Yays and Nays around Acting Headshot Makeup
Yays and Nays around Acting Headshot Makeup
Most of my clients ask me if it's necessary to hire a MUA for their headshot session. I share that the work you see in my portfolio is primarily 85% captured with a professional MUA hired.
The photos are only as good as the lighting and the Makeup Artists I employ in each of my sessions. While industry standard, especially in bigger markets, suggest headshot sessions include a MUA and ideally that would be the case with me, however, in our smaller market here in Metro Detroit [and surrounding areas], that isn't always automatically known in the community. Even if your not use to wearing makeup daily, there are many reasons to invest in hiring a makeup artist for your headshot session. And yes, even men!
Here are the YAYS of why to hire a makeup artist:
- Without the detail, subtle touch-ups and precision from having one of my specifically trained makeup artists throughout each session, then my images wouldn't look as clean, sharp and professional.
- Attention to the details: MUA's help with under-eye care, blemishes, fix any peskey imperfections, color correct skin tone, fly-aways with hair, and proper contouring.
- Keeping your skin shine free so as to not reflect too much light. The wrong makeup can reflect light, risking an unfortunate turnout for the investment in your headshots.
- Reducing post retouching for the photographer.
- MUA's are there for touch-ups throughout your entire session and are meticulous in maintaining the freshness for each of your looks.
- Eliminating stress the day of your headshot session. Sit back. Get pampered. Know that you don't have to worry about this aspect of your headshots. You will leave feeling like a total ROCK STAR.
- My MUA's have been highly vetted to know how I capture headshots, what lighting I use and what I'm looking for in each of my sessions. It is very much a collaboration atmosphere.
- Professional products! My MUA's use the very best makeup to ensure your skin work best in lighting and on camera. They have matte makeup without glitter and shimmers, which prevent your skin looking cakey.
If you cannot afford to hire a makeup artist and/ or feel ‘you got this’ that is mostly up to you! However, in the spirit of supporting you, I will be asking questions about your experience and knowledge regarding headshot specific hair and makeup. In fact, I've had incredible experiences where the actor / actress is fully capable and does a remarkable job. Whatever it takes to help you feel 100% confident in your headshots.
Here are the NAYS if you plan to go without a professional:
- Less is more. Just because you look fabulous [don't doubt it] for a night out on the town or a date with your significant other, headshots are totally different. [read below]
- Natural is better. Agents / Managers / Casting Directors ONLY want to see your headshot matches your total updated package [reels, audition submission, headshots] and believe it or not, they want to see how you look as natural as possible.
- Subtle is key! Between each look, just applying a different lip color can make all the difference.
- I understand you want to look your best and cover up those well deserved smile lines and maturing skin, however, looking your age range and submitting your appropriate headshot for the role shows you are a not only a professional, but your agents can submit you for roles that truly match your brand.
- Don't ‘wing it’ the day of your session. Make time to do a trial run in front of a large window to get the most accurate look possible. Most industry headshot photographers use natural light.
- Men be sure to bring your own personal shaving tools/gear/products.
- For that specific ‘beauty’ brand headshots, we just have to justify your brand [ie: sultry red lipstick for the temptress role, seductive cat eye for the sci-fi big box movie, or capturing a specific time period like Marvelous Mrs. Maisel]. *Rules are meant to be broken, so if we add a bold lip color to your commercial look, it is because it is a part of your look/brand.
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