Brand Photography Makeup Advice with Heather Maria Beauty
When you’re preparing for brand photos, makeup can be an important step that is overlooked. Depending on you and your brand, makeup may not be that important to you and that’s ok. If not, you can skip this post. I don’t believe that everyone needs to hire a makeup artist for brand photos, especially if it would be unauthentic for you and your brand.
However, it is often a source of great confidence for many women prior to a brand photoshoot. Since I learned my makeup application skills from good ol’ Youtube University and Pinterest, I turned to a professional hair and makeup artist to get some useful advice on makeup specifically for brand photos.
Have a look at my interview with Heather of Heather Maria beauty, who is a makeup artist that works with Austin-area brides and photography clients. Then tell me, did anything surprise you?
Click on title below to view the video transcript. Video Transcript
Ashley Edwards (owner and photographer of The AWE Studio, a brand photography studio in Austin, TX)
Hi, Heather. How are you today?
Heather (owner of Heather Maria Beauty, a hair and makeup artist based out of Austin, TX)
I'm great. How are you doing? Ashley?
Ashley
I'm great. Thank you. Thank you so much for talking to me today about beauty and brand photography, and all of that good stuff. So I'll just jump right in, and we'll get started.
Heather
Okay, sounds good.
Ashley
So I want you to kind of introduce yourself and tell me a little bit about you and what you do.
Heather
Okay, well, I'm Heather Maria with Heather Maria beauty here in Austin, Texas. And I pretty much create, I pretty much help everyday women and brides with cruelty free beauty services for life and love and really help those everyday women with business. As far as photography goes, so business life love all types of occasions. So
Ashley
Wwesome. And I have seen that you have worked specifically with brand photographers, or at least one brand photographer I've seen you work with. So you do have a quite a bit of a familiarity familiar, that's a hard word to say familiarity with, specifically with brand photography, which we know now is a growing genre. And a lot of people are jumping into this. And a lot of people are realizing how helpful it is for our businesses to get, you know, photographs that are catered to our specific branding. And that will help us sell online which we all know that is very important to sustain our businesses. So um, in general, let's let's pretend that we're going to talk about at first we're going to talk about doing makeup like DIY. So say I, for instance I am I have a client, and she wants to DIY her makeup for her brand brand photo shoot, which I know I have had some clients that just prefer to do their own makeup and don't feel like they want to hire somebody. What would you say? Best shows up on camera as far as makeup goes?
Heather
Well, I think the first thing to remember is that client needs to stay authentic to themselves for sure. So I think a lot of people have the idea of just creating this really bold look that doesn't even resonate with them. And that's what you definitely do not want to do. And if someone is DIY in their makeup for a photoshoot, I think it needs to be intentional. And there's a lot that goes into it. And that's where a pro makeup artist really comes in and, and takes over and really incorporates all of those skills that they have learned and incorporate that in the particular style that the client is wanting and going along with their authentic self. But if they're DIY, they just really need to be authentic to themselves be intentional with their makeup application. And just be sure to understand that you do need more makeup in your photos for sure. photography. As you know, Ashley takes away about 50%. Sometimes I feel like a little bit more depending on the photographer's editing style. And it really diminishes the makeup. So just being intentional and adding a little bit more dimension to the face and things like that are really going to be great steps to making the makeup appear a lot better in photographs, and making sure that you're really creating a nice flawless canvas. But you don't have to go crazy, you don't have to apply a full coverage foundation or anything like that. I think a lot of people have that in their mind that they have to do that. My clients are non makeup wearers or minimal makeup wares. And we never have to go like full monty with the foundation with a full coverage foundation. We do other things that are intentional to really bring out their features for their photo session.
Ashley
Fantastic No, I think that's great advice. First of all, being authentic. And I'd say the same with like, you know, just anything in general, for your brand, like you're showing up as you on your best day, you're not being a totally different person. So if you're going to if you're not going to do like a huge smoky eye look on your best day, you know, you're only going to do it like once every 10 years, then that's obviously not authentic to you. And it probably wouldn't make a lot of sense for you doing that in your brand photos. So yes, I totally agree. And that is a great way to kind of think when you're doing your own makeup or or even hiring a makeup artist is like letting them know, hey, look like I do my hair, or I'm sorry, I do my makeup, you know, very naturally on most days. So I'd like to stick with that.
