Today’s Fashion Friday is all about makeup and the importance of having it as an option for seniors. The post below comes from a makeup artist and photographer in Virginia. Joy of Faces by Joy started out as a makeup artist and hairstylist but knew she had a love for photography as well. So she combined her loves and created a business uniquely her! Below she shares her thoughts on the importance of makeup and gives tips on how you, as the photographer, can add makeup to your senior sessions! Thanks for sharing Joy!
Three years ago, in August, I started my hair and makeup business, Faces by Joy (www.facesbyjoy.com) I desperately wanted to add photography at the time since I had been a hobbyist for a very long time. But working full time, raising two small kids and a household to run, my husband thought it best to just try the hair and makeup venture first. I am a retired model, SAG actress and pageant competitor turned pageant director. My mother is also a cosmetologist, so as you can imagine, makeup application and hair styling are not only in my blood, but have been a part of my entire life.
I began using my marketing skills that I had learned as a pageant director and applied them to my hair and makeup business in 2010. Within six months I fell right into booking weddings and before I knew it, 1 year later, I won ” Best Makeup Artist” by Richmond Magazine! I was on cloud 9! Winter of 2012, I began a plan to move out of my home studio to a brick and mortar studio. I found a small location, that I could afford, and planned my move into the world of photography, hair, and makeup. With a larger space, and a successful makeup business, I knew that my husband could not deny photography this time. My heart lies with a little fashion, a little vintage and a sweet and innocent chic feel to my photos. I knew Seniors would be a perfect choice for me, and that is exactly where I have focused all of my energy.
Hair and makeup is a very important part of the photos. I cannot stress how important it is to have professional makeup application. But I also cannot stress enough the importance of the RIGHT makeup application and person. I know that some photographers suggest the MAC counter to their Seniors, or send them to the mall counters or even just have the Senior do it. I think this is a mistake and disaster waiting to happen.
First, when the Seniors come into the studio, it is time I get to spend with them and their parent. We chat, and they relax. We get to know each other. Parents get to check out the studio and spend time with me as well, before shooting. Hair and Makeup application takes about 1.5 hours. Lots of involvement time!
Second, I know that the Senior is getting makeup that they feel comfortable with. I have had a successful hair styling and makeup business because I get the fact that I am not the driver in the application of makeup, the client is. I am the guide. With makeup and hair “in house” I have full control over being able to talk to them and respond to how they are feeling about the application of the makeup and make adjustments to the makeup as they feel comfortable. I know how the makeup will look on camera as far as colors with pre-chosen wardrobe and that it will all photograph well. Keep in mind, that not all makeup photographs well. The end result is that the Senior will feel amazing because she had a part in helping choose colors and was able to check out the look at each stopping point. You have no control over the end result of the photos when you send your senior out to an unknown person or place for makeup. Your client may hate the makeup and then end up hating the photos. Sale done.
So, you are not a Makeup Artist? Here is what I suggest. Start searching craigslist or use Google to search your area for makeup artists. I began on Craigslist when I first started with hair and makeup. Some Makeup Artists are very experienced and some are just starting. Interview each artist and find out what they like to specialize in? Look at their portfolio, check out their web site. It is worth every penny to invest in a Makeup Artist/Hair person for your business that will enhance your end result, and understands what you want. They need to be able to execute makeup for Seniors on their level of comfort and promote your business as well, by creating looks that photograph what your style is, in your area. For example, it is interesting to me to see the different Senior photos from photographers in different parts of the country featured on Seniorologie. As a former pageant girl, I know that certain areas of the country the ladies like more dramatic makeup, stronger lashes, and, well, big hair! Here in Virginia, I would find myself without bookings if I were to do makeup on my Seniors very dramatic. We are very conservative, and I am in a market that is very natural look based. Find a Makeup Artist that understands the look your trying to achieve.
Next work out a price point and build it into your session fees. Offer it to every Senior, every time. Do not make it an “option” or have them pay for it separately, since again, you will lose control over that area should they decided against it. Create a seamless ease for the Senior to have what she needs in your photography business.
Your photos will be extra amazing with a hair and makeup person that knows what she is doing and your post production will be a cake walk. You will ultimately spend less time on edits and be a happier photographer with very excited Seniors!
Senior Style – {Makeup}
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heck, yes i do!
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