I am the queen of no makeup, Nike running shorts and oversized t-shirts. Really, those who know me well know that it is rare for me to have on a full face of makeup and have my hair done. I’m the queen of top knots and ponytails. If I do put makeup on, it takes me less than 5 minutes.
Catching my drift? I am quite casual. Yes, I am a mom to a rowdy 3 year old and 10 month old, but my daily beauty routine has always been extremely simple.
When I started working with professional hair and makeup artists, I quickly realized that getting your hair and makeup done is worth every dime. It makes your professional portraits look even more PROFESSIONAL.
I feel like I can hear you asking the following questions behind your screen:
“I’m scared to have someone else do my makeup!”
“What if it is too much?”
“I hardly wear makeup to school, so why should I get it done for my senior pictures?”
“Fake eyelashes? I’ve only worn those for dance, cheer or theater!”
I HAVE BEEN THERE and know exactly how you feel. When I had my hair and makeup done for dance head shots, bridal portraits and my first family pictures, I just about died. I remember saying, “HOLY LIPSTICK!” out loud, right before my bridal portraits.
After seeing my photos after every shoot, I realized that I did look like myself and not painted like a clown like I thought I looked before the session.
So from the “Queen of Casual”, here is the most important and ONLY REASON why you should get your hair and makeup done for your senior pictures: Hair and makeup for portraits is different from every day makeup.
Yep, you read correctly. A professional camera, lights and bright sunlight, tends to wash out your skin quickly in photos. Your lips will disappear unless you have color on them. More blush than usual will help show off your rosy cheeks and give you color and depth. My every day makeup isn’t going to highlight my features on camera like it would in person. Editing will only enhance what was captured.
If you decide to get your hair and makeup done, here are a few things you should know:
1. Your hair and makeup isn’t going to look exactly how you do it every day. It is going to be more than usual and that’s a good thing!
You’re paying a professional to do your hair and makeup, so I would hope it wouldn’t look like how I do it during my 5-minute beauty routine each morning. Your hair will have more volume and your makeup will be heavier than usual. But DO NOT PANIC! If you’re using a reputable stylist, they’ll know how to do your hair and makeup so you look your best in pictures. If you still want to make a change to your hair and makeup after you see a few on your photographers camera (NOT Mom’s iPhone), then brush out your curls or tone down the color.
2. Your stylist is (most likely) not going to show you every step of your transformation.
Final hair and makeup looks tend to come together at the very end. If you’re makeup artist is contouring your face and you ask to see it when she is in the middle of the process, you’re going to look like you’re ready for a Halloween party! I can guarantee that your stylist wants you to love your look, so after your stylist is finished, and you would like a few changes, have her fix them then.
3. Your hair is going to fall during your session. A LOT!
When you’re moving around, posing and changing clothes, your hair is going to lose volume quickly. As much as you want to to brush some of the volume out of your hair, try to resist it! It will fall, A LOT! If you brush out most of the volume at the beginning of your session, expect your hair to look flat by the end of your session. Especially you TEXAS GIRLS! This Texas weather is brutal!
4. Speak up and tell your stylist what you like and don’t like!
I can’t tell you how important this last piece of advice is. All businesses want their clients to be happy. Bring pictures of hair styles and makeup that you like. Tell them what colors you typically wear if you’re going for a natural look.
If you don’t like how dark your eye shadow is, tell your stylist. If you don’t want your hair teased, tell your stylist. If your eyebrows are way too dark, tell your stylist. If your hair isn’t straight enough, tell your stylist. Please do not tell your stylist that you love everything about your look and then get upset and panic when you leave because it isn’t what you had in mind. THEY WANT YOU TO LOVE HOW YOU LOOK. I always tell my clients that they won’t hurt my feelings if they tell me that they feel uncomfortable in a certain pose or don’t like a certain location and I know this is true of stylists too.
After many photo shoots in front and behind the camera, I am a firm believer in getting your hair and makeup done professionally for your professional photos. It really takes your photos to the next level and makes them look even better.
Have you ever wondered what happens to your hair and makeup through the lens when you’re being photographed?
Not sure how to communicate your vision to your stylist?
CLICK HERE for more information!
Here is a list of stylists that I recommend:
jordan@grandslamglam.com
Instagram: @grandslamglam
The Styling Stewardess Team
info@thestylingstewardess.com
Instagram: @the_styling_stewardess
Gary Parson
garywparson@sbcglobal.net
Instagram: @mrpmakeupman
Tina John
facesbytinaj@yahoo.com
Instagram: @facesbytinaj