Heather
Yes, definitely. Yeah. And
Ashley
Of course, like you said with with, I have noticed that. You know, certain looks, even if they're super natural, they won't really show up as well on camera. Because Yeah, because the editing and all of that does take away a lot of that. So you may think like, Oh my God, my blush looks like really bright. My lipstick is really bright. But when it translates on camera, I feel like it definitely is more softened. So yeah, and so you have noticed that,
Heather
I have to say, I have to say that the most shocking part is blush. It's always blush, it just really shocks the client a lot. But when they see the photos, they're like, Oh, it's nice and blended. There's barely any there. And and that's the reason you really have to be intentional with what you're doing. For sure.
Ashley
Absolutely. I totally agree. So, um, when you're talking about like applying makeup for a brand photoshoot? Where's the Where's like the best place to apply it? Like is it going to be in just like a well lit room? Or do you have a specific place that you like to apply makeup?
Heather
Yes, definitely. So I always recommend natural lighting over artificial lighting all the time. And growing up. That's where I learned from my own mother that she used to apply her makeup outside in the natural light on the porch. And so that always just stuck with me. And if you apply your makeup in your bathroom, in yellow lighting, very low lighting, and you go outside. Most people's reactions are Oh my god, this is not what it looks like in the bathroom. So going next to a window is the best way to apply your makeup. You can see every little thing you know when you're applying your makeup. So I definitely recommend natural lighting first.
Ashley
Yeah, yeah, I know I i've I used to apply my makeup in the bathroom and another tungsten light. And I remember one time going and going in my car. And I looked at myself in the mirror. I was like, Oh my god, what's going on here? This is I thought it was so good. And then I'll look at it natural light. I'm like, Oh, that's no, that's not a good? No, yeah,
Heather
it can be really bad. And it's so funny when I take clients when I'm on site with clients for a wedding or whatever, they want to go into the bathroom and look at their makeup and I'm like, No, no, no, stay out here by this window and look at your makeup because it's totally a different experience.
Ashley
If for some reason there's not like a natural light there which I mean, I guess that's possible in certain certain circumstances. Would you say like those like daylight mirror like mirrors with the lights? Or is that like a second alternative that you would suggest?
Heather
Yeah, so like in my bathrooms at home, I have all day light bulbs. So that really helps a lot. Don't get I think it's soft white, which has that yellow. Most of that is I think the lighting color is a little too yellow and orange. So getting those daylight bulbs and putting them in your bathroom or a lamp and then applying your makeup next to that if you're if you have nowhere else to go, that is an option. And then you know, you can always I know this sounds crazy, but I know a lot of women that have done their makeup in the car, you can always go out to your car, put your one to
Ashley
true and then doing it in your car, the light spreads actually pretty decently so you can see, you can see your face pretty well, even on a cloudy day. Because I because I don't know, if non photographer people know this, but the way that the lights in the wind and the light in the windows work as it spreads the light out really well. So if you ever noticed you'd be getting on camera to do like a picture and your face like super, super bright. That's because of how the light is being spread by the sun. So yeah, doing it in the car is actually a really good idea. If you don't have a way to do it inside with some decent lighting. So awesome. Yeah, to know, not only.
Heather
So um, would you say is so in my experience with brand photography, I do a good mixture of both, like studio or some kind of added lighting. Also, with natural lighting, sometimes, you know, we go outside and do it outside, and then do some under like, you know, maybe some headshots with a background or whatever. So sometimes it can vary. Is there any extra there? Is there any extra tips you have for that or extra advice for when you're working with such a mixture of lighting and makeup?
Heather
Yeah, so it's hard because I personally have practiced with indoor like speed, light photography, and then taking that same exact look and bring it outside to really practice my craft and really figure out what is best. Honestly, there are two totally different looks. And there's not really a way that you can get away with that. Because with flash photography, as you know, I find that in a lot of cases, you really have to put on a lot of makeup in
Ashley
Yeah washes you out.
Heather
It does. And even when you go outside, I think the outdoor lighting, what makes it different. The difference with that is it's filling in and creating that soft light and really kind of diminishing some of the imperfections on the face and just really feathering everything out if that makes any sense. Whereas the studio lighting is really harsh, right? And you've got all these shadows and things like that, when you get step outside. Everything's kind of blown out. So I think the best advice that I could give on that is really pick what photos are most important to you, whether that's studio or outdoors and go with plying, you're applying your makeup in that way and thinking intentionally in that way versus trying to balance the two because it's two totally different settings. And two, you're gonna have two different outcomes for sure.
