Do I need heavier makeup than normal if I'm going to be on camera?

Okay I’m here to set some records straight. 

For the love of god, you don’t need to wear more makeup just because you’re getting your picture taken. If you cake on makeup, contour, whatever “just for photo” it’ll still look like you’ve caked on makeup. It won’t magically appear “natural”. No, the lights won’t make it all disappear. Repeat after me: That’s. not. real.

On top of that, a lighting change can dramatically impact the look of the makeup. If you’re in natural or moody lighting, it’s going to look darker than it is. If it’s bright, straight on lighting it’ll make it look exactly as it appears in person. 

Now, let’s not mix things up. PROFESSIONAL makeup application is a lot different than most people’s everyday makeup application. But to be clear, it’s not the AMOUNT of makeup that is different when a professional does it, it’s the proper skin prep, the right products, the right application, and the right colors for your skin tone.

Not for nothing, but there is a lot of bad information out there about what kind of makeup you should be wearing, so I never ever ever ever let anyone do their own makeup to my sessions. If I had to choose I’d rather someone wear absolutely zero makeup than do it themselves. Too many foundations that don’t match, blush colors that aren’t complimentary (or way too strong), bad eyeshadow, uneven eyeliner, too much contour... I could go on, but I’ll spare you.

The right makeup makes a huge difference. My photography wouldn’t be what it is if the makeup was strong and aggressive. Dark eyeshadow and glammed up contour… the message is “effortless beauty” not “night at the club”. There are different looks for different vibes, but simply being in front of a camera is not reason to add more than you’d normally feel comfortable in.

So let’s say it together! If it looks good in person, it’ll look good on camera! If it looks like a lot in person, IT WILL LOOK LIKE A LOT ON CAMERA.