever way I can. Sitting in the makeup chair before your shoot and having someone touch your face is a very intimate experience! I’m here to reassure you and give you a moment of calm and relaxation (and pampering, if you will), to create a feeling of empowerment and confidence. Helping you feel like the very best version of yourself should give you the confidence to step in front of the camera, ready to kick ass!!”
4) The High-Definition Reality:
Modern cameras capture every tiny detail. What is one thing professional makeup does for skin texture that a standard daily routine or a quick dash of powder simply can’t achieve?
“I learned years ago that any good makeup starts with a good skin prep. If I only have thirty minutes to get someone ready, I’ll spend at least fifteen minutes JUST PREPPING the skin. Toners, hydrating serums, rich moisturizers, and blurring primers from high tech brands give you that instant look of refreshed, recently vacationed skin. As they say, fake it till you make it!! With my extensive knowledge of the necessary techniques and product knowledge you can leave the guesswork at the door. I’ve got you!!”
5) The Prep Talk:
For the busy entrepreneur juggling a million things before their shoot, what are your top “must-dos” (or “must-don’ts”) in the 24 hours leading up to their session to ensure their skin is ready for that vacation-fresh look?
“While there’s no magic bullet, I’d recommend against anything drastic like a spray tan, an unusual haircut, or anything really outside of a decent night of sleep and drinking something hydrating as soon as you wake up. It makes a difference! Come to your shoot with cleansed hydrated skin, and very minimal makeup (if you can’t leave the house without). And I’ll take care of you from there.”
A branding photoshoot isn’t just about the photos. It’s about feeling confident and comfortable in front of the camera, and that starts with a little time in the makeup chair.
The right team can completely change how you feel walking onto set.
If you’re thinking about updating your brand imagery, you can learn more about my personal branding sessions here.