Making a photograph is a collaborative effort. As the makeup artist, you are part of a team that includes the photographer, the stylist, the hair stylist, the dresser, and the editor (if it is a magazine shoot), publicists and handlers (if the subject is a celebrity), and the subject being shot. Your job is to be true to your own style, yet be open; to understand the requirements of the stylist, editor, and model; and to create a makeup look that works.
The only way to accomplish that is to communicate with everyone on the set and be observant. Don’t ever be embarrassed to ask questions or to give your opinion. Throughout the process, ask the photographer, stylist, editor, and subject for feedback. After you have applied the model’s foundation, let her look at it in a mirror to see if she thinks it looks right. It is much easier to change things at that stage than to wait until the whole face is done. When analyzing the first shot, get the photographer’s opinion on how the makeup is working—or isn’t—with his or her lighting. Adjust accordingly. Once the shooting starts, don’t think that your job is done. You need to stand by the set with your tools— powder, blush, lipstick, etc. Watch the model through a pair of mini binoculars to keep a close eye on how the makeup is holding up and what might need fixing. And be ready to jump in and try something that just might make the shot great. When a photographer teams up with a makeup artist, magic can happen. They understand each other’s style and needs. They can work in sync to get the best results.
I have had a handful of collaborations with different photographers, and my work really grew as a result. I was able to be comfortable with them and try new things, and saw the results the next day. Each photographer moved my work in a different direction and I am grateful to all of them
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