Ashley
Yeah, well, it sounds like really in that case, you really just need to hire a professional that can be there with you and kind of adjust the look as you go. Because, I mean, of course, photographers can fix some of these looks and posts. But honestly, I know my personal philosophy is get most right on camera. I do not like doing a lot of post work. I do not like doing a bunch of touching up with makeup and stuff. It can be a lot. And my personal philosophy is just to make it all you do all the hard work ahead of time. And then you know, that way the photos can come to them faster. And so it really does sound like in a case like that when they're doing when you're working with a lot of mixture of lighting, that it's best to probably just have somebody on set.
Heather
Yeah, definitely.
Ashley
Yeah. So um, let me see I'm having a hard time reading. I have dry eyes and it's like, oh my gosh, I am my eyes are so blurry. So Excuse me. I'm trying a question here.
Heather
Let's see.
Ashley
Okay, so what what kind of looks just look awful on camera. Can you think of anything particular? That where you're like, please don't do this?
Heather
Yes, definitely. I definitely do. I think one of the biggest pieces of advice that I can provide to someone that is trying to do their own makeup, I have clients that'll bring me these beautiful inspiration photos of a smoky eye, it's dark, there's the liner, there's lashes, there's all of these things. That photo is taken up close. You push that photo back that is going to look like a black hole right Yeah, and so I think it depends on the situation, if you're having beauty photos, okay, fine, you know, create that look. But if you are, if you are having photographs that are not up close, and from far away with my clients what we do, and I know this is a DIY suggestion, but if you are wanting your eyes to look more open, don't go in with the dark shadows, adding the lashes, and adding the liner, it's just gonna mish mash all together and create this black hole. It really is. So that is one of the things that I highly recommend not doing. And really just keeping that eye open. And like I said, I'm being authentic to yourself, even if eyeliner is authentic to you, and lashes are authentic to you and a smoky eyes authentic to you. You need to probably take that down just a couple notches. So your eyes don't appear small squinty and black. Yeah, that's info, that's
Ashley
a great, that's a great piece of advice. Because Yeah, you're right. I mean with, and that's what a lot of people may not recognize this. And know as well as that, you know, when you're doing beauty photography, right? It's it's very up close, it's very detailed. And they're focusing from here on out. Most brand photos are not like that, it's totally the opposite. Most brand photos is all about the environment you're in, it's all about creating a scene, you know, where you're working, what you're doing, which, you know, working with clients, things like that. So yeah, definitely don't want to shy it to black holes, and you look like a demon in your photos, we do not want that unless
Heather
we know that it takes some coaxing for for me to talk them into not doing that. But at the end of the day, you know, they trust what I have to say we go with it, we tweak it in other ways. So they still feel, you know, somewhat authentic. And then when they get the photos back, they're like, I see I get it now, you know, but a lot of people don't understand that, you know, and that's where a Pro comes in and knows all of those things.
Ashley
Exactly, exactly. That's, that's where you're like, Okay, maybe you should hire a professional after all, because, you know, you don't want to look like a demon. So that is a good piece of advice. So, when you're talking about brand photography, Is there like a really most popular look that you get requested most from most of your clients?
Heather
Yeah, so like I said earlier, my clients are minimal to non makeup wear. So we really create an authentic look that more so brings their features out and really highlights those, those beautiful features. And being intentional in that way without, we don't want to create a flat look. So creating that dimension, that soft dimension, not contouring, you know, to where they feel very, they don't feel confident, it scares them, right. And makeup application can be a really scary thing. So we really, you know, go in authentically and create a more unnatural is such a broad term. But I think the best way to explain it is really bringing those features out and creating that dimension for that particular client.
Ashley
Yeah, it's like more about like enhancing versus changing or altering, right. Like, that's really what natural makeup application is. Seems like it's about versus like, you know, the contouring and stuff actually can make you like super contoured looks can actually alter the way you look. And you know, there might be a time and a place for that. But I think for in general for most, most solopreneurs that are doing these brand photoshoots they're probably wanting to not look so much like a Kardashian and look a little bit more like your girl next door. Although there's nothing wrong and I'm sure those those looks can be really fun though. You know, that's how you like doing the contouring and all that Yeah, there is a time and a place for all that drama. And and I'm sure that you get some brides that really want to pull off that like contour look and just look super glamorous and everything. But but most of the time I think that most most people don't want to go that far.
