How To Self-Produce A Photo Shoot (Part Three of Six)
Last week, we shared tips for finding a wardrobe stylist, as well as talent. Click HERE if you missed it.
Today we're going to share our tips for finding a hair and makeup artist, as well as choosing your location.
Now that you've sorted out a Stylist and Model, it's time to think about Hair and Makeup. These are essential aspects of Fashion and Editorial Photography. We strongly recommend finding artists to work with you unless you feel confident doing this yourself.
Hair and makeup make all the difference when it comes to bringing your story to life. It can place the model in the world you've envisioned, with much more realism. A great hair and makeup artist can create the illusion of clear skin, enhance facial features, define eyes, and transform the models while saving you hours of editing.
Tips for finding a hair and makeup artist:
Choose one person who specializes in both or two people that specialize in either hair or makeup.
Many artists are found on social media (especially Instagram) by searching the hashtags #mua, #hairstylist, or #hmu. Social media showcases before and after photos, behind the scenes, and who they've worked with on projects. It's a photo resume.
If you can't connect with a makeup artist through social media, try visiting your local cosmetic stores such as Sephora and MAC, to name a few. A lot of artists freelance at these stores, so don't be afraid to approach them.
If you can't connect with a hairstylist through social media, contact your local salon or cosmetology school.
When skimming through someone's portfolio, pay attention to the kind of clients and models the artists are working with. Some may not be comfortable or capable of working with certain facial textures, hair types, or ethnicity. It's essential to reach out to someone you know can execute your vision.
Now it's time to think about the logistics. When will the shoot take place? Will it take place in a studio or on-location? If it's going to be on-location, are there any restrictions you should know?
Things to consider when choosing a location, date, and time:
Be sure to select a location that adds something to your story. Also, keep in mind the time of year your photoshoot is taking place. If it's outside, the weather changes, so have a backup plan in case it rains.
Google the location you're interested in to see what it looks like ahead of time. Google Maps is an excellent resource since you can choose the "satellite view," which will let you check out the parking situation as well as the building structure and surrounding area.
How's the lighting? Is there natural light? What is the quality of light? Do you need to create light? If so, are there outlets available to plug your lights in (if required), and is it the proper wattage?
Will you have access to the bathroom facilities, as well as a separate space to set up and get your model ready.
Does the location work for everyone involved? Will the entire team have transportation?
Once you've decided on the location, call, and ask:
Will they allow you to do a photoshoot there? If so, is a permit needed? It's your responsibility to obtain one from the city or town.
Is business insurance need as well?
Can you scout the location before your photoshoot to evaluate the space and lighting?
Is there a fee to hold a photography session? If so, what is the cost? If there is no cost, offer to send the final photos as a courtesy. They may want to use the images for marketing purposes.
Never show up at a location and assume you can do a photoshoot there; they can shut it down, and now you've just wasted everyone's time.
So now, the hair and makeup artist, location, date, and time have been confirmed. What's next? Stay tuned as we'll share our tips for creating a call sheet.
Location: Visit @houseofjulesblog on Instagram to follow their house renovations.
Follow