DAY 37

FASHION & BEAUTY

Working with a Makeup Artist

LESS IS MORE

A makeup artist (often referred to as a MUA) is as essential to shooting beauty as the lens is to the camera for capturing the image. When meeting with a makeup artist for the first time, look through his or her book to see how heavily the makeup is applied. A good makeup artist can create a natural look that looks clean while allowing the pores on the face to show. Bonus points for an esthetician’s license, which allows a MUA to do brow shaping and hair removal. Some makeup artists use brushes, an airbrush, or both to apply makeup. Working with a MUA that does both has its advantages. Discuss what kind of makeup they use and the contents of the kit they bring to the shoot.

On the shoot, a photographer needs to verbally and visually communicate the concept or assignment to the makeup artist. It helps to have tear sheets from magazines ready to show so that your MUA has a visual example of what you want. For best results, allow the makeup artist the creative freedom to explore within the constraints of the assignment. —MR

Photo © Matthew Roharik.