Heather
Yeah, definitely. Definitely. So and I think what brand photography, honestly, it's a professional setting right for most of them and they're entrepreneurs and they want to look professional. And so going in and kind of creating this old look just sometimes isn't the place for it for sure.
Ashley
Yeah. So I may not sit well with like the general public or whatever. So, but there's always exceptions. Of course, there's always going to be you know, if there are brands that have like this unique look, that's totally different. Of course, we're not speaking to those. But we're talking about in general the most, you know, we're talking about most people that want to come and get some makeup done for brand photography. Yeah. So in regards to working
Heather
on Wednesday, for me, my printer is going crazy. And I don't know if you can hear I don't know why I can't hear anything. Let me turn that off.
Ashley
No problem.
Heather
I'm like, Is there a ghost in here?
Ashley
I didn't hear anything. But I know that's happened to me before. And I'm like, what it sounds like it's like a giant monster right next year. So it didn't hear I didn't hear anything over here. So that's a good thing. Okay, good. Okay, so, where was I? Here we go. Okay, so in regards to correlating your makeup with your outfit, what kind of advice and tips you have with obviously, like, if we're doing a specific kind of color, like say, like a coral color, you know, you're gonna want to match your makeup to that, especially because it's such a special color, rather than just like a black or white. So a lot of people will have, for instance, they'll have like a brand colors that they want to incorporate into their looks. So what is the best way to go about incorporating the outfit and the makeup?
Heather
Yeah, so whenever I am looking at the whole picture, you definitely the first thing you go to is your outfit. So whatever outfits that you have, generally, they're all within the same colored tone, especially if you're using them with your brand colors and things like that, I find that a lot of people wear a lot of neutrals. But my suggestion is to really keep it neutral within that color tone. Like let's just say for example, you were talking about the coral top or whatever. And then maybe they're wearing Navy, so just stick with that tone.
Heather
And let's just say they're wearing a blush top, you can go in that tone, you know, so um, just make it neutral. And I think what you can do to make it fun, especially if you're doing outfit changes and things like that is changing your lipstick is always my number one thing to do for sure if you're wanting to have like a different variety of makeup looks with your outfits as well. And then sometimes you can go in and change your hair and things like that as well.
Ashley
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, I feel like I feel like lipstick is probably the easiest way to like switch up that lug without having to do something crazy dramatic, but that's really such great like so basically we're saying like if you're doing warm tones, stick with warm tones, if you're doing tones stick with the cool tones, because obviously, we don't want to have like a mess of it of an outfit with like a warm and then you have cool up here. That is not a good look. And and the general layman probably doesn't understand that warm versus cold. But But when do you want to explain in makeup terms what that means versus the warm versus cool?
Heather
Yeah, so whenever you're working with warmer tones, that's going to be something like I'm trying to think of a way to explain like
Ashley
orange and red like type right to like, when you think warm, you think like oranges and reds, right?
Heather
Yes. And then your cooler tones are going to be like your blues. And they're going to have that mixture of blues and purples and pinks and things like that. But the funny thing is, is like everything, even orange can be cooler or more so true. It's hard to explain it is
Ashley
like explain it.
Heather
I know, right? It's just very visual. So and think of a sunset and then think of like a winter scene. Right. So cool versus warm. That's the best way for me to explain it.
Ashley
Yeah, no, that's actually a great way to explain it like summer versus like, you know, winter is very much Yeah, exactly.
Heather
Yeah, yeah. I don't know if that's helpful. But that's no, that is
Ashley
of course. And then of course in that case, like maybe do you have you ever worked with like a wardrobe person before like a stylist in a team? Have
Heather
you ever done that? So I usually that stuff is usually done before I actually arrive. So um whenever I show up to A brand shoot that's already been completed their outfits are, are hung up on the rack, everything's laid out. So I can go in and look at everything and then tie everything together for their look. So I am working with a stylist, but not so much one on one. It's more of me coming in and seeing everything that's already been completed and figured out for sure. Okay.
