Last weekend I had a chance to be a model. No, I am not trained nor have the cheekbones or facial features to make me a model. And trust me, I understood that I was not a model by these means as my Nana was a model back in her day and wow–was she gorgeous.
Even though I wasn’t a model, I channeled my Nana and put myself out there to be on the other side of the lens and it was new. Being in a new position opened my eyes to a few insights and tips that I wanted to share with you.
1. ALWAYS get your hair and make-up done for a photo shoot
I was the person that thought “no you can do your own make-up/hair and save some money.” You guys–NEVER AGAIN! Seriously, get a professional to do it. It affects your shoot in ways you wouldn’t think about.
It relaxes you before the shoot.
I can’t explain how nice and relaxing it felt to get my make-up (and hair) done. Physically, you have to relax your face muscles a little and it is calming to be pampered. Particularly when you are running from one place to the next. Getting a chance to sit and have someone else take care of something for you is truly a delight.
A make-up artist is a professional–meaning they notice the details.
You are always beautiful (no matter the state of your hair and make-up), but boy does working with a professional hair and make-up artist truly make a difference. They understand the little details that make the difference–hence why they are the professionals.
But seriously, you will feel beautiful because they know how to make you beautiful. They know what parts of your face and neck to minimize, highlight, and enhance.
And in pictures, those details really do make a difference. I can’t tell you how many pictures I’ve seen (of myself included) where the eyeliner is just a little off or a little too thick. Or when their lip color has smeared a little or faded. Professionals ensure these details are straightened out and stay in place–meaning you look stunning the whole shoot.
2. Plan extra time for hair, make-up, and travel
Little did I fully realize how much time hair and make-up took, as well as travelling in between, AND you will need to go to the bathroom. So plan extra time into your schedule.
I suggest scheduling: 10 extra minutes for hair, 15-20 extra minutes for make-up, 15-20 extra minutes for travel, 10 minutes for bathroom break.
Seriously you guys, if you know you have an extra 30-60 minutes into your shoot it will make a difference.
3. You still have to love yourself no matter the make-up, outfit, or hair
As a photographer, I NEVER like being in front of the lens because I KNOW all the things wrong with the symmetry of my face, my cheek bones, my neck, jawline, body shape, etc. Yes, I am a bit self-conscious, but more because I have learned how to look for those stunning features on other people when I take photos. And although I know that everyone has beautiful stunning features and I truly think that everyone looks so gorgeous in real life–I didn’t believe it with me.
I got my hair and make-up done and was stunned with the talent–but I still knew it was me. I still had my crooked nose and small eyes and disappearing jaw line.
This was a realization moment for me. I always though “Well, once you get your hair and make-up done you’d NO DOUBT feel you are beautiful.” For me, I did feel beautiful but I was somewhat disappointed it was still me.
It’s normal to still feel insecure after getting dolled up–but believe you do look STUNNING!
I want you to take a moment and think about that statement. It should read–you are beautiful BECAUSE YOU ARE STILL YOU. A talented make-up artist won’t make you someone who you aren’t–they’ll enhance the beauty that is you.
Even more so, I didn’t truly feel beautiful until Kaity looked down as her camera and said ‘Wow, you are so beautiful–I can’t get over it.’ I was surprised to say the least– Me? Are you sure?
In that moment, I learned that I need to tell anyone I work with how gorgeous they look.
I see all the beauty in the people I work with–and I always feel like my lens just magnifies their beauty to me. But I need to point that out to them. I need to tell them that they are beautiful.
I normally make comments, but I did not realize the impact until it happened to me. And I realized EVERYONE deserves to feel that way and EVERYONE needs to be told when they are truly beautiful.
The Result: My Magical Moment
From my experience, I got images that tell me a story of this day and remind me of things I learned. I hope my tips can help you create the perfect setting to bring to life your story through a photo session.
Below are a few of my favorite images from the shoot:
A special thanks to Celebrate Everyday for arranging this shoot and letting me model one of their dresses, Kait Mikayla Photography for working with harsh light, Makenzie Peacock with Peacock Artisty for transforming me with make-up, and Hair by Mykelin (@calledtopaint) for creating such a beautiful braided hairstyle. You guys are the best!
Make your photo shoot magically tell your story.
If you are looking to book your magical moment and create a story, contact me! And if you don’t end up working with me, I would love to refer you to amazing hair and make-up artists that will make your day special. Contact me here or call me at (385) 985-3285.
