Okay, organizing a photoshoot to showcase your makeup skills is both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking, right? It can feel like there’s so much to think about—lighting, models, the perfect makeup application—but once you nail the process, it’s totally worth it. Trust me, I’ve learned a lot from my own shoots, and I’m here to share those lessons with you.
- Start with a Clear Concept The first thing I always do before booking a shoot is think about what I want to showcase. Are we going for a soft, bridal look? Bold and edgy? Or maybe something more glam? Deciding this early helps everything else fall into place. I once jumped into a shoot without a theme, and it was a bit of a mess. The takeaway? Know your vibe. It’ll save you so much stress down the road.
- Build Your Dream Team Your makeup is going to steal the show, but trust me, a good photographer, stylist, and model can make it shine. I’ve worked with some amazing photographers who just get how makeup should be captured (lighting is EVERYTHING!). Don’t be afraid to communicate your vision to them. The more on the same page you are, the smoother everything goes.
- Location, Location, Location Where you shoot matters just as much as what you’re shooting. I’ve learned that lighting can make or break a shoot, and natural light is usually my go-to. But studio lighting can also create some seriously stunning effects. Once, I did a shoot outdoors, and the sunlight was perfect, but we had to rush because of fading light. Moral of the story? Choose a location with the right lighting, and give yourself a little buffer time.
- Pack Like a Pro Trust me, nothing ruins a shoot faster than running out of makeup or scrambling to find a brush. I keep my kit organized and packed with all the essentials—plus extras, like setting spray and different foundation shades for touch-ups. I remember one shoot where I was missing my favorite lipstick and spent way too much time searching for it—lesson learned: always overpack!
- Time Is Your Friend (and Your Enemy) We all know photoshoots can go long, and it’s easy to get caught up in the creative flow, but don’t forget about time management. One of my first shoots ended up running late, and I didn’t get the final close-up shots I needed. Now, I always build in extra time for breaks and adjustments. It helps keep the crew energized and the shoot on track.
- Zoom In on the Details While I love a good full-body shot, don’t forget those close-ups! I make sure to capture the tiny details—lips, lashes, texture—because those are the things that really show off your artistry. I’ve found that a beautifully detailed shot can be the one that gets shared the most on social media.
- Editing and Sharing: The Fun Part Once you’ve got your killer shots, it’s time for the fun part: editing! Work closely with your photographer to make sure your makeup looks just as amazing as it did in person. Then, it’s time to share your work! Post those pics on Instagram, your website, Pinterest—you name it. I love to do before-and-afters, because they really show off the magic you’ve created.
Organization is your best friend when it comes to photoshoots. The more prepared you are, the more room you’ll have to get creative and make the shoot fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from each shoot, and remember to enjoy the process—it’s all part of showcasing your unique artistry!