Ashley
Yeah. And that makes a lot of sense. Yeah. So when you when you're preparing for your clients, like, Can you explain to me a little bit of the process, like what it is for, say, I say, Hey, I have this client, she's interested in makeup, and then I send her to you, can you kind of briefly explain to me what your whole process is from, like the start of meeting them to, you know, the photoshoot and beyond?
Heather
Yeah, definitely. So when they actually reach out to me, and they're ready to book and all of the good things, I actually collaborate with them, by sending them a questionnaire to really get to know who they are, I actually send photo examples of what styles they like they get to choose, you know, whether they want to have a natural look, a natural enhanced,
Ashley
that I lose, you know, you're still here, I think the connection is a little bit.
Heather
Okay, they get to really hone in on, we get to hone in on really creating and customizing it on a collaborative level together to make sure that the outcome is exactly what they want. So they get a questionnaire, it's really, um, it's really comprehensive. I mean, it goes down to like, knowing what foundation brand that they actually were, so I can get a feel for how confident or comfortable they are with makeup. So we really work one on one via email questionnaires, and go back and forth before the brand shoot to be sure we're on the same page. Yeah, and then, a lot of times, the brand photographers have already kind of done the beginning parts of that as well. They've already they know, what the clients looking for, and things like that. And they're like, Hey, this is the details of this particular brand. Shoot, would you like to be a part of it? You seem like a good fit kind of thing, right? So, you know, I think the goal is to definitely be a good fit for that client. First and foremost, and then we can collaborate together to really bring that brand sheet to life.
Ashley
Yeah. And there's that. So would you say that they're that you do work a little bit ahead of the photoshoot with the photographer? Do they typically, like send you the books and things like that? Or what ways do you collaborate with a photographer?
Heather
Yeah, so the photographers that actually I work with, they have my questionnaires and my photos. And then that way that client can choose whether or not they want to work with me. And it's kind of done in advance that way. So I'm the brand photographer has already kind of done that legwork as far as making sure it is a good fit for their brand shoot.
Heather
Mm hmm.
Heather
Because you have to be able to collaborate with your photographer, you guys have to both be a really good fit.
Heather
you know, you can't just in my opinion, most brand photographers are not just going to pick the first makeup artist that they find on Instagram, they want to they, we all create a relationship. We know how each other works. I know exactly what that brand photographer does not like I know their editing style. And we really hone in on all of those things to make sure that the brand shoot is a success for sure.
Ashley
Okay, good. Awesome. Awesome. That's really good to know, for the future for myself, and for of course, for people who are looking and other photographers who might be curious. So what would you say? I think you probably probably already answered this. But what are the most important questions to ask? Actually, no, I guess I haven't asked this. Because this is thinking from the client perspective. What is the most important question for a client to ask a makeup artist when you're trying to hire one for a shoot?
Heather
Yeah, I think that the best thing that are the most important question is, are they just going to show up and apply makeup and not really get your input and all of those things? I think that the important question there is jumping on a con console. Call First and asking those questions that are going to make you feel comfortable when choosing your makeup artist for sure, find out what styles they work, you know what style that makeup artists generally does? Do they have brand photography experience? Have they ever worked with that photographer before? You know, and make sure that it's a really, really good fit for their look in what's authentic to them. So you don't ever want a makeup artist just to book you? And then just show up? That is a that doesn't serve you well, at all. It doesn't serve the client well at all.
Ashley
Yeah, no. And I think that's the case with with I mean, we're talking about brand photography here. So a lot of brand photography is about building relationships with absolutely everybody that you're involved with, whether it be you know, administrative, or you know, people that are on your team or you want or, you know, whatever, you're definitely wanting to create relationships with people. And just having someone show up on set is not going to create that relationship. Not to mention, I think there's a lot of people that like to build networks with, with people. And that is not a way to build a network at all. So yeah, that's great advice. Yeah,
Heather
yeah, it's such a collaborative effort between the client, the photographer, the makeup artist, the stylist, the Assistant, I mean, it's just a, there's a lot of years and a lot of moving pieces when it comes to that brand shoot to make it successful. And makeup artistry and the hair is no exception. And it's a very important part of that brain shoot as well, because it's the person, right, so that are showing up in those photos. So that part is really important.
