Most artists have been there at some point - admiring makeup work in magazines, editorials, brand campaigns, social media posts and portfolio images. Dreaming if only I could get my work photographed in such a way! Because let's face it - photographing makeup is an actual skill to understand what's happening on the face one is capturing. It goes beyond just taking a photo of your work in a good light - it's about the light being right for the makeup being captured and how it translates in camera.
How to learn photography for makeup
During the pandemic, I grew really frustrated as I had visions how to showcase makeup in photos. I wanted to experiment and play with products, colors, textures and photographing the journey would be a creative outlet. Looking through online for my favorite artists and editorial photographers, anything really to jump start me. And who knows, maybe learn photography while stuck at home.
I had watched Lindsey Adler's YouTube and social media as I loved her work. Then I came across Danessa Myrick's course that I bought, Photography for Makeup Artists - which was not just about expensive gear or what settings to use. This was about synergy of light and how it affects makeup and how makeup reacts to light. It was the magic knowledge how makeup is captured, explained in a way artists can understand it. Not sure about you but I am not very tech savvy as an artist. And the best part was... You do not need fancy gear to begin with - it started with few meters of white wall and basic studio flashes, umbrella with myself as a model.
I was ready to roll my sleeves and just get on with it. As you might know in the end, I did not pick up the camera. Not because I could not but because my husband, graphic designer/photographer Antti Valos watched the course and got inspired by it. Before I knew it he had taken charge of the photography part and together we embarked to capture human beauty and makeup in our own way.
Why creative photoshoots are opportunity to upskill yourself
The course had the basic knowledge of makeup photography that was the backbone to me. Even tho I did not become the photographer, my role was not just being a makeup artist on the side lines. The skillset kept expanding and over time from designing and managing the project to artistry and teamwork which is relevant to my everyday life as an artist.
Being a makeup artist is never just about makeup. There is the pre, during and post production which I was part of. We discussed the type of mood, colours, wardrobe and style, shots and lighting we wanted to achieve in a final image. There is a lot of admin and communication, designing moodboards, networking, organizing schedules and so on. Before the photoshoot even happens, the prep was half of the work done.
Some of the skills I am really proud such as time management: 3 looks done and photographed in 5h time frame. The process taught me to work fast with precision and vision, understand makeup textures and layering, mixology, color theory. I am constantly analyzing a look for balance and focus points through lens.... Trust me nothing is more humbling than 200% zoom in on an eyeliner that you think was perfect until you see it on a big screen.
In an ordinary world be extraordinary
The photography project has reintroduced me to my creative side of makeup. It helps to maintain my skills and passion in the world of classic makeup styles: wing liners and rosy nude lips, brown smoky eyes and minimal makeup looks that I create weekly basis to my beautiful clients. My soul yearned an innovative channel to exercise and explore makeup like I never dreamed before. It also gave me and my spouse a shared specialty to work together and support each other's career.