13 makeup tips for a photo shoot
Studio photography is usually scheduled several days or weeks in advance. The starting point is a dialogue between the photographer and you, during which you set tasks for each other. Based on the outcome of the conversation, the specialist prepares images and angles and selects optics and filters.
There should be no inaccuracies in the frame, but some of them are beyond the competence of the photographer. So, a close-up portrait largely depends on you. On an intuitive level, it is clear that wrinkles and other facial imperfections should be masked as much as possible for this type of photo shoot.
But you can refer to the fact that the work of removing defects can always be done in a photo editor. However, we hasten to warn you that editors tend to replace natural with artificial, and viewers are unlikely to like another perfect Photoshop piece.
By the way, pay attention to the additional features. You can download the Retouch Mi app for iPhone and Android. The program will help to make high-quality processing. There is a simple design and more than a hundred unique functions for processing.
Take care of the location
A close-up portrait is the best shot in a specialized photo studio. A professional photographer usually has several places in mind. However, if you want to independently approach the choice of a photo studio, then remember that shadows, backgrounds, attributes, accessories — everything has weight. Even the configuration of the room can affect the result.
For example, in a low room, the light from the flash may not diffuse well. The background should match the outfit — it may be that the color of the wallpaper is not suitable for specific things. And remember that having professional equipment is a sign of a good location.
Enhance your makeup
The problem with make-up photos is that the camera tends to muffle the colors and the spectacular image familiar in life looks calm and restrained in the frame. Therefore, art makeup involves the use of cosmetics in an enhanced mode. When looking in the mirror, the makeup may turn out to be too bright, and the thickness of the powder layer is greater than usual, but the camera will put everything in its place.
Skin tone is important
The camera is more sensitive to skin imperfections than the human eye. Therefore, at the preparatory stage, it is necessary to skillfully hide the shortcomings present and work on the overall tone. There should be no signs of fatigue, inflamed areas, or wrinkles on the face. To do this, use tonal means and proofreaders.
If you have experimented with portrait photography, you have probably noticed that the main disadvantage is the oily sheen of the skin. To neutralize this effect, it is necessary to use matte foundations. But do not be too zealous with the density of tonal means, otherwise, you risk getting an artificial face in the frame.
Dry correctors are also good, as they add a velvety effect to the skin. But do not overdo it with the density of the texture, since a thick layer of the corrector may not hide, but, on the contrary, enhance wrinkles. Bronzing powder can also be applied to other areas of the skin, except for the face, for example, in the décolleté area — this gives a radiant look to the skin.
Make your face even more expressive
Before photographing, it is necessary to impose an artificial correction of the shape of the face. The fact is that bright light makes the face flat if there is no additional relief. Correction is performed at the final stage: it is necessary to apply dark matting powder on the cheekbones, chin, temples, hairline, and nose wings.
Get the right eye makeup
Eye makeup for a photo should look a little brighter than usual, and shading is done as smoothly and symmetrically as possible. In order for the eyes to convey their full volume in a photograph, three or more colors must be used. Remember that by first powdering your eyelids, the shadows will not roll and will convey all the color saturation.
It is advisable to use shadows with a matte effect. In the frame, such shadows look much brighter than their counterparts with sparkles. Don’t use red shades — they tend to give the effect of puffy eyes, which will have to be corrected with the help of an eye makeup photo editor.
Work with a wide palette and false eyelashes
To achieve a soft effect of highlighting the eyes, emphasize the contour of the eyelids with a pencil and blend it a little. If you want to make your eyes bigger — use the whole arsenal of light shades on the inner line of the eyelid.
Don’t be afraid to apply a generous layer of mascara to your lashes. In preparation for photography, it is quite difficult to overdo it. A good tone is the use of false eyelashes. To make them look natural, you need to decide on a good length and comb them with a brush.
Take black and white photography seriously
When planning a photo shoot in black and white, you need to remember that dark shades turn into black, and a light palette turns into white. For example, bright red lips in a black-and-white photo will appear black. The same will happen with green, blue, and black shades of shadows.
A black-and-white photograph reads along the lines, so it is useful to emphasize the contour of the face, eyebrows, and lips. Lips are best painted with a light matte lipstick. It is better to refuse a purple palette and mother-of-pearl shades.
In general, makeup for a photo shoot should be stylish and harmonious. In order for all elements of the face to be perceived as one in the frame, ensure an even complexion, make the skin velvety, emphasize the eyebrows and cheekbones, make the lips alluring, and the viewer will definitely hold their eyes on your portrait.
And if a photo session in nature
Fashion shoot ideas are often based on the use of natural locations. When shooting outdoors, it is important to consider the weather. Wind and precipitation can ruin your hair and spread mascara all over your face. And no expensive photo gear will be able to fix it. Therefore, listen to the forecast — this is a significant aspect of the photo shoot.
Take full advantage of camera settings
For portrait photography, details are important, and not every camera is able to convey them in the required form. It decides everything — the size of the matrix, the ability to use filters, etc. If you have visited an experienced makeup artist and put on the right makeup with an eye on the photo shoot, then an old DSLR can cope with the task. But the perfect image is difficult to achieve, and new cameras pull it up well. Choose models with thoughtful ergonomics and convenient controls. Well, if it is Nikon or Canon — you can buy a lot of accessories for them, both used and new.
Use the right lens
Zoom lenses are too dark and do not give a detailed picture, as is the case with lenses with a fixed focal length. However, the lens for portrait photography must also be correct. For example, instead of the commonly used 50 mm lens for beauty photography, it is better to decide on a lens with a focal length of 85 mm. Then the cost of post-processing will be significantly reduced.
Get a Flash
The easiest way to get the right light is to an additional flash mounted on the camera and pointed at the ceiling. At the same time, the room must meet certain requirements — the ceiling and walls must be made in neutral colors — white or gray. For professional glamour modeling photography, separate flashes are usually used — for the model and for the background.
Use your flash the right way
If the subject’s skin doesn’t look quite perfect, use multiple flashes and soft boxes. This combination will achieve an image with smooth shadows. Do not forget that each flash needs a stand, and you may also need additional accessories, such as a reflector, etc. Work with makeup correctly, choose the right equipment and your photos will be interesting and popular.
