Makeup & working with models

I’ve done many shoots by now and I’ve applied makeup on more then hunderd models in a very short time (less then a year) - and here is my take on makeup, models and photoshoots so far. Here is what I learned:

• If you know what I know, then we’re both in business. :-)
• If you know what I don’t know, I’d like to hear it.
• If I know what you don’t know, perhaps you’d like to read further.

Makeup, models & photoshoots

The best pictures are often made on a makeup chair!
– That’s what I think and believe. —

And here is why:
The most models are young and unexperienced. On one hand, there is a beautiful young girl, with innocent look from her bright eyes and a perfect skin… standing before you.
And on the other hand she’s unexperienced, nervous or even scared - and yet full of ambition.

And perhaps it’s her very first shoot.

As a makeup artist, you can help her, not only by your great makeup skills, but also by making her feel comfortable and helping her to relax.

There are undoubtly many makeup artists out there who are far better then me, but here is how I do it myself, as I believe such a practice wouldn’t hurt any other makeup artist. Here is what I know and I’d like to share what I’ve learned so far.

Working with models, golden tips

• As soon as you meet a model in the studio, introduce yourself politely.
• Have ultimate respect for your model, as she’s the only one you ever worked with or she’d be the only one you’ll ever work with during your whole carriere.
• Don’t rush the things, have a drink together and a short chat first.
• Ask her to show you her clothes that she brought with her and relate it to a makeup.
• Ask about her own wishes for the upcoming shoot.
• Tell her that you’ll gonna start when she’s ready.
• Wash your hands before you begin.
• Take a cheewinggum or other mouth refreshing stuff before you begin.
• Ask her how she feels before you begin.
• Take a lead.
• Think positive, be positive, do positive.
• Tell her what you’re gonna do/what you’re doing, why you’re doing it - and how long (approximately) it will take.
• If she’s nervous, tell her a joke.
• If you can’t think of any joke at the moment or you just don’t know any joke at all, tell her that you’re even more nervous then she is - and ask her is she has any advice for you in order to relax. That will probably make her laugh.
• If she for any reason doesn’t feel alright, take a short break.
• Don’t touch your model below her shoulders, unless there is a good reason for it, like pointing her to stretch her back and sit properly.
• Don’t tell her you’re gonna make her pretty. Tell her eventually that you’re gonna make sure her natural beauty comes forward.
• If the photographer starts to rush the things, asking if it could go faster for instance.. say clearly “NO!”, as it’s your duty to protect yourself and especially your model. That’s because if you fail to make your model feel right before the shoot even begins, the shoot will most probably fail.
• As long as on your chair, your model is your responsibility.
• Talk to your model or otherwise make sure there is a music in a background.
• Laugh naturally, don’t fake it.
• Be confident.
• Don’t push it if she doesn’t want to talk.
• When the makeup job is done, tell her that it’s now her turn to do some great work.
• Keep being involved during the photoshoot. Watch closely if her hair, eyeshadows and lipstick are still alright. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to interrupt the photographer in order to make it better, (a good [pro] photographer shall always appreciate it, trust me!)
• Don’t give her too much compliments.
• “Do compliment” when she’s doing well.
• Talk to her (and to a photographer) if she’s not doing well. Make (alternative) suggestions.
• Stay untill the end of the shoot and greet your model politely when she leaves.

Always tips

• Keep always in mind, that during the makeup, you’re in your model’s “personal territory”, so it’s the matter of mutual trust.
• Read always (her) body language.
• Keep always in mind that she’s not your 20st, 158th or 784th model, but a “person”, just like you.
• Keep always in mind that: it’s a new day, a new shoot and a new model… and it’s an “unique” project.
• It’s always here and now!

Before and after makeup

This is a 14 years old model, whom Michael and I had a photoshoot with half year ago. Her name is Felicia. Makeup - before and after …

Model Felicia, “before and after”, photo by: Michael.

She came into the studio as a quiet little girl, a bit nervous, unsecure and escorted by her mother. She left the studio as a big girl, confident, with a huge smile - and as a diva!
… and she’s got from Michael some cool pics too. :))

Which reminds me of the fact: when we make other people feel better, the world becomes a better place to live as well.
And that’s what gives the ulitmate kick to me.

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