Ashley
Absolutely. So I'm just about ready to wrap this up. And I don't want to take too much of your time today. So I guess really, my next question is, what is the single most important piece of advice you want to offer up? You've probably maybe even mentioned it. But if you want to wrap this up in like one single piece of advice, what would it be?
Heather
Yeah, so my single most important advice that I definitely would share with everyone out there is to, um, ask questions, look through your portfolio, through a makeup artist portfolio, talk to them, I find that a lot of portfolios, it's not just that makeup artists work. Especially if they're working with other teams find out if that's actually their work. And, and be sure of that, talk to them, consult with them. And, and really make sure that who you're working with, resonates with you, and that your personalities work together? Well, and because it is a relationship that you're building, it's a personal relationship that you're building with your clients. And most people are like, you know, it's just makeup and hair. And while it is you it, you know, you have to feel confident and with what you're getting, you have to definitely feel confident there.
Ashley
Absolutely. And I mean, you don't, you definitely don't want just want to show up. I just, I could just imagine just having someone show up. They have no idea who you are what you want. And then just like applying this makeup, and then you're like what the EFF like, I didn't ask for this. This is not what I want, you know, having to like, take that makeup off. And, you know, I mean that that just seems like a nightmare. So definitely, yeah,
Heather
I mean, you Okay, that's the other thing I was gonna say. I never recommend anyone choosing someone based off of price. The price tells the tale sometimes, and you really do not want somebody just showing up or maybe not even showing up to your, to your shoot. And you know, so you definitely want to build that relationship. First and foremost, make sure that you're getting exactly what you're looking for. It's a good fit, and, and all of the things I mean, it's it's a big deal. And you definitely don't want to go based off of price alone, you want to make sure that you're getting the value, especially for brand photography, you definitely want to make sure that you're getting about value packed makeup artists, that's going to be sure that they take care of you in the best way possible. For sure.
Ashley
So, since you're talking about that, can you give me a general idea of like, what a brand photoshoot? Let's say like a four hour photoshoot? What is that going to cost for some someone who actually loves what they're doing and who doesn't just show up and like throws makeup on you?
Heather
Yeah, so there are a few things that photographers first hire before, so if they just want me to come in and apply the makeup, and style the hair and things like that, and then I just leave that as an option, if I need to stay hourly, that is an option too, for lipstick changes, touch ups, hair, you know, just sprucing things up between outfit changes and things like that, that goes to an hourly rate. So it just varies depending on everything there. But there are those options where you just come in and do the makeup in here, and then make sure they're good to go before they start taking photos. And then that hourly rate with chicken, if they would want their makeup artists to actually stay?
Ashley
Yeah, good. And I would, I would imagine, if you're doing any more than four hours, you'd probably want that makeup artists to stay on. Because after four hours, your makeup is probably going to be sweaty, and you're probably going to have to reapply some things, you know things.
Heather
Yeah, and I personally recommend doing that a lot of people, sometimes sometimes people don't have it in their budget, which is totally fine. But I do recommend investing in your makeup artists staying for the entire shoot because you just do not know what's going to happen. You could take your shirt off and your outfit change and you just never know what's going to happen. And if you have your makeup artists there, she can fix it. And make sure that you're good to go for your next outfit. And so I think it's something that if you can invest in it, and it fits within your budget to definitely do that.
Ashley
Yeah, squeeze squeeze a little extra and for that so that you can look the best that you can. Absolutely, definitely. Well, thank you so much for for doing this interview with me today. Heather, I really appreciate it really quick just kind of mentioned where you can be found on all of the spaces.
Heather
Yeah, so I can be found on Instagram at Heather Maria beauty. And I'm pretty much it's Heather Marie of beauty all the way around. You know,
Ashley
awesome. You're one of those lucky ones.
Heather
It's pretty easy.
Ashley
Awesome. Good to know. Well, again, Thanks again so much for telling me all of this. I actually learned quite a few things today. And my future clients will be very happy that I have because I am no makeup savant. As I said earlier in my stories, I you know, I did all my educational makeup through YouTube University. So our Pinterest, so and I'm sure a lot of people can relate to that. So overall, I would definitely say if you're looking for a makeup look that's natural, and especially cruelty free. Definitely hit up Heather Maria beauty on all of the places. So you have a great day.
Heather
Thank you, Ashley for having me.
